Blog Tour: Review: The Jelly Bean Crisis by Jolene Stockman

Title: The Jelly Bean Crisis

Author: Jolene Stockman

Publication Date: 8-1-2012

Publisher: CreateSpace

Pages: 308

Format: eBook

Source: Blog Tour
Challenge: 2012 eBook Challenge

Goodreads | Amazon

Book Summary:

A total meltdown. The whole school watching. Now Poppy’s an ex-straight-A with no Plan B.

When Poppy Johnson throws away a full scholarship to Columbia, she can only blame the jelly beans. The yucky green ones? Midnight cram sessions and Saturday’s spent studying. The delicious red? The family legacy: Columbia, and a future in finance. Except now it’s starting to look like Poppy’s jelly bean theory is wrong. School has been her life until, but maybe it’s time to start living now.

Poppy has thirty days to try a new life. No school, no studying. Just jumping into every possible world. Thirty days to find her passion, her path, and maybe even love. The Jelly Bean Crisis is officially on.

Poppy is a young girl who is feeling the pressure of living up to the standards of those around her.  She has always done what people have expected her and is realizing that may not be exactly what she wants.  Poppy makes a decision to try different careers/jobs for 30 days to discover who she really is and where she wants her life to go.

I was so proud of Poppy in this book.  She is determined to do something she loves and something that makes her happy, no matter what those around her are saying.  The careers she tries are not what I expected of her.  They are way off base, but hilarious.  She finds out more about herself in these 30 days than she knew in the last 16 years of her life.  

At times she struggled with the relationships between her and her best friends.  They felt abandoned and Poppy thought they were growing apart, although with her determination she can make anything work.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  The writing was good and the author kept me hooked from the beginning.  I loved Poppy's character.  She is strong-willed, determined, fun-loving, and has a great heart.  The personal growth throughout this book is easily seen.  Her family isn't quite as willing to let her discover herself, but the overall impression these 30 days make on everyone around her is a breakthrough.  They all discover something they may not have known about themselves before.  

This is definitely an inspiring and uplifting novel.  One I can't help but recommend you pick up.

Don't forget to check out the other tour stops by going HERE to find out more information!

Audiobook Review: Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

Publication Date: 3-27-2007

Publisher: Listening Library (Audio)

Pages: N/A

Format: Audiobook

Source: Library

Challenge: N/A

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

High school senior Tyler Miller used to be the kind of guy who faded into the background—average student, average looks, average dysfunctional family. But since he got busted for doing graffiti on the school, and spent the summer doing outdoor work to pay for it, he stands out like you wouldn’t believe. His new physique attracts the attention of queen bee Bethany Milbury, who just so happens to be his father’s boss’s daughter, the sister of his biggest enemy—and Tyler’s secret crush. And that sets off a string of events and changes that have Tyler questioning his place in the school, in his family, and in the world.

In Twisted, the acclaimed Laurie Halse Anderson tackles a very controversial subject: what it means to be a man today. Fans and new readers alike will be captured by Tyler’s pitch perfect, funny voice, the surprising narrative arc, and the thoughtful moral dilemmas that are at the heart of all of the author’s award-winning, widely read work.

Tyler Miller had made some bad choices in the past, but is determined to find himself now that he’s made changes in his life.  An event at a party leaves those in school wondering what Tyler is really like, and leaves Tyler trying to find himself and discover what it means to be a man.  Tyler’s mother is a pet photographer and an alcoholic, his father excessively works and has anger issues and his sister as whiny and often cares only about herself.  Tyler is constantly living in fear of disappointing those around him and causing more harm than necessary.

Tyler experiences situations that no one should have to experience.  He is accused of horrible things that end up pushing him away from people even further than before.  His father blames him for everything that goes wrong in life and Tyler can feel himself sinking further.  He becomes depressed and makes the ultimate choice to stand-up for what he believes in and become a man like he believes he should be.

This book was riveting.  I loved that there was a male protagonist because the typical books seems to have a female main character.  I picked this one up because I enjoyed other books by the same author and because it was on the Banned Books list.  I was a little surprised by that after listening to it.  The narrator was great and portrayed Tyler exactly how I felt he should be portrayed.  I felt like I could connect with him and feel his emotions.  Tyler made me laugh with him at times and want to cry with him too.  I would recommend picking this book up on audio as I did.  It’s a great listen.

One Moment by Kristina McBride

Publication Date: 6-26-2012

Publisher: EgmontUSA

Pages: 272

Format: eBook

Source: Netgalley

Challenge: eBook Challenge

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads 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 remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail 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.

I was excited to read this book because the synopsis made it sound really interesting.  I thought it would make a great summer read and I love the cover.  Thankfully I wasn't disappointed! McBride had me hooked on this book from the very beginning.  The plot line was thrilling and mysterious.  I couldn't wait to find out more.  However, I will admit this book is slightly depressing.

Maggie is an amazing character.  She is well-rounded, sweet and believable.  The grief she experiences from the loss of her boyfriend is expected and not over exaggerated.` She has her ups and downs and is just a very lovable character.  I found myself attached to her and hoping for the best.  

I literally couldn't put this book down.  This was probably the fastest I finished a book in a long time!  Like I said, the storyline was catching and the mystery surrounding the death of Joey was something I couldn't help but try to figure out.  As more details arise, I began to feel a little differently.  Some characters didn't have a single good aspect to them.  I almost didn't want to know what happened.  I thought it would ruin the book.  Of course, I was wrong.  The ending of this book is the best part.  I was thrilled to have everything seemingly worked out. 

Although this book is a bit of a downer in the beginning, I suggest picking it up.  I think it's a great read for this summer.

Review: Lies Beneath by Anne Greenwood Brown

Publication Date: 6-12-2012

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Pages: 320

Format: eBook

Source: NetGalley

Challenge: 2012 eBook Challenge

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistable good looks and charm on ususpecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.

I don't know why, but lately I've been picking up books and finding out they are NOTHING like I think they are going to be.  I suppose it would help if I read the synopsis instead of just looking at pretty covers. 

Anyway, even though this wasn't what I expected, it was a very interesting book.  Mermaids are murderers.  Who would have thought that?  They are definitely not friendly creatures as one may think.  At least, as I thought.  Calder White is a mermaid who is choosing to attempt to live without feeding on humans (as his sisters do).  He goes long periods of times without feeding, because he feels bad about it.  This summer, Calder and his family are planning revenge for their mother's death.  The plan is to take one person from the Hancock family as a sacrifice, in a way, to make up for their mother's death.  Their plan takes a turn when Calder decides he cares deeply for one of the family members, Lily.  

Lily is a strange character to me.  I feel like she doesn't react in a way that a normal person would react.  It was strange to see her feelings towards mermaids and animals of the lake.  She seemed to have more understanding than most people.  This would be an aspect of the book that was a little frustrating to me.  She didn't seem real.

Calder's character was a little strange too, but he was easy to like.  He had a side to him that made you want to like him.  I wanted the best for him, even with the mistakes he made.  He tries to make the right decisions, but having a deep connection with his sisters makes his decisions more difficult.  

Overall, there was a lot of excitement in this book.  I enjoyed the story, even if some aspects of it seemed unlikely.  The writing was good and the author kept me entertained.  I especially liked the ending of this book, which of course I won't tell you about.  I would say this is a book to pick up from the library or borrow from someone before adding it to your bookshelf. Either you will like it or you wont'.  Personally, I don't think there is much of an in-between for this one!  

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Publication Date: 6-12-12

Publisher: Egmont USA

Pages: 336
Format: eBook

Source: NetGalley

Challenge: 2012 eBook Challenge

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts.

This book was great! I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was written in Kaleb's POV instead of Emerson's.  I fully expected Emerson to once again narrate this story as she did the first, but the change of pace was interesting and fit very well in the story!

I don't want to give too much away in case you haven't had a chance to read Hourglass.  Basically this book continues from Hourglass and delves deeper into the world that Myra McEntire created.  We learn more about each of the characters, as well as more about the entire world.  The bit of romance included in this book is so fitting.  There isn't too much romance to be overbearing, but hearing about the brewing romances among characters just made it so much better.  Each character contains the spark of something that makes you want to love them.

I love the mystery this book contains, as well as the paranormal aspects.  It's a mix of everything I love all bundled up into a pretty little bow! I can't get enough of these characters.  Emerson and Michael are amazing together.  Kaleb is such a gentlemen and a person I wouldn't mind knowing myself.  

The once aspect of this book I did NOT like was the ending!  How could she leave us hanging like that?! I don't know if I can wait until book number three comes out to find out what happens.  I have so many questions going through my head I just can't take it!  In all seriousness, you must read this book.  I loved it.  I loved it to pieces, and I will likely be reading it again soon because I can't get enough!

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway: Undertow by Callie Kingston

Title: Undertow

Author: Callie Kingston

Publication Date: 2/18/2012

Publisher: Carolwood Press

Pages: 230

Format: eBook

Source: Blog Tour

Challenge: 2012 eBook Challenge

Goodreads | Amazon

Book Summary:

While she sleeps beside a log on the wild Oregon coast, a rogue wave pulls Marissa into the sea. Now she dreams each night of a merman who rescues her. Obsessed with returning to this beautiful creature, she again risks her life in the frigid ocean.

Will Marissa remain lost forever in the eddies of her mind, or can real love save her from the abyss? Sometimes, the dangers which lie within are the deadliest.

Where to start with this one?  Marissa is an amazing young woman.  She has suffered a lot of traumatic experiences throughout her life, and at the beginning of the book, she suffers another one.  Marissa finds out her boyfriend Drew is cheating on her, and escapes to the beach to be alone and just think.  While there, she's whisked out to sea by the current and saved by what she believes to be a merman.  

Marissa experiences a lot of craziness in the book, including her own mental breakdown.  She goes through a lot of emotions and the author did a great job expressing those emotions to the reader with a lot of tact and sensitivity.  

There was a bit of a lull midway through the book in which I wasn't quite with it, but I'm glad that I stuck it out.  The ending sucked me in and made me devour the book so much quicker.  It was a great read overall and I really enjoyed it.  I fell in love with Marissa and her new boyfriend, Jim.  Marissa is a skeptical young woman who has a lot of emotions to deal with.  Jim is a great guy who is there for her and willing to help in any way that he possibly can.  

I don't want to say too much more, because I don't want to give anything away.  Basically, if you like contemporary fiction I suggest you pick up this book and give it a try.  Push your way through the middle because I believe you will REALLY enjoy it!

Callie Kingston's home is in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with many furry creatures (including her husband). She holds a masters degree in psychology and has worked in schools for many years. When not writing, she likes to explore the outdoors, especially the forests and beaches along the Oregon coast. She also enjoys a great cup of cappuccino, which happily is easily found in her part of the world.

Click HERE to take a look at the other tour stops, including giveaway opportunities!! 


AND without further ado...check out the e-book giveaway below, provided by the lovely author.  Don't forget, there is also a possibility of winning a SIGNED print copy and a $20 gift card from AToMR Blog Tours!


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Review: Perfect by Ellen Hopkins

Publication Date: 9-13-2011

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 640

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased
Challenge: N/A

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Everyone has something, someone, somewhere else that they’d rather be. For four high-school seniors, their goals of perfection are just as different as the paths they take to get there.

Cara’s parents’ unrealistic expectations have already sent her twin brother Conner spiraling toward suicide. For her, perfect means rejecting their ideals to take a chance on a new kind of love. Kendra covets the perfect face and body—no matter what surgeries and drugs she needs to get there. To score his perfect home run—on the field and off—Sean will sacrifice more than he can ever win back. And Andre realizes to follow his heart and achieve his perfect performance, he’ll be living a life his ancestors would never understand.

Everyone wants to be perfect, but when perfection loses its meaning, how far will you go? What would you give up to be perfect?

A riveting and startling companion to the bestselling Impulse, Ellen Hopkins's Perfect exposes the harsh truths about what it takes to grow up and grow into our own skins, our own selves.

Perfect is a companion novel to Impulse, and I think you must read Impulse before reading Perfect.  It will be a much more fulfilling experience.  Impulse gives you the background information you need to understand the situation among these teens even better.  Cara’s parents are ridiculous in their expectations, and it is these expectations that caused Conner to commit suicide.  Kendra is determined to be perfect, but perfect in her eyes is unhealthy in most others.  Sean is willing to do anything to become a professional baseball player, whether those things are legal or not.  Andre doesn’t want to follow in his parent’s footsteps, but rather take his own path into the world of dance. 

Each of these teens has an obstacle to becoming “perfect” that they must overcome.  Their parents have different expectations of them that don’t make sense to these kids.  They want to be perfect, but perfect is really in the eyes of the beholder.  Ellen Hopkins touched on so many subjects in this novel that included eating disorders, sexual discovery, and racism.  These are all tough topics to broach in a novel, but Hopkins did it perfectly.  I was touched by each of these stories.  Cara, Kendra, Sean, and Andre all had an important story to tell that resulted in an important life lesson for each of them.  I think we all learn by making mistakes, and that is the only way that these four could learn as well.

This is another novel written in verse by Hopkins.  She tells an amazing, detailed story filled with depth in such few words.  This isn’t poetry in the typical sense, but rather a different way to tell a story.  The story has as much detail as any other novel, but doesn’t have as many words, and is told in a way that just makes you connect better with each character.  Emotionally, Hopkins’ books will leave you raw and open.  Every time I read one I am thinking about them for weeks, even months to come.  They are stories that I will never forget.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to have these novels available to read, and I think they are beneficial to more than just the teen community of readers.  Another fantastic job by Ellen Hopkins!

Review: Flirting with Disaster by Rhonda Stapleton

Publication Date: 3-9-2010

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 256

Format: Paperback

Source: Contest

Challenge: N/A

Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Summary:

Felicity is a total romantic. That's why she follows her heart—not the rules—in her job as a cupid. But when Felicity turns her matchmaking magic on her best friend, Andy, it's Andy who breaks their golden rule: friends always come first. Andy is so wrapped up in her new guy that she's ditching everyone else. How can Felicity stop her BFF from letting a BF come between them?

Meanwhile, Felicity decides to get over her crush on Derek by setting him up with someone else—but in her impulsive haste, she accidentally matches him with the whole school, and now everyone is in love with him. The entire student body is headed toward heartbreak, just weeks before prom. Does Felicity have what it takes to make everyone's heart happy…including her own?

Oh to be Felicity and have to make matches in high school of your friends and people you don’t know.  Could you imagine that?  I would make terrible love matches!  I am often surprised with the friends of mine that end up together.  They seem like such odd couplings that make each other so happy.

Anyway, this is book number two in the Stupid Cupid series by Rhonda Stapleton.  Book number one is titled, as you may have guessed, Stupid Cupid.  Felicity is a match-maker.  She works as a cupid to match up people in her high school that she thinks would be great couples.  She ends up making some major mistakes in this book.  The most critical mistake? Setting up Derek with the entire school, rather than setting him up with one person.  Oops. How is Felicity going to fix this? 

I love this series! It’s such a cute little love story.  Felicity so badly wants to find love herself that she is like randomly setting up people at school.  I don’t think she puts as much thought into it as she should, but fixing up Derek with the whole school had to be the worst mistake in the eyes of her employer.  As for Felicity, this mistake could work out.  Derek and Felicity are spending a ton of time together because she is one of the few people that aren’t affected by the cupid e-mail.  They get to know each other, but what is going to happen when this e-mail wares off?  I guess you’ll have to read it and find out!

I have book #3 sitting on my shelf waiting patiently for me to read.  Honestly, I don’t know why these weren’t on my TBR list before winning them in a contest.  They are just adorable reads that make me smile.  I want Felicity to be happy, but her teenage mistakes make laugh and remember my own time as a teenager (which wasn’t very long ago!).  So, pick up book number one in this series, Stupid Cupid, from the library, a friend or wherever and take a chance at it! You might enjoy the teenage cuteness and humor.