You are Mine by Janeal Falor

A new dystopian book for lovers of The Hunger Games and The Divergent Series. An amazing book about a young girl fighting against the norms that society has placed around her. Serena just turned seventeen which is an exciting time for most young girls. However, Serena lives in a patriarchal society where at seventeen, girls are married off based on the magic flowing in their blood to birth powerful warlocks for their master since females cannot use the magic. Her father is one of the worst out there ready to marry her off to the highest bidder, and he does just that. Will Serena ever have a chance at deciding her own destiny and a chance at finding love?

The description of the book pulled me in, and I was not disappointed as I read this intriguing novel. I absolutely loved Serena's relationship with her family and especially her sisters. It brought depth to Serena's character as she made bold moves and decisions that could effect not only her future but each of her sisters' futures too. Seeing the world from Serena's point of view was at time ironic, hilarious, sad and/or crazy. Her worldview was so brainwashed and different from the way people view life in America nowadays, which was very realistic and eyeopening at the same time.

I actually found this book for free on amazon through bookbub.com. They are a free website service that email you about books from the genres that you pick when the books are on sale for cheaper than normal or completely free.  It is a great way to find new authors and series to read by trying an excerpt of their work for cheap before buying the rest.  Concerning, Janeal Falor, I will be looking to buy the rest of her books in the future.  It looks like this author is relatively new and her books are mostly online or ebooks. Let's change that; I want to see more print books out there! Share with your friends who love these types of novels.

The Story Collector by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Exciting and interesting children's book where you step into life within a library, literally. Viviani lives in the local library with her two older brothers and her parents. She learns valuable life lessons not only from her family and friends, but from the ghost of the library, all the while saving the day from the stamp thief.

I had a hard time adjusting to the didactic and narrative writing style in the first chapter, but after the first few chapters, I was hooked. I enjoyed the chapter headings that matched entries in a library catalog. It brought to life how the children live in a library and find adventure there everyday.  The vocabulary was also great for helping children grow in their reading ability while still catering to their reading level. I particularly loved how so many things said were profound, and I wanted to write them on my facebook as quotes.  I will be looking for this book for my personal and classroom collections.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.) 

Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott

Adorable fantasy children's book perfect for bringing diversity to your classroom or school library. Jaxon is left with a woman called "Ma" when his mother abruptly drops him off with her one day. While trying to figure out who she is and what is moving in the box on her counter, he is met with time travel, invisible people, dinosaurs, magic, growing dragons, and a magical new land.

A book with simple structure and style fit for young readers in elementary school. Good challenging vocabulary found within the pages to help young readers grow. Loved the elements from Brooklyn that made the story come alive with real detail. Take a look if you are trying to find more fiction for your classroom, school, or personal library.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.) 

The Captured Bride by Michelle Griep

Adventurous Mercy and her older loyal friend Matthew are transporting gold for the British army between an area torn by a French and British war.  They are forced to take traitor Elias along who is to act as Mercy's husband; however, he has plans to not make it to their destination because other people are counting on him. Can Elias keep his secret hidden or will losing his heart to Mercy, one bent on never marrying, cause his downfall?

I had a hard time getting through this book because the real action did not start until after 60% into the book. It takes its time with setting up the story and developing the characters through minor interactions the first half of the book.  I also did not care for the title of the book as it really does not seem to fit the story line. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the action and twists to the plot once I reached that section.  Additionally, Mercy had a good transformation emotionally and internally.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this ebook in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

First Impressions by Debra White Smith

As a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, I thought this book was spectacular. I absolutely loved the irony of how the main characters were involved in a community play of Pride and Prejudice acting as the character in the play they are modeled after. The story unfolded in a realistic way as the two stubbornest people battle offstage and onstage and try to deny their attraction while ultimately learning from their mistakes.

The use of point of view added much to the story. It switched between Dave and Eddi (playing the roles of Darcy and Elizabeth respectively from Pride and Prejudice) allowing readers to see the emotion and life in every chapter.  I was also glad that a few chapters were shown from Linda's  (Eddi's little sister) point of view and side of the story; Linda makes terrible life choices and has to live with the consequences. Linda's part of the story brought to life the relationships between the three sisters while adding depth to the main characters and their transformations by the end of the book. I recommend this to Pride and Prejudice fans and to those who are not familiar with it as many will enjoy it as the beautiful love story it is.

(The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it will not be the last. She has created an adorable romance novel set in a Medieval feeling background.  Aladdin is an orphan that has grown up in the local orphanage after moving there from a foreign country. Despite his difference in social status from Lady Kirstyn, the Duke's daughter, he has grown up with her and become fond of her.  He leaves her to find his fortune to one day come back for her; however, when she is kidnapped, his dream may not come to fruition.

The only part of the story that feels like Aladdin, since this is supposed to be a retelling of Aladdin, is how he starts out as a young boy stealing to survive. However, to be fair, the only experience I have with Aladdin is the Disney version.  Even without more of a connection, I was not disappointed with the story line but was also thrilled with the twists at the end. I found myself laughing at how childish the main protagonists were sometimes but loved the message of how no one is perfect. Overall, a fun read and beautiful cover art.


(The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)