Monday, February 27, 2012

Book Review...Blue Moon Promise

from USAToday.com


Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble
Review by Kara Grant
                
Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.

Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh-a city girl-on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch (from Amazon.com).

What happens when you lose your job, your landlord evicts you and gives you 7 days to find another home, and strange men appear to be watching you when all you desire is to provide a safe home for your brother and sister?  Jed is 12 and Eileen is 3 when Henry Stanton comes to visit Lucy giving her a choice to marry his son without knowing anything about the man with assurances that her siblings will be looked after.  Lucy has one night to make this decision and before the time is up she’s already facing dangerous intruders.

Before Lucy can even ponder the commitment she’s made by proxy she meets Nate and neither is happy about the decision.  Nate is convinced that Lucy only wants money and an easy life and is reluctant about her siblings.  She is determined to prove her worth even if Nate doesn’t trust her intentions and Lucy is surprised to learn that she fits really well into ranching life.  Nate also becomes attached to her siblings and slowly they adjust to the living arrangements neither of them planned on having.  Lucy is clumsy at first about living on a ranch, but she puts her whole heart into being a good helpmate for Nate and protecting her siblings at the same time.  Her courage and passion are both touching and humorous. 

Some of the adjustments they experience are:                            

*Nate’s pet spider that Lucy finds; when Nate realizes her fear of spiders is authentic he agrees to release it                                               

*Lucy is attacked by a wolf-dog                                                   

*Someone sneaks into Nate’s barn and attacks Jed                             

*Lucy gets bitten by a poisonous snake                                                   

*Nate and Jed barely escape a stampede                                                  

*Lucy learns about cattle branding, milking a cow, and how to communicate with Nate                                                               

*Lucy teaches Nate about forgiveness and making decisions based on prayer                                                                                      

*Nate teaches Lucy that he is reliable and trustworthy when it comes to taking care of her siblings                                           

*Jed and Eileen adjust to living with Nate and learn to feel safe around him                                                                                    

*Jed admits to Nate a secret he has been keeping                             

*There is mystery and confusion about Lucy’s dad who was murdered and valuable coins

The romance between Lucy and Nate was very precious in this story.  Even though there’s an initial attraction and chemistry between them, Coble is very deliberate in illustrating that it takes much more than that initial attraction to build a lasting and solid relationship between these insecure characters.  Neither one of them comes from a healthy background and despite their honorable intentions and attraction, they learn that trust and respect is vital to having a strong marriage.  They also rely heavily on reading the Bible together, praying as a family, and learning to trust God in every situation.  Lucy learns to let go despite her fears and controlling ways and she is relieved to have Nate take the burden of responsibility from her.

Excerpt from the story:                                                                  
Emotions churned in Lucy’s stomach.  Anger and jealousy—of her brother, of all things!  For so long she was the one Jed looked up to, the one whose approval he sought.  The adoring look Jed gave Nate hit her hard.  For a moment she felt adrift.  Without a needy brother and sister giving her life purpose, what would happen to her?                                                                         
Eileen stirred from her pallet on the floor beside Bridget.  The little girl sat up and rubbed her eyes. “I’m hungry, Lucy,” she said plaintively.                                                                                     At least Eileen still needed her.  “Supper will be ready in about half an hour.  Why don’t you take Bridget outside until it’s ready?  The best thing for the dog’s hurt leg is some exercise.  Otherwise it will stiffen up.”                                                       
The dog wagged her tail at the mention of her name.  Smart dog.  She’d figured out they were talking about her.                            
“Do you need me for anything right now?” Jed’s gaze followed Eileen and the dog longingly.                                                        
“No, just keep an eye on your sister,” Nate answered before Lucy could.  Jed followed Eileen and Bridget outside.                          
Outrage churned again.  It was her job to give or deny permission.  She looked down at the biscuits she was making.  Help me, Lord.  My attitude is not worthy of you.  I should be glad Nate is taking an interest in the children.  Help me let go.  Even though she’d prayed, she didn’t feel a bit better.  This was her job.  She was used to being in control.  No one knew the children as well as she did.                                                                                              Her heart still racing, she patted the dough, then used her knife to cut it into square biscuits.  Transferring them to a baking sheet, she slid them into the oven and closed the door.                     
Lucy didn’t dare meet Nate’s gaze.  She was acting like a shrew, hardly the type of helpmeet she’d wanted to be.  She had longed for someone to help her carry the load, so why was she now resenting it when Nate offered to share some of her burden?  Tears blurred her vision.                                                                
She heard movement behind her, then Nate put his hands on her shoulders and turned her to face him.  His fingers tilted her chin up, but she stubbornly kept her eyes fastened on his shirt.        
“Don’t fight me, Lucy.  If this marriage is going to make it, we have to work together.”                                                               
Her heart jumped.  He almost sounded as though he wanted them to work things out.  She dared a glance into his face.  His gray eyes were gentle.


It’s amazing how Coble accurately captures both the setting and emotions of a Texas ranch in 1877.  The reader gets to experience the diverse and dangerous situations through Lucy’s eyes, the struggles and success Nate endures as a rancher/newlywed, and the tenderness it takes to win over an orphan’s trust when they’ve never known a real home.  Blue Moon Promise delivers a fast paced tale with strength, romance, healing, and faith.  Please visit www.colleencoble.com to learn more about the author and her blog at www.girlswriteout.blogspot.com.  Please see my blog and Litfusegroup.com for details about the Blue Moon Promise giveaway and facebook party chat coming March 13.


I want to thank Booksneeze and Thomas Nelson for the copy they provided.  I was not required to give a positive review.  The opinions expressed are my own. 



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Ratings and Updates...


Hello All!


I keep forgetting to mention this so I’ll say it now. THANK YOU for everyone who has rated my blogging for books reviews (there are two of them).  For those of you who haven’t and are interested, here are the links so you can rate them also. 




The more ratings I get, the more books will be available for me, so that I can review them for you.  Also, there is now a benefit for those who rate the reviews:
Moving forward we will award prizes at random to bloggers. We are now also setting aside roughly 50-100 free copies of various titles each month to be given to your blog readers. Whenever anyone reads and ranks your review, they will automatically be entered to win a free copy of the book that you reviewed. We will notify both you and your blog reader by email if one of your blog readers is chosen as a winner. We will ship the books out to winners as well.  If you have any questions please email BFB@WaterBrookMultnomah.com


I enjoy rating other bloggers’ book reviews on blogging for books because it supports them and encourages them.  There’s even a section in my online book club, Christian Fiction Devourers on goodreads.com that allows for members to list their review links allowing others to rate them.  Thank you again to all who have rated me, I really appreciate it J


I went through the library books, but the only one I enjoyed was Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie.  There was subject matter in that book that I didn’t agree with, but the gist of the story was well written and I enjoyed the characters.  I even laughed out loud while reading it and that’s rare for me J  I had to skip some of the content because it’s a worldly book, but it was a fast and enjoyable read for me.  I also have Susan May Warren’s Nothing But Trouble, but for now I’ll put it aside so I can get on with the reviews (oh yeah).  Please comment on this post or email me if you’d like to know the other library books that did not get read.  Two of them I tried, but after a few pages or a few chapters there was no connection with me and the plot so it was put aside.  I have a pile of about 6 books that need reviewing so if I’m not pulled in from the beginning, I need to move on.  I am also getting Heiress by Warren and Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs from the library.  Bad Girls is the nonfiction selection in Christian Fiction Devourers and I wanted to participate in the discussion, I’ll let you know my comments later on or you’re welcome to follow along if you’re on goodreads already J


I will be having another giveaway soon, but it’s not ready yet.  More on that later J


The next review is Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble.  Hint: it was one of her books from the library that I didn’t connect with.  So I’m learning that just because you like an author doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy their every book. J  I became of fan of Colleen after Lonestar Angel and her books are only getting better, this review will be ready in a few days.


Please check out the book giveaways listed on the right side of the blog: Torn Heart and The Tournament.  I have entered in both and wanted to share that with all of you.  Please also check out Christianfictionbookreviews.org for free downloads and contests.  Brooke at http://iblog4books.blogspot.com/2012/02/500-and-counting.html has gone through 500 posts (wow) and is having a giveaway.  Check out Seekerville.blogspot.com for daily tips and advice on writing; each post offers another giveaway.  I’ve been participating since December 2011 and I have won multiple books from them, I also learn a lot and laugh as the Seekers share their writing journeys.  It’s an awesome opportunity and it opens doors to much more than free books.  Getting to know these writers and the publishing process is a jewel for me and it’s a chance to bless others with your support.  Megan at Hardcover Feedback is having a 1 year blogoversary giveaway and every day is more chances to win awesome books:  http://hardcoverfeedback.blogspot.com/search/label/1st%20Blogoversary

Please check that out to learn about these great writers as well as participating in the winnings.  I’m sure there are others, but these are the most recent and the ones I myself take part in.  Please feel free to post any other giveaways that you know of.  I also learn a lot on facebook about giveaways, contests, blogging opportunities, and polls.  I don’t have time to participate in everything that comes up, but I enjoy learning and passing the word.


A loved one of mine is having a birthday this weekend and THAT has been what I’m focused on this week.  How can I bless this person?  With $5 dollars in my pocket, what present can I put together to show this person how special they are to me?  We are not close and hardly talk, but I’m constantly thinking of this person and praying for them.  So this week with all of those questions on my mind and knowing this person works hard with very little enjoyment in their life, I prayed about it.  How do you touch someone who has very little to do with you and does not know how much they are loved by God?  After a few days of praying, I remembered a song from the 90s that got my attention and I could NOT get the song out of my head.  This song demonstrates the value of this person in my life in a way they will understand.  So now I’m working on a video using this song and possibly movie clips and childhood pictures to go along with it.  YOU are also more than welcome to send in any suggestions that would help, but I’ve got the gist of what needs to be done.  The Holy Spirit saw my restlessness on the matter and gave me an answer that is still sifting in my spirit.  When I got the answer, an excitement started and now there’s a determination in me to accomplish making this video.  That’s what has been going on with me this week.  I can’t believe we’re almost finished with this month, but it is a short month J  I praise God for ALLLLL the blessings and favor He has bestowed already in 2012 and I’m looking forward to sharing more with you as it happens.


Hope you are spending your time with your loved ones, reading good books, watching good movies, and realizing how much God loves you and fights for you on a daily basis.  I’ll have Blue Moon Promise up soon and then it’s on to Halflings and Replication, woo hoo!!!  Happy Reading to each of you wherever you are and remember that NOTHING can separate you from the love of God…Blessings!!!


Saturday, February 18, 2012

Updates and More Books...

This is how I feel after a week of reviewing books :)

Happy Weekend Everyone!!!


I hope you’re enjoying the book reviews so far.  Here are the stats for 2012:

A Man to Trust-45 views

Spirit Fighter-27 views

Starters-16 views

The Map Across Time-13 views

wow! Thanks for reading these reviews and I hope you learn something from them as I do ;)


I want to thank EVERYONE again for reading and commenting on my parents’ anniversary tribute.  The response has been overwhelming and I am deeply blessed that so many have been touched by that post.  My parents are amazing people and my best friends so I really appreciate the support.  Congrats once again to Cheryl for winning the books/bookmarkers and thank you to all the girls who left comments on that post!


Fatal Reality, Starters, and The Map Across Time (recent books) were a pleasure to review, but my brain needs a break so I’ll be reading a library book or two before doing my next review.  I promise to leave comments if the books are good, but they won’t be reviews.  The next official review will be Blue Moon Promise by Colleen Coble (yay), but give me about a week or so before it goes up J  I have a pile of books waiting for my review comments, but they will most likely be posted in March. (did I say review enough times??? LOL)


I want to welcome new followers and subscribers to My Thoughts and Book Reviews, I so appreciate your support and comments!  I’m always thinking of how to enhance my blog knowing you are there to see it.


For each author I have reviewed I have signed up for their various websites and newsletters and I highly recommend this for anyone who is interested in these books.  I recently signed up for C. S. Lakin’s newsletter, Live Write Thrive, and it has such valuable tips and advice for anyone who wants to be a writer.  I am open to any advice on how to improve my writing and even though I prayerfully seek God’s input on what I’m reading, I am always grateful for help from other writers.


I pray each of you had a lovely Valentines Day, even you single folks like myself J  I spent the day with my parents eating candy and watching TV.  This week I got one book in the mail, The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, but I’m expecting several more books that I have won in blogging giveaways so I’m excited about getting those.


Please do share what books you have read lately and the ones you’re looking forward to.  I’m off to my library books!  Happy Reading and enjoy the rest of your weekend J


Book Review....The Map Across Time


The Map Across Time by C.S. Lakin

Review by Kara Grant



Even though this is a review for The Map Across Time, I also want to share information about the first book in the series, The Wolf of Tebron.  If you’re like me then you want to be kept informed of the entire series.  Since I didn’t review the first one I will leave you with the summary from Amazon.com.  Each book in this series can be read as a stand alone so you don’t have to read the previous one to understand the next book.  It has 30 ratings of an average of 4.5 stars on amazon.com.



The Wolf of Tebron

All Joran wants is "to live a simple, peaceful life, raise a family, work with his hands." But his reality is shattered when his wife suddenly disappears in a burst of magic, and a mysterious, old lady--known as The Goose Woman--reveals that he must travel to the house of the Moon in order to free her. Instead of enjoying the simple life of a blacksmith, Joran finds himself embarking on a treacherous journey "looking for a tricky Moon, a wayward wife, and a sea he only knew from his dreams."

The Wolf of Tebron is C.S. Lakin's first novel in The Gates of Heaven series. It's written in classic fairytale style, where magic, fantasy, and the forces of good and evil abound. Rich in vibrant language, adventure, personification, and more, this allegory offers the reader more than just a thrilling story. As Lakin says, "Joran's journey inspires and encourages readers to focus on our deep purpose and meaning in life."

Joran, the main character, faces many outward obstacles during his quest, but we learn it is the battle within that must be faced and conquered in order for him to truly succeed. This is a point, I believe, that all of us can identify with and apply to our own lives. Ruyah, the wolf, is also a very important character; he becomes Joran's constant encourager and companion--a true friend who shows sacrificial love. As they travel together, the wolf extends much wisdom by quoting Scripture and many famous people, such as C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, T.S. Elliot, William Wordsworth, and more.

A discussion of The Wolf of Tebron is included at the end of the book. Lakin explains her motive for writing the book and including literary elements like allegory and metaphor. She also provides 15 thought-provoking questions designed for book club discussions, high school English classes, and the homeschool environment. As I was reading, I compiled a list of over 50 vocabulary words that I will add to these questions.

The novel itself is 246 pages long, and because of its profound and comprehensive themes, I will be waiting a couple of years to introduce it to my oldest, who is currently in sixth grade. Possibly, it would be a great read-aloud to a younger child who is mature for his/her age. Parents, though, may need to explain definitions of unfamiliar words and meanings of symbolic elements.

I really enjoyed reading The Wolf of Tebron and recommend it to teens and adults who love a good allegorical fairytale. For in-depth study, it would be great reading material for a high school English class.

Product review by Brandi Tesreau, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2010



The Map Across Time

An ancient curse plagues the kingdom of Sherbourne, and unless it is stopped, all will fall to ruin. The King, obsessed with greed, cannot see the danger. But his teenage twin children, Aletha and Adin, know they must act. A hermit leads Adin to a magical map that will send him back in time to discover the origin of the curse. Once back, Adin must find the Keeper, who protects the Gate of Heaven, but all he has is a symbol as a clue to guide him. Unbeknown to Adin, Aletha follows her brother, but they both arrive in Sherbourne’s past at the precipice of a great war, and there is little time to discover how to counteract the curse.


One unexpected disaster after another forces the twins to make difficult choices. Adin’s only hope to correct the past is to return to the future to manipulate events so his quest can succeed. Through his trials and failures, Adin learns that nothing can stop heaven from accomplishing its goal, and that all events work for the good of those who trust heaven. An epic fairy tale with surprising twists, embracing the enduring power of love and faith (from Christianbook.com and back cover).

This book has 25 ratings of an average of 5 stars on amazon.com.

http://www.familyfiction.com/magazines/2012/feb-mar/pageflip.aspx  please see page 36 of this magazine for a 5 question interview with C.S. Lakin in the Feb/March 2012 issue

My review: When the story begins Adin and Aletha’s mother, the queen of Sherbourne, is dying.  Since this book is all about the twins and their journeys, we know nothing about the queen yet I was touched by her death and it leads to profound consequences in the plot.  The first thing I noticed was that Adin and Aletha are very close and every decision they make is to protect one another as well as their kingdom.  They are 10 years old when the book starts, but by the end of the story they are both well along in age.  I found this story to be very precious as I have two younger brothers that I adore and feel just as protective about.  This story reminded me of The Lord of the Rings, without the ring J

The Queen’s dying words to the nursemaid, Reya, are ‘Love is as strong as death.’  This is repeated throughout the story, “Set me as a seal upon your heart.  Love is as strong as death.”  I was very encouraged by this biblical reference (Song of Solomon 8:6-7) and it reminded me of the song by Misty Edwards and Jesus Culture, You Won’t Relent.  Here is the link to that song on youtube.com: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFdeOT3lzqc

What do you and your sister do when your mom dies, the king’s three councillors are evil, the king himself is under a wicked enchantment, and there is an ancient curse over the kingdom threatening to destroy all hope and order within the land?  You go on a quest to find the cure for this curse and you don’t yield until your destiny has been reached.  I really enjoyed that whenever Adin and Aletha were separated that their hearts ached for one another.  They were connected much deeper than their DNA and that bond was part of their journey.



After the queen dies the king sinks deeper into bitterness, anger, and arrogance.  He detests Adin and he believes the lies his councillors feed him making him more detached and resentful.  Adin is finally faced with a dilemma and that prompts him to go on a quest.  He was born with a hunched back and other physical deformities yet his heart is honorable.  His body is constantly weary and sore.  He is continuously amazed at the revelation that he is chosen to bring justice to his kingdom with all his physical weaknesses yet there is a calling he cannot deny.  Adin and Aletha have the gift of sight, which to me meant they could see in the spirit enabling them to find answers and understand what was going on. 

Even though this was a fantasy novel, there was wickedness that had to be fought.  This was the violence dealt with in the story:                         

*one scene where a man get his throat slit and blood goes everywhere (blood is important to the story)                                                                                                        

*one scene where a group of ravens attack one of the main characters and his face and body are damaged from the attack                                                                       

*I was uncomfortable with the way the king looks at his daughter at one point, but he is under a spell and she retreats before anything happens 

*one of the main characters has a disturbing dream before going to battle
                                                                                                                                       
*Adin helps the wounded at one point and there is lots of blood                         

None of these incidences take away the enjoyment or the magic of the story, but if you want to share this book with kids then be aware of those instances.  There is a lot of value in this book, but it’s realistic about the existence of evil.

This story is divided into 5 parts, it has discussion questions and a glossary is included.  There are also several biblical references including the stories of Cain & Abel, Moses and the parting of the sea, and Jesus walking on water.  They are briefly mentioned as the reasoning for magic and its existence.  The scriptural references are listed in the back of the book, but you recognize them throughout the story if you’re familiar with the Bible.

Here is an excerpt that gives insight to the story:   “Aletha looked deep into O’lam’s eyes and, like the first time, she lost herself in their inky depths.  A powerful feeling swept her along, that huge pull of destiny calling her.  Behind O’lam’s eyes, a vision materialized…Tears poured down Aletha’s face, but she did not wrest her gaze from the healer’s eyes.  There was more.  She watched herself riding in a carriage, Jered by her side.  A team of horses heading west, and the Sawtooth Mountains rising before them in splendor.  Trunks full of clothing, and gifts from the regent, piled behind the seat.  A cottage nestled at the foot of giant trees, with smoke rising from the chimney.  A baby in her arms, and Jered cooing over him.  Aletha gasped in joy.”


With Map Across Time, the journey is just as important as the destination.  Throughout the journey is when you learn what you’re capable of, what your purpose is, and what it will take for your faith to increase.  I also learned that even though you understand your calling does not mean you will know each step in advance, it does not mean that you are in control, and it does not mean that you will be fearless.  During the journey, your task is to obey and surrender even when you make mistakes.  It is repeated during Map that nothing can stop the will of Heaven; not evil, not weakness, not failure.

This book is filled with adventure, good versus evil, family, restoration, beauty and mystery.  There is lots of symbolism in this story and faith plays a big role.  I recommend The Map Across Time to anyone who enjoys a good story filled with biblical wisdom without religion or preaching.  You will be encouraged, you will be inspired, but mostly you will learn that finding your way will cost you everything, but it will lead you home.
                                                                                                                               *Lakin has two websites for writers: www.livewritethrive.com with deep writing instruction and posts on industry trends.        
*Her site www.CritiqueMyManuscript.com features her critique services.                                                                  *http://www.gatesofheavenseries.com (to learn more about the series)                                                                                                                     *Follow her on Twitter: @cslakin and @livewritethrive and Like her Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/C.S.Lakin.Author


I want to thank C.S. Lakin for sending me a copy for my review.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Friday, February 10, 2012

We have a Winner!!!!



And the winner is…………….CHERYL!!!!
THANK YOU to all who entered and participated in this giveaway, you really made my parents’ anniversary extra special with your comments and blessings!  Cheryl, please email me your address (wman4jc@aol.com) so I can send out these awesome books to you J  Thanks so much!  My parents’ anniversary ended last weekend, but the celebration continues!



I’ll be reviewing The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, Halflings, Replication, and Blue Moon Promise later on…..but the next review I’ll be doing is a book by C.S. Lakin.  That’s coming up!  I have also won several books that I’m considering for reviews, more library books, and even ebooks on my laptop that I’ll get to.  So many books and more to come, oh yeah!!!!



I can’t believe we’re halfway into February with Valentines Day coming up!  Do you have anything special going on?  I’ll be eating candy, reading a good book, praising God, and hanging out with my parents/anniversary couple.  There’s still a lot of great things happening this month, but my focus will be on God, my family, and this blog.  I also have to sit still and write a book, but I know God will help me get centered on that.  I’m still keeping my new years resolution, trusting Him more.  Sometimes it comes naturally and sometimes I have to just let things go and watch Him move.  I’m amazed on a daily basis how much love and favor He pours upon me, now I just have to relax and enjoy it J



Thanks again to Melanie, Crystal, Susan, Brooke, Bethany and Sheri for participating in my first official giveaway; I know God has a special blessing for each of you for the love you poured upon my parents for their anniversary tribute J 


Have a wonderful weekend and happy reading!


Thursday, February 9, 2012

Book Review...Starters



Starters by Lissa Price
Review by Kara Grant
Here is a link to an interview Lissa provided from last year to give a preview of Starters:  http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/2011/08/author-interview-lissa-price-previews.html


In the future, teens rent their bodies to seniors who want to be young again. One girl discovers her renter plans to do more than party--her body will commit murder, if her mind can't stop it. Sixteen-year-old Callie lost her parents when the genocide spore wiped out everyone except those who were vaccinated first--the very young and very old. With no grandparents to claim Callie and her little brother, they go on the run, living as squatters, and fighting off unclaimed renegades who would kill for a cookie. Hope comes via Prime Destinations, run by a mysterious figure known only as The Old Man. He hires teens to rent their bodies to seniors, known as enders, who get to be young again. Callie's neurochip malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her rich renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, even dating Blake, the grandson of a senator. It's a fairy-tale new life . . . until she uncovers the Body Bank's horrible plan. . . .(from amazon.com)

My review:
Callie Woodland only cares about one thing.  She promised her dad before he died that she would look out for her younger brother, Tyler, and that’s what she intends to do.  After a year of living as squatters in abandoned buildings; not having food or water; hiding from renegades and marshals; both parents are already dead from the Spore Wars and having no living relatives to claim them; Callie makes a desperate choice…time to make a deal with the body bank at Prime Destinations.  Everything about this decision is dangerous, but 7 year old Tyler has a rare lung disorder that he’s battling and they need better living conditions.  Callie’s friend, Michael, promises to take care of Tyler in Callie’s absence.

It’s the future where Enders are the only ones with rights and their life spans easily reach 200 years of age.  Everyone between the ages of 20 and 60 are dead.  The only place for a minor is in an Institution or slave labor, neither are viable options.  Callie has been living on the streets with her brother for a year and just when she establishes a deal with Prime, they are kicked out of their home and forced to leave behind everything they own including the memories of their beloved parents.  Before donating her body to be rented by an Ender, Callie ensures that her brother is safe while promising to return with food and money.

Donating your body is a simple enough arrangement.  Your brain is connected to a body computer interface and then you’re placed into twilight sleep.  Your body is rented for a week on average and then returned.  When it’s all done, you get a healthy stipend that will allow for a different lifestyle and quality care.  Callie is assured by the Enders in charge of this operation that there are limited dangers and in twelve months of business they have had no complications.  Callie signs a contract and agrees to renting her body to an Ender three times.  She is assured that Enders are prohibited from bringing injury to her body or forced to pay a hefty fine, there is renter’s insurance to cover whatever problems may occur to the physical body, and there are rules each Ender must agree to following in order to rent a teen body.

Rules for Renters
1. You may not alter the appearance of your rental body in any way, including but not limited to piercings, tattoos, hair cutting or dyeing, cosmetic contact lenses, and any surgical procedures including augmentation.
2. No changes to the teeth are allowed including fillings, removal and imbedded jewelry.
3. You must remain inside a 50-mile perimeter around Prime Destinations.  Maps are available.
4. Any attempt to tamper will result in immediate cancellation without refund, and fines will be levied.
5. If you have a problem with your rental body, return to Prime Destinations as soon as possible.  Please treat your rental with care, remembering at all times that it is an actual young person.
Club Rune..where many starters hang out
Be advised that each neurochip blocks renters from engaging in illegal activities.
Bungee Jumping
Driving fast
NOTHING in this story is what it seems and just when you think you understand what will happen next, another twist is thrown in.  I had to keep an open mind so that the plot made sense and I could keep up with the characters, but reading this story made me feel like I was on roller skates and Callie was pulling me along with every revelation she picked up along the way!  She spends most of the book running or figuring out her next move as she escapes from danger several times.  Starters is the teen version of Total Recall.  It plays with your mind, it leaves you guessing the whole time, and it pulls you in so that you experience what Callie is going through at every turn. 

I absolutely love the cover of this book, but there was very little information about it to decide if the plot was really as good as it sounds.  It’s also compared to Uglies and Hunger Games (other dystopian settings).  Uglies is one of my favorite series in all YA books; Starters lives up to the same potential and has no offensive content in it.  For those of you who read my reviews, there is no profanity in this book which is always a treat for me J  The violence in this book is as follows:
*Marshals in this story carry ZipTasers, weapons that upon contact will electrify and they only go after minors.  There are two incidents where a minor gets zapped and their skin is charred afterwards.
*Callie is in two fights at different times; one she escapes and one she gets punched.
*One child is murdered; it’s not scary but heart wrenching.
*Callie shoots an Ender in the arm; in other scenes she also handles different guns without shooting them; she threatens people by pointing a gun.

*There’s one car crash where the airbag explodes.
*There’s a chip in Callie’s head so that Prime will always know where she is; when the chip is tampered with Callie gets a deafening noise that causes her almost to black out.
*The chip causes Callie to black out a few times.
*Callie is constantly driving or running away from renegades and guards, trying to figure out how to escape a situation, or receiving threats/warnings on how to proceed

Callie’s renter is Helena and they are constantly communicating throughout the story.  Helena’s granddaughter, Emma, goes missing and Callie finds out that Prime Destinations is involved with her disappearance.  Callie risks everything to find out what’s going on and discovers that starters are disappearing.  After putting demands on Callie and tampering with her chip, Helena ends up helping Callie in several ways that enhance the story in unexpected ways.  Callie is determined to do the right thing and even though she is bribed more than once in tempting ways, she will only make decisions that benefit her brother and keep him safe.  She is not a reckless teen despite the risks she takes and she considers every lesson her parents taught her along the way.  She is appalled at the injustice shown to starters, they literally have no rights, and she works hard to change that.  

Starters ends in such a way that my jaw dropped.  You ever read a book that’s so good you have to see exactly how many pages it is towards the finish so you know the moment it ends???  That’s what this book was like for me.  There are a few unsolved dilemmas in Starters, but it’s implied that they will be dealt with in the sequel Enders.  Wow, I so want a copy of that!!  I’m amazed that this is Price’s first book, it’s quite the original story that pulls you in until the last page and then keeps you wanting more!  Even though it’s for young adults, this story will entice readers of all ages.  It has enough action, romance, suspense, and drama to satisfy anyone looking for a good book.  Get your copy today and let the starter in you experience a new adventure! 

To learn more about Lissa Price and to see the Starters book trailer, please visit www.lissaprice.com.

I want to thank NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books for the copy they provided for my review.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.

                                        

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Time for a Story and a Giveaway...

Today is a special day in my family…let me tell you a story:



On February 4th, 1977, a young couple decided to get married after two years of dating.  He had just finished six years with the Marine Corp Reserves and she was his best friend.  They loved going out, laughing, going to parties and just hanging out with his family.  She was from Cuba, but spoke perfect English and loved the American way.  He was from Michigan and came from a family that although loving, they weren’t very outgoing.  He couldn’t believe that this fun-loving, passionate, outgoing and free spirited girl enjoyed being with him and enjoyed laughing at his jokes!  She was just as competitive as he was and never backed down from a challenge.  She cheered for him at all his baseball games/tournaments even if she didn’t understand what was going on.  Neither one of them had witnessed healthy marriages from their own parents and even though they were Christians, they had no idea the commitment it would take to make a marriage work based on faith.  They both have a great sense of humor and they have trusted God no matter what obstacles have been placed before them.  They have both faced many obstacles and by His grace they have survived the impossible.  Who could this young couple be, you ask?


They are my heroes and my best friends.  I know them very well and I have witnessed their legacy firsthand.  I love them both deeply and I praise God for them daily.  I have seen their mistakes, I have seen their growth and I have learned unconditional love through their example.  I have never known two more stubborn, hard working, passionate, fiercely protective, gentle-hearted, lovable, faithful people in all of my life.  They have grown emotionally, spiritually, financially, and mentally over the years.  They once separated when I was a child and many said their union wouldn’t make it.  However, God broke through and with counseling and love they became proof of that scripture, “What God has put together, let no man put asunder.”  I have never prayed harder for anyone like I’ve prayed for them, over them, and with them.  I have never known restoration, forgiveness and grace as I have seen it in them.


They are my parents, Steve & Maria, and today they celebrate 35 years of marital bliss.  I cannot express in words how proud I am of them and I cry even as I write this.  They have honored God with their commitment, they have honored myself and my two brothers, and they have honored each other.  They have broken through strongholds, family curses, and unhealthy addictions over the years.  They had virtually nothing in common when they married and were total opposites in personality and yet God molded them together in ways they couldn’t even foresee and now they cannot imagine life without the other in it.  They have aged backwards and look younger with every decade due to God’s hand over their health and appearance.


I had no idea what to give them for a present on such a momentous occasion so I decided to post this instead.  My parents have given me an amazing gift for which I can never repay; they set up a spiritual and marital foundation that myself and my brothers can look up to and learn from.  In a fallen world where marriages don’t last, my parents have conquered the impossible with God’s love, joy, strength, help, guidance, wisdom, grace, and counsel. 





HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD..….CONGRATS ON 35 YEARS AND STILL GOING STRONG!!!!!!!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR LOVE, FAITHFULNESS, AND DILIGENCE!!!  I LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU BOTH, AMEN!!!   I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In honor of this momentous occasion, I would like to have a giveaway.  Yay!!!  Please leave your name and email address and a brief comment to enter.  The winner gets FIVE books in honor of my parents’ three and half decades together, wow J 
They are:
Love Finds You in Snowball, Arkansas by Sandra Bricker
Love Finds You in Humble, Texas by Anita Higman (signed by author)
Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa by Melanie Dobson (signed by author)
Sierra Weddings by Jeri Odell
And
A Man to Trust by Carrie Turansky (signed by author)
They each come with a bookmarker; this giveaway is only open to US residents.  You must leave an email address in the comment so that I can reach you.  I will choose a winner by Feb. 10; best wishes to all who enter and thank you for helping me celebrate such a precious time in our family!!!  Blessings!!