Author: Kate Morton

Pages: 496

Rating: 3-stars (Pretty Good)

Random Quote: “Was she crawling, like the time before?”

When she began working at Riverton House she was just a girl. Her life quickly began to revolve around the family’s two daughters, Hannah and Emmeline. But Grace quickly began to become more then just a servant to Hannah, the eldest daughter. As the family suffered tragedy after tragedy, Grace was always there for Hannah…even when it meant giving up her love. When Hannah chose to marry she took Grace with her but life is not what she thought it would be.

Now, decades later, a movie is being made about the family and about a suicide that took place at the family home in 1924. Now in a nursing home, Grace is the only one who witnessed the suicide who is still alive. The movie director wants to talk to Grace about the family and the events of that night but talking about it only brings up memories that Grace has tried to keep hidden.

This story was a great piece of historical fiction that I really enjoyed reading. The characters were diverse and the storyline was pretty good too. There were a few boring parts in the book but once I got past those few sections it got better. It took me a little longer then usual to read it, but it definitely kept me hooked while I was reading.

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes. By the Book Reviews was in no way compensated for this review. The views expressed here are strictly those of By the Book Reviews and are not influenced by any outside sources.

Author: Stephanie Hemphill

Pages: 416 pages

Rating: 3-stars (Pretty Good)

Random Quote: “Sins need be discovered or confessed, dear Margaret.”

One of the darkest periods in our nation’s history was caused by young girls. Ann Putnam Jr, Mercy Lewis, and Margaret Walcott are all involved in what would become known as the Salem Witch Trials. Ann’s father believes that a strange illness is the result of witchcraft and Ann quickly sees her opportunity to actual have a voice in a world that silences women. She changes and ruins the lives of countless people.

Mercy Lewis is a servant in Ann’s house and is the most beautiful girl around. Coming from a very troubled past, she believes that this is her only chance at safety, but will it be her downfall? Margaret Walcott is Ann’s older cousin and is in love with a man who wants nothing but sex, from anyone he can get it from. This causes her to be jealous of Mercy, who seems to have caught her beloved’s attention (although she wants nothing to do with him). When faced to decide, will she remain loyal to her friends or pursue the life she thinks she wants with her betrothed?

As you all already know, I’m a big historical fiction fan and the Salem Witch Trials have always fascinated me. I really enjoyed Stephanie’s writing style, it was something new and different. The characters were all based on actual people who were involved in the Trials but Stephanie gave them connections and background. The Salem Witch Trials have been written about a great deal, so the actual events were pretty standard.

This book was sent by the publisher for review purposes. By the Book Reviews was in no way compensated for this review. The views expressed here are strictly those of By the Book Reviews and are not influenced by any outside sources.

Author: Cath Crowley

Pages: 272

Rating: 4-stars (Loved it)

Random Quote: “I didn’t know about the tents,”

*WARNING: Some Spoilers!*

Charlie and Rose are two very different people living in two very different worlds. But each year, on her school vacation, Charlie leads to visit and stay with her grandparents, who live right next door to Rose. Unfortunately, Charlie’s grandmother has passed away and this is her first visit without her. Every time she has come to visit, Rose and her friends have ignored her and made no attempts to be friendly, except for Dave. Now, Rose seems to want to be friends and Charlie isn’t sure why, but she isn’t complaining. She finds herself becoming friends with Rose, and eventually, even with Rose’s boyfriend Luke. Her and Dave, will, they seem to be becoming more then friends.

Rose has never wanted to hang out with Charlie before, but now that she has been accepted into a science school in the city, where Charlie lives, she wants something from her. Her parents won’t let her go to the school, but Rose is hoping that she can live with Charlie and get to go to the school of her dreams. She just wants to get out of this small town before she gets trapped there like her mother. Unfortunately, Charlie finds out about the motives behind her friendship and wants nothing to do with her. Will she be able to fix things?

This book was definitely not what I was expecting…it was so much more! I enjoyed every moment of this book. The only thing that surprised me was that Charlie still spoke to her dead mother and grandmother, as if they were there. It made the book unique.  At times I didn’t like Luke, but Dave and Charlie were perfect and I was definitely glad that they got together in the end. Rose definitely grew on me by the end, although there were a few times I wasn’t crazy about her. All the characters went together perfectly and played off of each other really well I would definitely recommend this book!

Author: Shannon Delany

Pages: 320

Rating: 2-stars

Random Quote: “Can you keep your promise? Today is the day.”

When Jessica gets called out of class, she assumes she is in trouble but doesn’t know what for. She is surprised and annoyed when she is told she has to be the guide for a new student, Pietr, one who quickly has the attention of the entire female population.  Despite her irritation, she finds herself fall for him too. Unfortunately, so is her friend Sarah, who Jessica tries to protect whenever possible. This time, she tries to do so by letting Sarah have Pietr, unfortunately, this creates nothing but problems.

Pietr has problems of his own, however, problems that could put Jessica in danger.

I have to say, I had high hopes for this book but was disappointed. The beginning started great and I really loved Jessica and Pietr. Unfortunately, their potential for a relationship was ruined by Jessica’s friend, Sarah, who became obsessed with Pietr. I honestly think that the book would have been so much better had there been no Sarah. Honestly I loved all the werewolf stuff, it was completely original and Pietr and Jessica made a really great, dynamic couple. This book would have easily been 4 stars if it wasn’t for Sarah. I hate to give it such a low review based on one character, but I couldn’t get passed how much I disliked her.

After reviewing Courtney’s book, we couldn’t wait to talk to her! We learned a lot and hope that you will too!

BTB: What inspired you to write the Sincerely books?

Courtney: The idea came to me when I was at dinner with my dear friend Allyson.   We were talking about New York versus California, and these two girls popped into my head, sixth grade pen pals who corresponded across 3000 miles.  In the beginning, I knew more about Sophie:  that she lived in Manhattan, shared a room with her younger sister, and her parents were going through a divorce.  She was a lot like me.  Allyson is sportier and more outgoing, and she lives in California, so she was the original inspiration for Katie.

BTB: What do you want your audience to learn or get from your books?

Courtney:I don’t ever set out with a lesson for my readers.  My goal is to write well enough so that the story is realistic, and readers can identify with my characters and empathize with their situations.  And I hope, when they finish the books, they feel like the time they spent reading was worthwhile.

BTB:How long have you been writing?

Courtney: I’ve been writing since I was a little girl – I remember when I was about six and my sister was three, we used to staple pages together, curl up on opposite ends of the couch, and write “books.”

BTB:What are some of the things you’ve learned as a writer?

Courtney: In no particular order, I’ve learned that even the things you love to do are hard; that tricks that work for other people won’t necessarily work for me, and vice versa; that I have to make myself write everyday, and just keep going even when it seems like I’m the worst writer in the world; that it’s scary but necessary to share the bad stuff with my friends, my agent, my editor, because they can help me fix it; that revision is the very best part; and that even though I spend most of my days alone in my apartment, being a writer has brought some of the greatest people into my life.

BTB:  Are any of the things that Kate and Sophie experience things that you experienced when you were younger?

Courtney: Like Katie, I was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, my favorite aunt was my Aunt Jean, and I organized a fundraiser in my school – though mine was to benefit the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.  My family situation was much more like Sophie’s.  Also I was (and am) on the short side, I went to a private all-girls school on the Upper East Side, and I really did get trapped in an apartment building stairwell on Halloween, along with my real-life friend Katie.

*Interview Questions by Meagan Anderson and Etinosa Agbonlahor

Author: Elizabeth White

Pages: 336

Rating: 4-stars (Loved It)

Random Quote: You’d be impatient too, if you hurt like this.”

Gillian Kincade is rising quickly in the New York ballet scene. Her passion is dancing and she had just been chosen for a role that was choreographed for her.  On a trip back home, she meets Jacob Ferrar and things begin to change. Jacob used to be involved in New York ballet but left to form a dance company in Alabama and has no desire to go back to the life he led in New York.

When Jacob asks Gilly to be the lead in his original ballet, she begins to really question her options. Unfortunately, a terrible accident leaves her injured and wondering if she’ll ever dance again. Will she be able to recover and do what she is meant to do? Will her relationship with Jacob continue to grow?

I really enjoyed this book and its message of love and hope. I enjoyed all the dance aspects of this storyline and really felt myself getting sucked into the story. Gilly was a great character whose passion jumped off the page. Jacob was also an amazing character and I think a lot of readers will be able to relate to him. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone!

I purchased this book from a used book store.By the Book Reviews was in no way compensated for this review. The views expressed here are strictly those of By the Book Reviews and are not influenced by any outside sources.

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Pages: 400 pages

Rating: 5-stars (Must Read)

Random Quote: “About the other day, when I yelled at you for summoning without your necklace….”

SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!

Having escaped from the Edison Group, Chloe and her friends (Simon, Derek,and Tori) are depending on the help of Andrew and his friends. They have managed to escape but are now being chased and don’t know if they will ever be safe. With the help of Andrew and his friends, the group prepares to save Chloe’s aunt and take down the Edison Group. But they quickly discover that not everyone can be trusted. Unfortunately, it seems they can’t trust many besides themselves.

As Tori, Simon, and Chloe get taken again by the group, Chloe must use her powers to save them all. Will she be able to save everyone or will she lose someone who she loves?

This book was by far my favorite in the trilogy! I am in love with Chloe and have really love to come Derek. I was soo glad when they finally got together (sorry to ruin it!) Derek’s overprotecting behavior was adorable and as Chloe began to actually realize her feelings for him, things really started to get intense (especially with the Simon-Chloe issue). This book was fast paced and full of excitement. I would definitely recommend this to everyone and I’m so sad its the final book in this trilogy..although I heard that Kelley plans on writing about the characters again later! I definitely can’t wait to hear more about Chloe and Derek

Day 2 of the Read-A-Thon! Today was a very hectic day so I didn’t get to read much. I’ve managed to complete two books so far! Still hoping to hit at least 4 by the end of the Read-A-Thon! Here are the two books that I’ve read!

Illyria by Elizabeth Hand

Almost to Die For by Tate Hallaway

I plan on starting a new book tonight and hopefully finishing before bed! I’ll keep you guys updated!

We are super excited to take part in our first ever Read-A-Thon! The read-a-thon kicks off today and ends Wednesday! My goal is to read 5 books…although I haven’t picked which ones yet. I’ll probably pick a variety of books and try to stick to ones that aren’t too long. I’ll be posting each night to list any books that I’ve started or finished! You guys can get more info here!

Author: Amanda Brown and Janice Weber

Pages: 352

Rating: 4-stars (Loved it!)

Random Quote: “Its a mermaid! Don’t let her in your canoe!”

Pippa Walkers wedding was going to be the event of the year. Of course, it is her mothers dream wedding..not hers. Things go from bad to worse when she discovers that her fiance is  not who she thought. When they cancel the wedding on the day it is supposed to take place, Pippa takes the blame and allows everyone to think she has another man (even though its her fiance with the other man!). When her grandfather has a heart attack and her mother disinherits her, Pippa just wants to get away from everything. Unfortunately she is all anyone wants to talk about and she has to lock herself in her friend’s apartment.

After hearing about her grandfather’s death Pippa is informed by his lawyer that she will inherit a huge chunk of change if she gets an education. The will is not very specific, all she has to do is get a diploma in order to receive the money and as long as she is pursuing an education she will receive money to support her each month. As she goes from one crazy school to the next, will she discover there is more to life then she thought?

This is the first book of Amanda Brown’s that I have read and I really enjoyed it. The title and cover are what really got my attention and I’m glad that I checked it out! There were definitely a few twists in this book and there was definitely never a dull moment with Pippa and her quest for a diploma. She went to some crazy schools, but everything seemed to work out in the end! Make sure to check it out!

*This book was checked out from my local library. By the Book Reviews was in no way compensated for this review. The views expressed here are strictly those of By the Book Reviews and are not influenced by any outside sources.