WAITING FOR MARTHA!!

It is Halloween night. Four teenage friends spend their evening having fun and scaring younger children then suddenly, quite unexpectedly, one of the four, Martha goes missing. The fifteen year old simply vanishes without a trace leaving her friends and family anxiously searching for her. They are all waiting for Martha to come home, but as the night goes on they come to realise that they might be waiting for a very long time.

Waiting for Martha is a novelette first published as part of the compilation 'Twists and Turns'

Author: Elly Grant 

Title: Waiting for Martha

Genre: Young Adult > Contemporary Fiction

Publication Date: February 2013

Links to Purchase: Amazon

Reviewer: Megan

My Review: 3 out of 5 Stars 

I don't have too much to say about this short story. It was an interesting book, with a cool twist to the plot. However, I didn't feel connected to any of the characters. The main character Martha was pretty blah... and very selfish if you ask me. This was a short story, so there wasn't much time for developing the characters... however, I did see that this story was originally in a compilation of other short stories (Twists & Turns) and the author received feedback to make it it's own stand alone book. I thought maybe this would give the author a chance to expand on the story.

There were some things I liked... well I should say, I liked the story, but there just wasn't enough connection to it. I did like that the story takes place in France I believe it is (based on the author's home) and I enjoyed the language and banter. There were words or items I did not know so I had to look them up, but that happens when you read books from foreign authors. I have no problem with that as long as it's consistent, which it was. 

The cops or detectives were dicks... gosh, if I were Martha's parents I would have kicked them out of my house or filed charges if I was treated like that by officers. As a criminal justice professional, I can understand the need to be skeptical but they should remain neutral and get the facts... they were rude, antagonizing, and constantly pushed to get a rise out of everyone. 

Just as I got to the part where my heart began to pound and I was on the edge of my seat... thinking, OMG, here it comes... the story ended. Yep, just like that... it ended where I felt we had finally reached a climax. There was so much that could have happened at this point and it didn't. I understand the author wanted this to be a short story... this is not lost on me, but man... talk about leaving the reader hanging!!

SO MANY REASONS WHY (SO MANY REASONS #1)

Twenty year old Emma hasn’t left the house since she was attacked as a child. Now, with the impending release of her attacker from prison, Emma knows it’s more important than ever for her to regain control of her life. From her unrelenting nightmares, to her strained relationships, to her crippling agoraphobia, Emma feels as though her life is spiraling out of control.

When her professor, Simon Anderson enters her life, Emma must deal with feelings she has never experienced before. 

Though both she and Simon know their relationship is bordering on inappropriate, neither of them are able to ignore the intense chemistry that is quickly developing between them.

What was supposed to keep her mind off the attack has left her more confused than ever. When there are so many reasons why you shouldn’t be together, is simply being in love really enough?

Author: Missy Johnson

Title: So Many Reasons Why (So Many Reasons #1)

Genre: Young Adult > Romance > Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: March 2013

Links to Purchase: Amazon

Reviewer: Megan

My Review: 3 out of 5 Stars 

This is a rare occasion where there may be a couple of small spoilers because I simply could not avoid them and successfully give me honest review!

This book has so much promise so it disappoints me have to give it only 3 stars. And to be honest if it weren't for the redeeming qualities it did have I'm not sure I would have been able to get through it- and this is difficult for me to say. Okay, so let me see, where should I begin. Lets start with what I liked since that it usually what I do. I liked the premise of the story- Emma's attack, her agoraphobia, her two best friends, the family drama she uncovers... her grandmother! I thought the author did a good job setting up the details of the attack, Emma's reluctance to interact or trust others and so on. However these things led directly into what I didn't like. 

First, I was totally confused as to where the author wanted us to think this story was taking place. I kept praying she would mention it because I was baffled by some of the language (slang) being used. She mentioned London and New Zealand, so I thought... oh okay, this must be Europe- which made sense because Emma kept using British or Australian slang (some of which I had no idea what she meant so I had to re-read the sentence or paragraph to try and decipher it) THEN out of no where she starts talking about Kansas and Connecticut. WTF?? And low and behold more than 3/4 of the way through the book we learn Emma lives in New York?? Then why the hell is she talking like she is British or Australian (Mate, Las... it went on and on). I believe I saw the author was from Victoria which I am assuming is British Columbia, so this is probably how she talks. However, as a reader, it was really confusing and the slang should have been more americanized. 

Second, It took me a loooooong time to jump on the Fifty Shades bandwagon and I never officially took the leap. I read the first two books and was sooo annoyed 30 pages into the third, that I have yet to finish it. So, when I started seeing words/phrases/behaviors from fifty shades (ie. inner goddess, biting her lip, calling her Miss Mancelli) I was annoyed. I loathed some of these things in Fifty Shades because they were so overused.  I will also say, while I don't mind some romance I am not really into erotica AT ALL!!! So when suddenly the book took this turn I was forcing myself through these scenes. Not that they weren't well written, don't get me wrong. They were. The author did a good job portraying erotic, vivid sex scenes, but this is just NOT my thing. 

And FINALLY, the part that irked me the MOST... so Emma's attack-her agoraphobia... it all made sense. It was a cool twist and had SO much potential. She was unwilling to trust anyone but her two closest friends, she was fearful of opening the door, she was petrified of the day her attacker would be released from prison. I liked ALL of this. THEN out of no where she sends an email to someone a professor she doesn't know and within hours they are flirting back and forth. She's smitten and crushing on him and acting like a school girl. Okay, still believable I suppose. Then suddenly, in the middle of the night he calls her?????? Wait, didn't she smash her phone that morning? Didn't Tom give her his phone as a replacement?? How the heck would he have her number??  Emma takes this call in stride like it's no big deal... hmmm. Then when he randomly shows up at her apartment she opens and the door and invites him in like they are old friends. Isn't she supposed to be a scared, jumpy, agoraphobic who freaks out when she has to answer the door? And to just let him in? This is where the book pretty much lost me... and it

So on this scenerio continues, progressing very quickly until within a few days she is having this erotic, raunchy sex with a man she barely knows, after being sexually abused years prior that has forced her into hiding. To me, this seems contradictory. While some victims of sexual assault become promiscuous, Emma's behavior just doesn't add up at all and this really bothered me. It became too unbelievable. One minute she's ranting about her attack and agoraphobia and the next she is...well you know.  On a final note, I will say that I was glad to see that Emma's problems weren't magically solved by the end of the book... this helped redeem it somewhat, but at the same time, there was one event that was very predictable to me, but I guess we will have to see how it unfolds in the next book. 

I will more than likely read the second book in this series because that's how I am.... I just have to finish a story, but I certainly hope some of these things are worked out... well as much as can be at this point.  

SIMPLY MINE!!

Manic Monday Indie/Self-Published Author Feature Week #2

Best friends Meagan Davis and Jake Nichols were born on the wrong side of the tracks. Living in a rundown trailer park--her with a welfare scheming, neglectful mother and him with a father wounded in the Gulf War and suffering from PTSD--they forge a friendship they this is unbreakable.

When Jake returns from spending the summer with his grandparents to begin their senior year, he realizes he needs and wants more. Meagan misreads his subtle hints and becomes terrified that she will lose her best friend. Prideful and too stubborn to admit her feelings, even to herself, they begin a game of jealousy that threatens to destroy everything.

And just as Meagan realizes her love for Jake--he gives up, thinking he has been wrong about her all along. She tries to push past her pride and reach out; he insists that things can never be the same. He begins an intense physical program to prepare him for the Army after graduation--a decision she feels is a mistake. Depressed and lonely, Meagan begins to piece her life together without Jake, taking refuge volunteering for a children's art program and discovers she wants to be a teacher.

While their career plans begin to fall together, the gap between them grows so wide that only an epic winter storm has the power to bring them together. Will they be able to repair the damage to their friendship and admit their feelings for each other?

Author: M.L. Gardner & Jane Carrington

Title: Simply Mine

Genre: Young Adult > Romance > Contemporary Romance

Publication Date: January 2012

Links to Purchase: Amazon, B&N

Reviewer: Megan

My Review: 4.5 out of 5 Stars I Loved it.

This was a book that was right up my alley. It was a fast read- another one sitter, and it was interesting. I loved Meagan and Jake and the conflicts they faced. Again, I could relate. Maybe, just maybe, when I am reading the descriptions of books I am subconsciously drawn to the ones that strike a cord with me on a personal level. All I know is I kept shaking my head thinking, "yeah, I know how that feels" or "wow, I'm not only one." 

I'm sure there will be a lot of people who will read Simply Mine and hate Jake's tactic.  While I wish he would have just come right out and said what needed to be said, I think many of us can relate to the dilemma they find themselves in. Maybe his approach was a little extreme, but it sure got her attention didn't it? 

I loved the progression and growth of the characters throughout the book and I loved the ending, even though I will admit I was disappointed there wasn't more, which is why it got 4.5 stars and not the full 5. I would have even settled for an epilogue that gave us a glimpse... and was bummed when I didn't get this. The final resolution was wrapped up in just a few final pages and I felt cheated. 

On a lessor note, there were also several grammatical errors throughout the book, which I am not typically one to point out. It's not my thing... I like to focus on the content of the story, but this was a great debut novel and I think this is something the author can really learn from... I know I did (Thanks Trish ;)  

Overall though I loved the story and the character development. I am intrigued to know what becomes of Meagan and Jake... and it just so happens, that while trying to contact the author, in regards to being selected for Manic Monday, I saw she has plans for two more books in the series... but no date set for when. Here's hoping for sooner rather than later! 

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA contemporary romance novels with strong female protagonists! 

Manic Monday #3

Manic Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Turn The Page, where we get to decide who the 

next Indie/Self-Published author featured will be! 

So here we are again, another Monday. Am I the only one who feels like the weeks are flying? Normally I wouldn't mind this...like say when it was bitter cold outside and the overcast days continued to drag on, one after another. However, Now that we are well into spring and the sun is shining, and everything is in bloom I want it all to slow down. I want spring to take a time out so I can continue to enjoy all the flowers on the trees (Ohioans, how about the dogwoods this year-Whoa!) before they are replaced by green leaves and hotter days. Not that it ever gets really hot here, but spring is just so tantalizing I can't help but want to savor it! As for it being Monday, it is a beautiful day, but I am off to work soon where I will spend my entire day well into the evening and well, that makes it another Manic Monday! 

The chosen Indie/Self-Published Author for

Manic Monday Week #2 is:

                               

M.L. Gardner & Jane Carrington - Simply Mine 
Congratulations M.L. Gardner & Jane Carrington 

Megan's review of Simply Mine 

Monday May 6, 2013 Manic Monday Picks

1. Lindsay's Choice - Laurel Peterson

2. Other Echoes - Noe Dearden

3. Hold On - Amelia Mysko

* If you've read it, tell us what you thought and tell me which book should be chosen as our Manic Monday Indie/Self-Published Author Feature for Week #4

Also, Tell me if you've found outstanding Indie books (for FREE or PAID) that you think deserve a spotlight in our Manic Monday. 

Please leave your choice in the comment section by Sunday and I will announce the Manic Monday Winner next Monday with the new list!

TRADING POISONS!!

After years of settling into the comfortable family life she always wanted, Jorie Asher made a decision to improve her physical health and well-being. She thought her life would be perfect if she no longer had to struggle with her weight. Instead, Jorie discovered how ill-prepared she was to face the anguish of her past, and the resulting truth of life in a body she doesn't recognize.

Mistakes and disillusions sink Jorie into the darkest period of her life. When forced to face the consequences of her choices, she blocks out the world. Jorie has no idea how to be...her. Supported by those in her life who had been at the same bottom, she begins to fight her way back. But how hard is Jorie willing to push to gain the peace that has always eluded her? What and who must be sacrificed for her own serenity?

Author: Angel Lepire

Title: Trading Poisons

Genre: Fiction >Addiction>substance abuse

Publication Date: January 2013

Links to Purchase: Amazon, B&N

Reviewer: Megan

My Review: 4 out of 5 stars I liked it. 

Hmmm.... so I wonder if it is a coincidence that so many of the books I have reviewed recently, I have found myself relating to? While I can't relate specifically with Jorie (I have never suffered from overeating, substance abuse, or infidelity), I have been on the other end.  I have been one of the "victims" in what people love to refer to as "victimless behaviors" ie. addiction/substance abuse and let me tell you, it is NOT pretty. Most people don't want to admit they have a problem and if they have an inkling that they could be hurting those who love them, well they typically just drown it out further with their addiction... such a vicious cycle. 

The probation officer in me really liked the story and the message. I am not a stranger to these types of afflictions and the impact they can have on everyone left in their path of destruction. I think the author painted a clear picture of how life altering addictions, in any form, can be. I liked her use of addiction transfer. I think it portrays the importance of treatment, solid support systems.. or any organized outlet when dealing with addiction. I saw first hand how destructive addiction transfer can be and not everyone comes to terms with their choices or their behavior. 

The story moved quickly for me and there were definitely times I was glued to the pages... but not because I was a fan of Jorie - I was actually appalled by her behavior. At one point (I cannot say too much because I stand true to my *no spoilers*) I had a case of word vomit in front of my unsuspecting husband... poor guy. He just looked at me stunned and I just simply smiled and held up my Nook. He's pretty familiar with my rantings... and this time was no different.  Jorie as a character was well written with some serious demons in her closet that for some reason she continued feeding. I hated so many of her choices, but still found myself wanting her to be happy, wanting her to overcome her issues, and wanting her to find peace. 

The avid reader in me was happy with the ending. It wrapped up nicely and didn't leave anything hanging or unanswered. I was so happy that the author shared the first major obstacle in Jorie's life... what I am guessing led to her first addiction- food. This emotion was real and opened your eyes to how long she had struggled with guilt  and the hate she had for herself. 

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever suffered addiction, known someone who has suffered addiction, or who simply wants to understand the reality of what addiction can do. A great read, a great debut novel. 

Books, Blogs & Page Turners - Issue 1

BBPT is a monthly meme hosted by Turn The Page where we rehash all our favorites from the month... books, blogs, and all things bookish! 

Books, Blogs & Page Turners - The books reviewed this month:

The Breathing Series ~  by Rebecca Donovan. We gave it 5 stars! I absolutely loved these books and cannot wait for "Out of Breathe," the third and final in the series. 

This Morning I Woke Up Dead ~ by Mindy Larson. I gave it 4 stars! 

Silently Screaming ~ by Dawn L. Husted. I gave it 4 stars! 

The Torturer's Daughter ~ by Zoe Cannon. I gave it 4 stars!

Not Today, But Someday ~ by Lori. L. Otto. I gave it 5 stars! Loved...loved...loved it!

Books, Blogs & Page Turners - Manic Monday Winners:

While this was the first Manic Monday feature, it surely won't be the last....

Manic Monday ~ Week #1: Lori L. Otto, Not Today, But Someday

Books, Blogs & Page Turners - The blogs we crushed on this month:

Between The Lines ~ Hosted by Trish. What we love and can't help but crush on are her constantly witty TTT posts. I'm a list lover too and I always look forward to seeing what the Tuesday topic is and read her lists. Also, this month her post "memes, merits, & moans was a fun read that gave this book blogger the good swift kick in the butt to jump on the meme bandwagon. After reading her merits and moans I thought I would try to come up with some fun, quirky memes of my own... hope I made you proud Trish! 

Falling For YA ~ Hosted by Emily. I stumbled upon this blog through a directory and fell in love with Emily's beautiful layout and was sure to tell her so. Other reasons I crushed on Falling For YA this month was her stacking the shelves meme... totally love this and when I saw Forever by Judy Blume, well... she had me at Forever! Judy Blume was my go to author all through elementary school and junior high. I have every one of her books and my #1 favorite is "Just As Long As We're Together" 

Paper Fantasies ~ Hosted by Kelly. I love her new blog facelift... her button and oh can't forget her twitter bird. Looked for that little guy everywhere on the net because I was crushing so hard! Never found him... so I just stop by her page a few times a week to ogle hers. Another reason I crushed on her blog, her YA epidemic meme... As a YA author I get some fantastic feedback both from Kelly and all of her trustworthy followers. Being far removed from the young adult pool it's not always easy to know what to steer clear of or add more of... so thanks Kelly!! 

Books, Blogs & Page Turners- Books up for review in May:

Books, Blogs & Pager Turners - Other bookish news and recaps:

We Love Giveaways: The Emi Lost & Found Series by Lori L. Otto is up for grabs until May 13th. Be sure to enter for your chance to win the 3-book series on your Kindle, Nook or through Smashwords.  

Happy One Month Anniversary Turn The Page Book Blog!! 

And in other bookish news I am proud to announce I will be taking on another book reviewer... a best friend and co-worker, Angela Maine. I will let her do her own introducing to you all very soon and we hope that two will be better than one! 

We are always looking for more indie/self-published authors we can connect with and offer reviews to, do cover reveals.... If this is you, give us a shout out at ttpbookblog@gmail.com

TTP got another layout change and we think we like this one the best so far... it's classic and simple. Maybe down the road we will invest in getting one of those super cool blog designers to give us a  unique TTP facelift!!

And finally, we are still in need of more great followers to share all our amazing reviews and fun memes with so if anyone has any suggestions, feedback or great followers for us... bring it on! 

We hope you enjoyed our first issue of Books, Blogs & Page Turners... Go ahead and leave us a comment, tell us your thoughts, share your favorites from the month of April and help spring us into May!! 

WE LOVE GIVEAWAYS: Emi Lost & Found Series

*******************************************

Author: Lori L. Otto
Title: Emi Lost & Found Series 
Genre: Young Adult > Romance
Publication Date(s): April 2011
Giveaway Dates: Monday April 29, 2013-Sunday May 13, 2013 The winner will be announced in our weekly Manic Monday Feature. 
Prize: 2 Winners will receive the Series Bundle of Emi Lost & Found Series (3 book -eBook series- Kindle, Nook, Smashwords)
Link to my review: Not Today, But Someday - Book Review
Link to the Auhtor's Website: Lori L. Otto, Author of Emi Lost & Found