Sunday, February 28, 2016

Book Spotlight with Excerpt: The Changing Season by Steven Manchester





The Changing Season 
by Steven Manchester 


Hardcover: 276 pages
Publisher: Story Plant (February 16, 2016)

Kindle Edition

File Size: 2003 KB
Print Length: 349 pages
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (February 22, 2016)
Publication Date: February 22, 2016
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

About the book:


This was supposed to be a simple summer for Billy: one more lazy expanse of time before college began. He'd fill the hours playing with Jimmy—his canine best buddy—going camping and doing all the things he promised Jimmy they'd do before Billy left. But that was before the accident that shook the entire town. It was before the summer job that turned into something so much more than a way to get a paycheck. And it was before Vicki. This summer was destined to be many things to Billy, things he didn't truly understand until now. But it was definitely not going to be simple. 


An enormously touching, richly textured, deeply moving novel of new adulthood, The Changing Season is an experience to savor—with special appeal to dog lover’s. 


Excerpt



Purchase your copy




About the author:

Steven Manchester is the author of four #1 bestsellers: Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island. His long-anticipated novel, The Changing Season, is currently available for pre-order. Steve is also the author of the award-winning novel, Goodnight, Brian. He has written A Christmas Wish (Kindle exclusive), Wilbur Avenue (novelette), Just in Time (novelette) and The Thursday Night Club (novella), while his work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN's American Morning and BET's Nightly News. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series and he is the produced playwright of Three Shoeboxes. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. 

Visit: www.StevenManchester.com / Facebook 



Saturday, February 27, 2016

Book Spotlight with Excerpt: Lucifer's Son by Sergey Mavrodi



Lucifer's Son
by Sergey Mavrodi



About the book:

Does the Devil exist? there really a fallen angel named Lucifer? Are the temptations that beset mankind really the products of an evil Satan? Are the fires of Hell a reality? And your answers to these questions are:_____? Undecided, perhaps? Then, read on. Compared favorably by many to renown authors of horror and suspense such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Bram Stoker, Russia's Master of Horror Sergey Mavrodi introduces us to his world... the world of angels and devils, of Lucifer and Lucifer's son, the world of temptation and seduction in his latest masterpiece of deviltry and suspense. In a world of horror and fear that is almost too realistic to be fiction, Mavrodi's characters burst from the pages, come alive and open up their innermost beings... revelations that will shock and mesmerize the reader, who--while filled with fear and anxiety--will be unable to put LUCIFER'S SON down until the last terrifying conclusion.


Excerpt



Purchase your copy

Recommended Read: Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love by Karen Wiesner





Clumsy Girl's Guide To Falling In Love 
(Friendship Heirlooms Series Book 1)
by Karen Wiesner



About the book: 


Zoë Rossdale is the clumsy girl who always has her elbows, feet, eyes, and brass-red hair going in the wrong directions. She floats around in her own world, comfortable there alone, only to be jarred back into the real one when her obliviousness gets her in trouble again. After a lifetime of being evaluated critically—first by her own father, and then by everyone around her—and found wanting, she’s trying to change…for her own good. She’s reaffirmed her commitment to Christ and vowed not to do any of the stupid, possibly illegal, things she’d done for years on the pitiful excuse of surviving. After nearly being fired from the only job she could get to keep her from starving and living on the streets, she’s going to school once more and trying to do better for her über-patient boss. And she’s allowed her best friends to talk her into getting contacts, some new clothes, and a more flattering hairstyle. They tell her she looks beautiful, but she feels more like a dodo bird than ever before—until she literally runs into the only man she’s ever gone loopy over. 

Curt Bertoletti has spent years trying to forget the seriously messed-up Zoë and her embarrassing ways. The only person who’d ever approved of the ditzy klutz was his mother, and his mother has become relentless in her cause to get him married and settled down. Surely that’s what conjured the appearance of Zoë... Zoë, who looks so little like the girl he remembers. Even as he vows that he won’t stray again—out of weakness or whatever it was that had him stone-gone over her before—he can’t help remembering how well he and Zoë fit together. They’d truly been two abnormal peas in an even stranger pod. But no other woman had ever gotten that misty look in her eyes when she looked at him, or kissed him like she’s forgotten anyone or anything else existed. No other woman made him so happy, so mad, so sad, and so content. Though he’s walking stronger in the Lord than he ever has before and he finally knows what he wants in life, he’s convinced Zoë Rossdale is not it—matchmaking mother or no matchmaking mother. So why can’t he forget her and be done with it? 

For better or worse, Zoë will always be Zoë—the clumsy girl with her dress tucked into her pantyhose, toilet paper stuck to her shoe and trailing in her wake, the girl whose idea of falling in love is to stand at the edge of the precipice, throw out her arms and confidently jump into a free-fall. If Zoë will always be Zoë, the only question left is, can they both live with that fact? Forever?

Book review originally posted in March 2013

The book tells the story of Zoe Rossdale and Curt Bertoletti. Curt left Zoe for another girl and Zoe couldn't let go even after three years. They met again while Zoe's walking her cat just after she had her hair cut off and suddenly, Curt realized his mistakes (actually after seeing her new straight hair!) and found himself wanting to reconnect with Zoe. It's an "ex-lover" story, the usual ex stuff, but really a good one (oh well, except the last part - explanations below).

It took me a loooong while to finish the book because every time I pick up this book, I couldn't control my emotions and tears would stream down my face. I usually take my books everywhere I go and this was the one book I couldn't read in public. The last time I read this book in public was in my doctor's clinic. I couldn't hide my red eyes to my doctor and I had to explain everything to her, like giving her the synopsis of the story *lol*. It was such an embarrassing day for me! After that, I vowed to never read romance in public ever again!

Past the first quarter of the book I was sobbing, makes my heart ache, literally. When Curt left Zoe (broke up with her on the phone), it's like the whole world came crashing down at her. She was fired in her first job, she caught her father having an affair with her mother's sister, she stopped school, lost her apartment, and it came to point where she can't even buy her own food! Who would not cry reading that kind of story? Anyway, it's all about forgiveness. I know the feeling. You've been hurt and even if you can forgive him, you can never forget those bad things he did to you. ;( This is such a heart touching emotional story....

Another thing I loved in the story was Curt and his family. They're Italian and they're very sweet. There are too many Italian things to learn while reading this book. That's something I immensely enjoyed reading!

The only thing I didn't like in the story was the christian theme, it was there all along but I failed to notice it in the first few chapters. It became a "hardcore christian" the last 50 or so pages. I've read a lot of christian-romance books but more often I knew the content before reading. In this book, I didn't know about the Christian thing, and I found the lines a little "preachy". All in all, I loved the book and this one's gonna get 4-stars from me!

Purchase your copy

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Thursday Trailer: Lucifer's Son by Sergey Mavrodi







Lucifer's Son
by Sergey Mavrodi



About the book:

Does the Devil exist? there really a fallen angel named Lucifer? Are the temptations that beset mankind really the products of an evil Satan? Are the fires of Hell a reality? And your answers to these questions are:_____? Undecided, perhaps? Then, read on. Compared favorably by many to renown authors of horror and suspense such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Bram Stoker, Russia's Master of Horror Sergey Mavrodi introduces us to his world... the world of angels and devils, of Lucifer and Lucifer's son, the world of temptation and seduction in his latest masterpiece of deviltry and suspense. In a world of horror and fear that is almost too realistic to be fiction, Mavrodi's characters burst from the pages, come alive and open up their innermost beings... revelations that will shock and mesmerize the reader, who--while filled with fear and anxiety--will be unable to put LUCIFER'S SON down until the last terrifying conclusion.





Purchase your copy

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Free Kindle Download: The Legend of Oescienne by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson




The Legend of Oescienne
by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson




About the book:

When the dragon Jaax receives word that a human infant has been found in the province of Oescienne, he doesn’t dare believe it. Humans have been extinct for centuries, trapped by a terrible curse and left to live out their existence in the form of dragons. Despite his doubts, however, Jaax assumes responsibility for the baby girl only to discover that what he has been seeking for so many years has finally been found . . . 

Jahrra knows all about the legends and sagas of Oescienne, but never in her wildest dreams would she believe that she played a part in one of them. She’s far too busy dodging the bullies at school and seeking out new adventures with her friends to worry about what secrets her dragon mentor might be keeping from her, or that her every move is being watched by something living in the forest surrounding her home. 


But the secrets run deep, and as Jahrra fights to earn her place in this extraordinary world, she will begin to unravel the truth of it all: that she isn’t as safe as she thought she was, that danger lurks around every corner, and that her role in this unfurling tale is far more significant than she could possibly imagine. 


Download Free Kindle

Free Kindle Download: A Place To Call Home: Toby's Tale by G. A. Whitmore





A Place To Call Home: Toby's Tale 
(The Rescue Dog Tales Book 1)
by G. A. Whitmore 



About the book:

Every rescue dog deserves 
A Place to Call Home . . . 

Every rescue dog has a tale to tell, a story uniquely their own. A Place to Call Home is Toby’s tale. His story takes you on a journey across the country from California to Connecticut and across the spectrum of life’s emotional and spiritual experience. 


Born on a small farm in northern California, Toby narrowly escapes the death sentence imposed upon him by his breeder. Through a series of events driven by good intentions, he finds himself in a Connecticut suburb where life with his new family soon collapses on him, and his newfound happiness is brutally destroyed. 


On his quest to find a place to call home, Toby encounters and endures the best and worst of humanity as he comes face to face with sorrow and joy, fear and courage, and ultimately, with the power of love.


Download Free Kindle


Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Recommended Read: Night Machines by Kia Heavey





Night Machines
by Kia Heavey



Amazon Ratings: 5-star 59%

About the book:

Maggie decided to have an affair. No one needed to know, not even her lover.

Who would it hurt, if Maggie decided to carry on a torrid affair in her mind? It would soothe her feelings, hurt by her husband’s emotional abandonment while he worked on a disturbing new murder case. It would provide an outlet for the dizzying desire she felt for her employer. It would make her feel loved and appreciated and better able to be a good wife and mother.

But Maggie loses control of the fantasy as lust becomes love, and things she believed confined to her own imagination are somehow known to her spectral lover. A harmless mind game spins out of control and threatens the sanctity of Maggie’s greatest treasure – her family.

Women looking for a fresh voice in contemporary storytelling will be pleasantly surprised by genuinely likable characters in a compelling thriller that explores marriage, motherhood, morality and, ultimately, the nature of love itself.

Book Review originally posted in October 2011

The book tells the story of an ordinary housewife Maggie, after staying as a full time mother for years to her kids, decided she wanted to go back working. Her new employer, Cambien turns out to be a classmate in high school. While having problems with her husband, Rowan, a police detective working 24/7 on a case of a murdered young girl, she finds herself liking Cambien. She develops a harmless "crush" on her boss and sometimes dreams (mostly lust dreams) about him. She feels this "imaginary affair" with her boss will help her get through her problem with Rowan. Things became complicated when she starts to dream about Cambien almost on a daily basis. It became much more complicated when Cambien told her he knows about these dreams and they are all real. Creepy right? Yay!

The author wove a great story of one family which is totally relatable to the readers. Even Maggie's problem is totally relatable - feeling "unloved" since her husband seems to focus all his attention to his job. It was an easy read mixed with a lot of suspense and mystery. Loved the ending of the story - it was a complete surprise! Overall, if you are looking for a great book to read this Halloween, you might want to buy a copy of this book. ;)


Purchase your copy

Sunday, February 21, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?




"It's Monday! What are you reading?" is a fun meme hosted by Kathryn @ The Book Date. This is where we share the books we have read the last week and our reading plans for this week.



Book Reviewed


When a tragic death triggers Autumn and Zack’s worst fear—pursuit by dangerous werewolves—they escape to a safe house. But within the walls of the refuge, an even greater menace looms. Now under the reluctant protection of a vampire king, Autumn and Zack are targeted by a palace full of vamps out for revenge against vampire-killing werewolves. 

After the vampire king discovers a rebel plot to overthrow him, Zack and Autumn are forced to remain in the palace as bait to draw out the enemy. But can the king shield them from so many who want them dead? They have only days to root out the traitors before Autumn’s parents arrive to claim her—not to mention it’s illegal to mix species—which gives them little hope of a future together. But with werewolves hunting them and vampire rebels out for their blood, Zack and Autumn need each other more than ever. Each secretly dreams of finding a way to be together—if they can stay alive. 


Books for Review



Meet the people who make it all happen – the planners, the photographers, the musicians who have helped orchestrate the perfect day for countless couples as they find their own happy endings in the second Year of Weddings novella collection.

Can one bridesmaid undo the disasters caused by a poorly chosen maid of honor and save her sister’s wedding from disaster? 

Mari’s older sister Crystal is getting married, and Mari is one of her bridesmaids – actually, the last in a lineup of five bridesmaids, but that doesn’t really bother her. Much. But Sienna Jameson as the maid of honor? Really? She might be Crystal’s best friend, but she’s ditzy and undependable on her best days. When the best man turns out to be hunky Derrick Richardson, the right fielder for the Houston Astros and one of Houston’s most eligible bachelors, Sienna abandons her duties as maid of honor to chase Derrick, and it’s up to Mari to make sure Crystal’s wedding day goes off without a hitch.

While Mari is wrapped up in dress fittings, bridal showers, and bachelorette nights, Derrick has taken notice of her devotion to her sister and her determination to make the wedding perfect. But between dodging Sienna’s advances and watching Mari running around like a madwoman, Derrick is left to steal moments whenever he can to get to know this beautiful bridesmaid.

When the maid of honor shows up to the ceremony late and more done up than the bride herself, Mari fears her attempts to make her sister’s wedding perfect have all been for naught. Will the bride be up-staged by the maid of honor? Will the fifth-in-line bridesmaid ever be recognized for all the work she’s done? And will Mari finally have a moment to revel in the magic of a wedding and dance in the strong arms of a man? 



Ellie Sanders is pregnant and alone. Carrying a child she’d conceived the one and only time she’d lain with her closest friend, Jarrett Tanner. A man she’d agreed to marry for the sake of their child. A man she’d loved, but not as he’d deserved. And now he was gone. 

Lucas Tanner returns home to settle his younger brother Jarrett’s estate only to discover his brother left behind a very pregnant fiancée. Having lost his own wife and their baby she’d been carrying years before, he’s bound and determined to stick around and make sure Ellie’s child makes it safely into the world. Even if it means facing the ghosts of his past. 

Struggling financially and emotionally, Ellie is torn between keeping her baby and giving it up for adoption. She wants to give her child the chance she never had - to be raised by two loving parents. If only she could make Lucas understand. And, if only she wasn’t falling for a man with no heart left to give. 

Lucas finds himself wanting more. Wanting Ellie. But what if he gives in to his deepening feelings and loses her, too? 


One fears abandonment. The other fears loss. Can Ellie and Lucas put their painful pasts behind them and finally find true happiness? Or are the emotional walls they’ve built up around their hearts too strong to tear down?


Currently Reading



Call her a romantic—or a fool, Lady Monique Cathdon is determined to marry for love. After watching her parents tolerate an arranged betrothal, life seems too short to be wasted on keeping up appearances. 

After all, what's the point of having a heart if one refuses to follow it? 

With a smile the devil himself might be proud of, James Stanton is not what her mother would call a matrimonial prospect. Still, there's something about the young man that sends Lady Monique's heart thumping around her chest, and silences her voice of reason. 

Unfortunately for Lady Monique, the stakes are high, and young ladies of the ton make for very poor gamblers. Especially when James Stanton is on the hunt for revenge, and won't let an innocent woman—or his own passionate desires—get in the way of righting past wrongs.


How about you? What are your reading plans this week? Happy Monday!

(Picture) Book Spotlight and Sneak Peak: When You Give an Imp a Penny by Henry Herz, Harrison Herz, Josh Herz, and Abigail Larson





When You Give an Imp a Penny
by Henry Herz  (Author), Harrison Herz (Author), 
Josh Herz (Author), Abigail Larson (Illustrator)


Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. (February 1, 2016)

About the book:

Before you lend an imp a penny, there’s something you should know—such a simple act of generosity could set off a side-splitting chain of events! A colorful picture book full of mythology, mischief, and magic, WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY shows us just what happens when an accident-prone—but well-intentioned—imp comes along asking for favors! The same writer/illustrator duo that brought you MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES brings to life a comedy of fabled proportions.


Sneak Peak 






Read more about Imps HERE

Purchase your copy


Saturday, February 20, 2016

Recommended Read: Jezebel's Wish by A.J. Nuest




Jezebel's Wish
by A.J. Nuest



Amazon Ratings: 5-star 72%

About the book:

Haunted by nightmares, tormented by guilt, Jezebel came to Redemption Ranch to escape the past--except now she's stuck in the middle of nowhere with no redemption in sight. When her mother pushes her into riding lessons with local veterinarian Matthias Saunders, Jezebel balks. Sure, the doctor is gorgeous, but he's completely obnoxious and knows how to push every one of her buttons. Only her deep connection with The Reverend, a gentle stallion who guards her darkest secrets, has her agreeing to spend any more time with Dr. Saunders. Caring for the stallion is the first bright spot in her life in months, and if being around the horse means she has to deal with Matthias Saunders, then so be it. Surely a city girl like her can handle one country vet--even one with disturbing blue eyes. Can't she?

Book Review originally posted in June 2011

Jezebel has returned to her family after the death of her fiancée. She thought going home would make her feel better but she's wrong. She couldn't escape the past because of a secret that has been haunting her since the day her ex died. Everything seems so wrong in her life until her mom pushes her into riding lessons with the vet Matthias Saunders. Slowly, she finds happiness with the stallion and the vet. However things are not that easy to forget. Her past is still haunting her.

The plot of the story is great, the characters are likeable especially Matty, the local vet who falls in love with Jezzy. The conflict of the story was believable, the story had me crying. I can feel Jezzy's pain. This is my first book by AJ Nuest and I will definitely look out for her other books.

Purchase your copy

Friday, February 19, 2016

Free Kindle Download: SEALED with a Kiss by Caitlyn O'Leary




SEALED with a Kiss 
(Midnight Delta Book 4)
by Caitlyn O'Leary




About the book:

Relationship Advice from Six Navy Seals?
When Billy Anderson decided to ask Rebecca Barnes to the Valentine’s Day Dance, he had no idea that he would be getting relationship advice from six Navy SEALs. While these guys have the looks do they really have a clue to how to get Rebecca out of the friend zone and into the girl friend zone?

A Girl In Need
There is more going on with Rebecca than she is willing to share. She needs help. As much as she wants to go out with Billy she just can’t. There is just too much going on in her life that she doesn’t think she can share, nor does she think she can ask for help.

A White Knight in the Making
When Billy realizes the situation Rebecca is in, he’ll stop at nothing to help her, this includes calling in the men of Midnight Delta. He knows Drake, Mason, Darius, Finn, Clint and Jack will go above and beyond the call of duty to help the young woman he cares for. But will it be enough to ensure that Rebecca is...

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Free Kindle Download: Wild Irish Heart by Tricia O'Malley




Wild Irish Heart 
(The Mystic Cove Series Book 1)
by Tricia O'Malley



About the book:

Wild Irish Heart
It is time…

An ancient book, a power untouched, and a heart unloved lead Keelin O'Brien from her graduate studies in Boston to a small village on the coast of Southern Ireland. Determined to unearth the secrets lying hidden in the enchanted waters of the cove, Keelin has little time for a surly Irishman who infuriates her during the day and haunts her fantasies at night.

Inexplicably drawn to the woman who has stepped from his dreams and into his world, Flynn fights a stubborn battle against his increasing attraction for Keelin. Forces unknown have better plans for the two.

Only the secrets of the cove can show Keelin who she really is, the beauty of her mysterious power, and a love that will break the bounds of what she knows.

Download Free Kindle

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Follow Friday! Prompt of the week Why did you start blogging?






Prompt of the week
Why did you start blogging? 
- suggested by Parajunkee

Well, it's because I was reading too many books and watching lots of movies! I wanted to keep a list of them so I created a blog, originally at Multiply.com which was the best platform around 2006-2008. Moved to Blogger in 2008 since Multiply didn't have enough tools for book blogging. Actually some of the posts were not transferred here because I was busy then learning Blogger's platform and also I forgot my Multiply password. When I was ready to move everything, Multiply's gone, taking away my published posts along with my old pictures which I have no back up copies!

It's been eight long years now.  I considered quitting plenty of times, seen too many old blogger friends who have decided to retire their blogs. That's making me sad... not knowing what happened to them (we only correspond thru blog comments) I'm really hoping that I'll be able to continue this for many more years... with you!

Sooo, that's my story.. what's yours?

For newbies, to join the hop, 

HOW DOES THE #FF WORK?

  • The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post.
  • You create your own post using the post prompt.
  • You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt.
  • Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.
  • If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, like their name on the linky list to show some appreciation.
  • The person with the most likes gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of features)
  • It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the feature. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.
  • As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.

Specific RULES

  • Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
  • Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
  • If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followedFollow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
  • Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
  • If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Recommended Read: Initiation Bonfire Academy Book 1 by Imogen Rose





Initiation
Bonfire Academy Book 1
by Imogen Rose



Amazon Ratings: 5-star 58%

About the book:


Welcome to Bonfire Academy! 

Set in the foothills of the alpine mountains in St.Moritz, this exclusive private school caters to a special kind of student. Enter at your own risk... but if you are human, you may not want to enter at all. 

WARNING: This YA story is set in a school for paranormals who are very different from normal human teens. Thus, the language and some scenes might not be appropriate for younger YA readers. Recommended for those sixteen and above. 

Book Review originally posted in April 2012

Initiation tells the story of Cordelia, a graduating demon student of Bonfire Academy, a private school located in Switzerland for the paranormal students. Cordelia is given a task to mentor a new student of the academy - Faustine, the first and only half human/half demon to enter the Bonfire Academy. She has yet to discover her powers so enrolling in the academy is a must for her.

Initiation is a good book. However, I had a problem with the characters of the story. I was thinking all along that Cordelia is the main character here but as I read further, more like half of the book, it seemed like Faustine is. I realized the author focused on Faustine's power and wrote so little about Cordelia's. I had the same problem with Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I began the series thinking that the main character is Rose Hathaway but then the author focused on Lissa Dragomir's power. That's one of the things I hated when I read the first book of the VA series.

Anyway, I had to do a little research on this book and found myself even more confused. I learned that Faustine has a book, entitled "Faustine", Book One of the Bonfire Chronicles and Initiation is the prequel series of the "Faustine" book. Knowing Initiation is a prequel of some book/s made me less excited to read book 2 of this series. Faustine and I have never truly connected. I hope the author would write more about Cordelia in book two and her power because honestly I hated reading about that half demon brat!

Pretending I didn't know about the Faustine book. I loved the plot of Initiation and the idea that there is a school for paranormal students, well, that's just new to me. Vampire academy has only vampires and dhampirs but Bonfire Academy has it all - demon, shifters, vampires, witches, faeries, maybe even angels, I'm not so sure about that as it was only mentioned once in the book. It's an action-packed book with all the paranormals fighting each other, or well sometimes they try to kill each other. I liked the academy's rules - one of the three main golden rules is "Trust no one" since all students have powers. A good demon like Cordelia can harm her friends if a witch casts a spell on her. Students are also not allowed to chitchat about their powers. If one chooses to reveal his/her power, that's okay but no one should ask questions about it. So mystery of the story - check! The pacing of the story well it flows just right. Check! Writing style, great. Check!

Initiation, as with all other YA books, has love triangle issue. Cordelia has a boyfriend, Quinn while she flirts with Jagger, who happens to also have a girlfriend.  I hate it when someone is cheating on his/her significant other. The author rarely wrote about one of those two guys so I have this theory etched in my head, that guy will be out in the picture eventually. But I hope not because I liked him better than the other!

Overall, Initiation has a good plot minus the love triangle and whiny half-human brat Faustine, it would have been five for me.


Purchase your copy

Guest Author: All About Imps by Henry Herz




All About Imps by Henry Herz 

According to German mythology, imps are lesser goblins who often seek humans on whom to commit mischievous, not evil, acts. Imps are described as small, wild and willful; in some cultures they are synonymous with fairies. They are sometimes depicted as unattractive small demons. Although immortal, imps could be harmed with magical weapons or kept out of one’s house with magical wards.

There’s a certain pathos associated with imps, as their mischief is meant to attract human attention and friendship, but typically produces the opposite effect. Even in “successful” situations, the imp remains true to its nature, and continues to play pranks on its human host. Hence the term “impish” is often used today to describe someone who is a trickster or practical joker.


Given their quasi-demonic appearance, some believed that imps were servants of witches and warlocks, sometimes known as familiars. Such familiars, in the form of the all-too-common black cat, black dog, or toad, were considered proof of witchcraft during the era of witch hunts. Science!!



Imp legend in some cases associates imps with an object. Some imps were kept within a container, like a bottle or lamp. Others were not contained within, but magically bound to an object like a sword or jewel.

Imps could be considered the alter-egos of the far more helpful brownies (not to be confused with young girl scouts or a delicious chocolatey treat). According to Scottish and English folklore, brownies are small humanoids that inhabit unused portions of houses, such as attics, basements, or within the walls. Brownies help with the household chores, but because they don’t like to be seen, they work at night. They appreciate gifts of food, particularly honey, porridge and dairy products. But brownies may depart the home if their gifts are referred to as payments, or if the human occupants mistreat them. It seems like a brownie would be a natural solution to an imp infestation.


Imps appear in the games Forgotten Realms and Dungeons & Dragon, and in the books THE BOTTLE IMP by Robert Louis Stevenson, LIVES OF THE NECROMANCER by William Godwin, THE IMP AND THE CRUST by Leo Tolstoy, The Oz series by L. Frank Baum, and MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES by Henry Herz.


Henry Herz's latest picture book, published by Pelican (32 pages), is WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY. Before you lend an imp a penny, there’s something you should know—such a simple act of generosity could set off a side-splitting chain of events! A colorful picture book full of mythology, mischief, and magic, WHEN YOU GIVE AN IMP A PENNY shows us just what happens when an accident-prone—but well-intentioned—imp comes along asking for favors! The same writer/illustrator duo that brought you MONSTER GOOSE NURSERY RHYMES brings to life a comedy of fabled proportions.


From tracking mud on the floor to setting the broom on fire, this clumsy little imp causes accidents wherever he goes, but he’s determined make things right again. The only thing it will cost his host is a little patience—and maybe a bit of time cleaning up some messes! It won’t be long before this troublemaker has won over the entire family (except for the cat) with his irrepressible charm. Herz’s whimsical prose and Larson’s bold illustrations make this tale a laugh from beginning to end—and then again!

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