Dust - Heirs of Neverland - Kara Swanson

My Rating

★★★★ - You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you. (More Info)

About the Book

The truth about Neverland is far more dangerous than a fairy tale.

Claire Kenton believes the world is too dark for magic to be real—since her twin brother was stolen away as a child. Now Claire's desperate search points to London... and a boy who shouldn't exist.

Peter Pan is having a beastly time getting back to Neverland. Grounded in London and hunted by his own Lost Boys, Peter searches for the last hope of restoring his crumbling island: a lass with magic in her veins.

The girl who fears her own destiny is on a collision course with the boy who never wanted to grow up. The truth behind this fairy tale is about to unravel everything Claire thought she knew about Peter Pan—and herself. (from the author's website)

My Thoughts

It's no secret that Peter Pan is my favorite fairytale. It holds such a special place in my heart. And when I saw this book was coming, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. 

Kara Swanson brings us a unique retelling of this beloved tale. Claire and Peter are brought together by forces bigger than anyone knows. Filled with suspense and fairy dust...Watching these two discover their true selves and true potential was truly magical. 

Captain Hook, Nibs, Tiger Lily, and more of your classic favorites can be found between the covers of this book. Forget everything you've known about these characters and dive into a new world.

I can't wait for book 2! We are definitely left with anticipation of what is to come next at the end of Dust. Get ready for an awfully big adventure.

I received a complimentary copy of Dust from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

As the daughter of missionaries, KARA SWANSON spent her childhood running barefoot through the lush jungles of Papua New Guinea. Able to relate with characters dropped into a unique new world, she quickly fell in love with the fantasy genre. 

Swanson is the award-winning author of The Girl Who Could See and Peter Pan retelling/sequel Dust (Enclave Publishing, July 2020). She helps young writers explore their passions as a faculty member of the Young Writer’s Workshop and also offers her own author coaching services.

Kara is passionate about crafting stories of light shattering darkness, connecting with readers, and becoming best friends with a mermaid—though not necessarily in that order.

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Coral - Sara Ella

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Taking a new twist on Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved—yet tragic—tale, “The Little Mermaid,” Coral explores mental health from multiple perspectives, questioning what it means to be human in a world where humanity often seems lost.

There is more than one way to drown.

Coral has always been different, standing out from her mermaid sisters in a society where blending in is key. Worse yet, she fears she has been afflicted with the dreaded Disease, said to be carried by humans—emotions. Can she face the darkness long enough to surface in the light?

Above the sea, Brooke has nothing left to give. Depression and anxiety have left her feeling isolated. Forgotten. The only thing she can rely on is the numbness she finds within the cool and comforting ocean waves. If only she weren’t stuck at Fathoms—a new group therapy home that promises a second chance at life. But what’s the point of living if her soul is destined to bleed?

Merrick may be San Francisco’s golden boy, but he wants nothing more than to escape his controlling father. When his younger sister’s suicide attempt sends Merrick to his breaking point, escape becomes the only option. If he can find their mom, everything will be made right again—right?

When their worlds collide, all three will do whatever it takes to survive, and Coral might even catch a prince in the process. But what—and who—must they leave behind for life to finally begin? (from author website)

My Thoughts

Oh, my friends! Coral is probably one of the hardest books (emotionally) I've read, maybe ever. There is a ***TRIGGER WARNING*** in the beginning of this book for a reason. (read the trigger warning here) Sara Ella has approached a very real and very HARD topic in Coral. And she delivers it beautifully!

This story is a reimagining of The Little Mermaid but not in the "expected" sense. The doors that this story opens...the rooms of the mind that are explored...is truly astonishing. Anxiety, PTSD, depression, manifest themselves differently in every person...but there are definitely aspects I personally could relate to throughout this entire book. Although the events portrayed are not things that I have experienced, the characters, their emotions, their struggles, were one hundred percent relatable.

I loved the relationships portrayed. Between family, friends, more than friends...And I appreciated the approach Sara Ella took in this story. I wish I could elaborate more on this, but #spoilers. Needless to say, this was a VERY tough read. I had to put it down several times after reading just a couple chapters. I needed time to digest and process the emotions and information. Yes, I WOULD read this again. Yes, I recommend it to Young Adults (parental discretion heavily advised). Yes, I think Sara Ella portrayed mental health in a unique and real way. Have I recovered from it yet? Absolutely not.

I truly hope that this book will help to open minds and conversations about mental health. I loved this story and thought that the ending was wrapped up really well. And left me with a feeling of hope. 

I received a complimentary copy of Coral from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Photo Credit: E.A. Creative Photography

Once upon a time, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince and live in a Disney castle. Today, she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses, raising her little prince to be a king, and conquering realms of her own imaginings. Oh, and her husband is definitely more swoon-worthy than any Prince Charming.

Sara’s UNBLEMISHED trilogy has received high praise and multiple awards, but none as rewarding as the love and support she receives from her readers every day. Her new story CORAL, a reimagining of THE LITTLE MERMAID, releases in the fall of 2019.

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More Books by Sara Ella

  

Dangerous Alliance - Jennieke Cohen

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

Lady Victoria Aston has everything she could want: an older sister happily wed, the future of her family estate secure, and ample opportunity to while her time away in the fields around her home.

But now Vicky must marry—or find herself and her family destitute. Armed only with the wisdom she has gained from her beloved novels by Jane Austen, she enters society’s treacherous season.

Sadly, Miss Austen has little to say about Vicky’s exact circumstances: whether the roguish Mr. Carmichael is indeed a scoundrel, if her former best friend, Tom Sherborne, is out for her dowry or for her heart, or even how to fend off the attentions of the foppish Mr. Silby, he of the unfortunate fashion sensibility.

Most unfortunately of all, Vicky’s books are silent on the topic of the mysterious accidents cropping up around her…ones that could prevent her from surviving until her wedding day. (From the publishers)

My Thoughts

I first heard about Dangerous Alliance from Carrie over at Reading is my SuperPower...She told me that I simply must read it...And of course, she was right! I was pleased to receive a copy in The Bookish Box's Ardently Austen December box! Participating with their Instagram Read-a-Long and Photo Challenge has been absolutely thrilling! You can see all my photos on my Instagram HERE, but I included a couple of my favorite in this post.

The items included in December's box! #ArdentlyAusten

If you are a fan of Austen, you simply must read this book! Lady Victoria would make Austen's heroines proud. Gleaning from their wit and wisdom, she applies (or....tries to apply) the lessons she has learned from reading Austen's novels. But real-life isn't as easily packaged up as stories on the page. And as Vicky, and Tom, learn that even though life can bring us terrible, terrible circumstances, we have the ability to write our own story and make our own fate. 

Dastardly villains, a compassionate hero, a healing sister, a PLOT TWIST (that I totally did NOT see coming), and a dangerous alliance...Ms. Cohen brings us the very best of Regency mixed with the humor and the fandom of Austen. I cannot stress enough the brilliance of this well thought out style of story. Fresh and invigorating...and makes me want to read Austen all day and watch Regency shows on Masterpiece!

*This is a General Market read. While clean by my standards, there are a couple of swear words.

I received a copy of Dangerous Alliance from The Bookish Box, a subscription box that I paid for. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author

Jennieke Cohen writes historical fiction for young adults inspired by real people and events because life is often stranger than fiction. She studied English history at Cambridge University and has a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Southern California. Jennieke loves exploring new locales but always returns home to Northern California where the summers are hot, the winters are mild, and life is casual.

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Hereafter - The Lost Princesses Book 3 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

The third lost princess. The final key to the treasure. And a battle for the throne.

Growing up deep in the forest as a poor charcoal burner’s daughter, Emmeline has always known her identity as a princess of Mercia, and she lives in fear of being caught and killed. When her adopted father returns from town with news regarding the imminence of war, Emmeline has no wish to join the rebellion against King Ethelwulf.

Prince Ethelrex, the strongest warrior in the land, has done everything he can to prove his loyalty to his father, including searching for the last lost princess. When Ethelrex finally captures Emmeline, the king commands his son to marry the princess in order to win the support of the people and undermine the rebellion.

Forced into marriage, Emmeline has one goal—to escape. But Ethelrex takes his marriage vows seriously, including his promise to love and cherish his wife, and has no intention of letting Emmeline get away. As the battle for the throne rages, will the prince be able to win the battle for Emmeline’s heart? 

My Thoughts

What an exciting and thrilling conclusion to this incredible series! The final sister...The final key...The lost treasure...And a whole lot of the unexpected!

I have been so blown away by this whole series. These sisters, driven by the call on their lives, overcoming the enemy, fighting for good, together...Drawn by the bond of family.

Emmeline has grown up KNOWING who she is, PREPARING for the day that she would have to step into her birthright...But at the same time, hoping that day would never come. She was happy in her life. She was content...She was comfortable. It wasn't until she was swept away from everything that she held dear...From the only life that she'd known...That she began to understand the depth of who she is and who she was supposed to be. Drawing out the courage...The Survivor...The Fighter.

This book, I think, is my favorite of the series. All I kept thinking of was this verse...

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20 NLT

How many times have we seen God working this way in our lives? Taking what the enemy meant for evil and turning it for good? Probably more times than we know. One of my favorite songs right now is See a Victory by Elevation Worship (see video below).

In the face of danger...In the face of defeat, Emmeline put her foot down and said, "NO! I will not back down. I will not surrender the fight." And in the end....Well...You'll just have to read it yourself. 😉

Rex...I admit...He had to grow on me. While I respected that he was put in a tough position...It wasn't until HE finally stood up for HIMSELF that I started to fall in love with him. His kind heart, his caring spirit endears him to Emmeline and to myself. A redemption story if ever there was one. #VillianTurnedHero for the win.

I want to thank Jody Hedlund for writing a story with depth, with truth, with emotion for Young Adults. A story of high quality and so exciting! It was a blessing to be able to read them all in quick succession. I don't think my heart would have been able to handle waiting months between releases.

I strongly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys YA lit and medieval settings...with a taste for the fantastical. 

I received a complimentary copy of Hereafter from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Also Available

  

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

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Foremost - The Lost Princesses Book 2 - Jody Hedlund

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

About the Book

A second princess. Another key to the treasure. And a cruel king desperate to squelch the growing rebellion.

Raised in an isolated abbey, Lady Maribel desires nothing more than to become a nun and continue practicing her healing arts. She’s carefree and happy with her life…until a visitor comes to the abbey and reveals her true identity as one of the lost princesses.

When he was a young boy, Edmund Chambers helplessly watched King Ethelwulf murder his family. Edmund escaped and has lived in the abbey ever since, uniquely trained to work with wild animals. Secretly, he loves Maribel and desperately hopes she doesn’t complete her holy order vows.

When King Ethelwulf’s army arrives at the abbey to capture Maribel, she flees with Edmund across the desolate Highlands in an attempt to reach Adelaide’s rebel army. Edmund can no longer hide his love, but can Maribel give up her dreams of becoming a nun to love him in return? (from the author's website)

My Thoughts

This series just keeps getting better and better! I am thoroughly captivated and addicted to these characters and the story! The plot thickens in this book (the second full book in the series) and I am so anxious to see how the whole series wraps up!

Ms. Hedlund has woven a story of pure brilliance and creativity. New adventures around every corner. New dangers. New love. And such sweet reunions and romance. Maribel and Edmund lived such an isolated and quiet life...And in an instant, their lives are turned upsidedown. One thing that really struck me was how both Edmund and Maribel were trained from childhood to fulfill their callings. God places guardians and mentors in our lives strategically. To prepare us for our future. It's truly beautiful.

If you haven't read the first books, I recommend starting with Always, the novella. Thankfully these books are being released in quick order. There is still time to catch up before book 3 releases at the end of October.

I received a complimentary copy of Foremost from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Also Available

 

Coming Soon

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.

Facebook // Instagram // Pinterest // Twitter // Website