Fiction Addict

Genre: Romance

Publisher: Penguin Group

Release Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

The latest installment of the Elm Creek Quilters series, the Wedding Quilt jumps ahead approximately 25 years to celebrate Sarah and Matt’s daughter Caroline’s upcoming wedding. Friends and family from near and far congregate at Elm Creek to share in the happiness of the event. Instead of spending a lot of time and detail on the current wedding, however, the book focuses on “catching up” on some of the guests and giving their back stories. While the readers certainly get to indulge in the fun of a wedding, they also learn “whatever happened to…” in relation to many key characters throughout the series.
At first, I admit I was a bit confused by the story. I understood that the story took place 25 years in the future, but I felt as though I were missing certain story elements, even though I had read all the previous books. I kept reading and found the stories of various previously-known characters to be interesting and fun. Some relied on historical events, while others were purely fictional. It was fun to “catch up” with people and to learn the history of the area. Best of all, we got to read about a surprise at the wedding: a secret gift Sylvia had set away for each of Sarah’s twins before she died. Of course, the story has a happy ending.
Despite the initial confusion, the book quickly warms up Chiaverini’s fans to another installment of her beloved characters. As usual, Chiaverini keeps things clean and friendly. Even people who have disagreements do not become violent, and there are no sexual undertones or vulgar language. People who love quilting, people who love to read historical fiction, or even people who just love a good story will be happy with this book. Even older teens will be able to read the story without parents worrying about offensive content. The only caveat is that the chapters are very long, so if planning on reading before bed, the reader may have to stop in the middle of a chapter. While not terribly upsetting, it does create a bit of frustration for those of us who like to finish a chapter before closing the book. Still, the Wedding Quilt provides enough heartwarming scenes to keep its readers happy.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Scribner

Publication Date: August 2011

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

As thousands of fans flood Charlotte for Race Week, a body is discovered in a barrel behind the speedway. When the news gets out, a pit crew member walks into Temperance’s office and tells her that his sister, Cyndi, and her boyfriend, Cale, disappeared 12 years earlier, but no bodies or traces were found. At the time, Cale’s involvement with an extremist group brought in the FBI. However, a few weeks later they closed the case and walked away.

When Temperance delves into the case, strange things start to happen. Examination of the remains uncovers the presence of a deadly substance. Then the body disappears from the morgue shortly after. The FBI returns with more secrets then ever and an employee of the Centers for Disease and Control goes missing. As always, the harder the mystery, the more determined Temperance becomes to unravel it.

Kathy Reichs returns with yet another winner as she transports us into the world of NASCAR. Flash and Bones is packed with the intriguing forensic descriptions and suspense that her fans have come to love and expect. There is no question why Reichs keeps hitting the bestsellers list. Throughout the novel, she will introduce her readers to both fans and fanatics of racing. As always, Temperance is brilliant at work; however, but her personal life is in shambles. The heroine juggles three men in her life; each one has been her lover at one point or another during the series. They continue to depend on her emotionally, but in return are unavailable for her needs. She also deals with the pre-wedding meltdowns of an ex-husband’s fiancée. Flash and Bones is another must read for anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.

Genre: Inspirational

Publisher: Howard Books

Publication Date: November 2011

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Thomas Brandt and his family have had a rough year. Because of his Dad’s drinking and abuse, his Mom was forced to move Kevin and his sister to a new town with a new school and a not so new trailer. Try as he might to fit in, he’s become the target of the school bully and to make matters worse, his mother can’t even afford their Christmas this year. Desperate for help, she reluctantly decides to sign her kids up for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.

Kevin Morrell can’t believe his bad luck. With Christmas just around the corner and the birth of his twins on the horizon, he finds out his business might be forced to close. As Kevin swims around in a sea of self-pity and worry he tries to be strong for his family. He wants to have the faith of his wife, but he feels farther away from God than ever before. Despite his doubts, he decides to do one small act of kindness that will unknowingly change the lives of two families.

Paper Angels is one I’ve been anticipating for some time. Jimmy Wayne’s hit song, “Paper Angels“, has been a source of inspiration to his fans for many years and I couldn’t wait to see how Thrasher and Wayne translated that message into novel form. Fans of both will instantly be aware of the dual story line throughout the novel that subtly (and sometimes not-so subtly) reflects the personal experiences of both. For this reader at least, those personal touches made the story lines and characters that much more intriguing.

Despite how much or little you may know about this partnership, rest assured Paper Angels can be enjoyed by all. The timeless messages of sacrifice and hope are on beautiful display throughout, all set perfectly against the backdrop of the Salvation Army Angel Tree program. Yes, this story tries hard to bring awareness to that program, but it also accomplishes much more in the end. As a parent I walked away from this story with a greater appreciation for my family and how blessed I truly am. More importantly, this story has stayed with me throughout this holiday season reminding me that true joy comes from giving.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Children’s Series

Publisher: Abrams, Harry N., Inc.

Publication Date:  November, 2011

Reviewed by Chrystal Dorsey

Writer Jeff Kinney continues his diary entries about the adventures of his stick figure Protagonist, Greg Heffley in, Cabin Fever – Diary #6.  In this installment Greg finds himself in trouble again and this time he is somehow involved in vandalizing school property. The other perpetrator is of course, his closest friend, Rowley who, as usual is along for the ride.

The winter holidays is the setting for this Wimpy Kid installment.  While Greg is trying to figure out what to put on his Christmas list, he chronicles a number of events that take place prior to the blizzard that trap him and how he manages to deal with them – including, looking for ways to earn money to buy Kritterz Kash to care for his demanding cyber pet.  At the same time, Greg’s little brother, Manny has his own solution to Greg’s virtual pet problem, and it’s a doozy.

And like any average stick-figure adolescent, Gregg has finally grown up a bit, and is a little less whiny.  Although his primary goal is to earn money to care for his virtual dog and not get busted for defacing school property, Greg brings attention to the fact that recess has become like a prison yard after the last of the playground equipment is taken away – because according to Greg, the school was having trouble paying the insurance for the playground, so each time there was an accident or injury they removed the offending piece of equipment – until there was none, and the children were left with no recess-time activities.  Greg may very well be on to something,  because, that may be the lame explanation for the lack of physical activity in today’s public schools.

After successful eluding the school authorizes as well as the police for his accidental crime, to Greg’s surprise he is anonymously ratted out by none other than one of Westmore Middle School’s usual suspects.

An entertainingly quick, easy read for young children.

Review copy provided by publisher. 

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Lucas Lane Publishers

Publication Date: December 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Travis Thrasher hit his stride when he began releasing The Solitary Tales a year ago. With both Solitary and Gravestone, Thrasher set up a complex and multi-layered world for Chris Buckley to enter and explore, while dealing with his own heartaches. So many mysteries surround the small town of Solitary, North Carolina, and many of them have yet to be solved in the first two books of the series.

So, keeping readers happy while waiting for the next installment in this astounding series, Thrasher has released this “b-sides,” Something I Can Never Have. If you have not read both Solitary and Gravestone, stop now and go back to read those first. I promise you won’t be disappointed. But for those who have finished those dark and creepy tales, read on.

Something I Can Never Have is a collection of letters written by Pastor Jeremiah Marsh, who is introduced in Solitary and continues to scare throughout Gravestone. Some dark mysteries circle around the pastor, and here, we have a glimpse into his life before coming to pastor the large church just outside the main town of Solitary. What follows is definitely a frightening collection, and truly begins to show Marsh’s slip toward madness and suddenly chilling recovery. There are definitely a few surprises lurking here, and while not solving the greater mysteries of Solitary, this short novella does give us a few bits of information about Pastor Marsh.

Since Jeremiah Marsh is penning the letters comprising each chapter, the writing style differs from the main books. It doesn’t come across as choppy, but instead flows in the unsettling manner you’d expect from Marsh. Parts of this one reminded me more of Thrasher’s Isolation, and the letters definitely dive into some deeper topics and very disturbing scenes.

In some ways, reading this short book was cruel: it truly reminded me why I loved The Solitary Tales, and it also reminded me of how much I couldn’t wait before Temptation, book number three, is released. It would be great if Thrasher released more “b-sides” – more short tales of various characters from the series. Fans will definitely eat it up. I know I did. And maybe, Pastor Marsh did too…

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Drama, Suspense

Publisher: Osmyrrah

Publication Date: September 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

Antigone Brown is flighty and impulsive; when she gets flustered or depressed, she takes her vintage Ford Mustang and drives the open road to clear her mind. This upsets her logical, grounded husband, Sam, to no end. When Mercy hits the open road when she finds out she is pregnant, she not only frustrates Sam, as usual, but surprises him as well when she brings home a young runaway, Ryder. Ryder is from the inner city and has run away to avoid his abusive mother. Being the caring people they are, they take in Ryder as one of their own. Shortly after this, Antigone hears that a group of “concerned citizens” in her hometown of Mercy, North Carolina, has decided to ban books. Although Antigone is dyslexic and has a love/hate relationship with books, she takes a stand against this group of powerful women in Mercy. Of course, this affects not only Antigone and her family, but her friends and co-workers.
Sherry Roberts weaves an interesting story that immerses readers in the lives of the characters. We understand Antigone’s struggle and Sam’s frustration with her. We feel terrible about Ryder’s tough family situation. No matter one’s opinion of book banning, the reader is sure to understand Antigone’s standing up to the bullies in her life. It’s refreshing to see her stand up for what is right, even if it’s something that gives her grief. Reading is not Antigone’s strong suit, but she still risks so much so that students can have the freedom to read what they want.
In general, the story is tame and doesn’t have much in the way of violence. Many people do curse, however, and use some pretty vulgar language. Ryder comes from an abusive home, so those sensitive to the plight of abused children may not be comfortable reading certain sections of the book. There is also a scene in which a beloved pet dies, so anyone uncomfortable with deaths of animals may not be willing to read it. For a story on a different topic, however, Book of Mercy manages to entertain and delight the reader.

Genre: Military Suspense/Thriller

Publisher: Barbour

Publication Date: January 2012

Reviewed by Elizabeth Olmedo 

Nightshade protects those in need.

But who protects Nightshade?

Someone has dismantled the covert group, scattering its members around the globe. Kazi Faron accepts the task of rescuing and reuniting the team. Her plan is to get in and get out. A plan that is easier said than done. Those who don’t want Nightshade back in operation will stop at nothing to keep the group apart. Kazi brings her own ghosts to the mix and if Nightshade’s enemies don’t finish her off, they will.

Griffin “Legend” Riddle sits in a maximum-security prison, charged with a murder he did not commit. When a mysterious woman shows up to break him out, he only has seconds to make his choice. He decides to follow. What comes next is a journey across countries and continents to bring home his team and uncover the threat to their lives. But can he depend on this independent, hot-blooded woman who likes being in charge?

Ronie Kendig hit a grand slam with the writing of Firethorn. It is the fourth book in the Discarded Heroes Series and she did not disappoint those of us who eagerly awaited her next turn at the plate with the bases loaded. The first three books were definitely hits, but Firethorn delivered the much-anticipated homerun.

Be prepared for a tear jerker. Kendig brings home the horrible and unfair cruelty of war, making readers aware of what our real, true life heroes and their families face every day. This book requires a box of Kleenex at your side. Saying goodbye to these characters who have become like best friends throughout the series is not easy.

Through Griffin and Kazi, two individuals with serious faith issues, Kendig shows the reader the importance of learning to trust, not only those around us, but God—the Ultimate Protector. Kendig’s fans won’t want to miss the conclusion of the Discarded Heroes Series.

Congratulations to the winners of our Waking Hours giveaway!

Janet Kanady

Cory Clubb

Cheryl Olson

Cory Kruse

Sarah Vrolyk

Genre: Children’s

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Publication Date: December 2011

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

Every step of the way, Dan and Amy Cahill have fought against treacherous relatives, dangerous traps, and puzzles designed to break them apart. But now, Amy and Dan are facing their biggest threat yet: a mysterious figure only known as Vesper One. All they know is Vesper One has kidnapped members of the Cahill family from each of the five branches: Lucian, Ekaterina, Tomas, Janus, and even from the Madrigals. And unless the siblings steal priceless artifacts and artwork, Vesper One is going to kill the prisoners. One by one. And now with Interpol after them as well, it seems like the whole world is turning against them: no one can be trusted. There is no where to hide. And time is running out for the hostages. And when the phone vibrates with a text message from Vesper One, Amy and Dan must now try to track down another strange piece of an even stranger master plot. And with the revelations on the last few pages, not even the Cahills are prepared for the dark truth waiting for them in the end.

Jude Watson returns in her fourth entry for The 39 Clues saga, first in the Cahills Vs. Vespers series. A King’s Ransom begins with a bang, and continues with more clue-hunting and globe-trotting for the Cahills. Some might think after so many books ideas are running thin for the series. But Watson manages to bring things up another notch and creates some crazy puzzles that will leave readers scratching their heads until everything falls into place. And there are definitely many surprises waiting in this one. I couldn’t help gasping out loud at the final pages, and then declaring to anyone nearby, “I knew it!”

Dan and Amy continue to grow as characters, and there is a bit of a darker side to Dan emerging throughout The Medusa Plot and A King’s Ransom. Both of them have grown up a bit, and this is showing through in their thought processes and actions. Dan has reached almost a point of depression in trying to deal with the evils facing them, while Amy watches helplessly – wondering how she can ever get her brother back to the carefree and prank-loving kid he used to be. With the revelations in the end of this book, however, whatever comes next in The Dead of Night will be completely new and heart-breaking for the entire Cahill clan.

Watson is a master of action and just when you think she’s run out of ideas, she brings back some more to surprise and really shake things up. From a treacherous car ride in the Alps to a super creepy bone mausoleum, the Cahills will face some of their worst fears. Many of the supporting cast is back, including Hamilton Holt, Ian Kabra, and the infamous Jonah Wizard.

There are hidden messages to be decoded scattered in the book once again, and these are tough ones to crack. But readers who persevere will find more interesting clues to the Cahill world. The book also contains six new collectible cards featuring more puzzles and characters.

Be forewarned: if you have not read any of the previous 39 Clues books, it really is best to go back to the beginning: The Maze of Bones, and start from there. Otherwise, too many nuances and small details will be missed. And with one full eleven book series, two companion books, and now two more entries in the second series, this is definitely not something to miss.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Tim George recently caught up with NY Times Bestselling Author Lis Wiehl to talk about her latest book, Waking Hours.

Lis Wiehl joined FOX News Channel as a legal analyst in 2001 and she is Bill O’Reilly’s sparring partner in the weekly “Is It Legal?” segment of The O’Reilly Factor. She is a Professor of Law at New York Law School, writer of the weekly “Lis on Law” column on FoxNews.com, host of “Wiehl of Justice” seen on Fox stations, and she appears weekly on Imus in the Morning.

Her bestselling Triple Threat novels published by Thomas Nelson won praise from many colleagues in the professions of media and law, including Pam Veasey, writer and executive producer of CSI NY; Nancy Grace, Headline News host and former prosecutor; Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Michael Bolton; as well as FOX News colleagues Bill O’Reilly, Megyn Kelly, John Gibson and Alan Colmes

This interview can be downloaded via iTunes or streamed below:

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Genre: Chick Lit, Drama

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press

Publication Date: March 2011

Reviewed by Jen Roman

All her life, Lexi Baill has been neglected both emotionally and physically. Her single mother is a drug abuser who is frequently incarcerated or just plain missing. She has no other living relatives, so Lexi spends a great deal of time in foster families, where she just blends into the background. After her mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Lexi is both scared and thrilled to know she has an aunt who is willing to take her in and give her a home. Lexi moves to a small, mostly affluent island in the Pacific Northwest and, being an outsider, quickly befriends a girl sitting all by herself. They become the best of friends and are inseparable. Lexi’s new best friend, Mia, has a twin, Zach, whom Lexi likes romantically, but she will not act on her feelings out of respect for Mia. Eventually, Mia gives them her blessing, and Lexi and Zach become a couple. One night of partying right before graduation causes Mia to drive while intoxicated, and there is an accident in which Mia is killed. Lexi takes full responsibility and is incarcerated for the crime. The rest of the story reflects her and Zach’s family’s time of healing and eventual forgiveness.

Kristin Hannah has been a bestselling novelist for a while now, and it is easy to see why when she writes provocative and heart-wrenching stories. Every story is based on a charged, difficult subject, and she manages to throw a wrench into the system so that readers will be even more intrigued. She does this again by introducing Zach and Lexi’s baby, who is born while Lexi is in jail. She must give up custody of the baby to young, scarred Zach, so that the baby doesn’t end up living the same kind of life she had. Readers are easily torn between blaming Lexi for driving drunk and feeling such pain for her losses. Kristin Hannah winds up a good story with not necessarily a perfect ending, but an acceptable one. In the long run, it is probably more realistic.

Night Road deals with mature themes and may therefore not be suitable for younger readers. There are some curse words and sexual situations. There are scenes in which underage students drink and smoke marijuana, and of course there is violence in the tragedy of the accident. Because of these themes, readers who are not tolerant of difficult situations may want to steer clear of this book. Readers who are able to handle such adult themes will enjoy a sad but eventually hopeful novel.

Genre: Children’s / Young Adult

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication Date: February 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

It all began with a package. A package sent by Jake Ransom’s dead parents. When Jake and his older sister Kady both took out the last thing their archaeologist parents had left them, they didn’t know what to do with it. And then — the letter comes. Inviting both of them to be at the unveiling of a new exhibit featuring the last artifacts dug up by the Ransoms. But when Jake and Kady arrive, something strange and powerful is about to happen. Soon, Jake is sucked into another world: a place filled with lost civilizations and ancient secrets. And a brewing threat: the evil Skull King is waiting for his chance to strike against the peaceful land. Jake knows he has come for a reason. But it can’t be to defeat the most powerful man alive… Can it?

The premise of Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow was exciting: an Indiana Jones style adventure filled with fantasy reminiscent of Brandon Mull’s Beyonders. And James Rollins definitely delivers an adventure sprawling over worlds and through many different mysteries. Even by the end of the book, some things are left untouched — sure to be answered in further installments. Jake battles his way from one danger to the next, and Rollins provides a rollicking good story to match.

Jake Ransom himself comes across as slightly bland. He’s a somewhat typical hero for a middle grade fantasy novel: kind of an outcast kid in school who has a love for archeology, and an insatiable curiosity. And his curiosity ends up getting him into the most trouble. His friends, Pindor and Marika, round out the principal cast and keep things fun and lively. But one place where Rollins truly shines is in the dark creations he has stuffed into this fantasy world. There are a few truly terrifying creatures he’s described here, and some he’s pulled from ancient mythologies. The only problem I had was with his main villain, who seemed to be a direct knock-off from Lloyd Alexander’s Horned King in The Book of Three.

The story takes a slowdown in the middle as Jake and his sister explore their new world and try to figure out exactly where they are and what has happened to them both. Rollins definitely takes his time building up this world and describes the scenery — sometimes to excess. But every few chapters, he drops a key plot twist that ends up keeping the reader wanting to find answers. It all climaxes with a huge battle and Rollins does a very decent job of giving the last section of the book a very epic feel. I kept thinking the scenes would play out in a great movie sequence.

Fans of books like J & P Voegel’s Middleworld or other archeology stories filled with puzzles to solve will have some fun with Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow. With the heavy fantasy element, Rollins has delivered a story with a lot of fun — and worth a rainy day to read.

Book purchased by reviewer.

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Publication Date: August 2010

Reviewed by Shaun Stevenson

I knew going in that Mockingjay wasn’t necessarily a happy-go-lucky ending to an action-packed and highly controversial series about teenagers killing each other. The Hunger Games and Catching Fire were both equally bleak, and painted a world seemingly devoid of any sort of moral compass. Things ended badly in Catching Fire and with some major twists. And now, Katniss Everdeen returns to face her biggest challenges yet. The question remains: will the forces against a young girl from District 12 make her stronger? Or will they break her completely?

Suzanne Collins picks Mockingjay up right where Catching Fire left off – with Katniss flying in a hovercraft to the mysterious District 13 – a place where a revolt against the evil Capitol has been brewing for some time now. The new society is stark and organized, and offers much more to people like Katniss and her family, but the question keeps egging at the back of her mind: where exactly is her freedom? Sure, she has food to eat now. She has quarters assigned to her family in a hospital-like environment. But still there are those in authority even in 13 that would control her. That would seek to use her. And now she has to decide which path she will take: Revolt against everything, or join a revolution that merely views her as a pawn? With her friend Peeta captured in the Capitol, and a war looming on the horizon, death is only right around the next corner.

I will say this up front: I highly dislike Collins’ first chapters. They seem to take too much time setting things back up and often seem highly over-written. But once this book takes off in the second and third chapters, things just don’t let up. Katniss is faced with one terrifying decision after the next, and as every bulwark in her life is torn down, she has to learn to rely on herself to make it. Her character evolution is very interesting. In The Hunger Games, she begins as an idealistic and brave girl who will save her sister’s life. As she grows in Catching Fire, she begins to seek independence, but comes to see everything requires dependence – her dependence on others, on the Capitol, on the hope of a resistance, on Peeta. On Gale. But in Mockingjay, those things are slowly stripped away, until all she has left is herself. With Peeta captured and Gale caught up in the resistance, Katniss doesn’t know where her place is. And this book is her struggle to find that place.

Collins, as always, shines in the action. I couldn’t help turning pages faster and faster as Katniss and Gale enter wartime situations to battle the Capitol. The writing was charged with excitement, and with some of the plot twists right up to the very last few chapters, it really did leave me breathless. Panic overcame me many times as I wondered: Who is going to possibly survive any of this? I began to dread the ending, wondering if Collins would finish painting her depiction of society in a bleak way or not. While I refuse to spoil the end, I will say that I was satisfied with it. Collins does wrap things up in a beautiful way, the perfect ending that she could have chosen for such a trilogy.

Readers who enjoyed the actual Hunger Games in both books one and two, will probably come to Mockingjay expecting more of the same. What is here is very different. The whole series had to change positions and switch over to this sort of a finale. Collins has been building her viewpoints on what war and an oppressed society does. In so many ways, the Capitol reflects Western Civilization – a place that has everything and wastes everything, while the Districts mirrors places the West relies on for food and exports. It’s a fascinating look at the way societies interact and work with each other, and it definitely is sobering to the reader to consider the possibilities of such a society in the real world.

Dystopian fiction can’t find a better series than The Hunger Games. It truly is an epic trilogy that will be around for ages to come. And while Mockingjay slips a little with momentum, the end of Katniss Everdeen’s story is one that must be read. For when the end comes, then a new beginning can truly start to grow.

Book purchased by reviewer.