Book Nerds Across America

Jacque's Review:

The Raven Boys is the first book in a planned four book series.  I really enjoyed all of the characters, but there was something missing.  Perhaps it was the third person narration, but I'm not really sure that was the problem because I enjoyed hearing the story from the different characters' perspectives.  I just never felt a true connection to the characters or the story until the last quarter of the book.

The first 270 out of 408 pages were very slow for me.  We learn about Blue, a high school girl, and her relatives who are all psychics.  We learn about "the raven boys" (Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah) personal histories.  They are all from privileged families with one exception, but they are all attending a prestigious boarding school in Blue's hometown of Henrietta.

Gansey recruited all of his friends to help him explore the "ley line".  He has conducted research around the world and has come to the realization that Henrietta has the most powerful ley line and Glendower, his ultimate quest, may be buried here.  He just needs to find out where.  Their investigation breaks wide open once they meet Blue.  The closer they get to finding the ley line the more dangerous things become.  They make an unusual discovery, which directly impacts their circle of friends.  Once this discovery was made, I really started to enjoy the book.  I just wish we were given this piece of information sooner.  It shed light on many of the events that happened earlier in the book.  I actually went back and reread several sections to better appreciate and understand them.

I am anxious to see what happens in the second book.  Now that we are past all of the history and build up that was required for this story, the next book should pick up where this one left off.  There was a lot of excitement and energy the last quarter of this book, which I hope Stiefvater will be able to build upon.

Teri's Review

I was able to read part of this book on a blog tour. Unfortunately somethings happened at work and I was unable to finish it before having to send it on its way to the next person. I have been waiting patiently ever since to get my hands back on it .

I was instantly drawn into the beginning. Blue seeing Gansey on the corpse road, knowing he will die within 12 months, wondering if she will be the cause of it. What is not to love right? And the whole St Mark's day background was fascinating to me. We get to meet Gansey a bit later, along with Adam, Ronan and Noah. Tho I found all these characters interesting to some degree I found the character building and the story building a bit slow in the middle, and at sometimes confusing. Thank goodness I have a Scot/Irish husband who has a fondness for Celtic Mythology and was able to help me understand the ley lines in more simple terms.

The characters are good, even if a bit strange. A few that stood out to me were Persephone. She reminded me of Luna Lovegood of Harry Potter. Maybe it was her odd ways, or her mass of blonde hair, but everytime she spoke in the book, I heard it in Luna's soft spoken childish voice. Maybe that is why I loved her so. I admired Adam and his determination . A poor boy trying to make it in a rich boy world. I did at times, however find myself telling him to stop being so full of pride and just take Gansey up on his offer. Ronan did little for me, maybe his purpose in the story will be clearer in future books. I just sort of found him strange and weird. I loved Noah, and how Stiefvater composed his character. You really pay him no attention until a bit later in the book, but she ties him in amazingly . Maybe the star of the book is suppose to be Blue, but for me it was all Gansey. From the moment she sees him on the Corpse Road, seemingly confused and defeated I was hooked. I loved all about him, his need for knowledge, his constant journal keeping, his quest, his description of his apartment, his polo and boat shoes and even his junky Camero.
Despite the slow middle, the book really picks up about 250 pages in...about the time my Nook needed to charge ..naturally. It ends on a good note. You could totally walk away and leave it, but nope not me. I can't wait to see if Gansey finds his grail.

I thought that I was going to pass out when I was cruising Facebook and saw this post by Rachel Higginson:

Goodreads Description:


Jocelyn Butler has been hiding from her past for years. But all her secrets are about to be laid bare…

Four years ago, Jocelyn left her tragic past behind in the States and started over in Scotland, burying her grief, ignoring her demons, and forging ahead without attachments. Her solitary life is working well—until she moves into a new apartment on Dublin Street where she meets a man who shakes her carefully guarded world to its core.

Braden Carmichael is used to getting what he wants, and he’s determined to get Jocelyn into his bed. Knowing how skittish she is about entering a relationship, Braden proposes an arrangement that will satisfy their intense attraction without any strings attached.

But after an intrigued Jocelyn accepts, she realizes that Braden won’t be satisfied with just mind-blowing passion. The stubborn Scotsman is intent on truly knowing her… down to the very soul.

Mary's Review:

I need to thank Kathryn Grimes from TSK TSK What To Read  for going on and on about this book.  She has just great book taste (and is a wonderful member of the Wolf Pack) that I knew that she would not steer me wrong on this.  I WAS RIGHT ... THIS BOOK WAS GREAT!!

Best part of book:  Hello, Braden!! Braden Carmichael *swoon*  I was warned by Kathryn that this was her "fictional boyfriend"  and I promised not to go after him.  However, I will lust after him (a lot!).  Jocelyn is a young woman with a very sad past, but moving to Scotland to start anew.  After being there for several years she moved to Dublin Street with her new roommate Ellie.  This is where the FUN begins!!! I love the interactions between Braden and Jocelyn.  I love that Jocelyn is very independent and knows herself, but she has to still deal with her past.  Samantha Young really knows how to tell a story.

Not so great about book: This is simple......IT WASN'T LONG ENOUGH!  I mean, Samantha Young  tells a great story and it is a quick read; however, I still wanted more Braden.  Of course, I am a bit selfish!! (hehe)

I would recommend this book to everyone!

Goodreads description:

When my mother remarried after thirteen years of being a widow, I had to move to a new town and enroll in a new school. Suddenly thrust into an entirely different kind of life, I just wanted to go home. I didn’t want to meet new people, didn’t want to leave my old friends, didn’t want to become a third wheel to my mom and her husband….and I really didn’t want to see Ryder Yates again. Ugh, I still don’t know why I turned down that too-good-to-be-true boy who flirted with me when we were attending separate schools. 

But honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It was worse. 

Who knew becoming lost in a new life could help a girl find her true colors?

Mary's Review:

I was contacted by the author to review this book.  After I read the blurb, I thought it sounded interesting and read it. WOW! I was so wrong about this book.  The blurb does it NO JUSTICE!! IT IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN THAT!!  I read this book in one sitting.  I couldn't put it down.  I thought it was just going to be about a girl starting a new school and meeting a new boy ... but this book was so much more than that!!! SO MUCH MORE!!

Best part of the book: Bet you think I am going to say that Ryder is the best part of the book......well, you are half right,  Ryder AND Grace.  I think they are just a perfect set of characters.  Even though Grace liked Ryder right away, I liked how she "messed" with him a bit.  I love how Ryder is still there for her no matter what.

Not so great about the book:  Ok, this is not a "bad" part of the book but I really dislike this character.  It's Barry, Grace's step-father.  He is a big jerky-jerk! (I would use stronger language but I am trying to keep it PG).  I really dislike him! But, it is a large part of the story.  The other thing that I disliked was the Epilogue was not long enough for me.  However, I am a little greedy that way!

Overall, this is a great book and I think it would be a great read for everyone!!

When I was contacted about the tour I was actually excited.  I had recently read Courtney Cole's book Dante's Girl and enjoyed it.  I also have her Bloodstone Saga Series on my "to-read" list.  So, I just knew that when I read Confessions of an Alli Cat it was going to be good.  Fair warning: This is an ADULT book! Just thought y'all should know that!

About the Author:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who lives near Lake Michigan with her family, pet iPad and her favorite cashmere socks.  She's always working on her next novel.  To learn more, visit her at www.courtneycolewrites.com.

You can stalk her on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and Amazon.

Here is the cover:

Here is my review:

I was given this book as part of the tour and I worried because I did not think I was going to finish it in time.  Well, I was wrong because the moment I picked it up, I didn't set it back down till I was finished.  Now, I love a good YA book like every other female, but sometimes you want an adult book! Oh boy, did Courtney deliver with this one!

Best part of book:  Shade! OMG! SHADE! He just isn't your typical gigolo, he is way beyond that! He was more of a "teacher" for Alli.  I loved how he really cared about her and made her feel special.  Alli needed because she had such a horrible marriage and divorce.  She is 35-ish and I can relate to her a lot with some of her issues.  I think I love Sara (Alli's best friend) just as much.  She is a little "fire-cracker" and she cracked me up.  All the character in this book were good.

Not so great about book:  I wish the book was longer.  I would have liked to see more of Alli's relationship but I am hoping that there will be more of Alli's story later on.  *fingers crossed*

Goodread description:


With aspirations of being an animator, sixteen-year-old Nivi Nash thought she knew all about fairy tales. Take one beautiful damsel in distress, add a charming hero, and don’t forget a cackling villain. Throw in some pretty colors, a few songs, and mix well. 

But when caught in a real one, she learns the hero—though still hot—isn’t always charming, the story far from pretty, and the villain absolute evil. On the run for her life in a stolen SUV, she isn’t worried about her beauty, but happily ever after? Yes, she wants that the most. It means she’ll live. 

The kiss always at the end of these tales? Most of the time, okay maybe half of the time, the thought of that lip lock is far, far away where these stories are supposed to be. But tied to a stake on the side of a snowy mountain, the thought of her not-so-charming hero’s kiss burns away the reality of the knife hovering above her skin.

Mary's Review:

First, I want to thank Jean Haus for giving me this book.  I am sometimes apprehensive about remakes of classics.  Sometimes the authors get it right and sometimes they just screw it all up! However, Jean Haus did this retelling of Snow White ...... RIGHT!! WOW!! This book was so so good!!

Best part of the book: Nivi and Jai (aka Snow White and Prince Charming)! Jean definitely knows how to write 2 amazing characters.  The chemistry between these two characters is amazing,  Even though, I was unsure at first because this is set in modern time ... Jean hit the nail on the head!

I also love that, at first, you are not sure if Jai is good or bad.  I also like that I love Nivi right off page 1! I think that she is an amazing character!

Not so great about book: I did not like that Nivi's father was a dork throughout the book.  I understand the reasoning behind it, but every time he was on the page (talking or whatnot) I just wanted to reach through my Kindle and slap him! *eye roll* He is such a dork!!

Other than Nivi's father, I think this is a great book and a wonderful retelling of Snow White! I would recommend to others to read!!

I debated long and hard on this week's fictional boyfriend.  I had three or four excellent choices to select from, but I ultimately settled on Lucas Delos. (Probably because I am wearing my Team Fate/Delos T-shirt at this very moment.)  Lucas is from Josephine Angelini's Starcrossed series.  Brace yourself...here is a picture Josie shared with her followers showing her vision of Lucas. 

Lucas is a Demigod, a direct descendant of Apollo.  He is over six feet tall and has exceptional strength.  He is one of the few demigods who can fly.  He is able to manipulate gravity to make himself light as a feather or as heavy as a rock.  Fortunately, Helen has these same qualities and abilities. 

In addition to these, Lucas is a Falsefinder.  He can tell when someone is not telling the truth, which for some reason did not work to his advantage during the first two books.  Helen's mother told them a whopper of a lie and he fell for it hook, line, and sinker.  Apollo is the god of light, which provides Lucas with the ability to bend light.  This particular skill comes in handy during the second book in the series.

Lucas and Helen do not experience love at first sight.  In fact, they actually try to kill each other.  The fates cause members of different Greek houses to want to kill one another.  After a particularly brutal battle between the two, they were able to settle their debts to each other's house and they are freed from the wrath of the fates.

We quickly discover that Lucas is not all looks.  He is very sweet and caring.  He is very protective of Helen, but he is not at all controlling.  He is very supportive of Helen and puts her needs ahead of his.  While it crushes him to see the effects the underworld is having on her, he realizes this is something she needs to do.  He doesn't interfere, but he does think of a ways he can help.

A couple of quotes for you:

"Even if it kills me, staying awake and seeing you... is better than any dream." - Helen to Lucas

"If other men were houses, Lucas was her Home." - A quote from Dreamless

I am anxiously awaiting a happily ever after to Lucas and Helen's relationship, which may never come.  Josie hinted that this is a Greek tragedy and not everything will end the way we may hope.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that she was not referring to Lucas and Helen when she made that statement.  We will find out on May 28, 2013 when the final book in this trilogy, Goddess, is released.

 

Two beautiful covers are being revealed today from Elizabeth Marx.  These books will be available soon!

About the Author:


Windy City writer Elizabeth Marx brings cosmopolitan flair to her fiction, which is a blend of romance and fast-paced Chicago living with a sprinkle of magical realism. In her past incarnation she was an interior designer--not a decorator--which basically means she has a piece of paper to prove that she knows how to match and measure things and can miraculously make mundane pieces of furniture appear to be masterpieces. Elizabeth says being an interior designer is one part shrink, one part marriage counselor and one part artist, skills eerily similar to those employed in writing.
Elizabeth grew up in Illinois and has also lived in Texas and Florida. If she’s not pounding her head against the wall trying to get the words just right, you can find her at a softball field out in the boonies or sitting in the bleachers by a basketball court. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs.
Elizabeth has traveled extensively, but still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.

If you want to stalk Elizabeth you can:  Website, Facebook and Twitter.

The first reveal is Descent of Blood, The Red Veil Series, The Prequel.

Blurb:

When times are darkest, some vampires desire more than blood …

England, 1465. Mortal men clash in the War of the Roses for the English crown, while vampire warriors’ move undetected among their ranks, savoring the flow of blood that battlefields provide. 

Vampire prince, Severian Pearce, fears the revelation of the immortal clans to humankind should King Henry fall from power. While in pursuit of Henry’s enemies, Severian comes to the aid of Meridian Neville, a human woman he craves—and not for the scent of her blood … Meridian is torn between honoring her father’s dying wish and her unexplainable yearning for Lord Severian. But as Severian and Meridian work together to protect a relic hunted by mortals and immortals alike, the red veil descends over them. This all-consuming attraction can drive immortals to the brink of madness. Will the existence of this powerful bond between a human and a vampire be enough to unite the immortal clans or is the red veil a scourge set on destroying any chance they might have of happiness?

When all hope is lost, one vampire will fight unto death for his forbidden love.

Lila Felix has quickly become one of my favorite authors.  Her first book: Emerge was an amazing roller coaster of emotions.  She now has her second book, Perchance that is available.  Like Emerge, Lila puts her readers into another roller coaster and it is worth every single word!

Instead of doing another review of Perchance, Lila has been kind enough to give a small excerpt of the book:

Sunday morning Aunt Brenda and I went to church and sat in our regular pew in the middle on the right side. And to my surprise and joy, we were joined by Eric, Cooper, Troy and his Dad. Halfway through the sermon Cooper opened his hand on his lap and my hand slid into his. Aunt Brenda gently pinched my elbow letting me know that she was well aware of what was going on and I spent the rest of the church service with a full blush. Certainly there was some rule about blushing about your boyfriend in church, but I couldn’t control it to save my life.

I just love this book.  You can purchase it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Don't forget that you can also purchase Emerge on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Lila has been so kind to also be doing a giveaway.  One is International, where you can win a gifted copy of Emerge or a pdf of Perchance.

Be sure to enter here:


Then there is another giveaway for US only, where you can win a signed paperback of Emerge by Lila Felix and some awesome swag.

Be sure to enter here:


:


As always, be sure to stalk Lila Felix (Like I do) on her Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter and her personal Blog.

We are now back on track.  Again, sorry about the issues with Book 1: Significance.

We have 57 days left until the release of Book 4: Independence. Tonight is Chapter 1 of Book 2: Accordance.

Here are the highlights:

A prophecy.  What is this, Harry Potter? --Maggie
====
That bastard cut my hair! --Maggie
====
Maggie: So, you don't want to see me naked?
Caleb:  Of course I do.  Don't start your girly insecurities with me, Maggie Masters.  I just don't want the temptation.
====
Salon worker: Well them, let's get you situated.  Sugar Daddy can hang in the waiting area.
Maggie: But he's not my--
Salon worker: Oh, it's ok, honey.  It's California.  Everybody has one and those that don't wish they did.

Until tomorrow.............

OK a fan of the page just sent me a Twitter message saying "what happen to the countdown?"  I thought it was posting but something was wrong with the sight .... I AM SO SORRY!!

So, I am going to fix this real fast. I am going to finish up Book 1: Significance.

Again, I am so sorry about this!!

Chapter 31 highlights:

I told you in the very beginning that I'll let you set the pace and that still stands.  ---Caleb
=====
I'm happy, just like this, for now.  ---Caleb
=====
I love you too, baby.  I don't see how I can love you anymore than I do right now. ---Caleb
=====
I still felt tense and apprehensive, I had not idea what it was really or what it entailed or what it would feel like but this was Caleb.  I had to stop thinking of him as just a boy.  ---Maggie
=====

Chapter 32 highlights:

(hehe! this is my favorite chapter with Caleb and Maggie!)

Caleb:  Take it easy for a while and not be so wound tight.
Maggie:  I've had good reason to be so wound.
=====

You would never hurt me.  I know that more than anything else, especially after being in your mind.  You'd never do anything that I didn't want to do and I;m not worried about losing ourselves either.  Haven't I always kept you a gentleman?  ---Maggie
=====

Ok, that is the end of Book 1: Significance!!  We are will begin Book 2:

Lindsay Paige, the talented author of the Bold As Love series, has a new book coming out on January 13. 2013.  Lindsay is extremely talented as an author that I am very excited about this new book.  Be sure to follow the Don't Panic Facebook Page for teasers and updates on the book.

Here is a little bit about the book:


Samantha Branson is having severe anxiety attacks. Her heart beats unusually fast, her breath quickens and her hands sweat. Every detail screams in her head that she is the center of unwanted attention. Everyone can hear her thoughts, her heart and her breathing. The silence of the classroom is so loud that focus is impossible.

After an attack lands her in the wrong bathroom, Sam meets Eli who offers to provide help. Faced with the return of her possessive ex-boyfriend and the blossoming of a new romance, Sam must find the strength inside herself to face her anxieties head on.

And now the cover (Enjoy!):

Oh, I just love Misty Provencher! I truly do! She is an amazing author of Cornerstone and Keystone and she is releasing a new adult romance novel: Hale Maree.

Want to know what the book is about? Well, here you go:


Hale Simmons dreams of climbing out of her impoverished life, going to college, and getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can eventually bust through the Plexiglas ceiling of her crappy life.  But for now, she’s just a 17-year-old girl with a flimsy hope, barely getting by with her alcoholic father, Jerry.
But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry becomes the sole witness to a horrible accident.  It is an event which means to effect everyone, especially Hale, who wasn’t even involved.
            While the depth of the accident has just begun to unfold, Otto Maree, a prominent business man and old family friend, stands to lose everything because of it.  Otto is desperate for Hale’s father to stay quiet about what occurred the night the two men met for a drink.  Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal.  Jerry is desperate to gain financial stability for both himself and Hale, and Otto Maree is more than willing to pay to keep his secret just that.
            But deals like this need to be made of the strongest vows and bound with the most faithful of loyalties.  Otto proposes a marriage between Hale and his playboy-son, Oscar, in order to assure that the secret remains ‘in the family’.  The mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow and Hale struggles against her own mysterious feelings that begin to develop for Oscar, who turns out to less of a playboy, but just as fiercely loyal and dedicated as his father.  
As the pressures around her continues to escalate, Hale realizes that she’s got to decide if this arranged marriage is really just a big mistake or an amazing twist of fate, that has been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

Now, after that I know you want to see the cover!!! So, here you go:

Goodreads description:


What if you lived in fear of yourself?

For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.

Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.

Mary's Review:

There are a few things that I need to let you know before I dive into this review.  1)  This book was given to me by the author, Tabatha Vargo, to beta read.  2) This book is not yet released; however, the moment that I know, I will let you know! And 3) I want to say THANK YOU for this amazing read!

Best part of the book: For the first time I was not sure what to choose as the "best part".  So, I am going to say the best part is: Tabatha Vargo.  She is the most descriptive author I think I have ever read.  I felt sad when Mage was sad.  I felt heartache with Adam.  I laughed at them and I felt like I was sitting in the garden with them.  Her attention to detail in the book was perfection.  I was entwined in this world with Mage and Adam that I almost skipped going to a football game (I never skip football! EVER!) When I started this story, I felt so sad for Mage.  She has no parents and was raised by her grandparents, but she always had these "abilities".  Because of her abilities she was an outsider.  She never had friends, but always had a crush on Adam.  I love their backstory the most.  Then Adam begins to notice her and talks to her! Soon, they spend time with each other and Mage begins to "break-out" of her shell (a little bit).  However, it can never be that simple.  Mage's past begins to haunt her and it all becomes so complex.  I don't want to go into much detail because Tabatha Vargo does such an amazing job with this book that YOU HAVE TO READ IT!

Not so great about book:  I am trying to replay the book in my head and think of what I did not like about it.  However, there was one thing that I did not like (and I won't reveal it because it will spoil the book).  Nonetheless,  I know that it was a must because it pulls the story together.  I can live with it though because I know that BOOK 2 is going to be outstanding!

The ever amazing and talented Tiffany King has given The Saving Angel Series a little update.  Now, you should never judge a book by its cover, but I am loving these new covers.

Without further ado:

Meant To Be (book 1)

Forgotten Souls (book 2)

The Ascended (book 3)

I love these covers so much!! Can't wait till they are in paperback so I can purchase them!! What do you think?

Can you believe that it is only 60 days until the release of Independence!?

I cannot believe that Maggie and Caleb's story will come to an end.

So, let's keep going through Book 1: Significance and here are the highlights:

Maggie:  I thought with my new man arms I would be able to lift a duffel bag.
Caleb:  You're stronger than you were but you're still not Wonder Woman
====
Don't do anything stupid and give me a reason to have to kill your boyfriend.---Bish
====
Maggie:  But I thought it was so secret.
Caleb: It is, but your happiness is more important than a secret.
=====
Maggie: He was going to try to spoil me, I could see it now
Caleb: You bet your pretty tush I am.
=====
Here I was, running you down the river because of you spending your dad's money and you're like the sweetest guy ever. ---Maggie
=====


My most favorite like is the last line of the chapter.  I cannot put it in here because I am trying to keep it "spoiler free".  However, if you get a chance read that last line!!

Until tomorrow...............

Avenge is now available!!

I was very excited when Krystal Clear Book Reviews decided to host this Blog Tour.  I had seen Tamara talking about this book and I got very interested in it, because of how awesome it sounded!

I was given the book as part of the tour.  So, first I need to thank Jamie Loeak and the lovely ladies at Krystal Clear Book Reviews.

My review of the book:

If you know anything about me from reading this site, following me on Twitter or Facebook, you know that I have a slight obsession with fictional boys and book series.  In Body and Soul, Jaime Loeak has rocked my world with both!

Best Part of the book: I am going to start with Kate.  She moves around a lot because her mother is a marine biologist and her father is a lawyer.  This story is set in Florida, a small beach town, and it is here that we meet Rico (ok I had to talk about the boy).  Rico is not just some boy and his friend, Adriana, is not just some girl.  Kate begins to have these "dreams" and is not sure what is happening to her.  Well, there is more to the world that what the human eye can see.  Rico and Adriana try to help her understand the "situation" between the Light and Darkness; but it is up to Kate to choose what is best for her Body and Soul.  This is one reason why I love Rico, because he wants to protect Kate at any cost.  However, the question: can he do it?

Not so great about book:  Here are the 2 problems wrong with this book (and they are  HUGE problems).  The first is, I was not warned that I would be crying my eyes out at the end.  Talk about ripping someone's heart out! OMG! The second issue is: I don't know when book 2 is coming out.  I am not sure if I can hold out too long before I lose it!  I need more Rico and Kate in my life!  I am hoping that a release date is announced soon, until then I will be stalking Jamie Loeak on her site (click HERE)

About the Author: Jaime Loeak

61 days......61 very long days until the release of Independence. But, I think we can hang on ... maybe!?

Well, we are on Chapter 29 and here are the highlights:

Maggie: Hey, Gran
Gran: Hey, pretty girl.  You make a good entrance.
=====
But never again.  You keep each other safe from now on and all will be well. ---Gran
====
I'm not worried about the money, I'm worried about you. ---Caleb
====
I'm glad you finally got everything right again.  I've been so worried about you two.  ---Jen
=====
As he turned away I stopped in a revelation.  I realized that I never felt the stuck feeling of needing to be released from him just now, even a little.  It was the first time we'd both walked away of our own free will. ---Maggie
=====
Bish: I'll try Maggie.  I want to like Caleb, I do.
Maggie: Well, you better get started because he's it for me.
====


So, much going on in this chapter! What do you think of Bish in this chapter.....do you think he can figure it out???

Until Tomorrow................

62 day left until the release of Independence. Oh I don't know if I can stand it.

Here are the highlights of Chapter 28 of Book 1: Significance:

Maggie:  We don't need a chaperone, dad.
Jim:  I'll be the judge of that.
=====
Maggie: I'm fine, really.
Bish: Stop, Mags.  It's not like you had a bad experience at the dentist....
=====
Look at my little sister, A player. ---Bish
=====

Ok, this was a bit harder to highlight without spoilers *phew* but I think I did it.

I liked this chapter because Bish (who is Maggie's older adopted brother) is introduced!  On top of that, we have more family interactions and I love that.

Until Tomorrow..................

63 days until the release of Independence.

The closer it gets to the release date the more excited I get!!

We now are on Chapter 27 and here are the highlights:

You knew this would happen, that she'd be a freak and you did it anyway." ---Jim
=====
Did you think I'd never leave home? Never move out? Never go to college? Never get married? ---Maggie
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I may be coming to terms with all this but I'm still your father. ---Jim
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I'll always come for you. I'll always find you, I told you, you're everything now, Maggie.  I love you so much. ---Caleb
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Peter: I explain to them last night that we told you everything and they are anxious to meet you.
Jim: Really? Ready to string me up by my ankles?
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Did you like seeing more of Jim and Peter?  I just love the "Dads"!!

Until tomorrow................