Hope's Journey by Stephanie Worlton

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Book summary:

Sydney is a straight-A student heading to college on a scholarship, and Alex is a quiet jock preparing to serve an LDS mission. But their dreams are shattered on the eve of their high school graduation when they find out that Sydney is pregnant. Separated, they must both trust in God as they search for the worth they once found in each other.

       First of I want to apologize for not reading this book earlier. I got this book a while ago and I was waiting this whole time to read it. At the other hand that's a good thing as I'm reading contemporary books these days. 

       This is one of those situations when I hate the blurb. I wasn't planing on reading it but it was at the beginning of the book so I read it. What do I hate it? Because it reveals too much. I wish some things are left secret like pregnancy. The book is mostly what you see in the blurb, there is a boy and the girl, for some reasons (I'll talk about it later) they do something "stupid" and now they have to deal with. Only thing you're curious is the end. Even though I would change some things here, like repeating some things over and over again I find this book something that teens should read. Hopefully they'll learn some things on time. 

     Why I say so? Well I couldn't relate with any of the characters here (maybe if I was seventeen I would, but I highly doubt). I asume that there are the teens that think this way. We live in the time where values aren't set right, so some would do anything to keep someone not realizing that they give everything and another person nothing. Yes I'm talking about sex. Here Syd has done that, she slept with his boyfriend thinking this is right thing to do and without using protection. That's why she has to strugle with the pregnancy. 

     I don't judge teens here, just so you know, I judge society. Regardless on that, the thing that confused me the most here are the parents. I mean I do understand that focus of this book are teens themselves and their friends but those few times when parents appeared I was lost. Maybe I was raised differently but I couldn't understand how parents let all this slide, mostly. Sure my Ma would do everything to help me but she would also have few thing to tell me. For sure nothing would change but still... 

   All in all I'm not fascionated with the book or writing, but I also believe this book could help some if they found themselves in this situation.

Until the next time,

Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie

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Book summary:

Life sucks for orphans Callum Tate and Harper Bailey.

Kicked out of their foster homes because they suffer the 'eighteen disease' with nothing but a hundred dollar check from the government and a pat on the back, they're forced to rely on a system that failed them miserably.

So they sit. They sit inside Social Services, waiting for their social workers to call their names and offer them the miracle they know will never come but they sit anyway because they have nowhere else to go, no other options on their very literal and figurative empty plates.

But as they sit, they notice the other. Although captivated, they each come to the conclusion that life is complicated enough without throwing in a boiling tension that can't ever be acted upon because they're both too busy thinking about where their next meal will come from but when their names are called and both are placed on a year long waiting list for permanent housing, suddenly relying on each other seems like a very viable plan B.

And, oh, how lovely Plan B's can be.

Well, except for the psycho from Harper's past that haunts her and, oh, yeah, there's the little issue that neither of them knows they're in love with the other.

Needless to say, Callum & Harper's life just got a bit more complicated.

“One day, you and I are gonna’ wake up and be alright. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day. One day. I promise you.” - Callum Tate

Few months ago my partner in crime here Glass told me about this book and said that I'd love it. As she knows me too well I took her advice and read this book. As always she was right this is type of the book that I love! Here is her review of Callum & Harper and you can read mine below.

This book got me on the first page I believe. I melted after first few pages. That occures rarely but every time it does I love it. Let me say that this book and story itself are far from perfect but I admire those authors that make me feel the book and cry like a little baby.

Callum and Harper share almost the same past. They are both homeless and without anyone in this world and they’re also eighteen so that means that they need to take care of themselves. They suddenly meet while sitting inside Social Service and it seems like destiny wanted them to meet. Up until yesterday those two perfect strangers became somethingthey could only dream about, best friends as it seems. Only they’re uncetain how to share their feelings and their past is chasing them so they must maintain togehter but question is how when ther is so much to say and to understand. I know it sound like some romantic movie but like I said it’s so sweet that I couldn’t resist it.

I admit there is too much drama and too much misunderstandings for one book. At come point I just wanted it to be over and luckily it was. The author of this book definitely has a talent for creating sweet and heartbreaking love stories and for creating relations between charactes and defintely for putting dramatic parts (only some limits have to be set). This book is really readable and I wasn’t able to stop until the end.

I must say that I really look forward to reading other books from this author. 

Until the next time, 

Blog tour & Giveaway: Changing My Wardrobe by Deb Hanrahan

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Book summary: 

Lindsey, a high school freshman, views her new school as a place to start over. With the help of her friends, she hopes that a change in her wardrobe will prompt a change in her image. She has some success until her long-time nemesis, Avery, reminds Lindsey of her place. Without asking for help from the adults, the main character and her friends struggle to manage the bullying. Despite their efforts, tensions rise, and people get hurt. The ending of this book will leave the reader shocked and heartbroken.

Changing My Wardrobe is a cautionary tale about the immutable problem of bullying. This story not only looks at bullying from the victim's point of view but also explores the motives behind the aggressors’ actions. Changing My Wardrobe demonstrates the fluid and complex nature of bullying by shining a light on the contributing factor of social media.

I have few things to admit here. First time when I read this book was a year or so ago. I got the copy from Deb and as far as I remember that was actually first copy that I'd got from any author. I remember how scared I was! Don't laugh, but I was afraid what if I didn't like the book. What will I do. What can I say, I was naive. Lucky I liked the book and everything turned out fine! You can actually read my first review of this book. Another thing is that first thing I noticed (logically as it's first sentence in the book) is mentioning Florence and The Machine. One of my favourite bands and main character likes them. Now I and Lindsey had something in common. 

I'll stop talking about me now and start talking about the book. 

At the beginning of the book we meet Lindsey. She is freshman in high school and she hopes that it'll be big beginning for her. She wanted to change her image and start better period in her life. She was pretty much as every freshman girl. Only life had some other plans for her. Everything seemed normal at the start. She has her best friend Tenny at her side and her brother Grouper. She even meets cute guy Marco. But problem is that her old friend Avery is still there. There we come to the story about bullying. Even in my craziest dreams I couldn't imagine that this book will end like that. 

Bullying is big problem around the world. Like I said first time I live or better said I grew up in different times  and in country that was different and luckily that time was different when it comes to education and growing up. Bullying existed but it wasn't as huge problem as it is now. Unfortunately things have changed, even for us here. Bullying is becoming bigger and bigger problem. Deb did great job here. She wrote YA book which is appropriate for young readers who are mostly victims of bullying or bullies. Hopefully after reading this book some of them will consider their actions. 

This book is really readable. You'll maybe finish it in few hours but trust me you'll remember it for a long time.

About the author 

I live with my husband and three teenagers in the Chicagoland burbs. After graduating from the University of Illinois with a B.S. in Chemistry, I worked at a nuclear power plant for five years. I then left my career to stay at home with my three kids.

Seemingly, overnight, I went from being crazy-busy to having way too much time on my hands. With my husband working long hours and my kids pursuing their own lives, I had to reinvent myself. So, I decided to write that book I always wanted to write. Changing My Wardrobe is my first novel.

Interview with the author

I had a chance to talk with lovely Deb about her writing, inspiration and future plans. Here is what she said. 

1. What (or Who) inspired you to become an author?

My entire adult life, I wanted to write a book. I started to write several times, completed forty or fifty pages, and then threw my work away. About three and a half years ago, I finally reached a point where I realized it was “now or never.”

2. How long it took you to write Changing My Wardrobe?

It took close to two years. I took a lot of breaks.

3. Did you know how the book will end or you changed your mind in the last minute?

The incident in front of the school in Chapter 17 was the seed for the whole book, so no. I wrote that tragic scene at the beginning and changed very little of it. However, I did change the final scene with Teeny and Marco. Initially, they were supposed to have that final conversation at the dance in the gym, but I liked the idea of ending the book where it started, so I moved it to Lindsey’s room.

4. Is there somebody special who inspired you to write this book?

Not one person, in particular. Many of the incidents in this book are based on the bullying I experienced in grammar school and the bullying I saw in the lives of my own kids. Avery and Cal are a conglomeration of every bully whom I’ve ever met.

5. What are you plans for the future? I know your next book is coming out soon.

I’m almost done with my next book, Vestige. Vestige is a supernatural horror story about the Antichrist and the End Times. It is the first book in a two book series. It is for an older crowd—maybe late teens. It has some mild sexual situations and strong language.

And few this or that question! 

ebooks or paperbacks

Ebooks. I love my Kindle. I hate clutter so having all my books on one little device is great for me.

Vestige or Changing my Wardrobe

I love them both but in different ways.

Fantasy or Realistic books

I have to say I like realistic books better. Although, I do love a good fantasy in a realistic setting.

books or movies

I like both. It depends on my mood.

summer or winter 

Definitely Summer. I live in the Chicago area and we get some very cold and snowy weather in the winter. I hate it. I want to move to Florida or California someday.

white or black chocolate

Black Chocolate with no nuts, nougat, or caramel—just plain old chocolate.

Thank you Deb for your honest answers! :) 

Giveaway 

Deb is also offering one of our readers one ebook copy of this book! We'll keep it simple. 

- All you have to do is fill this rafflecopter form. 

- You don't have to be a follower but we'd appreciate it. 

- Giveaway ends in seven days time (it means next Saturday - June 9th)! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

P.S. When you're here you also have a chance to win a Kindle Fire. I guess now you wonder how. All info you can find on Deb's blog, here is the link How to Win a Kindle Fire. So be quick leave the comment  below and hurry up at other stops at Changing My Wardrobe Blog Tour. 

Good luck!

Until the next time, 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of Reading Addiction Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by Reading Addiction Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*

One Moment by Kristina McBride

Release date: 

June 26th, 2012

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Book summary

This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.
Maggie Reynolds remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party the night before. She remembers climbing the trail hand in hand with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below—dead?
As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

What Tanja thought about it....

     This is a story about girl Maggie, who is just regular teen. She spends her time with her four friends and her boyfriend Joey. Until one day he is dead. Is she guilty for that? She doesn’t know because of the shock after his death. We slowly meet all of them and we discover some things that will change the whole thing. All of them are struggling with his death. All of them are trying to deal with it and some of them blame themselves. But Maggie is the only one who was with him. Slowly her memory is coming back in flashes and soon enough she remembers. Is there anyone to blame?  Or was it just a series of circumstances? You know where you’ll find the answers.

     One Momet is story about love, friendship and betrayal. Easily written so that you’ll read this novel in one sitting. Great and realistic story. Maybe it was predictable in some parts, but still it deserves 4 stars from me. Like I said I really enjoyed within reading this story. It was realistic and readable. If you like realistic teen books you should check out this one. 

What Glass thought about it...

     One of my favorite poets is Milosh Crnjanski, Serbian poet who lived in previous century. Why is this relevant for this novel? Well, he had the same idea as Kristina McBride about that one moment that can change everything - all of the people living on Earth are connected in so many ways that sometimes what one person decides to do, can affect the lives of people on the other part of planet.

     One moment isn't so radical - it stays within one small group of friends who shared everything since they were kids, but it's still fascinting thought. Everything starts with accident, but there are so much more. You never really know the people - not even those closest to you. We all have secrets. Are you intrigued enough to read this amazing book? You should be. As Tanja said, you are going to read it in one sitting.

Until the next time, 

***Note: Copy of this book is provided by publisher, Egmont USA, by NetGalley. Thank you. 

We're not paid for writing review - We do it as lovers of written word. All opinions in this review are personal. 

What I Didn't Say by Keary Taylor

Book summary: 

Getting drunk homecoming night your senior year is never a good idea, but Jake Hayes never expected it all to end with a car crash and a t-post embedded in his throat. 

His biggest regret about it all? What he never said to Samantha Shay. He's been in love with her for years and never had the guts to tell her. Now it's too late. Because after that night, Jake will never be able to talk again.

When Jake returns to his small island home, population 5,000, he'll have to learn how to deal with being mute. He also finds that his family isn't limited to his six brothers and sisters, that sometimes an entire island is watching out for you. And when he gets the chance to spend more time with Samantha, she'll help him learn that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you. Maybe, if she'll let him, Jake will finally tell her what he didn't say before, even if he can't actually say it.

Here I'm again, with my all time I'll try not to give 5 stars to every book that make me cry "problem". At the end I always manage not to listen to myself. I know that a lot of you won't agree with me about this book and yes true, maybe it doesn't deserve 5 stars and maybe the writing could've been better and so on. But I  enjoyed in this book and that's the only thing that matters. 

It's hard to say anything about the story as too much is said in the summary. If you, like me, don't read blurbs then you'll be surprised or better said shocked, again as me, when you find out about the accident. Jake is like any other senior year student. He plays football, hangs out with his friend and thinks about his future. Everything seemed normal until the accident. He thinks that for him everything is over, because he is not like "normal" people again. He is mute. Only after one person shows him her real self and everything she bares on her shoulders he will understand that not being able to talk isn’t the worst thing that could ever happen to you.

So this is story about teenagers and all the stupid decisions they make, all the doubts they have and all the words and actions that they're afraid to say or make. This is also the story about life. At the end this is the story that will made you consider your actions and maybe change your views. That's why I'm putting this book on my YA Saves Reading Challenge. 

Until the next time, 

***NOTE:  Copy of this book is provided by publisher via NetGalley. Thank you.

I'm not paid for writing review - I do this for free as a lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal. 

YA Saves Reading Challenge 2012

I've been checking our my Twitter account when I read tweet which led me to this amazing reading challenge hosted by The Busy Bibliophile and Patricia's Particularity.

Here is how Patricia explained what is YA Saves:

What is YA Saves Reading Challenge? & What Books Can You Read?
YA Saves Reading Challenge is a way to challenge yourself to read any Young Adult book that can be considered a YA Saves book.  What is a YA Saves book you may ask?  It is a book that tackles hard issues, in any genre (fantasy, contemporary, etc) as long as it is Young Adult.

And why would you do this?

First, to have fun reading! Second, to gain more knowledge and understanding about real life issues that affect many people.

Minimum books to complete the challenge is ten, but I'm sure that Tanychy and I would be able to post much more!

Until next time,