The King’s Christmas List by Eldon Johnson

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THE KING’S CHRISTMAS LIST
Author: Eldon Johnson
Source: Book Sneeze
*I received this book free of 
charge in exchange for an 
honest review*

  • Reading level: Ages 4-8
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 5, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400316456
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400316458

SUMMARY:

Emma couldn’t wait to go to the King’s birthday party, but what should she bring?
 
Emma and her little dog Shu-Shu were thrilled to be invited to the King’s birthday party. But what do you get a King for his birthday? Emma and Shu-Shu have no gift, but they bring the Christmas cake they made with Mom and put on their Sunday best as they dash to the King’s carriage.  And of course, Emma couldn’t go anywhere without her beloved Cherry-Bear.  On the way, they have encounters that lead them to bestow their cake, winter-cape, and even Cherry-Bear, on others. Now they’re chilly, rumpled, and empty-handed-what will the King think? Emma frets, but when they finally meet the King at his palace, they discover they gave the King exactly what he wanted.

MY THOUGHTS:

While my child and I enjoyed the story and the illustrations of this book, I felt that the writing was geared more for children aged 8-10 years old.  The book seemed a little long in writing for each page and it left my child bored.  Younger children like short little paragraphs to go along with each illustrated page. That is what holds their interest in a book long enough for you to read it to them.  My daughter grew impatient as I read the long page of story and lost interest in the book before I could turn the page.

The illustrations were beautiful throughout the book.  She liked the colors and the cute pictures of Emma and her dog Shu-Shu.  She understood the meaning of the book in which doing small acts of kindness are better than giving and receiving gifts at Christmas time.  The only other part of the book that I wasn’t a fan of was the coupons at the end of the story.  They were coupons to donate money and such to feed the homeless.  To me, those sort of things do not belong in a book geared for children.

Overall the illustrations and meaning of the book were the best part of the book.  While the story was a little long and drawn out, I would recommend it for kids around 8 years old instead of the younger kids.

MY RATING:

 
Okay book, but it left me wanting more! 3 STARS

(ARC Review) UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand

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UNEARTHLY
Author: Cynthia Hand
  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 448 pages
  • Publisher: HarperTeen (January 4, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061996165
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061996160
SUMMARY:

In the beginning, there’s a boy standing in the trees. . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she’s part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn’t easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place–and out of place, at the same time. Because there’s another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara’s less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she’d have to make–between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

MY THOUGHTS:
In her debut novel, author Cynthia Hand has created a realistic world full of angels, paranormal visions, suspense and romance.  When I first saw the reveal of the cover, I fell in love with this book.  As I read the summary, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy to read and review.  When I received this in the mail, I couldn’t wait to read it!

Clara knows that she is part human and quarter percent angel.  Her mother was half angel and her father was human.  Even though she only has a smidgen of angel in her, she still has the abilities to have visions and have a purpose.  When she starts having these visions, her mother moves Clara and her brother to Wyoming.  Since California is where Clara has lived all of her life, moving to Wyoming is not what she had expected.  

When she attends school in Wyoming, she finally finds the boy from her visions.  Christian is everything a girl could want — Handsome, polite and God-Like status at school.  When Clara makes friends with Wendy though, she also finds Tucker.  Tucker is Wendy’s brother and in my opinion the better match for Clara.  

As Clara tries to piece her visions together and figure out what her purpose is, she also starts to fall for Tucker even when her mother doesn’t approve.  

This book had everything and more.  I loved the romance triangle, the suspense, the fun, and the secrets that are revealed in the last half of the book.  The pace was great and flowed nicely as well.  The only thing that I was not a fan of was the ending.  Some things were not wrapped up and left you wondering about it.  I understand that this book is the first in a trilogy, but some things could have been wrapped up in this book while still leaving a little suspense for the next in the series.  I still had a bunch of questions finishing this book which means others will as well.  Hopefully the next books will answer those questions.

Overall this is an outstanding read from a debut author!  One I would recommend for any reader! 

Now where is the line for a signed copy from this author? I am ready to start bribing her for a copy to sit proudly amongst my favorite reads of the year!

MY RATING:



Very Good! I would recommend this book! 4 STARS

WINNERS!!

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The contest for the 3 Harlequin Intrigue books has now ended. Using Random.org, the winners have been chosen and will be contacted shortly!
The winners are:
Each winner has 48 hours to respond with their mailing address for me to ship! Congrats!
Don’t forget about my ReCreate A Cover Contest that is going on still! Would love to see you enter!
Thanks!!

Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson

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EMMA AND THE VAMPIRES
A JANE AUSTEN UNDEAD NOVEL
Author(s): Jane Austen  and Wayne Josephson
Source: Sourcebooks Landmark

  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark (August 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1402241348
  • ISBN-13: 978-1402241345

SUMMARY:

What better place than pale England to hide a secret society of gentlemen vampires?

In this hilarious retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, screenwriter Wayne Josephson casts Mr. Knightley as one of the most handsome and noble of the gentlemen village vampires. Blithely unaware of their presence, Emma, who imagines she has a special gift for matchmaking, attempts to arrange the affairs of her social circle with delightfully disastrous results. But when her dear friend Harriet Smith declares her love for Mr. Knightley, Emma realizes she’s the one who wants to stay up all night with him. Fortunately, Mr. Knightley has been hiding a secret deep within his unbeating heart-his (literal) undying love for her… A brilliant mash-up of Jane Austen and the undead.

MY THOUGHTS:

Shhh. I have never read a true Jane Austen novel.  I know what you are thinking. What rock have I been hiding under? Well, I never have picked one up, but after reading this book I think I might have to change that.

Emma and the Vampires was a fun read.  Emma was so naive in this book that it was comical.  She thinks she is a great matchmaker in the book, and at times her heart is bigger than her brain.  The way this book was written, it just fits in the parody category of the genre’s.  I don’t know much about Austen novels, so I can’t say if it reminds me of them, but I will say if they are as fun and exciting as this one I will have to give one a try.  With everyone scrambling to read vampire novels and trying to figure out which ones are worth the money, I say pick up a copy of this one next! 

If you are a fan of fun loving romance with a paranormal twist, sink your teeth in Emma’s funny, yet sometimes disastrous matchmaking skills!  You won’t be disappointed!

MY RATING:


Outstanding Book That Will Stay On My Bookshelf
For Rereading! 5 STARS

WOW: Waiting on Wednesday

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Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. WOW spotlights forthcoming titles that we absolutely can’t wait to read.
 
 
YOU DROPPED A BLONDE ON ME
Author: Dakota Cassidy
  • Paperback: 368 pages
  • Publisher: Berkley Trade (December 7, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0425236994
  • ISBN-13: 978-0425236994

WHY I WANT THIS BOOK:  Dakota Cassidy!!! Need I say more?