MISSING OKALEE by Laura Ojeda Melchor

MISSING OKALEE by Laura Ojeda Melchor. This sweet book of sisterly love has the potential of triggers for those who have lost loved ones, especially tragically. I appreciated seeing the growth in Phoebe in light of a tragedy. The lessons she learned were very real and relatable. It was a difficult read for me at times, yet at other times it was beautiful. 

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When compared to her nearly perfect little sister, Phoebe Paz Petersen feels she doesn't measure up in her parents' eyes. Okalee is smart and beloved for her sunny disposition, which makes it hard for Phoebe to stand out in their small town in Montana. But if she can get picked for the coveted solo in the school choir, she'll stop being a middle-school nobody and finally get her chance to shine.

Despite her sister's annoying perfection, Phoebe actually loves spending time with Okalee. They have one very special, secret tradition: River Day—when they hold hands and make their way across the cold, rushing Grayling River, to celebrate the first hint of spring. This year's River Day crossing, however, goes horribly wrong, and Phoebe's world is suddenly turned upside down.

Heartbroken and facing life without Okalee, Phoebe is more determined than ever to sing the solo in the school concert as a way of speaking to her sister one last time. But Phoebe's so traumatized by what happened, she's lost her beautiful singing voice.

Kat Waters wants the choir solo for herself and is spreading a terrible rumor about what really happened to Okalee on River Day. If Phoebe tells the truth, she believes her family will never forgive her and she may never get to sing her goodbye to Okalee. Even worse, somebody is leaving Phoebe anonymous notes telling her they saw what really happened at the river.

REAL by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard

REAL by Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard. What an amazing story. Having the story told from the viewpoint of an autistic teenager was amazing. It gives such a depth and insight to someone living with autism that you would be hardpressed to find anywhere else. There is such a stigma and so many things we do not know about children who are autistic and this book opens up that world for people, as well as the good, the bad and the ugly. It causes a lot of reflection in how you interact with others. I would say this is one of the must reads of the year. 

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Charity may have mad math skills and a near-perfect memory, but with a mouth that can't speak and a body that jumps, rocks, and howls unpredictably, most people incorrectly assume she cannot learn. Charity's brain works differently from most people's because of her autism, but she's still funny, determined, and kid. So why do people treat her like a disease or ignore her like she's invisible?

When Charity's parents enroll her in a public junior high school, she faces her greatest fears. Will kids make fun of her? Will her behavior get her kicked out? Will her million thoughts stay locked in her head forever? with the support of teachers and newfound friends, Charity will have to fight to be treated like a real student.

Inspired by a true story, Real speaks to all those who've ever felt they didn't belong and reminds readers that all people are worthy of being included.

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITAN GAMES

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITANS GAMES  by Brandon Mull. This is a series I wish I had complete before reading. Alas, we have to wait another year for the next one. When that day comes, I will be sitting down with FABLEHAVEN and DRAGONWATCH and bing reading the entire series. This story was wonderful. I enjoyed being in Crescent Lagoon and having characters reunited. I loved the games. I loved the new friends, and I loved the action and twists and turns. It is an amazing addition to the DRAGONWATCH series and I cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend it to everyone.

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The war against dragons intensifies. Will Kendra and Seth find the help they desperately need from the Giant Queen? This fourth book in a five-book series leaves the underwater dragon preserve of Crescent Lagoon for a gladiator-style arena at Titan Valley—the magical realm of towering giants and enslaved dragons. Our two young heroes have never felt so small or faced a challenge so ... giant!

#bookadayaz

 

This was a fascinating read. The inclusion of Norse mythology was fun, since I don't know much about it. I loved the characters, but there were some small scenes that I didn't think were necessary. They took away from the story rather than added to it. There were some description of some sexual things that I thought were inappropriate, especially for a book that won a Whitney Award. 

Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.

Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.

Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.

What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.

#bookadayaz

 

So cute! My kids thought it was hilarious. My two-year-old wants me to keep reading it. What a wonderful, funny way to start out the school year. #

It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . .

LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech

LOVE THAT DOG by Sharon Creech. This fun middle grade book is formatted like poems. For me, it takes a couple of pages to get into that kind of format. It was interesting to read a story that way as well. I enjoyed the subject and still learned a lot about the character as well. I would recommend this as a fairly quick read for most middle graders.

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The Newbery Medal-winning author of Walk Two Moons, Sharon Creech, brings readers a story with enormous heart.

Love That Dog shows how one boy named Jack finds his voice with the help of a teacher, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. Written as a series of free-verse poems from Jack's point of view, and with classic poetry included in the back matter, this novel is perfect for kids and teachers, too.

Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Miss Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments--and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns that he does have something to say.

"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."

WIZARD FOR HIRE: MAGIC REQUIRED by Obert Skye

WIZARD FOR HIRE: MAGIC REQUIRED by Obert Skye. I have been really excited for this book, and it did not disappoint. Well, there was a part in the middle when I began to doubt and was unsure of my predictions. In fact, it carried through till almost the end of the book. However, the ending was perfect and everything is right in the world, at least Ozzy and Sigi's world. I loved it and can't recommend the series enough. 

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Ozzy and his friend Sigi are in more danger than ever before. After being injected with the mind-controlling serum his parents created, Ozzy is learning to control the minds of people, but he is still being hunted by Ray, the power-mad villain who will stop at nothing to find and possess the formula. And on top of that the wizard Rin is missing, leaving Ozzy to wonder once again if magic really does exist. When it becomes apparent that the minds and free will of all mankind are in danger of being controlled by whoever controls the serum, Ozzy and Sigi join forces with four new friends that claim magic-like abilities. When Rin finally returns, Ozzy will discover once and for all what happened to his parents, what really happens at those popular fantasy conventions, and if magic truly exists.

WILLA AND THE WHALE by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

WILLA AND THE WHALE by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown. What a great way to show how different people deal with different emotions. Grief is an interesting animal and sometimes it does takes animals to help people through it. In Willa's case, it was Meg, a blue whale. I loved the relationship that Willa had with Meg. I love how Meg was able to help Willa through her grief and issues everyone seems to have at school. And I love how Meg really steps up and solves a whale sized problem with the help of loved ones around her. I would recommend this book to any and everyone, especially those who could use a different view point in how to deal with and how those around them may be dealing with different emotions.

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After losing her mom, Willa is grieving and having a hard time living with her dad and his new family on an island off the coast of Washington State. Her dad tries to cheer her up by taking her whale watching, something Willa's mom used to do.

While all the passengers are on one side of the boat, Willa encounters a humpback whale on the opposite side. Willa feels so lonely that she starts to talk to the whale—and the whale talks back!

The whale, named Meg, quickly becomes a trusted friend and confidante Willa can speak to whenever she's by the ocean.

Meg offers sound advice Willa needs about dealing with a nemesis at school and trying to figure out why her friend Marc is keeping secrets about his family life.

Before the story ends, it will take all of Willa's courage and connections to tackle a problem that's as big as a blue whale!

WHAT THE OTHER THREE DON'T KNOW by Spencer Hyde

WHAT THE OTHER THREE DON'T KNOW by Spencer Hyde. This story still leaves me with an unsettled feeling. Three teens are thrown together for a school trip that I didn't quite understand. It was for a class but I have never heard of a class that required that type of trip in high school. I realize it's fiction, but . . . The different groups that each of the kids came from sure made for an interesting group. Then the secrets each of them had added to the mix. It showed very well that we don't know what the person standing next to us is struggling with or what guilt they may be hiding or what they don't want others to know. I though it showed very well what can happen when we open up to those around us and the different support we can give one another. This is not a book for a younger audience. In fact, I'd say they need to be in high school to really understand the nuances and social dynamics presented. Then again, if it's read with an adult who can help kids grasp what is being talked about, then it would be appropiate, in my opinion.

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If Indie had it her way, she would never choose to river raft with three other high school seniors, mostly strangers to each other, from her journalism class.

A loner, a jock, an outsider, and Instagram influencer. At first they can't see anything that they have in common. As the trip unfolds, the unpredictable river forces them to rely on each other. Social masks start to fall as, one-by-one, each teen reveals a deep secret the other three don't know.

One is harboring immense grief and unwilling to forgive after the death of a loved one. One is dealing with a new disability and an uncertain future. One is fearful of the repercussions of coming out. One is hiding behind a carefully curated "perfect" image on Instagram.

Before they get to the end of Hells Canyon, they'll know the truth about each other and, more importantly , learn something new about themselves.

What the Other Three Don't Know is a poignant and gripping young adult novel about the unlikely friends who accept you for who you really are and the power of self-acceptance.

THE LAST MAN AT THE INN by R William Bennett

THE LAST MAN AT THE INN by R William Bennett. For some reason, I had it in my head that this was more of a contemporary version of a man's journey to Christ. So I was surprised and intrigued when I realized I was mistaken and the story was set in the time of Christ. I thought Simon's journey could be and is similar to many of our own personal journeys in coming to Christ. The close connection his family had to the Messiah was beautiful. It really took me, as a reader, to that time and I could imagine myself there, learning along side Simon and his family. It is worth reading and will stregthen a testimony of Christ as well as bring thought to those who are unsure of what to believe. It is a wonderful story I would recommend to everyone. 

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Simon considers himself fortunate after securing the final room at the inn in Bethlehem. While eating his supper, he sees a younger man and his pregnant wife denied lodging at the door of the inn. Simon momentarily considers giving up his space, but he is weary from his travels as a spice merchant and turns away from the thought.

Over the ensuing years, Simon traverses the popular trade routes, and each time he passes Bethlehem, he is reminded of that evening and plagued by guilt.

In time, the Savior begins his ministry, and Simon begins the life-changing process of trying to understand and believe the teachings and miracles of this man called Jesus—said to be the promised Messiah.

The Last Man at the Inn is the story of a journey of conversion we all take in one form or another, told through the eyes and heart of a common man. It is written to affirm the believer, to lovingly beckon to the undecided, and to call out to those who may not even know they are looking for something—only that there is a space in their soul that somehow needs to be filled.

WAITING FOR FITZ by Spencer Hyde

WAITING FOR FITZ by Spencer Hyde. Wow. What a book. It was one that I couldn't read quickly, but I couldn't put down. It was fascinating to me to learn more about mental illness and to see it from the point of view of a person struggling with it. I learned more about a phys ward and to appreciate what a true struggle it is. I loved the friendships that were created there and how Addie learned it wasn't the place but the people that mattered. It was a fascinating story that I would recommend to anyone.

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Addie loves nothing more than curling up on the couch with her dog, Duck, and watching The Great British Baking Show with her mom. It's one of the few things that can help her relax when her OCD kicks into overdrive. She counts everything. All the time. She can't stop. Rituals and rhythms. It's exhausting.

When Fitz was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he named the voices in his head after famous country singers. The adolescent psychiatric ward at Seattle Regional Hospital isn't exactly the ideal place to meet your soul mate, but when Addie meets Fitz, they immediately connect over their shared love of words, appreciate each other's quick wit, and wish they could both make more sense of their lives.

Fitz is haunted by the voices in his head and often doesn't know what is real. But he feels if he can convince Addie to help him escape the psych ward and get to San Juan Island, everything will be okay. If not, he risks falling into a downward spiral that may keep him in the hospital indefinitely.

Waiting for Fitz is a story about life and love, forgiveness and courage, and learning what is truly worth waiting for.

FROM ASH AND STONE by Julie Daines

FROM ASH AND STONE by Julie Daines. This was a really good story. I liked Lady Margaret and really felt for her situation. Angus was a really fun character too. I loved how sticky he was. Their situation showed how hard it was to live during those border wars and how truly one day someone was an enemy and the next the same was an ally. The only problem I had was how quickly her feelings shifted both ways. I guess I didn't feel things as strongly as Lady Margaret did, but as I look back on the story, I can see why it happened. It is a wonderful story full of defiance, love, acceptance, and learning to let others in that I would recommend to anyone who loves a great story. 

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Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. the identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.

Tour Schedule

Dec. 10^th

http://mybookaday.com/
http://www.kindleandme.com/
http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

Dec. 11^th

https://brightlystreet.com/
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/

Dec. 12^th

https://rachellechristensen.com/
https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

Dec. 13^th

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
https://www.wishfulendings.com/
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Dec. 14^th

https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
http://www.iamareader.com/

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CHRISTMAS BY ACCIDENT by Camron Wright

CHRISTMAS BY ACCIDENT by Camron Wright. This was a very cute Christmas read. It's more light-hearted than the backcover blurb makes it sound. I enjoyed the little references to miracles that Uncle Mannie slides in as he's talking to Carter, as well as the self discoveries he makes along the way. It's fun to see Carter's attitude toward Christmas change, as well as his realization about writing. Abby is a steady influence throughout the story. It is a great way to get your Christmas season started. I would recommend it to anyone.

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Carter is an insurance adjuster whose longing for creative expression spills over sometimes into his accident reports.

Abby works for her adoptive father, Uncle Mannie, in the family bookstore, the ReadMore Cafe.

Carter can barely tolerate Christmas; Abby loves it. She can't wait past October to build her favorite display, the annual Christmas book tree stack, which Carter despises.

When an automobile accident throws Carter and Abby together, Uncle Mannie, who is harboring secrets of his own, sees a chance for lasting happiness for his little girl. But there are so many hurdles, and not much time left. Will this Christmas deliver the miracles everyone is hoping for?

TREK THE MOVIE

TREK THE MOVIE. I watched this movie with my kids and enjoyed most of it. It has a lot of things that would be over someone's head if they've never heard of or been on a trek before though. I had to explain a lot to my kids. However, they did get some of the humor and I laughed through most of it. They did a good job portraying a trek for the most part. There is growth for most of the characters and some really good, powerful lessons that were shown. There were some cheesy things but overall it was an enjoyable film that I would recommend to most people. It is worth seeing at least once. There is a curse word in it that surprised me since it really didn't need to be used.  

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Trek follows a young Mormon teenager named Tom and his friends on their handcart journey. Along the way, they try to smuggle in unsanctioned food, battle sibling rivalry, encounter a "special ops" Young Men leader, match wits with a Twinkie-loving skunk, and ponder doctrinal brain teasers like, "Do General Authorities go to PG-13 movies?" But, when they encounter unexpected trouble, their faith is tested much like that of their pioneer ancestors. Whether you've been on a trek or not, your family will laugh along and ultimately be inspired as you enjoy this delightful film.

Special Features

• Trek bloopers
• Meet the Cast
• Director Commentary

This is a link to an exclusive seen for LDSLiving that is one of the hilarious parts. If the link doesn't work, click on the title of the movie here and it will be on the Deseret Bookstore page.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjqjXkfA_88&feature=youtu.be

*I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

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TRIPWIRE: A SAINT SQUAD NOVEL by Traci Hunter Abramson

TRIPWIRE A Saint Squad Novel by Traci Hunter Abramson. I've enjoyed each Saint Squad Novel since I was introduced to them and this one is no exception. I love novels that have characters I'm familiar with and love already. I did find some holes in my memory of Jane, so I'll have to go back and read Spotlight in order to fill those in, but I like Jane and her take on things. I like how the Saint Squad's mission was weaved into the story. There was good suspense that kept the pages turning. This was a book I couldn't put down and finished in a couple of days. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good suspense with romance.

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Jane Napierski is back at work at the job she loves—being a personal assistant to her friend Sienna Blake, a rising star actress. The duo is on location in Virginia Beach to film Sienna's new TV series, along with costar Reed Forrester—the man with whom the world thinks Sienna is in love. Wrong.

Sienna's heart actually belongs to her fiance, Craig, a Navy Seal with the Saint Squad. Craig must fly under the radar if he is to keep Sienna safe from this world of terrorists and toxic bombs. And Reed has no problem pretending to date his old friend Sienna simply because it means he can spend time learning more about Jane. Making a TV series is grueling work but not nearly as difficult as the treacherous adventure that is about to begin with a simple photo taken in the wrong place at the wrong time—an image worth killing for.

When Craig returns to the United States to spend time with Sienna, he's not expecting to spend that time protecting her and Jane. Frightening incidents targeting the two women rapidly escalate, and as Craig and his Saint Squad investigate a tangled conspiracy, they find themselves tracking, here at home, the terrorists they have searched for across the globe. But can they shut the terrorists down in time to save Jane, Reed, and Sienna?

Tour Schedule

April 23^rd

https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
http://www.wishfulendings.com/
https://brightlystreet.com/category/book-reviews/

April 24^th

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
http://empowermoms.net/

April 25^th

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

April 26^th

https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
http://mybookaday.com/
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

April 27^th

http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/

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THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE by Camron Wright

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BRIDGE by Camron Wright. Wow. This is an incredible story. I couldn't put it down. I loved Dave Riley from the beginning, maybe because I could relate to him a little bit more than Katie. But as I got to know Katie and see how their lives were going to intertwine, I loved her as well. This is a story of loss, love, frustration, endurance, learning, growing, and so forth. I would highly recommend it to any and everyone, especially those looking for a fantastic book club read. There is a tiny bit of language toward the end, nothing more than you would hear walking down the street.

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Two strangers, opposite coasts, and abridge that silently beckons.

Katie Connelly has lived in San Francisco all her life. Her late father made his career as an ironworker on the Golden Gate Bridge, and the many stories of him trying to save jumpers still haunt her. When she's asked to write a history about the bridge, her research uncovers a secret journal hidden in her father's desk, pages of familiar advice penned by the hand of a stranger. The scribbled words tell of a promise ring and a distant love, clues that Katie hopes may answer her own unresolved sorrow.

Across the country, Dave Riley, a marketing executive in New York, encounters sorrows of his own. As he grasps at straws after tragedy strikes his family, a once whimsical daydream quickly turns into an obsession: he must ride his motorcycle across the Golden Gate Bridge on the Fourth of July.

Does the bridge hold answers for both Katie and Dave? Or will it only add to their heartache? The puzzling words left behind in a long-forgotten journal hold the key to the truth that they will discover on The Other Side of the Bridge.

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye. I was really excited to see a new book from this author, and I jumped at the opportunity to review it. This captivating book had me turning the pages well into the night. I loved getting to know Ozzy as well as his robotic bird. Rin is a fantastic character but as the book moves on, he has me wondering who he truly is. I hope Skye does another one to help us know the true nature of Rin better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age who loves a magical adventure.

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What if there was a wizard in your hometown who offered his services to anyone in need? What if you were scared because your scientist parents had been kidnapped and you couldn't tell the police?

What if you stumbled across a classified ad in your local newspaper that read, "Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL"? Would you call?

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy is desperate to find his parents, but he's not so sure about the ad....He's read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but they couldn't actually exist in the world today, could they?

Enter Labryinth, aka "Rin," who dresses the part. Sort of. His bathrobe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox. At least Rin acts like a wizard, but Ozzy has his doubts. Do real wizards write notes on their shoes and eat breakfast for every meal? Most of all, Ozzy just wants to know if Rin can cast any magic spells.

With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy's father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he seeks about his missing parents.

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M. L. Forman

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M L Forman. This is a series I have thoroughly enjoyed. Each book is definitely a fantastic adventure. I enjoyed being back with Whalen and Alex. It did take several chapters for me to get into the story, but once I was invested, I didn't want to put it down. In trying to figure out why it took me awhile to get into the story, the only thing I can think of is I had been out of that world for to long. I think if I had read all five books back-to-back it would have flowed better for me. I thought there was a very powerful lesson taught toward the end of the book about success and failures. Too often kids want to get up and the world judges us based on our successes. Alex learned a great lesson about the two. I would recommend this book and series to any fantasy lover.

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Whalen Vankin is a great an honorable wizard, and he has only ever personally trained two other wizards. One is Alexander Taylor, a young man who has earned a reputation as a brave adventurer, a warrior, and a man of honor. The other is Jabez, Vankin's nephew—a man whose choices have led him down a different, darker path.

Dark magic has covered Westland, and evil is stirring. Whalen and Alex must journey together into the heart of danger, confronting a sea serpent, and facing down more than one dragon. Alex must find the legendary Axe of Sundering—the one weapon that offers a chance to defeat Jabez—and protect the land from the dark wizard's plans. But finding it will be an adventure of its own as the only pathway to the Axe leads through the underground tunnels and secret passages of the Castle of Conmar.

But Jabez has a final weapon at his disposal: the powerful Orion stones, which could spell the end to Whalen and Alex both.

MORMON GIRL: INCOGNITO by Kari Iroz

MORMON GIRL: INCOGNITO by Kari Iroz. I always hesitate when books say they have an LDS aspect to them. For me, most of the time it feels over the top on the religious aspect of the story. This book weaves in the religious side of things very naturally. It's not over the top and is in fact well done in my opinion. I loved this story. I loved how Jacky finds herself in this situation and they way she handles herself. I love the adventure and the way Damon grows throughout this book. The only thing I found frustrating was the reference to another story that we obviously should have known about. As the pieces fell together, I felt like I knew the other story but couldn't place where I had read it. I looked for other books the author had written but could find any information in the book. I finally figured out what other story was being referenced and things made even more sense. It would have been nice to have the other book (A DATE WITH A STRANGER) mentioned somewhere, (usually there's a seperate page that lists the author's other books in the beginning). Other than that, I loved everything about the story. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great adventure full of tension and high stakes.

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Hilarious heroine Jacklyn Wyatt is back—this time in a dicey Vegas adventure! Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt is just your average Mormon girl—other than her brief stint with the FBI, her subsequent brush with death, and her dreamy boyfriend, Special Agent Damon Wade. But in the eight months since she helped save a kidnapping victim, Jack’s life has returned to its mostly stagnant state. She’s still trapped in a dead-end job, and even her relationship seems to be stuck in a rut. These days, adventures are few and far between. So when Damon heads to Las Vegas on assignment, Jack sees the perfect opportunity to surprise her boyfriend and rekindle the spark in their relationship. But the surprise is on her: she has just landed herself in the middle of a high-stakes operation involving Russian criminals. Unwittingly drawn undercover once more, Jack is all too aware that the survival of Damon and his associates depends on the success of her charade. In the unfamiliar world of luxurious limos, exclusive nightclubs, and gambling, Jack must convince the high-rolling hustlers that she is a terrifying international arms dealer. If only she knew anything about poker. Or guns . . .

Tour Schedule:

June 19th

http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

June 20th

http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

June 21st

http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/
http://rockinbookreviews.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
http://empowermoms.net/

June 22nd

https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

http://www.wishfulendings.com/

June 23rd

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/
http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ 

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DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull

DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull. I have loved every single book in the FABLEHAVEN series and was very excited about getting back with Kendra and Seth. This book is as fantastic as the first five. I loved learning more about some of the characters that were introduced in the fifth FABLEHAVEN as well as getting to know new characters that will be with us through the next series. The dragons are incredible. The tension is high. The kids are amazing. The story will be one you won't be able to put down. I am so glad to be back in this world. The only downside is having to wait for the next book.

:) :) :) :) :)

In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens but prisons, and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies...

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, king of the dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the gathering of the ancient order of Dragonwatch if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who confined the dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help. 

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge, as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?