Immortal Hearts by Ellen Schreiber

Alexander's sister Stormy is in Dullsville for a visit. Raven spends a lot of time worrying about how Stormy will feel about her. She prepares a room in the mansion for Stormy and manages to make a good impression. Stormy also hit is off with Raven's brother Billy and his friend Henry. More and more humans are becoming part of the vampire's secret. Trevor is still Raven's nemesis even though she has sentimental feelings for him. Jagger and Luna are still trying to hatch a scheme to break up Raven and Alexander. And of course Raven can't wait to be turned into a vampire by Alexander.

I am so happy I am done with this series! These last two books have totally disappointed me. The writing was choppy and the characters immature and silly. Sentences were repetitive and some didn't even make sense. An example, "His lips were always as tender as imaginable"(pg. 129). HUH? What does that mean? At least in Immortal Hearts there was not one "nefarious" used and I only noticed "my true love" or "my one true love" a couple of times. A question I have is WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? Raven is out all hours of the night. She parties at The Crypt which doesn't seem to have any adult supervision. Raven seems to be more of a middle schooler than a high school junior. I'm definitely ready to move on to something else.

Weekend Report

Weekend Report is hosted by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. It is where we wrap up our week in reading.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING:

I'm determined to finish out this series even though I'm not liking this book at all. The series started out fairly strong for me, but has become a disappointment.

WHAT I'VE READ THIS WEEK:

Not much reading done this week, and then to be reading back to back books that I haven't enjoyed has kind of curtailed my reading habit this week.

WHAT I PLAN ON READING NEXT:

 I definitely need to get to this book! I have to have a review up for it by October. I think I can get to it before then.

 This has been on my TBR shelf for a while so I decided to try it next. My daughters have liked it. I liked the first 2 in the series. Speaking of my TBR shelf...I went through it last week and took off several books that I had borrowed from a friend about 3 years ago! I gave them back to her and told her that since they had been on my shelf so long they probably were not going to get read. Which makes me sad because I really did want to read them, it is just that other books kept getting in the way and I was getting stressed about my reading. I want my reading to be fun and not a chore. I am also the type of person that likes to see my piles of things that need to be done dwindling instead of getting bigger. I am probably going to have to let that habit go because I have found that the TBR pile rarely dwindles! I can't even THINK about all of the books on my Kindle that I haven't read!

What have YOU read this week?

Cryptic Cravings by Ellen Schreiber

Raven and the other teens in Dullsville are excited about a new club opening up in their town. Jagger has decided to open up The Crypt in Dullsville. It will be the happening place since Jagger knows how to market such projects with his ownership in The Coffin Club.

What Raven and Alexander are afraid of is that Jagger will open The Crypt up to other vampires. Alexander has managed to live in Dullsville without bringing too much attention to himself. If other vampires relocate to Dullsville then that could not only put Alexander in danger, but also the humans of Dullsville could be in danger.

Their solution to the problem? Open the club to only mortals and a select few vampires. But will Jagger stick with this plan or does he have a  more "nefarious" agenda?

My first pet-peeve of the book is that word "nefarious". In my opinion it was used WAY TOO MUCH throughout the book. Everyone had "nefarious" agendas going on and it almost became comical to me. It was like the author just found this new word and had to sprinkle it throughout the whole book. The next peeve was the phrase, "My true love" or "My one true love" that Raven kept using to describe Alexander. UGH! Again, overuse of a word or phrase. I've really become disappointed in this series. I used to enjoy it, but now it seems just a bit too juvenile and silly and maybe even a bit like a Twilight wannabe. It even seems that the author is trying for that triangle since Trevor seems to be becoming less hated by Raven. Another overuse of a word when Raven refers to Trevor is "my nemesis". There is one more book in the series and YES, I am going to read it just to say that I finished it out!

A positive for this book is that it is fairly clean. No cursing and no sex. Even though Raven does cuddle with Alexander in his coffin and they have some steamy kisses there is never any reference to sexual situations.

Weekend Report

Weekend Report is hosted by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. It is where we have the chance to wrap up our week in reading.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING:

 
I haven't even opened this yet, but will start it today. It is #8 in the Vampire Kisses novels.

WHAT I'VE READ THIS WEEK:

 Review to come on this soon. Publisher asked to put the review up on July 10th. It is set to be a trilogy so I am looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

My most favorite Grace Livingston Hill book, it was fun to re-read it this week.









WHAT'S NEXT ON MY SHELF:

 Have you read any this week? Feel free to share!

Crimson Roses by Grace Livingston Hill

This is one of my favorite Grace Livingston Hill books. I've had it for years and years. It was originally published in 1928 and has been published several times since then.

Synopsis:

Marion Warren is a shy girl who just lost her father whom she has taken care of for several years. No will to be found, her brother decides to sell the family home and move them all to the country. Marion's dream has always been to continue her education and she knows she will not be able to do that if she lives in the country. She sets out to find a job and a room for herself. She is willing to give up her share of the inheritance in order to fulfill this dream. Marion is able to scrape together enough money to buy her first season concert ticket. On her first night to attend she finds a single crimson rose in her chair. It is so beautiful she is sure that someone has accidentally left it in her chair and will be back to claim it. In the meantime she enjoys it's fragrance throughout the concert. When nobody comes to claim the rose she is content to take it home and dream about the giver(perhaps an older woman who somehow knew that this lonely girl needed something beautiful in her life). Each night throughout the season that she is at a concert there is a single crimson rose in her seat. They are the highlight of her lonely life. Marion's co-workers soon find out what a sweet and generous girl she is. Jefferey Lyman a wealthy young man soon spots her at a church function and is fascinated by her character. She is unlike any girl he has ever known. Unfortunately there is always a villain(or villainess in this case) who has to intrude and make life miserable for the poor trod upon girl. Isabel has her eyes set on Jefferey. When she notices that he is interested in Marion she goes to great lengths to eliminate the competition.

My Thoughts:

Grace Livingston Hill writes such great romance novels where the characters are always so innocent and naive'. Written in a time when chivalry was still expected of a suitor GLH still manages to show the seemly side of people's behavior and how pure love and faith can conquer all. I've been a fan since I was a teenager and after re-reading Crimson Roses I find that I still envy the innocence of GLH's heroines.

Favorite Quote from the book: "To handle books! To know them as if they were people, acquaintances! To be among them all day long! What joy that would be!" (pg. 34 Crimson Roses by Grace Livingston Hill)

I'll be adding this book to my Contentment Reading Challenge:

I challenged myself to the Wading level of this challenge which was to re-read 10 books on my shelves. This will be my 9th book. One more to go and I will have finished the challenge. I may exceed my goal this year!

Weekend Report

The Weekend Report is hosted by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. It is where we have a chance to wrap up our week in reading. Head on over to her blog and check it out.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING:

 
So far it isn't too bad. This was sent to me from Quirk Books. A quick synopsis: A meteor is headed to destroy earth. People are committing suicide left and right. So why does Detective Hank Palace insist that the latest hanging victim has been murdered? The Last Policeman follows his investigation. Set to be a trilogy I'm anxious to see how this one ends.

WHAT I'VE READ THIS WEEK:

 Brandilyn Collins knows how to write a great suspense novel that's for sure!

WHAT I MAY READ NEXT:

 
This was on my stack last week also and I fully intended to start it next but then The Last Policeman came in the mail so I put it off. Hopefully it will be next.

BLOG TOUR:

I was part of the blog tour for Lisa T. Bergrens newest book Glamorous Illusions:

I haven't been in that many blog tours so I'm not sure exactly what protocol is, but as I have been following this one around I've been noticing that there are a lot of bloggers on the tour that didn't post a review for this book. Does that mean they forgot or that they dropped out or what? I'm just curious. My thinking was that I got a free book(that I enjoyed very much) and so since I agreed to be part of the tour I needed to post on my day. On the day that I was supposed to post out of 7 of us only 2 had reviews up. Is this a normal thing? I'm just curious...

So what have you read this week?

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

A serial killer is on the loose in Amaryllis and 3 women think they know who that killer is; the only problem is that each one thinks it is a different person. Five women have been killed by the person the papers have named “The Closet Killer.” There is no motive for the killings until the most recent, which is the one that causes Cherry Mae, Deena, and Tully all to suspect different men.

Cherry Mae has cleaned houses in Amaryllis for years. This is the first time that she has ever snooped, and what she finds sends terror through her old bones.

Everyone knows that Deena’s brother isn’t right in his head and has a problem with his temper. When the police arrest him Deena is determined to find out what actually happened even though she is afraid that what they claim is true.

Tully married her husband Mike right out of high school much to her parent’s disappointment. Now pregnant and facing the fact that Mike may have been having an affair Tully doesn’t know where to turn when Mike comes home with a different uniform on and blood is left on the doorknob of their home. 

The three women band together to compare notes and hopefully find which one of their 3 suspects is the Closet Killer.

Gone To Ground was a great suspense that kept me turning the pages until the very end. I didn’t know “whodunit” until the very end and found the wrap-up extremely satisfying. I also liked how each of the women had a "voice" in the story. Chapters alternated between each one of their point of views. 

Glamorous Illusions by Lisa T. Bergren-Blog Tour

My Review:

 Cora is home for the summer and things are not going well for her family farm. The crops are dying because of lack of rain and her father’s health is failing. When a stranger shows up at their farm Cora’s life is soon turned upside down.

Being offered the chance to go on the “Grand Tour” in Europe with family she has never met before brings challenges and opportunities for Cora. She embarks on a journey of self-discovery that will change her whole world. Cora begins to question who she really is and where her place is in this new family that seems to be determined to reject and humiliate her. 

Early on Cora sees Will, their tour guide, as a friend and confidant. Will is being groomed to take over the family business of being a tour guide to the rich. The first rule of a tour guide is to never fall for the clients. Will is struggling with this rule. He is starting to care for Cora more than he should. Seeds of jealousy develop when they encounter Pierre, a young and handsome Frenchman who is immediately enchanted by Cora. Confused about her feelings for both men Cora begins to miss home and her parents, but is determined to finish out the tour.

I really enjoyed Glamorous Illusions. The family dynamics caused me to feel sympathy for Cora’s pain and develop a dislike for her family. While I am not normally a fan of the love triangle I have to admit that it does add tension to a well-told story. I can’t decide who I like better, Pierre or Will. I usually like the underdog, but I also am liking Pierre. So far he seems to have a genuine attraction and care for Cora. We’ll be able to see how these relationships play out in the next two books in the Grand Tour series: GRAVE CONSEQUENCES comes out in March 2013 and GLITTERING PROMISES comes out fall of 2013. 

Book Trailer:

About the Author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling, award-winning author of over 30 books, with more than 1.5 million copies sold. She just finished writing a Colorado historical trilogy (the first book, Breathe, Sing and Claim), and has begun a teen series called River of Time(which is now finished and one of my favorite series-Julie).

Lisa's time is split between managing home base, writing (including a fair amount of travel writing), consulting and freelance editing (with a little speaking here and there). She's married to Tim, a liturgical sculptor, graphic designer and musician. They have three kids-Olivia (15), Emma (12) and Jack (7).

All five of the Bergrens make their home in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

For more information on Lisa and to view other books written, please visit her website: http://lisatawnbergren.com

From the Publisher:

It was the summer of 1913, and Cora Kensington's life on the family farm has taken a dark turn. Not only are the crops failing, so is her father's health. Cora is carrying on, helping her mother run their Montana farm until a stranger comes to call, and everything changes. Cora then learns a secret that will radically change her future: she is the illegitimate daughter of a copper king who has come to claim her.  

Cora is invited to take the "Grand Tour" of Europe, a journey intended to finish a person's education, to solidify an understanding of ancient culture and contemporary refinement. As she travels from England to France with half-siblings she's never known, Cora encounters the blessings of the Kensington family name, as well as the curses. But when an unbidden love begins to form, she realizes the journey is only beginning.

Faced with the challenge of accepting her father, new family, and the identity that comes with it, Cora also struggles to accept that she is also the daughter of the one true King-a Father who is the only One who can truly heal.

I received my copy from Litfuse in exchange for my honest opinion. I also downloaded a copy from NetGalley before I realized that I was part of the tour. 

Blog Tour Schedule and Giveaway Information

Win a $350 “Glam” Visa Card Prize Pack from Lisa T. Begren & RSVP for 6/27 Facebook party!

 

What is our "true" identity? Join the conversation at Lisa Tawn Begren's Glamorous Illusions Author Chat Facebook Event Page. On the evening of 6/27 we'll gather to talk about our spiritual journey, share our stories and a few laughs.

In the meantime, celebrate with Lisa by entering her Glamorous Illusions Giveaway!

One "glamorous" winner will receive a "Glam Prize Pack":

• A $350 Visa Cash Card (Oh ... think of what you could do: treat yourself to a mani/pedi, a fabulous new dress, dinner for two, or even a two-night escape in a lovely hotel - you're only limited by your imagination!)
• Glamorous Illusions (by Lisa Tawn Begren)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 6/26/12. Winner will be announced at Lisa's "Glamorous Illusions" Facebook Party on  6/27 {Fun begins at 5pm PDT / 8pm EDT}. Lisa will be hosting an evening of meaningful chat, fun trivia, laughter, and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and a Book Club Prize Pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club and a live chat with Lisa via video or phone.)

So grab a few of your friends and your copy of Glamorous Illusions and join Lisa on the evening of June 27th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 27th!

Tributary by Lisa T. Bergren

It has been a year since the last huge battle between Siena and Firenze. There have been some minor skirmishes, but no epic battles. Things have settled down and the She-Wolves have put away their weapons. Evangelia doesn’t know if she will ever be able to pick up a bow and arrow again. She has had enough of killing. 

Tension is just under the surface between Siena and Firenze and it is escalated when Alessandra, while out on a hunting trip, crosses the line and has an accident. Taken to the Castello Forelli for Lady Betarrini to nurse back to health, Alessandra’s father is very displeased. Marcello pledges his life to keep Alessandra safe while at Castello Forelli but nobody takes into account how much Alessandra does not want to be there. Coming face to face with the traitor Lord Greco, Alessandra waits for the opportune moment to escape Forelli land. 

Tributary once again follows the She-Wolves of Siena, but mainly through Lia’s eyes. Alternating points of view throughout this novella, Tributary focuses more on Lia and Luca’s growing love for one another and Rodolfo Greco’s continued guilt for being a traitor to his country and his difficulty in getting over his love for Gabi. 

Once again I was not disappointed in a River of Time novel. Slightly longer than Bourne, Tributary has all of the excitement and romance that we have come to associate with the Betarrini sisters. If you have not read The River of Time series yet it is a must! 

Check out my reviews:

Waterfall

Cascade

Torrent

Bourne

Weekend Report

The Weekend Report is hosted by Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews. It is where we wrap up our week in reading.

WHAT I'M CURRENTLY READING:

I'm hooked! I've only read about 4 chapters, but really like it so far. Can't wait to find out "who done it!"

WHAT I'VE READ THIS WEEK:

 It was okay, not my favorite, but not horrible either.

Suspense with a bit of romance thrown in-I like!

WHAT I PLAN TO READ NEXT:

 I don't know if I will like this, I have so many books on my TBR pile so I just grabbed one not even knowing what it is about. We'll see!

I haven't been disappointed in a Brandilyn Collins book yet so hopefully this will be just as good.

COMING UP SOON:

 I'm part of the Glamorous Illusions blog tour. My day to post my review will be Thursday June 14th. Stop in to see what I think about this lovely book!

I'll be posting my review of TRIBUTARY on June 12th.

How about you? Read anything good lately?