Revenge is Sweet by Misty Evans

Kali is not your average girl-next-door; she's a vengeance demon.  She hates the fact she can't take vengeance for herself, but she can help others.  She does what she needs to do, but she never intended to get bit by a vampire...

Ms. Evans graciously sent me a copy of her book for review (thank you).  I enjoy her writing style and was happy to do so.  You can grab a copy of this book from Amazon now.

When Kali heads out on a job, she has no idea she's going to run into the guy who left her standing at the altar three hundred years ago.  That's when not being able to take her own vengeance really sucks.  It doesn't help when he's still as hot as he always been and he wants to kiss her and resume their relationship.

Kali's troubles really start when she kills the vampire kingpin and her boss and the vampire leaders want her to become the vampire queen and take over the group.  Her answer is not only no, but hell no!  Does anyone listen?  No.

The action is good, you find yourself rooting for Rad (her half-demon boyfriend that left her at the altar) and hoping he's not as bad as she's afraid he might be, and you aren't sure you can see a way out of the vampire troubles for her, but she's going to try...

This fantasy will keep you entertained all the way through.  I enjoyed it a lot.  Why not give it a try and see what you think?

Happy reading.

Believing the Lie by Elizabeth George

Inspector Lynley finds himself in a difficult position when he's sent undercover to see if Ian Cresswell's death was an accident or murder.  He can't tell his supervisor what he's doing and he can't use his police powers.  Despite those obstacles, he's soon turning up clues.  But clues to what?

Dutton Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  The book was published in January, so you can get a copy at your local bookstore now.

Ms. George is always very verbose in her stories.  This one is 606 pages.  It took me a bit to get into her story; she seems to build up to her point.  Once it got interesting to me, it held my attention to the end.

She adds in subplots, has several people searching for answers in different places and they are usually having their own troubles, and the Inspector had no idea how many secrets were hidden in this family or how many lies had been told.

The author gives you a gay relationship, a transsexual, child pornography, adultery, and more to entertain you as Lynley follows the misty trail to the truth.  She also throws in happy endings, death, destroyed lives and relationships and more.  You won't be bored trying to sort all this out.

If you've been following Inspector Lynley, you'll want this new chapter of his life.  If he's new to you, you can read this book as a standalone.  

If you'd like my ARC of this book, leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Summer at Forsaken Lake by Michael D. Beil

Nicholas, Haley, and Hetty are being sent to spend the summer with Uncle Nick.  He lives on Forsaken Lake and since their father will be Africa doing Doctors Without Borders volunteer work, they really have no choice.  Their mother doesn't have time for them, Uncle Nick does.  But who wants to go out in the wilds when there is so much to do in the city?

Knopf Books and Edelweiss let me read an ebook of this story (thank you).  It will be published June 12th, so make a note on your TBR list and check with your local bookstore.

This story is written for ages ten and up, and it's got the flavor of stories written during the 1950's.  That's a good thing, in my opinion.  These children miss their parents, have no idea what they will do to amuse themselves, and they are trying to make the best of it.  I mean, imagine not having a TV or a computer!

What they find is that Uncle Nick will teach them sailing, having a quiet life isn't bad and that their father made a movie during the summer he stayed there.  Finding the movie gets them motivated to "finish" it for him.  It also develops into a mystery that it takes them the rest of the summer to solve.

This is a good read with entwined family ties, an old mystery, and a little danger thrown in for spice.  I enjoyed it and I think young adults will, too.  There's even a possibility for a sequel if the author would like to develop it.

Why not share this adventure with your young one this summer?

Happy reading.

A Boy and A Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton

What would you do if your boat ride never ended?

Random House Children's Books and Net Galley allowed me to read this ebook for review.  It's written for ages 8 - 12 year and  will be published June 12th.

This is a whimsical tale with a bit of magic, some silliness, and lots of odd events.  The boy gets in the boat to ferry across to the other side.  He takes his lunch, in case he gets hungry and settles in for a short trip.  But it's not a short trip...

The boy's emotions range from disgust that it's taking so long, to worry, to mistrust, and to hate and then back to friendship since there is no one else accompanying him and they must get along.

My favorite part of the story is the sea monster and how they manage to overcome it.  It's silly, fun and disgusting and I bet your children will be referring to with a special code word you'll learn in the book.  (Not one you'd expect either.)

Why not read this book aloud and talk about the various adventures these two have?  You could use different voices for the boy and the bear, you could act out fishing, or you could be "scared".   It'd be fun to read aloud and act out the scene!

The story is pretty mellow and I enjoyed reading it.  Grab yourself a copy and settle in for fun on the sea.

Happy reading.

Phoenix by A.J. Scudiere

Jason is a firefighter, a damned good one.  He always does his job and when that involves saving two young boys from a fire, he thinks nothing of it.  The press leaps on it and starts calling him a hero, which he hates.  His girlfriend moves out and takes the majority of the furniture, which makes him mad and sad at the same time.  And his mother tells him a secret she's been holding for 26 years and his whole life falls apart...

Gryffin Ink and Net Galley shared an ebook of this story with me (thank you).  The book will be published on October 2nd, so add this to your TBR list.  The story is a whopper and you don't want to miss it.

The author drew me in to this story piece by piece.  Her main character, Jason, is a good man and a good firefighter, but he's not mature in relationships.  He's not real concerned about that, thinking he'll have time for a wife and family later.  (He's assuming he will have a "later".)  To emphasize his lack of maturity here's a quote from the book:  "It seemed a shame you couldn't just go down to the pound and pick one out."  I found myself thinking, "Oh, Jason, you poor thing."  How can you not care about a character who is so hopeless?

The firefighter background and experience shown in this book is authentic.  Once this story starts rolling, it keeps on going like a bulldozer without a driver. The story takes you through highs and lows, emotions spike all over the place, and the search for Jason's lost brother is spotty, filled with odd ugly facts, and is increasingly upsetting.

This is a tough book.  There are no easy answers, everyone seems to be guilty in some way, and the characters have a long way to go even at the end of the book.

It's not a book you read and forget; this is a book you read and think about, again and again.  The worst part is everything that has happened in this book could be true.  That's why it sticks in your mind and keeps coming back for rethought.

Happy reading.

Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes

Want to have a good time?  Then don't get involved with Lee.

Harper sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published June 5th, so put it on your TBR list.

This book is creepy.  It's filled with psychological suspense and mind twisting horror.  What do you do when a man you thought you loved suddenly thought he owned you and began punishing you if you displeased him in any way?  Catherine tried to flee but was captured before she got on the plane.  The abuse got so bad, she was ready to die and almost did.

When Lee goes to jail, she moves and tries to start a new life as Cathy.  After all, he won't be able to find her, right?

The author did a very good job of showing how an obsessive person can impact your life.  Even though Cathy is away from Lee, she has become obsessive compulsive and has to check locks, windows, doors, drawers and more again and again.  All this just to be sure he hasn't returned.

This tale of abuse has the ring of truth.  I've known abused women and their stories have the same tone and the same fear that is reflected in this story.  I just kept turning pages hoping Cathy would be finally free from him.  The ending is totally ironic and will remain in your mind long after you've set down the book.

If you'd like my ARC of this book, leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read this.

Happy reading.  

Patti Callahan Henry Releases WILDFLOWERS Mobile App

Wunderkind Press told me about a new mobile app that really appeals to me, so I wanted to share it with you.  Imagine being able to send someone a virtual flower  to help make their day...

From their press release:

“There is no ordinary. All flowers are extraordinary.”

So says Ellie, the protagonist of New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry’s novel COMING UP FOR AIR. Ellie utters these words because she is devastated that her mother has ripped out the wildflowers she scattered in a carefully manicured garden.

Suppressing her wild nature, Ellie grows up to find herself in a suffocating marriage and an unfulfilling life – until at last she is able to reclaim the spirit of a wildflower.

Now fans of the novel (and anyone who has or appreciates someone with an untamed spirit) can also claim Ellie's spirit and send virtual wildflowers to their friends with the WILDFLOWERS mobile app, available for the iPhone and in the App Store starting May 15. Every wildflower sent through the app has its own meaning and includes a personal message from the sender, allowing users to convey wishes of hope, love, encouragement, inspiration, and more.

With original, "extraordinary" illustrations by award-winning illustrator Stefan Kjartansson, based on a fusion of Japanese woodcuts and Scandinavian design tradition, WILDFLOWERS is the first collaboration between Henry and the creative powers at Armchair Media (armchairmedia.com) and Chronicle (thisischronicle.com).

The first mobile app social game inspired by a novel, WILDFLOWERS expands the universe of COMING UP FOR AIR, currently available in hard cover and due out in paperback on May 22. Through the novel, readers learn an appreciation for a life that blossoms in unexpected ways. The WILDFLOWERS app takes the novel's ecosystem and themes, and brings it to life in the real world.

Henry helped develop the app from conception. A busy mom of three and a wife in addition to a NYT bestselling novelist – not to mention a heavy user of mobile apps herself – she knows well the hectic life of many of her readers, so she wanted the app to be quick and simple to use.

“I told the developers that you should be able to send a wildflower to a friend while standing in the grocery store line,” she says. “It should be that easy to reach out and let a friend or loved one know you are thinking of them.”

WILDFLOWERS is just that easy, passing the grocery line test with flying colors while allowing users to send wildflowers via email, Facebook, or, for those friends who also have WILDFLOWERS installed, app-to-app. An in-app meadow allows users to look back over all the wildflowers they have received, reminders of the vitality that others see in them.

For more information about WILDFLOWERS and for a link to the app in the App Store, visit Patti Callahan Henry’s website. [http://www.patticallahanhenry.com/wildflower/]

Here's the list of flowers:

Infinite Love – Bellflower

I Am Grateful – Bluebells

Sending Encouragement -- Black Eyed Susan

Thinking of You – Zinnia

A Mother's Love – Impatiens

Pure Loyal Love -- Daisy

Bond of Love -- Honeysuckle

Purple Hyacinth -- I am sorry; Please forgive me

Don't forget me -- Forget me not

I will never forget you – Everlasting

Sending Protection -- White Heather

Sending Cheer -- Crocus

Sending Courage and Daring -- Edelweiss

Sending Good Luck -- Clover

Sending Perserverance -- Chicory

Farewell -- Sweet Pea

Secret Love -- Acacia

Love at First Sight – Gloxinia

I've seen books about the language of flowers, but this is a very nice way to share this knowledge with others.  It's also a good way to say something without words if words are failing you.

Why not go snoop at the application and see if it "talks" to you?  I bet it will. 

Happy reading.

Mr and Mrs Bunny Detectives Extraordinaire by Polly Horvath

Mr. and Mrs. Bunny decide to set up a detective agency, mostly because they could wear those cute fedora hats.  They have no experience, but that shouldn't matter, should it?

Schwartz & Wade Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

This tale is written for ages 8-12 and it's funny, silly, and a rousing adventure all in one volume.

The foxes have kidnapped Madeline's mother and father trying to find out where her uncle lives.  They are so addlepated they can't remember.  The foxes think they are being stubborn.

Madeline goes to her uncle's home, but he's sick and falls into a coma.  She has no idea who took her parents or why, so she while she's crying her eyes out in the yard, the bunny's offer to help her find them. They don't exactly go about it like other detectives would...

There is a little bit of everything in this book for young readers and I think they'll have great fun seeing what Ms. Horvath has planned next.  The illustrations are great, too.  Don't you see the bunnies on the cover looking a bit James Bondish?  Wait until you see the other animal characters!

This story would work well for reading aloud, too.  You can discuss how silly everyone is acting and take time to laugh over the antics the bunnies get in.

Happy reading.

Under Suspicion by Hannah Jayne

Sophie is immune to magic, and that's helped her get promoted at work.  She counsels those demons who are having problems and helps them get back to a normal demon life.  The others in the building can't stand the banshee's screaming, but she can deal with it.  When someone starts killing demons, though, it's time to make that stop.

Kensington Books sent me a copy of this story to read for review (thank you).  The book is being published this month, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.  This is another in the Underworld Detection Agency Chronicles.

Sophie's concerns grow as more demons are killed.  If that wasn't enough to keep her busy, she has her vampire roommate hanging out with a new author that debunks all the stories about otherworldly beings.  He especially doesn't believe in vampires, despite the fact that he's dating one.

What really pisses Sophie off is when the killer tries to stake her because he thinks she's a vampire...

This is a fun paranormal read with interesting characters, a bit of romance and humor interspersed.  It kept my attention and made me interested in this series.

Why not visit the world of demons and see who you'd take home with you?  There are lot of choices...

If you'd like to win my ARC of this book, please leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Crystalfire by Kate Douglas

Taron is a scholar.  He's been trained as a warrior and he has a sword, but it won't talk to him.  After years, he still doesn't know what its name is.  He also happens to be celibate and that's by choice.  He has no time for cheap encounters, he's busy learning and keeping in shape for war.  That's a good thing, but his time to bear arms is coming...

Zebra Books, a division of Kensington Books, sent me a copy of the ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy now at your local bookstore.  This is the fourth and final book in the DemonSlayers series. I had not read the other books in this series, but I had no trouble following the story line in this one and understanding the references.  Based on this read, I'd suggest you get them all.

The second largest demon in Hell has aspirations of taking over earth and replacing Satan in Hell.  He has reason to have such confidence due to his strength and power he gathers from eating demons and human essence.  There is only one hitch:  Taron and a sprite named Willow.

This tale is a mix of magic and a battle between good and evil.  It's also a coming of age for Taron.  His sword finally speaks and he finds he loves Willow.  

The demon will use anything he can to achieve his goal, from closing portals to possessing a loved one's body.  Can an untrained warrior and a sprite beat a demon?  You'd best read this book if you want to find out...

I really enjoyed this story.  If you'd like my ARC, please comment here on my blog and email at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read this book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Fury of Fire by Coreene Callahan

When a dragon shifter mates with a human woman, the woman dies upon birth of the child.  Bastian has no desire to do this to a woman, but if he doesn't his dragon clan will die out.  And the time to breed is coming upon him...

Nancy Berland Public Relations shared an ARC of this Montlake Romance with me for review (thank you).  The book has been published so you can grab a copy now on Amazon.

Ms Callahan makes her Nightfury dragons almost as much human as dragon and it's easy to understand why they are in a war against the Razorbacks.  The Razorbacks are evil, are trying to wipe out the Nightfury clan, and they care less about the women they kill after sex.  I'm not talking about mating, I'm talking about casual sex here.  It's like they are disposable.

The most interesting person in the story is Myst, a nurse who goes above and beyond duty to help those who need aid.  When she performs an emergency C-section on a woman dying on her kitchen floor, she has no idea she's saving a half-dragon baby.

This is fast paced story of good and evil and something in between.  You need to pay attention as you keep turning the pages and reading or you'll miss part of the action.  The author grabs your attention and keeps it through out the story.

The author has done a good job with this fantasy.  I really enjoyed reading it.  And I'm very happy to find it's part of a trilogy.  I'm already excited about getting the next one in the series.  I'm ready to head out with the Nightfury dragons and help them kick the butts of the bad boys!

If you'd like to have my ARC, please leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

She's grown up in a home, basically a ward of the state.  Her mother is in an insane asylum and her brother has run away and is missing.  She hasn't seen her father for a long time.  And she's afraid she, too, will develop the necrovirus that creates madness in a person. 

Ember, a division of Random House Teens, sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  I'm very glad they did.  It was a very good read and I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.  You can find this first book in your local bookstore now.

This is dystopian, apocalypse-like tale with magic, shapeshifters, elves, ghouls and more.  Aoife is the main female character and goes to find her father.   She takes a friend, breaks out of the home, finds a guide, and heads out for her father's home.

The road is hard, the way fraught with danger, and no one is quite what they seem to be.  If that wasn't enough to bother her, the days are passing by and she's not sure how much longer she will be sane.

Ms. Kittredge caught my attention at the beginning of the book and kept it all the way through.  When I read the last page, I took a big breath and thought: There's got to be more to this story, it can't just stop here!  The good news is that there is a sequel coming called the Nightmare Garden, so I'll be watching for that.  The series is a trilogy and I have to see how her characters develop and where the story goes.  This was a very good read.

One thing you need to remember when you're saving the world:  Elves lie...

Happy reading. 

Daughter of Xanadu by Dori Jones Yang

She's not sixteen yet, but Emmajin is a bold athletic young woman who badly wants to become a soldier.  Her Mongol grandfather has a soft spot for her, but has no desire for her to fight.  If that wasn't enough to frustrate her, she meets a young foreigner named Marco Polo...

Ember, a division of Random House Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can find a copy at your local bookstore now.

This story reminded me a bit of the Disney movie, Mulan.  The only real comparison is the fact these are women fighting with men.  However, Mulan disguises herself as a man.  Emmajin is a princess and sent out as a soldier by the Khan, so she needs no disguise.  She wears the same clothing as the men because it's easier to move it and keeps her from standing out.

Emmajin finds herself attracted to Marco.  They can't have a relationship because she's a princess and he's a foreigner, but that doesn't mean they don't talk and grow fond of each other.  Especially since she's supposed to be acting as a spy.  Her attraction to him shows, though.

This author writes a full bodied story with authentic historical references and a good vivid look at this slice in time when the Khan is deciding how much of the world to conquer.  Her main female character finds getting what you want might not be really what you needed and has consequences you can't foresee.  She also learns that friendships are sometimes all you can have.

The story kept my attention and I enjoyed seeing what Emmajin would do next.  She's a real independent spirit and I enjoyed traveling with her.  Why don't you visit the Khan's family and see how Emmajin survives?

Happy reading.

Ties That Bind by Marie Bostwick

It's hard enough when  your younger sister dies in a car accident and you suddenly inherit her daughter, but when your parents try to take her away from you it gets much worse...

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It's a Cobbled Court novel and has been published, so check at your local bookstore for a copy.

Ms. Bostwick writes stories that are filled with Christian principles and tug your heartstrings.  I found myself crying several time while reading this story.  Sometimes from sadness, sometimes from joy.  She makes her characters real and draws you into their story.  It's easy to relate to them and feel what they are feeling.  That's why you end up with a tear in your eye.  Another nice touch is that the main character works in a quilt shop and you learn a bit about quilting while reading.

Margo's younger sister hadn't visited the family for five years or so.  Margo was attempting to get her mother and father and Mari and her daughter to reconcile by having them over during the Christmas holidays.  Unfortunately, Mari doesn't make it all the way there.  

There are a lot of things that can't be unsaid or forgiven when the other party dies suddenly.  That's what Margo's family is facing.  While they are trying to deal with this new grief, she finds herself on the other side of the child's hospital bedside disagreeing with her parents over who should get custody.  Her sister wrote a note indicating she wanted Margo to raise the six year old.  Her father totally disagrees.

There is a lot of trauma in this story.  It's exactly what would happen if people found themselves in this position.  How it's resolved makes a good story.  And Margo even has an opportunity for love if she can open her heart.

This is a book about family.  A good family that has some challenges.  Why not get a cup of coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and start turning the pages in this book?  I bet you don't stop until you've read the whole thing.

If you'd like my copy of this ARC, please leave a comment here on my blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.

Happy reading.

Amos Daragon The Key of Braha by Bryan Perro

Amos is off on another adventure.  This time he acquires the Fire mask, but he's on a very dangerous journey.

Delacorte Press sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published so you can snag a copy now.  This is the second book in this series, so look for "The Mask Wearer" if you'd like to read both books in the series.  It would be helpful, but not necessary.

Mr. Perro writes fast action tales with fantasy, shapeshifters, horror, and more entwined in the story.  These stories are not for the faint of heart.

The author added a different twist to this story and I still haven't decided if I like it or not.  I'm glad the story didn't end like it could have, but how he made that happen was a bit suspect to me.  This book is written for middle grades, though, so they probably won't have any problem with it.  And it is a fantasy so anything can happen, can't it?

I don't see anyone getting bored while they're reading this series.  Why not grab the books and share them with a young reader who enjoys wild romps in a land of fantasy?  I'm sure they'll enjoy them both.

Happy reading.

Antiques Disposal by Barbara Allan

Her mother has always a bit ditzy about making money from antiques, but this time takes the cake.  The leftover boxes in the storage unit were bad enough, but now there is a body...

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It's being published this month and is "A Trash 'n' Treasures Mystery", so watch for a copy at your local bookstore.

Brandy and her mother are always looking for treasure in someone's else junk, and it has paid off in some instances.  It might even pay off here, but it doesn't help when you both know the victim in the storage unit.  Then someone attempts to burglarize their home and injures her sister and her dog.

This is a cozy mystery with a plot that has several twists and turns.  Brandy's mom and sister are a bit odd.  (Whose relatives aren't?)  With half the town involved, it makes Brandy's detecting complex, but she sticks with it.

This is a whimsical look at a small town and the characters within, and I enjoyed it.  Why not see if you can beat Brandy to the murderer?

If you'd like to win my ARC, leave a comment here on the blog and email at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.

Happy reading.

Bears Beware by Patricia Reilly Giff

Mitchell is not real excited about staying overnight at the Nature Center on a field trip.  I mean, they'll be sleeping outside.  You know, where the wild things live...

Wendy Lamb Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  The book has been published and is number five in the series, so there are several for you to choose from.

Mitchell is a bit fearful.  His best friend, Habib, isn't afraid of anything and he's going along too, so maybe it won't be so bad.  Ha!

With all the strange noises, Mitchell isn't sleeping and is getting scared.  But Michell learns something about himself as the night goes on.  You don't have to be fearless, but you do have to what needs to be done.

Could you do what Mitchell does?  Why not read the story and find out?

Happy reading!

Curses! A F***ed-Up Fairy Tale by J A Kazimer

Forget everything you ever read about Cinderella.  She didn't even make it past the first chapter in this book and there is a lot more you didn't know about other fairy tales in this story, too.  Who are you going to believe, the Brothers Grimm or Ms. Kazimer?

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It was published in March so you can a copy of this tongue-in-cheek fairy tale now.

The premise of this story intrigued me and it was great fun to read.  My favorite character is the villain, R J, who has been cursed and now must do anything anyone asks him to do.  That results in him doing a whole lot of things he doesn't want to do.  It's almost as bad as doing the right thing all the time and you know how villains feel about that!

This reminds me of a book I read long ago called "Fractured Fairy Tales", but this book is much better.  Not only does the author mix characters from a variety of fairy tales, not one of them acts like they did in earlier versions.  Most of them appear to be a little crazy, there are puns and humor shared through out the story and the whole thing was a hoot to read.

Here's a trailer about the book:   Book Trailer

These fairy tales will take you into fantasy scenes you've never seen before despite any familiarity you might have had with fairy tales in the past.  

Just try to keep up RJ, the villain as he races through the book doing good, when all he wants to do is bad.  It's hard for him, you know.

If you'd like my ARC, leave a comment here on my blog and email me with your name and address and why you'd like to win this book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Abe Lincoln at Last! Mary Pope Osborne

Here we are at Magic Treehouse #47 and Ms. Osborne just keeps writing good adventures with children with history lessons shown in an engaging manner.  

Random House Stepping Stone Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published and you can get a copy at your local bookstore now.  Be sure to pick up the non-fiction companion that has more details about the events described in the fictional account.  It really rounds out the history segment spotlighted in the book.

Jack and Annie travel back to the White House in the days of Lincoln being president.  They meet two small boys and get close enough to see him, but that's all.  When they use the magic potion, they go back even further in time and meet Sam, who is an interesting young man.  How all this ties together is the magic and mystery of this story.

I've never been disappointed in any book in this series and this one lives up to the author's reputation for good books, too.  Why not get a copy and share a nice brief history of Abraham Lincoln with your young one?

Happy reading.

Don't Die Under the Apple Tree by Amy Patricia Meade

Poor Rosie.  Her boss is willing to promote her after a little romp in the sack with her.  She tells him no definitively and the whole warehouse witnesses it.  Then he shows up dead the next morning.  She didn't kill him, but does anyone believe her?

Kensington Books sent me an ARC of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published this month, so look for a copy at your local bookstore.

I wanted to read this one for two reasons:  I love mysteries and I knew a "Rosie the Riveter" in my hometown of Chehalis, Washington.  One of my councilmembers had worked at the airport doing riveting during this era in time.  

This murder mystery does not disappoint.  While the foreman had harassed most of the women working at the facility, there were also men who didn't like him much.  It also appeared the mob was exchanging supplies with lesser quality items for their own profit.  So suspects are abundant.

Rosie is trying to find out who murdered him to protect herself, the cop is trying to keep her out of it, and the killer was the last person I would have suspected.  It's a well put together mystery that has a solid story line.

Why not take a walk with Rosie and see what you can find out about crime?

If you'd like my ARC, leave a comment here on the blog and email me at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read this book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Snivel: The Fifth Circle of Heck by Dale E Basye

Don't be crying, whining or sniveling; you'll end up in Heck!

Random House Books for Kids sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It will be published in hardcover on May 22nd.  Make yourself a note to pick up a copy.

This is the 5th in this series and the first I have read.  Based on this book, I'd suggest getting the others in the series to read first.  You can read this alone, but I know I missed some references in the story because I didn't know what they meant.  (If you can't afford them, check with your library.)

Mr. Basye grabs you by the hand and hauls you into the Fifth Circle of Heck.  (It's pretty darn close to Hell, it seems to me.)  Marlo and Milton get separated; the goal at this level is to survive a LIVE video game; and Milton keeps losing his ferret.

Heck is not a nice to be.  It's really depressing, you're tired all the time, and the other game players are trying to kill you!  Milton is having a "heck" of a time trying to keep his team alive.

In the meantime, Marlo has been taken to where all the missing children are held and is made into a ghost who can travel to the surface and see her boyfriend and even her family.

Will they ever get back together again?  Is there any hope of getting out of Heck?  You'll  have to read the book to see.  It's full of action, weird stuff, and other interesting premises.  This author had fun with this book!  Your young ones will be engrossed with this series.  Why not get a copy and share it with them?

If you'd like my ARC, leave a comment here on the blog and email me your name and address for mailing as well as a comment on why you'd like to have the book.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Bear Meets Girl by Shelly Laurenston

Lou is a cop.  When he finds his crime suspects are dying before he can take them down legally, he gets a bit upset.  When he gets real upset, he shapeshifts...

Kensington Books sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It was published in April so you can pick up a copy now.

This is a paranormal romance.  I've always liked reading about shapeshifters and this story is full of them:  bears, wolves, coyotes, cats of all kinds and more.  Lou is a bear.  The woman that makes his blood hot is a lion, a real pretty and deadly feline.  They need to work together but there is an issue of trust.  Shapeshifters are a bit clannish. Lou has killers after him.  Cella is a sharpshooter who plays hockey.  

The plot is twisted, the action rough, and the romance hot.  I found myself turning pages faster and faster to see where the story was going and to see if the bear and the lion could quit sniping at each other long enough to fall in love.

I really enjoyed this story.  It was filled with danger, clan issues, and spicy love; what's not to like?

If you'd like my copy of this book, please leave a comment here on my blog and send me an email at info at bookfaerie.com with your name and address and why you'd like to read it.  I'll pick a winner in about a week.

Happy reading.

Bessica Lefter Bites Back by Kristen Tracy

Life is not going well at Bessica's new school.  Sure, she has some friends, but her BFF Sylvie is mad at her and the other mascot for the game hates her.  It has to get better, right?

Delacorte Press sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has already been published, so you can grab at copy at your local bookstore.

Bessica is determined to be successful as a mascot, but sharing the duties with another girl makes it less fun.  Especially when Bessica is the one that has go up against T J the Tiger, the meanest mascot of all.

This author writes a good middle school tale with Bessica doing all the silly things young girls do.  I have to admit I have never bought a battery-operated nose hair trimmer, though...

This story will make you laugh while you wait to see what Bessica does next.  She tries hard, she really does.

Happy reading.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

Jasper loves Mei and is trying to save her from Dalton.  He's in for a big surprise...

Net Galley and Harlequin Teen allowed me to download an ebook of this story for review (thank you).  It will be published May 29th.

If you haven't read the first in the series, I'd recommend you do.  I like this series a lot and hope there will be more coming.  The first book is titled:  The Girl in the Steel Corset.  This is a steampunk series set in 1897.  The first book is set in England, the second is set in New York, USA.

All of Ms. Cross' characters are tough, smart and are part-mechanical or have paranormal powers.  They heal fast, are a tight team and specialize in trying to right wrongs.  They fight impossible things and don't escape unscathed, but the emotional toll is the worst.  And guilt is hard to handle, too, even if it really wasn't your fault.

This is an action packed adventure that keeps you turning pages and makes you anxious to see what will happen next.  I would expect younger readers will really enjoy the story; I sure did!

I'm looking forward to another book in this series where I can watch how their story moves forward and if the the shattered pieces at the end of the story can be healed.

If you want a good fantasy steampunk adventure, here you go!  Why not get a copy and see what you think of it?

Happy reading.

The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Here is another classic story redone in a new Looking Glass Library edition.  This series is very nicely done and would excellent in your child's bookcase as well as introduce them to stories your mother and grandmother read when young.

Random House for Kids sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It's been published and goes well with the rest of the books in this series.

I've had (and sold) this story by Kipling many times and in many editions but this is a really nice little set of classics that breathes life back into the old stories.  This one is especially nice since it has an introduction from Neil Gaiman.

Of all the stories in this book, my very favorite one is Rikki-Tikki-Tavi.  How can you not like the story of a mongoose who keeps the cobras away from his young master?  The Disney movie of this story is a classic now, too.

Why not take a trip with Mowgli into the jungle with your young one?  The books in the series work well for reading aloud by the way.  If you did that, you could enjoy these stories, too!

Happy reading.