Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Elsbeth and the Pirate's Treasure, Book I in the Cape Cod Witch Series
J. Bean Palmer, Melanie Therrien
Elsbeth is the youngest Cape Cod Witch and she seems to cause just a little bit of mischief (but maybe it isn't really her fault). But she isn't the only one - the second grade boys have a super secret plan that doesn't go very well. It's up to Elspeth and her friends to make sure they make it out alive!
I loved this little book. It's just the right length for a child delving into their first chapter books, and with the handful of illustrations to liven up the pages it was very enjoyable. I like that the Halloween lore used seemed to be fairly historically accurate (from what I remember of history class). Elsbeth was incredible likeabele and there were even a few non too subtle lessons thrown in for good measure. This was a very fun read.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-elsbeth-and-pirates-treasure-by.html#sthash.qbkLX8C1.dpuf
I loved this little book. It's just the right length for a child delving into their first chapter books, and with the handful of illustrations to liven up the pages it was very enjoyable. I like that the Halloween lore used seemed to be fairly historically accurate (from what I remember of history class). Elsbeth was incredible likeabele and there were even a few non too subtle lessons thrown in for good measure. This was a very fun read.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-elsbeth-and-pirates-treasure-by.html#sthash.qbkLX8C1.dpuf
Once again Elspeth finds herself caught up with a pirate - only this time they are on the same side. When another boy is kidnapped she enlists the help of everyone (man and animal) that she can find. Full of some very exciting things - boat chases, underground tunnels, Arabian princes, and ghosts - Elspeth has quite a day.
Again there is a little bit of history mixed into the story in a way that makes it fun and exciting (along with some nice vocabulary words). While we didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, it was still a whole lot of fun. Some of the illustrations are duplicates, but there are a few that are new and they were very beautiful.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-elspeth-and-pirates-adventure-by.html#sthash.7HOudRL3.dpuf
Again there is a little bit of history mixed into the story in a way that makes it fun and exciting (along with some nice vocabulary words). While we didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first, it was still a whole lot of fun. Some of the illustrations are duplicates, but there are a few that are new and they were very beautiful.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/review-elspeth-and-pirates-adventure-by.html#sthash.7HOudRL3.dpuf
I'm not usually a fan of military style romance, but I love Natalie Damschroder's other books and I'm so glad I took a chance on this one. SIEGE is a super secret spy agency - the type where the people working there don't even know who else is working there. Brady is out on assignment when news comes that his brother has died. No one can reach him but Molly, another agent of SIEGE and Brady's best friend from childhood. So the adventure starts with her tracking him down, but it doesn't stop there - something is odd about the death and they both set out to find out just what it is.
Hearts Under Siege is full of action, but throughout it all Brady is trying to come to grips with realizing that he might just be falling in love with Molly. There were a few times it was a little predictable, but in the end Natalie had a few surprises up her sleeve for me that I never saw coming. Both Molly and Brady were incredible characters. Their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and neither of them was completely perfect, but very lovable in their imperfections.
The agency itself only came into play as a prop to get the story started and a few times to keep it moving in the right direction. It never overshadowed our characters but hummed along nicely in the background helping to hold the storyline together.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/02/review-hearts-under-siege-by-natalie-j.html#sthash.du5lZ84k.dpuf
Hearts Under Siege is full of action, but throughout it all Brady is trying to come to grips with realizing that he might just be falling in love with Molly. There were a few times it was a little predictable, but in the end Natalie had a few surprises up her sleeve for me that I never saw coming. Both Molly and Brady were incredible characters. Their strengths and weaknesses complimented each other and neither of them was completely perfect, but very lovable in their imperfections.
The agency itself only came into play as a prop to get the story started and a few times to keep it moving in the right direction. It never overshadowed our characters but hummed along nicely in the background helping to hold the storyline together.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/02/review-hearts-under-siege-by-natalie-j.html#sthash.du5lZ84k.dpuf
Third daughter is an amazing dive into the steampunk genre (which I'm coming to love more and more each day). A delightful mix of gadgets and inventions with a fantastic costume-like storyline. The characters are larger than life and the book blurb really hits in on the head when it compares it to Bollywood.
Aniri is the perfect pampered pricess who is shocked to find out she may have to marry for political means after planning on marrying for love. Thank goodness her betrothed seems to understand her lack of enthusiasm. What he doesn't realize is that she has been asked to spy on his country.
I loved the scenery, the characters, and almost everything about it. There were some things that were a bit too drawn out for me though - but I can't give them away or I'll ruin it for you. This is a great unique addition to the steam punk world.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-third.html#sthash.6bqCR2en.dpuf
Aniri is the perfect pampered pricess who is shocked to find out she may have to marry for political means after planning on marrying for love. Thank goodness her betrothed seems to understand her lack of enthusiasm. What he doesn't realize is that she has been asked to spy on his country.
I loved the scenery, the characters, and almost everything about it. There were some things that were a bit too drawn out for me though - but I can't give them away or I'll ruin it for you. This is a great unique addition to the steam punk world.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/02/blog-tour-review-and-giveaway-third.html#sthash.6bqCR2en.dpuf
*May contain small spoilers if you have not read book one and two*
Once again Emma was forced to choose between Arthur and Haywood, and once again she chooses her past and her husband. But when she gets word that Arthur has been captured and Jeannie is deathly ill and needs her help, she leaves once again to find the man she really loves.
A lot of loose ends are tied up in this book and the romance really starts to shine through. While there still wasn't what I would call a HEA ending, it was definitely more hopeful and very close to a HFN ending. This book really puts the spotlight on Emma and Arthur and their relationship. Forced to confront parts of their past and look towards what their future may really be like, they struggle together and seem to have a mountain inbetwen them at times.
This is also still very much an spocalyptic type novel. The Mists are evolving and seem to have a hive type mind driving them. The world is becoming more dangerous while at the same time a new type of civilization is developing from the remains. Emma and Arthur will both have incredible important roles (they are the main characters after all) to play in this process. I really enjoyed this series.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/02/review-far-shore-by-traci-l-slatton_28.html#sthash.I5bvAhON.dpuf
Once again Emma was forced to choose between Arthur and Haywood, and once again she chooses her past and her husband. But when she gets word that Arthur has been captured and Jeannie is deathly ill and needs her help, she leaves once again to find the man she really loves.
A lot of loose ends are tied up in this book and the romance really starts to shine through. While there still wasn't what I would call a HEA ending, it was definitely more hopeful and very close to a HFN ending. This book really puts the spotlight on Emma and Arthur and their relationship. Forced to confront parts of their past and look towards what their future may really be like, they struggle together and seem to have a mountain inbetwen them at times.
This is also still very much an spocalyptic type novel. The Mists are evolving and seem to have a hive type mind driving them. The world is becoming more dangerous while at the same time a new type of civilization is developing from the remains. Emma and Arthur will both have incredible important roles (they are the main characters after all) to play in this process. I really enjoyed this series.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://www.bittenbyromance.com/2014/02/review-far-shore-by-traci-l-slatton_28.html#sthash.I5bvAhON.dpuf
This was a fantastic story. It contained a mix of some of my favorite paranormal lore (including a psychic hellhoud) along with some typical every day teenage problems. Selena is mostly normal - she just sees the future in her dreams sometimes. What she doesn't realize is that she isn't the only one that isn't what most would call "normal". The new kid, Dillon, is one of theses not-so-normal types and for some reason he can't seem to keep his mind of Selena.
Their relationship is one of the most well written high school attraction stories I've read in awhile. And while it was a little of 'I like you but I won't admit it,' they both at least admitted it to themselves. Things really get interesting when they run into a pack of undead - and this is when the lines between Selena's mostly normal life begin to cross over into the truly paranormal.
There is a surprising amount of action (not in a bad way) spread throughout the story with an amazing scene near the end to wrap up a lot of the issues from this book. Although a word of warning - there isn't a definite end. In fact, Selena's frustration at all the questions left unanswered mirrored my own. But it was frustrating in a good way because I know I'll have to wait for book two now - which is most definitely on my must buy immediately list.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-til-death-by-kate-evangelista.html#sthash.oE3qvnQH.dpuf
Their relationship is one of the most well written high school attraction stories I've read in awhile. And while it was a little of 'I like you but I won't admit it,' they both at least admitted it to themselves. Things really get interesting when they run into a pack of undead - and this is when the lines between Selena's mostly normal life begin to cross over into the truly paranormal.
There is a surprising amount of action (not in a bad way) spread throughout the story with an amazing scene near the end to wrap up a lot of the issues from this book. Although a word of warning - there isn't a definite end. In fact, Selena's frustration at all the questions left unanswered mirrored my own. But it was frustrating in a good way because I know I'll have to wait for book two now - which is most definitely on my must buy immediately list.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-til-death-by-kate-evangelista.html#sthash.oE3qvnQH.dpuf
The third story in the Coape Cod Witch series is a great continuation of the series. We take off for Scotland with ElsBeth and the group in a 'borrowed' yacht. The kids haven't changed much though and soon it's up to ElsBeth to get them out of another not so great position. The reason behind ElsBeth's strange adventure are a little hazy at first, but we just get to figure out the answer as she does.
With some new magial creatures and a group of ancient ghosts determined to protect, there are many lessons to be learned. A recurring theme through the books is ennvironmentalism, and taking care of what we now to save it for others in the future. Some of the ideas and concepts are for kids a little older than the first two books in the series. There is a nice development as you read through them.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-elsbeth-and-call-of-castle.html#sthash.OB7KfYmA.dpuf
With some new magial creatures and a group of ancient ghosts determined to protect, there are many lessons to be learned. A recurring theme through the books is ennvironmentalism, and taking care of what we now to save it for others in the future. Some of the ideas and concepts are for kids a little older than the first two books in the series. There is a nice development as you read through them.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-elsbeth-and-call-of-castle.html#sthash.OB7KfYmA.dpuf
Part Three begins with preparations coming to a close and a migration back to Incorrigible. It is a mix of magic, adventure, and hopes for a new future. Grainne is becoming a good leader. Trusting people to advise her and making smart decisions. It certainly helps that it appears even the goddess is on her side. Much of this volume takes place in ships on the sea and I thought the somewhat piratey feel to the story was a nice twist.
I'm still a little confused by Lan and his motivations. He went from being against Grainne to being with her far too fast and it still hasn't been explained. The author has hinted at Grainne wanting explanations as well, so perhaps they will come soon. Another hopeful ending that gives a sense of rebirth and new beginnings in the future.
So far, this has been a wonderful series. I've enjoyed reading them spread out as serials - I think the entire story is a little too long for me to want to have it all at once.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-incorrigible-secrets-past.html#sthash.HbcoAQd9.dpuf
I'm still a little confused by Lan and his motivations. He went from being against Grainne to being with her far too fast and it still hasn't been explained. The author has hinted at Grainne wanting explanations as well, so perhaps they will come soon. Another hopeful ending that gives a sense of rebirth and new beginnings in the future.
So far, this has been a wonderful series. I've enjoyed reading them spread out as serials - I think the entire story is a little too long for me to want to have it all at once.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-incorrigible-secrets-past.html#sthash.HbcoAQd9.dpuf
Muse Unexpected was a new twist onGreek mythology in the modern world. I loved the description of what the gods and goddesses were and how they came about, along with the various demigods. I give this book 4 stars, but I wish I could divide it into three and give it different ratings.
The beginning is definitely 4 stars. It opens with a very dramatic scene and jumps right into the story introducing all three of our main characters spectacularly. Birlidis does a great job of giving the personalities that really draw you into their lives and lead you down a path of how they relate to each other.
About a third of the way in though, things die down....a lot. The middle part of the story featuring Sofie in her new home in Greece really dragged for me - much closer to a three star rating. There were quite a few scenes that looked like they may be important, but nothing ever came of them. Even though they were intriguing, they seemed to be more page filler than necessary and I kept wondering why it wasn't brought into the story again.
The last third of the book was close to a five star rating. Once things start happening - they really start happening. With Sofie's ball and party quickly approaching, we can tell that this will be the turning point of the story. With the gods conspiring against her, it's hard to imagine how she will be able to succeed in her duties, but with a very very very surprise ending a lot of things from the beginning start to fall into place. Over all this was a very good read and a anyone who enjoys a good mythology tale will enjoy it.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-muse-unexpected-by-vc-birlidis.html#sthash.CJsp9owY.dpuf
The beginning is definitely 4 stars. It opens with a very dramatic scene and jumps right into the story introducing all three of our main characters spectacularly. Birlidis does a great job of giving the personalities that really draw you into their lives and lead you down a path of how they relate to each other.
About a third of the way in though, things die down....a lot. The middle part of the story featuring Sofie in her new home in Greece really dragged for me - much closer to a three star rating. There were quite a few scenes that looked like they may be important, but nothing ever came of them. Even though they were intriguing, they seemed to be more page filler than necessary and I kept wondering why it wasn't brought into the story again.
The last third of the book was close to a five star rating. Once things start happening - they really start happening. With Sofie's ball and party quickly approaching, we can tell that this will be the turning point of the story. With the gods conspiring against her, it's hard to imagine how she will be able to succeed in her duties, but with a very very very surprise ending a lot of things from the beginning start to fall into place. Over all this was a very good read and a anyone who enjoys a good mythology tale will enjoy it.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
- See more at: http://hotofftheshelves.blogspot.com/2014/03/review-muse-unexpected-by-vc-birlidis.html#sthash.CJsp9owY.dpuf
Disclosure: I have not read this series so I cannot say how well it fits or expands on it.
Cup of Life was a short and quick story of Micah's love for Nadine. Throughout the story there are many ways that we can see just how much Micah loves her and what lengths he would go to in order to keep her by his side forever. The flashbacks, while normally annoying to me, were done beautifully - in a way that they became more than just another look at the past. They actually seemed to expand upon it and enhance the emotions of it.
Even by itself, this was a great story. I imagine that to readers that have grown to love these characters throughout the story would love it even more.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
Cup of Life was a short and quick story of Micah's love for Nadine. Throughout the story there are many ways that we can see just how much Micah loves her and what lengths he would go to in order to keep her by his side forever. The flashbacks, while normally annoying to me, were done beautifully - in a way that they became more than just another look at the past. They actually seemed to expand upon it and enhance the emotions of it.
Even by itself, this was a great story. I imagine that to readers that have grown to love these characters throughout the story would love it even more.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*