Kelsey Kline or Kelsey Green? The birth of a READING QUEEN...

Why hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….and THANK YOU for making it a part of your reading day.

*hugs all*

Today, we’re getting a blast from my reading past as I attempt to clean off the shelves of “books-I’ve-read-but-need-to-review” before year’s end, so get ready for some “oldies” (not really, just earlier-s) but goodies (indeed).  The title I’ve selected for today actually presents a bit of a quandary for you see, changes were made after the ARCs were released.  Now, I know that’s not THAT unusual, but usually they are fairly minor, mostly spelling or grammar type issues.  This time around, we’ve got changes starting at the title, continuing with the lead character’s name…and as far as the story, it’s anybody’s guess.  So today I am introducing you to the idea of a story…the basic concept…and inviting you to explore the here-and-now version on your own.  Sound good?  Let’s go!  Readers and read-ettes, get ready to join a fairly competitive group of third graders working together for the win.  Today’s book of choice is…

ARC title: 

Third-Grade Reading Queen

FINAL title:

Franklin School Friends, Book 1:

 Kelsey Green, Reading Queen

By

Claudia Mills

Pictures by

Rob Shepperson

Meet Ms. Kelsey Kline (now Ms. Kelsey Green, but for our purposes, Kline it is), third grade Reading Queen in the making…that is if she can keep her books read count above Simon’s.  Is he REALLY reading all of those books?  It wouldn’t be impossible, but if art imitates life, it’s highly suspicious…and that’s only the BEGINNING of Kelsey’s troubles.  How so?  Well, you see, there’s a competition at school and not only do the TOP readers get recognition, the class with the highest read count wins a pizza party ( *yum* ) and some of her classmates may not be pulling their weight.  While some are by choice, others are by circumstance.  Can Kelsey affect the outcome of this race to be their reading best without becoming an overbearing force no one wants to call friend?  Well….she’s certainly going to TRY at least, but no promises shall be made in advance except that she intends to win that “crown”.

Kelsey was a great gal.  Easy to relate to both for the actual age group she is as well as those looking at her world from the other end of the age range.  Her love of reading (and to be the best) are commendable, though her methods may not always be completely sound.  I have to say, I felt bad for Simon when she was on her mini-recon mission to expose his actual reading habits or lack thereof…poor guy.  Just glad he realizes it’s NOT a crime to be a fella and still a readers.  More power to you kiddo.  *high five*  Now, the time she takes with Cody, even if she didn’t start out with the best intentions, warms your heart.  To put it simply, he wasn’t the best of students nor the nicest of classmates, but sometimes friendly competition can bring to light areas of weakness we can work together to solidify into a strength.  Case in point, nuff said.  *nods*

In conclusion, a great book for Middle Grade readers and beyond celebrating the joys of reading for bookworms as well as those less likely to stick with the recommended reading plan on a daily basis.  It’ll make you smile.  It’ll make you cringe.  It’ll make you high five the little ones in your life carrying on the torch for the written word, and welcome those just joining the crew with open arms.  If you’re a reader, share the treasure you’ve found and give someone else a gift that will last a lifetime.

ARC courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their growing catalog of wonders, be sure to stop by their official site, or catch them tweeting on Twitter.  To discover more of the world’s from the eyes of the author and illustrator, stop by their respective sites and feel free to explore. 

Until next time…happy reading!

READ ALL ABOUT IT: Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be whether or not the weather outside is frightful, because the bookish fun is surely delightful!

Today, we're shining the spotlight on a holiday read that made its publication debut this November from an author whose well known in the reading world...just not so much here on my site.  How come?  Well, simple really...her works are generally housed in the Romance section of libraries and bookstores and it's only been this past year that I've ventured into a few select works in this area.  Taking that whole "don't judge a book by its cover" bit to another level with "don't judge a genre by the majority of its inhabitants".  

To each their own in the reading arena, hence why there are SO many options out there....but every so often my eye, nay my head was turned by a cute cover with a severe lack of heaving bosoms or a catchy title that didn't include someone's rank or a direct exposure of their "final destination", if you know what I mean.  The title we're featuring today falls squarely into my narrowed down interests within the category and unfortunately due to time constraints, it's only going to serve to tantalize you and me both.  *le sigh* 

Spotlights....wonderful posts but they always leave you wanting more.

So, ready to want more?  ^_^

Here we go!

Today's spotlight shines on...

Candlelight Christmas

by

Susan Wiggs

9780778314745

Harlequin/MIRA

About the book....

A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O'Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O'Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the special gifts of the season. 

One of the guests is a newcomer to Willow Lake—Darcy Fitzgerald. Sharp-witted, independent and intent on guarding her heart, she's the last person Logan can see himself falling for. And Darcy is convinced that a relationship is the last thing she needs this Christmas. 

Yet between the snowy silence of the winter woods, and toasty moments by a crackling fire, their two lonely hearts collide. The magic of the season brings them each a gift neither ever expected—a love to last a lifetime.

AMAZON   |   B&N   |   BAM   |   INDIEBOUND

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Sounds good, right?

I thought so too!

*rechecks its placement on the wish list*

Oh and besides the story, you know if you needed more enticement, I have it on good authority that the author even included a few holiday recipes to carry the fun beyond the page!  How cool is that?  Just umm, careful who you're making what for especially when one is called 'Seductive Hot Chocolate' as opposed to 'Maple Bacon Bread Pudding'.  *ahem*

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Special thanks to publicist Jennifer for the chance to feature this title during the holiday season.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this the 10th addition to The Lakeshore Chronicles series as well as the author's complete body of works, be sure to stop by her official site, friend her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title was released this November via Harlequin/MIRA, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time....happy reading!

BOOK BLAST: Ghost Sanctuary by Becky J + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

As you may or may not have noticed, I took a break on the site yesterday....totally on purpose.  Hey, what can I say?  I've been running like Rudolph with a nose not so bright.  SO TIRED.  Sometimes, you gotta know when to quit.  No worries.  I'm not calling it quits, but a break from time to time may be in order.  Just sayin' ...not that everyone would be wondering or anything seeing the comments or lack thereof around here sometimes (*le sigh*).  Anywho, let's get back on the proverbial track here...

TODAY, we are playing host to a NON-TRADITIONAL choice for December and yet it still fits.  It deals with a NON-FICTION title from the PARANORMAL category.  Yep...ghosts.  Oh don't go turning your nose up at it, remember the classic A Christmas Carol?  How's that for a plethora of ethereal activity?  Exactly...and according to the author, this one is a TRUE story.  Curious?  Well then, I see no reason for any further ado.  Let's welcome the Pump Up Your Book celebratory BOOK BLAST for....

Ghost Sanctuary

by

Becky J

Publisher: AuthorHouse

Genre: Non-fiction paranormal/occult

Pages: 166

About the book...

Ghost Sanctuary is a factual accounting of a family’s struggle with ghosts living in their home. The book explains in detail the happenings faced by the family and their reaction to the invasion of the spirit realm into their own. The book contains fascinating photo and video evidence of what the family has and continues to experience. The author identifies how her own belief in God and the afterlife has helped her to overcome and understand the trials and tribulations of her family’s ordeal.

AMAZON    |    B&N

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About the author....
Becky J. is an equestrian lover and spends her days in Western activities, teaching, riding, training, and breeding horses. For more information about her unusual nonfiction tale, please visit www.GhostSanctuary.com.





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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Tracee at Pump Up Your Book for the chance to bring this BOOK BLAST to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this promotion as well as those forth coming, be sure to stop by their official site or follow their tweets over on Twitter.

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...and happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: The Sweetest Thing by Cathy Woodman

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be whether the weather outside is frightful or fanciful; we'll keep you in reading skies of blue.

Today, we're playing host to a blog tour via TLC blog Tours starring a Women's Fiction title from across the pond both in setting and from whom it was penned.  That's right!  It's our own little British invasion of sorts, just carried out bookishly.  Sounds good?  Ah, but it is and speaking of which, let's not beat around the bush any longer than, shall we?  Today's book of choice and blog tour guest is...

The Sweetest Thing

by

Cathy Woodman

Arrow, Random House UK

About the book....

If only everything in life was as simple as baking a cake…
Jennie Copeland thought she knew the recipe for a happy life: marriage to her university sweetheart, a nice house in the suburbs and three beautiful children. But when her husband leaves her, she is forced to find a different recipe. And she thinks she’s found just what she needs: a ramshackle house on the outskirts of the beautiful Talyton St George, a new cake-baking business, a dog, a horse, chickens…
But life in the country is not quite as idyllic as she’d hoped, and Jennie can’t help wondering whether neighbouring farmer Guy Barnes was right when he told her she wouldn’t last the year.
Or perhaps the problem is that she’s missing one vital ingredient to make her new life a success. Could Guy be the person to provide it?

What is it about this genre or rather sub genre that always seems to involve baked goods?  I'm thinking perhaps because they tend to be along the lines of comfort food and in today's world, we need all the comfort we can get!  Here we have a leading lady fresh on the market if you know what I mean and looking to make a new life for herself and her kids.  It wasn't have she pictured this phase of her life but you know when life throws you lemons, sometimes you have to spike the lemonade to make it through!  Just kidding, unless your version of "spiking" things includes a cup of sugar and the use of a rather large, rather unusual oven that could bring some to tears.  Anywho....

Jenny is trying to start anew and despite the wintry cold shoulders she receives initially from both the kids and her new neighbor, she is bound and determined to make this work.  In fact, her work itself will be invading the home soon as she embarks on following a long seeded dream of hers about to be realized.  Running her own bakery.  Grant it, she's merely thinking about how much she loves to share her wares with others and the smile her goods bring to their faces, but ALL BIG THINGS have to start someone and start out small.  Will she succeed not just in the office but in the home?  Will she perhaps lose faith in herself due to circumstances recently befalling her that simply were out of her control?  Will she bring down the walls of her heart to try once again to connect with someone, something worth the mess it creates?  You'll have to read it to find out but trust me, once we get into the who's why's and how's, you'll not want to let go.  

The short of it all is this....while the characters invite you to look closer, the story beckons you to proceed with caution.  All the talk of baked goods will definitely have your mouth watering...as will the potential for relationships to be formed *ahem*.  I guarantee you'll walk away having enjoyed your stay in the English countryside, whether you're 100% on board with the story or not.  A recommended read for Women's Lit fans and Chick Lir readers.

Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours for the chance to participate in this promotion.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this tour as well as those forth coming, be sure to stop by their official site or friend them on Facebook.  This title is available now so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.  Can't wait to run out to the store?  No worries!  Here's a few online options to get you or the ebook enthusiast in your household started....Amazon, B&N, iBookstore, Google, Kobo.  Don't forget to pay a visit to my sister stop today as both this title AND 'Country Loving' hit the virtual pages of Good Girl Gone Redneck.

Until next time...happy reading!

Truthy Ruthy's Christmas Surprise by Sari Barel

Why hello there!

Welcome back to the site that aims to keep you up to date on the bookish wonders passing before my eyes in the hopes of enticing you into the adventure too….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we are taking a look at the newest release from a children’s storybook author featuring a likeable, nah…loveable little girl who just wants the holiday to turn out just right.  As we adult readers know, that’s not always in the cards…but making the best of what comes is just as well and can lead to unexpected surprises and joys we never imagined.  Case in point here.  Ready to meet and greet Ruthy in her latest adventure?  Don your gay apparel and break out the hot cocoa, it’s time to meet today’s holiday tinged book of choice…

Truthy Ruthy’s Christmas Surprise

By

Sari Barel

Illustrated by 

Neda F. 

For those of you that read Truthy Ruthy previously (*raises hand*), you already have some idea of the story you’re in for; for those that haven’t, no worries…you’re in good hands!  Think good will.  Think kind of heart.  Think lessons learned that are good for both the characters on the page AND those reading along.  This adorable illustrations and a story perfect for the holidays…with a little something extra, or rather TWO something’s.  First up, the story. 

This one is different from her other adventures as it let’s readers choose one of THREE endings; sort of a choose-your-own-path effect for beginning readers.  It lets you see how Ruthy’s holiday turns out when she’s close minded and stubborn, crafty and creative, and finally, virtuous and accepting.  That’s an awful lot of feelings for one little ebook, right?  Wrong!  It works PERFECTLY…hand in hand with the story’s beginning, and the lessons being taught along the way.  It reminds us that though we can’t control everything in our day, we have the power to choose our reactions to what comes our way. ..for better or for worse.  Something A LOT of folks need reminding of this holiday season… *ahem*.  Now for the second “extra”….

The author is known for having a little “something extra” in her books, whether it be a print out certificate of a promise made or an activity guide to continue the learning at home…and this story is no different.  This time around though, the author is encouraging the writer and illustrator in you and yours.  That’s right!  Along with the wonderful story, you also get to print out a template to create and illustrate your FIRST BOOK!  I can definitely see a lot of little ones getting in on this bit of fun…and some of the older crew as well.  ^_^

In closing, a great little ebook perfect for putting underneath your virtual tree.  It will entertain the mind and delight the eyes, but also teach the heart that holiday magic doesn’t come from a store, it comes from what we give of ourselves.  Be it time, be it money, be it hugs and kisses; whatever you have to spare this holiday season or an abundance of, pass it on.  After all, it’s not the getting that makes us grow the most, it’s the giving…and I’m done inadvertently sampling from some of my favorite holiday specials in this post (bonus points to those of you that caught the references).

Author Sari Barel

Ebook for review courtesy of author Sari Barel.  (THANKS!)   To learn more about the author behind this series of goodwill driven, grow with you books, stop by the author’s site or catch her on Google+.  This title is available now at online retailer near you so be sure to click on over for a looksee.  While you’re there, be sure to check out her other adventures; all just as good as this one, just without the holiday theme.

Until next time…happy reading!

Secret Santa Squirrels by Hazel Nutt

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that puts the merry in Merry Christmas, for bookish folk at least…Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we’re taking a peek inside the ecover of a Children’s Storybook perfect for your holiday reading list.  It’s a rhyming treasure with appeal for all ages, in one way or another.  *ahem*  Curious as to why I made that distinction?  No worries.  I’m ready to explain AND share today’s book of choice with all of you!  Drum roll please…. *ratta tat tat ratta tat tat ratta tat*  …move over Santa, there’s someone else joining you by the fireside with your cookies and milk!  Today’s featured title is…

Secret Santa Squirrels

By

Hazel Nutt

This is a book for all those that truly BELIEVE…in Santa that is!  It presents a rational explanation to the seemingly impossible task that the jolly elf takes on every year.  I mean really, how DOES the old guy get ALL those presents delivered BY HIMSELF in ONE NIGHT?  *raises eyebrow*  Magic is one thing but even with a healthy dose of it….Saaaaaaannnnta!  You has some esplainin’ to do! (Sorry…joke for the older readers. ^_^) 

Here we find out in rather colorful images AND detail (Oh on the detail!) just how this GINORMOUS task gets done.  You see, Santa doesn’t just do the whole kit and caboodle himself; he has help.  They come in a furry little, bushy tailed package and can get into places that the big guy can’t quite make whether due to his mass or his time.  No worries kiddos!  Santa WILL be at your house placing a gift under the tree…one way or another. 

Obviously the appeal here for the little ones resides in finding out just how all those toys get made, transported, and delivered round the world in both verse and imagery.  Definitely a win there.  The appeal for older readers, or even the repulsion to some degree, is in how the gifts are “made”.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s still a cute story but you just have to take that little “ick” factor with a healthy dose of humor.  Once you get past that, you’ll be free wheeling through as you develop a new appreciation for the little squirrels that you meet each day…and the monumental task of the heart that Santa takes on each year.

In conclusion, a humorous and smile inducing read that explains the supposed explainable holiday mystery that perplexes and puzzles our puzzlers every year, in a mostly believable way; plus there’s the “respect your fellow furry friends”.  I mean really, the only way to know for certain just how it gets done is to have a sit down with St. Nick himself…ooh…that would be AWESOME…so I mean if anyone out there is on a first name basis with the man in red and white, hook me up with an interview, kay?

Ebook for review courtesy of author Hazel Nutt…gotta love the name.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title or to score a copy of your own, check it out online  HERE or at your favorite online retailer.

Until next time…happy reading!

An Ordinary Toad's Extraordinary Night by Joanne McGonagle

Hello again!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when your day calls for a break and your FINAL ANSWER is READING.

Today’s featured title comes to us from the Children’s Storybook sub-cat and stars a young lead you might not be expecting.  Well, okay…if you read the title of this post, you’re PROBABLY expecting it but otherwise it would be a complete and utter surprise.  In my mind, it’s a perfect option for little boy readers, you know the ones that are reluctant to sit through a story unless it has something dashing, daring, or muddy involved…but it also works for girls because our warty little friend is still rather adorable.  Anyway, rather than put a decision in your mind, I’ll let you make it up for yourself…after all, to each reader their own.  Ready to check out today’s star?  Get ready to hop down the froggy, I mean toad-y trail, today’s book of choice is….

An Ordinary Toad’s Extraordinary Night

By

Joanne McGonagle

Illustrated by

Rachael Mahaffey

9780989008808

From the back cover…

…the story of a young toad named Andrew, pondering whether his life would be more interesting had he been hatched a frog.

Andrew embarks on his first solo hop to ask his grandpa some questions about what it means to be an amphibian.  The story is blended with factual information that compares and contrasts the similarities and differences among toads and frogs.

A young reader’s curiosity will be piqued as they consider the unique attributes of the individual creatures that make up a species, perhaps sparking the light of conservation in their hearts and minds.

Well said indeed and spot on.

This is a great example of the newish genre many refer to as Edutainment.  Here we have a lengthier storybook detailing the journey of young Andrew as he seeks to find the silver lining of being who he is.  You know the “grass is always greener on the other side” bit, right?  Well in this case, the frog’s life seems greener than an ordinary toad’s, though don’t misunderstand me, he’s an American toad as the Common toad is found throughout Europe, making him green with envy... as opposed to his usual brown.  Little did he know that his trip to Grandpa’s house for reassurance would end up becoming an adventure resulting in an understanding that can only come from experiencing things first hand. 

You see, along the way, Andrew meets many woodland friends and several other “not-so-friends” (as in the nice-to-meet-you-now-let-me-eat-you kind).  It’s in these chance meetings that everything Andrew knows about his species is put to good use…and he picks up a few new tips.  From knowing the difference between American and Common toads to learning that their offensive taste puts off many creatures from tangling with them, he was not only on his way to Grandpa’s house but to an appreciation of who/what he is.  Self-acceptance, from a toad’s perspective…an unexpected lesson  but one well taught.

Aside from the story shared and facts revealed, we have the colorful illustrations bringing things to life.  Obviously it makes the story more accessible to little ones just starting out (who wouldn’t want to follow a toad to their Grandpa’s house?), but it also allows readers as they grow to visualize the points of difference explained along out along the way. We see the shiny green skin of the frogs versus the bumpy brown skin of the toads.  Their jewel-tone eyes are easily seen on the page for their beauty as well as their strategic placement on the top’s of their heads (they get the bird’s eye view in the amphibian world).  Let us also not discount the presentation of the actual text which is illustrated to a degree as well.  Each page and passage is presented on a parchment type scroll with rolling font that makes you wonder if the toad before you just finished writing it on the page before you turned it…a simple yet lovely touch that just makes the experience more complete.

So, if you’re looking to learn a bit more about our amphibious friends, searching for a book to satisfy the curiosity of the little ones on your life, or merely up for a good illustrated read with not only a take away message but information too, this is definitely the book for you!  Review copy received courtesy of author Joanne McGonagle.  (THANKS!)  For more information on her conservation interests and work, be sure to visit her online or like her Facebook page.  To catch up with the illustrator behind the lovely spreads that grace these pages, pay a visit to her official site.

Until next time…happy learning…and happy reading!

Dashing through the snow, in a ....One-Dog Sleigh by Mary Casanova

Why hello again!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place where “walkin’ in a winter wonderland” is not merely a lyrical string, but a daydream traipsed after each and every day of the season for this reader.

 Yes, although I live in the “sunshine state” (*cough* LIQUID *cough*), I’m dreaming of a white Christmas too.  *le sigh*  If only, right?  Hey, one can DREAM…and dream I shall thanks to a vivid imagination AND today’s featured title!  Ready to get in on the winter time fun?  Grab your scarf and hat, and make room in the sled.  It’s time for today’s book of choice…

One-Dog Sleigh

By

Mary Casanova

Pictures by

Ard Hoyt

9780374356392

Farrar Straus Giroux

Dashing through the snow,

In a ONE DOG open SLEIGH;

Over the fields we go,

Giggling all the way!

Each woodland creature seen,

Every furry friend we meet;

Their little eyes do glean,

Hoping to procure a seat.

But oh, our sleigh is small,

With only so much room;

However will we fit them all,

Avoiding wintery gloom?

The secret my dear friends,

Lies in our heart of hearts;

For love, it knows no ends,

Nor friendship, at it starts.

Such is the case in this adventure,

Through the white and snowy drifts;

One friend and dog set out as two,

For a merry little day trip.

Upon the way, their passenger count,

Grows and grows some more;

With each new member of their posse,

Bulging out the sleigh door.

Small sleighs won’t slow us down,

Nor all the extra weight (*ahem*);

We’ll pull together, no need to frown,

Shan’t even hesitate.

The more the merrier, I always say,

Though the going may be slower;

You’re paid by way of kindness,

Happy times and friendly shoulders.

Our girl and pup prevail,

On this fateful wintery day;

In bringing cheer to others,

As they go their merry way.

So, this winter season,

I beseech of each of you;

Spread some holiday cheer

Enough to last the whole year through.

Lend a hand, share a smile,

Delight in a great read;

For to give the gift of reading,

Brings many happy returns, indeed.

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Recommended read for all ages.  With delightful illustrations and a smile worthy rhyming scheme, there’s much to treasure this season and many more hereafter.  ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at MacMillan Children’s Publishing Group.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their site, friend them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.  This title celebrated its book birthday this past September, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!

The 13th Sign by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb

Hi gang!

Welcome back to the safest place to be this Friday the 13^th….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

This is post TWO of the day as we’re also hosting a Guest Post via Entangled Publishing (be sure to click on over after reading through here if you haven’t already ^_^), but I couldn’t let this one wait another day…especially with the particular DATE that it is.  That’s right!  Whether you’re superstitious or not, Friday the 13^th carries a certain heir to it.  It’s known to be creepy, expected to be spooky, and more often than not bad things (or unfortunate circumstances) befall folks this day that seemingly wouldn’t have happened any other day.  *blink blink* Okay, while I’m not so certain about that last part, you gotta admit, you tread more carefully when this day comes around.  Anywho…

Today marks another review for a title that came out a little earlier this year.  Yeah…it landed in the “I-read-it-but-hadn’t-a-chance-to-review-it” stack and so when this “special” day rolled around I was like…PERFECT FIT!  You like my train of thought there right?  ^_^  Thought so.  Anywho….newly released or released yesteryear, I do not play favorites.  If a book interests me, I’ll read it any time, any place, any day.  *nods*  With that said and done, allow me to introduce today’s long awaited book of choice…

The 13^th Sign

By

Kristin O’Donnell Tubb

9780312583521

Feiwel and Friends

About the book…

One small shift can change everything…and everyone.
What if there was a thirteenth zodiac sign?
You’re no longer Sagittarius, but Ophiuchus the healer, the thirteenth sign.
Your personality has changed.  So has your mom’s and your best friend’s.
What about the rest of the world?
What if you were the one who accidentally unlocked the thirteenth sign, causing this world-altering change – and infuriating the other twelve signs?
Jalen did it, and now she must use every ounce of her strength and cunning to send the signs back where they belong.  Lives, including her own, depend on it.

 

Now you see some of the “power” behind this read comes from how much weight you put into the whole zodiac thing.  If you’re a total skeptic, you might not get past the first few chapters.   If you’re a firm believer, you may be drawn right in to see just where the whole thing will lead and how accurately it’s portrayed.  If you are somewhere in between the two camps, well…you’re sharing my boat (~moves over, makes room~) and will curiously continue to turn page after page in anticipation of the big finale; no, we’re not promised one but it leads you to believe that’s where we’re heading. 

I myself do reflect some of the traits of my given sign, Scorpio...fiercely loyal, holds a grudge, independent, small circle of friends…but not ALL of them, and I bet if you give a looksie at your own sign’s qualifications, you’ll find a similar view.  Now, imagine for a moment if that all changed in a heart beat?  One second you’re you and they’re them and then POOF…your signs get all swapped around and suddenly the easy going water sign is burning with the passion of a fire sign and so on.  The new world order would make sense amongst themselves, but not to an outsider (or one who remembers how everyone was) looking in; sort of a cosmic Freaky Friday if you will.  Now imagine that in order to right the wrong committed, because admittedly you are apparently kin to the boy virgin who lit the black flame candle in Hocus Pocus and unwittingly or not, rearranged the whole kit and caboodle, you have to fight your way through ALL the original twelve zodiac signs to be deemed worthy of even trying to set things back the way they were.  Yep, a task and a half indeed especially with your usual support system out of commission…good thing Jalen doesn’t give up easy.

Story wise, I found the concept intriguing…after all, as I previously said, most people DO reflect their signs in some fashion; changing them instantly like that could create some pretty interesting chaos.  Character wise, it kept you on your toes with the introduction and goodbye party being held so closely together for many of those introduced.  Those playing the role of guardian for each sign were a tricky lot; I can certainly see how they got their “jobs”.  Some gave Jalen more trouble than others but again, that’s their job…well done!  It certainly made things interesting let me tell you.  That Taurus fighting scene…whoo!  It’ll put your heart in your throat.  When all is said and done though, they were good for the length of the tale but not necessarily a group I’d gather after book’s end. 

In the end, I liked the personality swap up but found the fact that Jalen kept recognizing and commenting on the “would have” versus “wouldn’t have” done throughout the entire story, a bit unbelievable.  Did it hamper my overall enjoyment of the read?  Certainly not, but it did curb my enthusiasm towards it a wee smidge.  Recommended read for Young Adult lit fans of all ages.  As long as you’re prepared for the new age side of things, you’re in for a treat as the content is invigorating but clean through and through.  ARC courtesy of Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of MacMillan.  This title is available now so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!