A May Day Anthology

July 9, 2013 By 5 Comments

Cover_a May Day anthology
A May Day Anthology by Christine Young, C. L. Kraemer, Rosemary Indra and Genie Gabriel
Publisher: Rogue Phoenix Press
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Fantasy
Length: Full (227 pgs)
Heat: Sensual
Rated: 4 Stars
Review by Rose

May Day has been celebrated since Roman times with dancing, baskets of flowers, and bonfires. In this collection of May Day stories, Rogue’s Angels–Christine Young, C.L. Kraemer, Rosemary Indra and Genie Gabriel–continue the celebration with humor, faeries and falling in love.

Highland Miracle — Christine Young

HURTLED THROUGH TIME, Sean Michael Sterling, landed in the midst of a May Day celebration he didn’t understand, assuming the role of Laird Sterling. ILLIGITAMATE CHILD OF NOBILITY, Reagan Douglas searches for a way out of her half brother’s house.

Defying the Odds — C.L. Kraemer
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The night elves on the hill aren’t happy without their magic. They concoct a plan to punish those who were involved in the act that rendered them almost human. Meanwhile, Uther, the rogue night elf, has returned to woo the Librarian to be his eternal mate.

Love in Bloom — Rosemary Indra

When childhood friends reunite it takes two fairies and a matchmaking daughter to help them admit their true love for each other.

No More Poodle Skirts — Genie Gabriel

After drifting for years in the innocent age of the 1950s, a woman struggles to join today’s world by finding a career and a new love, with some help from her zany family.

If you are in the mood for some love, some magic, and some very special animals–not to mention an absent-minded inventer and magical creatures–you are in the right book. Step inside A May Day Anthology for four novellas which will whisk you off to a world where fairies help you find your soulmate (even if that means sending you centuries in the past), where beings who had their magic stripped from them seek revenge (and receive just what they deserve), where fairies play matchmaker, and where love can be found–even the most unexpected places.

Each of these four books are just right for a day’s reading–they are sweet, magical, and highly satisfying. The authors are all new to me and I will definitely be checking out their other works–and a couple of the worlds I would love to see in longer works– especially C.L. Kraemer’s “Defying the Odds” and Genie Gabriel’s “No More Poodle Skirts.” There are secondary characters in both of those novellas I would like to visit again and discover their stories. Christine Young’s “Highland Miracle” and Rosemary Indra’s “Love in Bloom” are cute standalone stories that I thoroughly enjoyed. Kudos to all the others!

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Reckless Abandon by Kallie Lane

July 9, 2013 By 2 Comments

RECKLESS
Reckless Abandon by Kallie Lane
A Shadow Soldier Novel
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (256 Pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Jasmine

Filled with regret over his rocky past, Reece Morgan has no desire to go home after ten years away. But when Billie Bradshaw becomes the target of killers, he returns to defend her with a vengeance born of salvation. He charges to the rescue, only to realize she’s the bait to tempt him into the open.

Billie has a choice to make. She can risk violent death, or allow the man she considers her worst nightmare–the man she’s already loved and lost, the man who fell off the grid a long time ago, taking her heart along for the ride–to keep her safe. What could be worse? Maybe the fact he’s unknowingly brought death to her door.

As Billie and Reece follow the twisted trail of a psychotic mind, their reignited passion takes a front row seat in their struggle to stay alive.

With military men, cowboys, feisty heroines and dogs, I was in heaven with this book. The men are hot, the dogs adorable (even though they’re trained to be able to kill someone), and the leading lady is someone I’d want to be friends with. A win-win on all fronts! And since I just found out it’s a series, you can bet I’ll be looking up the others, and marking down the author on my watch list.
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Billie is a country girl, through and through. She can barrel race in a rodeo, take care of her horses, and isn’t afraid to get dirty and facing down a killer bull barely makes her bat an eyelash. Well, okay, it might make her hesitate for a half a second, but when someone is threatened she’ll face him down anyway. She is loyal to the bone, will defend her friends and family with her last breath and isn’t about to let any bad guys keep her from doing what she’s got to do.

Reece is sexy as all get out. He’s cowboy mixed with military mixed with badass and if he doesn’t make you break into a sweat, you might want to check your pulse. After being gone for ten years, he doesn’t hesitate to come running when Billie needs him.

These two were each other’s first loves and even though circumstances (and a protective daddy) forced them apart long ago, seeing each other again rekindles everything for both of them. With trouble riding hard on their heels though, they have to prioritize and bullets and death tends to win over romance. They do get a few stolen moments and boy are those moments hot, hot, hot! Add in Reece’s military buddies and this book gets even more fun and interesting (and a few degrees hotter).

I love the dogs that make an appearance. Especially that one of them is a Shiloh Shepherd, a breed that I only recently learned about and would love to one day have. The rodeo being held at the ranch was really interesting to read about to see the behind the scenes of a working rodeo. And I never saw the twist at the end coming, which is rare for me to say!

I really have nothing bad to say about this book. It was one that I couldn’t put down, from start to finish, and thoroughly enjoyed it. This will for sure be going on my keeper shelf and I can’t wait to check out the rest of the sexy crew and their ladies.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Penalty Clause by Lori Ryan

July 8, 2013 By 9 Comments

Cover_Penalty Clause

Penalty Clause by Lori Ryan
Publisher: Self
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: Full (272 pages)
Heat: Spicy
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Review by Poppy

Andrew Weston and Jill Walsh had to be the two most unlikely people to fall in love. When Jill’s first husband’s love for her simply fizzled and died, Jill knew she’d never trust that love could last again. After Andrew’s first love betrayed him in the most brutal way possible, he knew he might fall in love again someday, but there was no way he’d ever make himself vulnerable again by confessing those feelings if he did.

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With a hero to die for and just a touch of suspense, Penalty Clause is a good addition to any romance reader’s library.

I can understand Jill’s reluctance to trust again after her husband’s adultery. And Andrew … no wonder he never spoke to his parents again! I can’t even imagine that kind of betrayal. Still, with the background between these two, I admit I found it somewhat difficult they couldn’t overcome their doubts and fears. They were friends first, after all.

I really did love Andrew… what a yummy hero! He was so sweet and thoughtful and sexy enough to take your breath away. I envied Jill from the start. The things he did for her up to and including the penalty clause surely should have proved where his heart was, but he just could not say those all important words.

Ms. Ryan has done a wonderful job creating three dimensional characters in a well-plotted book. I understand this is book two in a series, and while it was clear there was a story I’d missed, since we met some newly marrieds, I never had trouble following anything in this book. When characters are this strong and clear, I’ll keep reading even when the plot has blips. And I especially loved Andrew’s grandmother — what a hoot!

The author is exceptionally talented and the book editing was tight and clean. I enjoyed Penalty Clause even when I wanted to take Jill and Andrew and smack them upside their heads.  Really what that means is that I was completely invested in them and their HEA!  The plot was interesting (and had a surprising twist), the characters fabulous and the sex hot. I’m fully planning to go back and gobble up book one!

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Sasha by Janelle Lee

July 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SASHA
Sasha by Janelle Lee
Publisher: Silver Stream Press
Genre: Contemporary, YA
Length: Full Length (268 Pages)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

The destruction of Sasha runs deep: hurt, betrayed and unloved. Sasha is in the ultimate fight for survival.

Sasha Phillips knows she is unfortunate because everyone tells her so. She is a misfit who has been lied to for her entire young life. Fearing the government more than her drunken mother, she keeps silent. After her mother inadvertently lets the secret out, Sasha plies her with more alcohol and the whole truth is revealed. Her mother isn’t her mother.

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“Sasha was always on the outside looking in. Just once she wanted to be the person people looked at and envied.” Many readers could identify with this feeling and it isn’t uncommon, especially among those who are different for whatever reason, to want to belong. But hopefully there aren’t many who have been brutalized the way Sasha was. She has had to fend for herself and survive any way she could, living in absolute terror.

Janelle Lee has written an incredible story of abuse and neglect. Imagine being sold to a man at age eight so your mother could have a bottle of scotch. This is a harsh tale, which is why I rated it for ages 14+, but it is also a beautiful tale, a tale of what it means to be family, a tale of loss and then being found. It is not sugar-coated, and the ending promises hope without any platitudes that everything will be perfect. I thought that was very realistic and powerful.

The characters in the novel are drawn in depth. I really cared about Sasha from the very beginning. I wanted to fight for her, to denounce her teachers and principals who couldn’t see what was going on. I also cared about her father, and as things progressed, her step-mother and her half-sister. I feel that Lee creates a number of characters, even minor ones, that are believable and that the reader empathizes with. The pacing of the plot is excellent and I found that I was so caught up in Sasha’s story that I had to keep reading, finishing the book in one sitting.

Lee has tackled a difficult topic with grace and empathy. She draws her readers in so that we are able to understand not only Sasha’s plight but the plight of those around her. I highly recommend this book.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sharavogue by Nancy Blanton

July 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SHARAVOGUE
Sharavogue by Nancy Blanton
Publisher: iUniverse, Inc.
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (292 pages)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

It is December of 1649 as England’s uncrowned king, Oliver Cromwell, leads his brutal army across Ireland to eliminate a violent rebellion. Fifteen-year-old Elvy Burke, the daughter of a great warrior, wants only one thing—to live her destiny as a leader and defender of her country. While waiting anxiously in her village, Elvy receives word that Cromwell and his cavalry are on the way. As she hears the thunderous hooves approaching, Elvy has already decided she will not give up easily.

When Cromwell cruelly beheads a village boy, Elvy vows to avenge the killing by destroying Cromwell. After fleeing from the general’s soldiers, Elvy aligns with a Scottish outlaw whose schemes send them headlong into a tumultuous journey across the sea to the West Indies, where she becomes an indentured servant for the fledgling sugar plantation Sharavogue. Knowing she will surely be killed if she attempts to escape, Elvy learns to survive in her new life—and soon discovers the depth of her own strengths and emotions.

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“The Irish were no different, after all, than the English. Cruelty reigned. We were without justice, without recourse. We were without hope.” Fifteen-year-old Elvy Burke only wants to live up to her destiny. As the daughter of a great warrior, she dreams of being a leader of her people and a defender of her country. But Oliver Cromwell and his brutal army change her destiny. After cursing Cromwell to his face, she flees her village determined to find a way to kill Cromwell and free her land. She thinks that only Cromwell is brutal, but she discovers the hard way as she becomes an indentured servant in the West Indies, that the English do not have a monopoly on brutality. Elvy learns to survive and she finds kindness in unexpected places. She uncovers her own strengths as she fights her way back to her home in Ireland.

Nancy Blanton has captured the Cromwellian era with an exciting and fast-paced story containing all the elements of the heroic quest. Elvy is a fascinating and captivating young woman who never loses sight of her goal. She is headstrong and naïve, but she has a strong love for her family and her country. I was with her every step of her journey, and I must say that I also learned a lot about the historical era. Blanton has accomplished what I think all writers of good historical fiction should. She has accurately portrayed a time in history with a real flare, serendipitously teaching her readers as she keeps them utterly captivated with her characters. Her descriptions of places and events is so vivid that it is easy to imagine being on the sugar plantation or sailing across the ocean.

The ending is a bit too easy and not quite believable. However, I am a sucker for a happy ending, so even if it is a little too slick, I was most happy to suspend my disbelief, especially because I was impressed by how much Elvy matured throughout the seven years of the story and how much she learned about both herself and her world. She did this without ever compromising her vision, a truly courageous feat. I highly recommend this book to all fans of historical fiction. It is an exciting, spine-tingling story.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

July 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

FIFTH
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Publisher:G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery, YA
Length: Full Length (457 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: Best Book
Reviewed by Thistledown

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

What would happen if aliens did come to earth?

Some books stick with you and keep you up nights. The 5th Wave did both. In this multi-POV teen novel you experience what it is like when Cassie, the main character suffers as aliens make their presence known on earth. Other characters pop in as the black chapter breaks appear. There are several waves of disasters that plague mankind, designed to wipe us off the face of the earth.  It was relentless and in The 5th Wave, it sure doesn’t go well for the human race.

When the book begins, we meet Cassie, a teenager, who is on her own in a post-apocalyptic world. Almost everyone has been killed in the first four waves (silence, disease, flooding and more) and Cassie begins to wonder if she is the last human being left on earth. She wanders, learns how to survive and becomes a force to be reckoned with. It would be just too easy if that was all to the story. We journey with her as she retells the beginning of the end in flashbacks. What happened when the lights went out, what happened to her family as an Ebola type virus swept through the population, the military gathering of children and the murder of her father. It is a visceral journey told as only Rick Yancy can. Beautiful. Tragic. Poignant. In the present someone is hunting Cassie. It is one of the aliens that she calls a silencer. After he corners her and shoots her in the leg, she has to decide if she is going to live or die. One choice and it would all be over. She promised her brother she would come for him and one wrong move could very well end everything.
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As the book develops, you also meet Ben. He is a young man that went to Cassie’s school but has now been captured with the other kids and brought to a military base for what they believe is training against the alien forces that have infiltrated humanity. That is the catch. They look just like we do and have been here forever. Sneaking inside of our mothers as they slept, implanting themselves in the growing babies held within, their consciousness awakened as the invasion hit. Well, most of them. For some, they have been plotting against humanity from the start, waiting for the time to strike. At the compound, Ben has to decide to give in to his despair and become a force to end the suffering of humanity or succumb to his own inner demons. Who is real? Who is not? Military regiment becomes the new religion and survival is for the fittest. The fact that they are children hardly matters at all. There are some interesting questions posed by this part of the book. Who are these people in charge of the base? How did they get power back up when everything else is gone? What are the chips they are inserting into each child and what is this Wonderland mind mapping system? Red or green, who is alien and who is human? It is a question that kept me turning the pages.

Cassie’s brother Sam is also a character that appears once or twice in narratives. Renamed Nugget after being brought to the military camp where Ben is stationed, he learns quickly what his new reality has become and it is terrifying. He begins to grow up. These journeys come together as Cassie is rescued by Evan, begins to fall for him and continues her search for her brother. Ben, now renamed Zombie, grows in his strength as he helps himself and others and Nugget tries to keep up with it all.

Having a book with multiple POV’s makes the story more inclusive. In this case, you get multiple sides of the alien invasion, all of which are riveting. The descriptive elements of the book are so there I literally felt like I was falling into the story. The gut clenching moments when you try to figure you who is friend or foe, the fluttering sweetness of first love, the bitterness of betrayal and the sheer determination of the human race against insurmountable odds are all themes here. I have read the first book in Yancey’s Monstrumologist series and knew firsthand the level of writing this author has to offer and even still, this book blew me away. It is gripping, suspenseful, heart wrenching and beautiful all at the same time and I fell in love on the first page.

The next time I am looking for an alien novel, this will be the one I pick up again. To be honest, l didn’t read it at first because it was about aliens, but noticing it was Rick Yancey’s work made me rethink my decision. This is not a hokey body snatcher novel. Yes, it has some elements of that, but the way it is handled, to me, was much better than any other alien invasion scenario I have ever read. That is the scary part. He makes it seem so real. Every layer, every character quirk that makes the person pop off the page, every plot twist all points to a story that had me creeping off into corners at every opportunity to read this remarkable book. I just hope there is going to be another one.

One other thing that struck me about this book was the end note by Yancey. While he was writing the book, he lost his writing dog and companion Casey. As a reader, that struck me, because all the through the book there is loss after loss and the grim reality of what life has become in the after. Yancey was going through it himself as he was writing and that got to me.

The 5th Wave was unforgettable. It is a journey. It is the unrelenting force of love and the unstoppable essence of humanity.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

The Devil and Miss Webster by Julia Parks

July 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

DEVIL
The Devil and Miss Webster by Julia Parks
Publisher: Musa Publishing
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (176 pgs)
Heat: Sweet
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Will the devilish Captain Stephen Ransom ruin Christmas, or will he prove to be Miss Webster’s most cherished gift?

The Devil and Miss Webster

Eleanor Webster is never afraid. Not until the Devil invades her home and threatens to turn her world upside down. But what scares her the most? Losing her carefully guarded position and family? Or her heart?

As a captain, Stephen Ransom has always done his duty to the best of his ability, serving king and country. But what is he supposed to do with this harridan who wields such power in his late brother’s household? Terminating her position would be the wise thing to do. Wisdom, however, can be highly over-rated.

It opens with a shared – and shocking – secret. The plot promised to be interesting right from the start. Then, in very short order, we start to get a grasp of exactly the kind of person our heroine, Eleanor, is. She is magnificent and atypical for the times: making her own choices, selecting her own role, that kind of thing. She also won’t be bullied and is one to seize the bull by the horns.  I liked her more and more as I read, and the plot was thankfully equal to this excellent character.
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Eleanor is best friend to the Viscountess Ransom (Laura) who, one might kindly say, has made a mistake. Eleanor is not going to let her pay forever for that mistake – but, there are indeed some other, very motivated characters in this tale. If you begin reading this, you will not stop until you finish.

Captain Ransom, Laura’s brother-in-law, is set at odds with Laura’s (and so also Eleanor’s) decision almost immediately. It only takes the Captain’s mere appearance for reader expectations to begin to ratchet up. There is a romance coming – but where, and who, are the vital questions. And even before any possibility of romance, we wonder at what will happen when this Captain Stephen actually arrives.

Both in terms of the problem, as well as the romance, ‘the Devil and Miss Webster’ remains continually intriguing. The setting is also delightful – the English country house, and much of it during Christmas. The atmosphere, children’s excitement , attitudes and related conversations, all are very perfect.

My one complaint is that some physical descriptions are artlessly dropped in. This does create moments that feel heavily contrived–people more so than locations.

Fans of the regency will certainly enjoy The Devil and Miss Webster.

Filed Under: Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , ,

Forever Immortal by J.K. Coi

July 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

FOREVER
Forever Immortal by J.K. Coi
Publisher: Ellora’s Cave Twilight
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Full Length (170 pgs)
Other: M/F
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Verbena

Eight years ago, science and reason ruled Gideon Bennett’s life. Until the death of an Immortal triggered a physical transformation, forcing him out of the laboratory and into a world of violence for which he was ill-prepared. Now a seasoned warrior, he is still haunted by his one massive failure—and the face and body of the woman he couldn’t save.

Lyssa James wasn’t looking for trouble when she set out to enjoy a night on the town. Instead she got a first-class ticket to a demon Hell dimension where she was trapped for eight long years. Now she’s finally escaped…only to run into the man who failed her. The passion between them is instant and irresistible, but neither of them is the same person they were eight years ago. And even as they battle with their desire, one of the nastiest demons from the Abyss is on the loose, threatening not only their lives but the future of humanity.

Lyssa is a typical woman looking for a decent guy to go out with. Her boyfriend—if that’s what you want to call him—has stood her up again. Thinking the night is a total flop, she’s ready to leave the noise and crowd of the bar and head home. Then she spots him. Across the room, looking as out-of-place as her is the most gorgeous specimen of raw power and muscle she’s ever seen. Suddenly, the night doesn’t seem such a waste after all. And if she’s reading the silent message in his eyes correctly as their gazes meet across the dance floor, he’s feeling the same undeniable attraction. This is definitely going to be a night to remember, just not in the manner she hopes.

Gideon was forced into a role he didn’t want, but when one mistake sends an innocent woman to Hell, it’s almost more than he can bear. Guilt has eaten at him for almost eight years. He distances himself from his immortal family and friends in what seems like a self-punishment for his mistake. No matter how far he runs though, the terror in Lyssa’s eyes as she was pulled into the Abyss by a Scelero demon named Damien haunts him relentlessly. Unable to enjoy the things he once loved, Gideon does the only thing he can—hunts and kills anything that crawls out of Hell.

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This was book four in Ms. Coi’s Immortal series and was, hands down, my favorite. I’ve loved all of them, each seemingly more than the one before. This one, however, really took hold right from the start. Ms. Coi always does a wonderful job with character development, but she really outdid herself this time with Lyssa/Nyx. The internal struggles of this woman were really palpable. I felt the emotional turmoil and struggles that she felt. I understood her fears, her self-doubt, and even her self-loathing. This wasn’t one of those women who bellyache and whine about themselves to the point that you want to puke. No, I fully got her internal struggles. It made sense and was completely believable. Besides her physical strength—thanks to a friend she met in the Abyss—Lyssa is one of the strongest, most moving characters I’ve read about in a long while.

Gideon’s growth and depth were no less intense. Aside from his good looks and toe-numbing charm, his heart and determination to save Lyssa really struck me hard. I can’t help but sit here thinking, “I want one of those!” Oh, if only guys like Gideon were so easy to find.  A true hero and warrior, he will likely stay in my heart for a long while to come.

A writer myself, I tend to notice editing errors and point-of-view violations—not that I don’t make them myself, I most certainly do—but if there were any, I was so engrossed in this story that I missed them. Nope, no complaints on this end. I would like, however, to take a moment to inform the author that there’s at least one more Immortal who could use a good story, if she hasn’t cooked one up already. After what he’s gone through thus far, I believe Kane needs, no deserves, a tale of his own. No pressure. Really. *grin*

What can I say to accurately summarize my thoughts on this story? It was awesome, plain and simple. I loved it from start to finish. Ms. Coi pens deeply moving characters that stole their way into my soul. The action is heart-pounding, the sex scenes are smoking hot, and her Immortals are true warriors that won my trust, my respect, and my love.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Secret Society of Sugar and Spice by Carol J. Larson

July 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment

SUGAR
The Secret Society of Sugar and Spice by Carol J. Larson
 Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Historical, YA
Length: Full Length (191 Pages)
Age Recommendation: 12+
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cyclamen

Her name is Mace. Like the spice. And the weapon. At sixteen, she is the leader of the Secret Society of Sugar and Spice, a group of girls who are inmates of the Home for Abandoned and Orphaned Children and whose lives are only made bearable by their mission to rescue runaways from the streets of St. Paul, Minnesota. But now, in 1883, when the Secret Society is called upon to rescue Claire Sargent, a rich privileged girl who is being abused by her stepfather, their world is turned upside down and nothing is what it seems. When Mace’s father reappears at the Home and a gang of thugs searches for Claire, Mace, too, becomes a runaway and flees into a world where she must learn that enemies can become friends and hatred can turn into forgiveness.

It is never easy to be abandoned, but being abandoned as a child is incredibly painful. Carol Larson has written an excellent historical novel which revolves around abandoned and orphaned children in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1883. The story centers on the Home for Abandoned and Orphaned Children where several of the girls have set up the Secret Society of Sugar and Spice in order to rescue runaways and provide them with a safe haven. Naturally, since these girls are all living in poverty, they seek to help those in their same position. Mace, the leader of the group, is then severely tested when Claire, a rich girl, runs away, seeking asylum from her abusive step-father.

So it is clear that the tadalafil 10mg will help to increase the arousal and allows the body to attain an improved state of health. In many cases, kamagra tablets, kamagra jelly and other products seem to be working very sildenafil prices amerikabulteni.com well and normalizing male sexual health in just a few minutes of intake. The dose, strength, power and the healing capacity and the presence of any major browse around description generic levitra online worries like kidney disorder, liver dysfunction heart infections should be informed to doctor as these tendencies are important to decide the consumption capacity. When the medication amerikabulteni.com viagra on line is taken according to the recommended dosage instructions. Larson develops the characters of both Mace and Claire in great depth. At first, of course, they can’t stand each other. Claire is dropped into a situation for which she has no background and Mace figures Claire has it made and should just go back home. I like the way both girls learn that abuse and trauma are not limited to any particular socio-economic class. It is exciting to see how the girls are forced to work together, depending on each other, developing trust and finally a friendship.

Mace hasn’t had any chance for a lot of learning, but she is definitely “street smart” and very savvy. She is a natural leader but has a hard time when others disagree with her. She definitely has a chip on her shoulder at the beginning. Claire, on the other hand, is terrified and it doesn’t help that she has an injured shoulder after her step-father’s last abuse. Nevertheless, her father, before he died, had been a doctor and she helped him in his rounds. She too is a leader, and the girls only survive through some pretty harrowing adventures because of the skills she learned from her father. Larson shows a lot of sympathy for both of these girls, and she makes them very believable. I was definitely caught up in their story, pulling for them through each adventure.

These two characters play off each other well, and Larson has developed a solid plot with some nice twists and turns. The historical details are well-researched, and readers unfamiliar with this time period will not only enjoy a good story, but learn a lot about the time period. The ending has everything tied up neatly and satisfactorily. Mace and Claire both succeed in what they wanted to do and all ends happily. I had my questions in places, such as how the blacksmith managed to have so much money and how Claire’s shoulder managed to heal so quickly, but overall, this is an excellent historical novel which I can certainly recommend to lovers of that genre.

Filed Under: Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,
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