That Certain Spark by: Cathy Marie Hake

Gooding, Texas, doesn't know what hit them when Taylor Bestman, woman doctor, comes to town. With her sparkling personality, clever mind, and good looks, Taylor is a temptress. But there is one thing holding the men back ...

A woman doctor is unheard of. In school Taylor was the brunt of teasing, and here people refuse to let her treat them. And that includes Karl Van der Vort, a traditional and arrogant man. On the first page we find him drinking tea with a kind old widow who is keeping her eyes pealed for a wife for Karl. So we know the rest of the book will be a fulfilling of this prophecy.

But Karl is against woman doctors, so he can't marry Taylor ... right? When he is injured on the job, however, his opinion of her skills might just change ...

Speaking of marriage, Taylor's veterinarian brother, Enoch, has his eye on Mercy, a beautiful widowed mother of one. But after a big surgery, Mercy doesn't think she has what it takes to make Enoch content, and it could ruin their happy ending.

The town cannot resist Taylor's services forever. She's smart and she's got her brother supporting her all the way. That's what she hopes, anyway.

My thoughts:

I have mixed feelings about this book. One thing I appreciated was Taylor and her brother's obvious love for the Lord.

I love Taylor. She's so spirited that when I first started reading the book I thought "Wow. I want my novel to have a character like this," which is a good thing. But I thought the other characters were kind of silly and ... shallow. And I don't like Karl. And it's never good to not like the guy the main character marries. :)

One way to measure a good book is the amount of time you can get away from it without thinking about it, and my mind was never far from That Certain Spark. It is not often that you find a "clean" romance, but I think this was just that. Despite my disliking the characters (not everyone will, anyway) I thoroughly enjoyed this book (even if it is a little cliche).

Objectionable Content:


Language: None.
Romance/Sexual Content: Kissing. Mercy thinks after her surgery she can't marry Enoch because she won't fulfill his "desires as a man."
Violence: None.
Drugs/Alcohol: None.

Matched by: Ally Condie

Cassia lives in a perfect society where life is black and white. You have no choices and your life is a map that others use but you will never see. Cassia is wearing a green dress and she's going to finally see the man she will be spending her life with.

And it's ... Xander. Her best friend. It's not often that you get matched with someone in the same Province as you! Cassia is very fortunate. But then there's Ky. After a big mistake she finds herself falling in love with him. But is it him or a desire to best the Society that draws them together?

People don't die on their eightieth birthday, the Society kills them. Why did she not see that before? The Society says they want the best for them ... but can someone willing to lie to hide the truth care about you? Can someone who takes your words and gives back theirs want what is best for you? And, last of all, can someone who destroys love and hope be someone you can trust?

Matched book trailer:

 

My thoughts:

Dystopian novel? YES. Told in present tense? YES. Society that is never wrong? YES. Girl rebel? Cliche, but YES. :)

I like this book.

You really feel like you're really a part of and are swept along in the story. The whole love-triangle, dystopian story thing is kind like The Hunger Games. You'll love it.

I love Cassia because she's beautiful, because she's different, and because she's willing to fight. All of these things are cliched, but cliche can be good.

Today at work I was pondering what I learned from Matched and, frankly, I can think of nothing. So I asked my sister. She shrugged and said "True love conquers all?" and smiled. So, in other words, I don't think she learned anything either. ;) I'm still looking in to that. Have you read it? Did you learn anything?

I love dystopian stories, in case you didn't already notice that. :) Cruel governments and rebels. Mwahahaha. :)

Note to the author: PLEASE don't let Cassia end up with Xander. I like Ky a lot better.

Objectionable Content:

Language: None
Romance/Sexual Content: Kissing. People being forced into marriages that are usually perfect because the society is never wrong.
Violence: None.
Drugs/Alcohol Content: None.

She Walks in Beauty by: Siri Mitchell

During New York City's Gilded Age ...

THE GAME

is played amid banquets and balls.

THE PRIZE

is a lifetime of wealth and priviledge.

THE RULES

will test friendships and the desires of a young woman's heart.

Clara Carter is the social season's brightest cost ...

but at what cost?

Clara is going to make her debut a year earlier than planned. Her governess, friend to her since her mother died, is fired by her controlling aunt ... leaving her without anyone to teach her mathematics and literature. Instead she learns the importance of communication with a fan and dancing.

The dashing De Vries heir is desired by all, but competition is scarce. He is looking for just the right girl and has found what he wants in Clara ... and Clara's best friend. They promise each other nothing will come between them, but can they withstand the pressure of their parents pushing them away from each other and one man who can't decide between the two of them?

My thoughts:

I had mixed feelings about She Walks in Beauty.

Let's start with the good things.

•  THE COVER ART IS GORGEOUS AND I L♥VE THE TITLE. (Now that that's off my chest...)
• The time period is AMAZING. I LOVE THIS ERA. 
• Clara is sooooooooo easy to relate to. Although near the end she started to bug me.

Not so good things...

Don't you hate it when you find a great book and it has some things that make it not as great???!

Clara finds out that her mother died when her womb fell out of her body because her corset was too tight. It makes my heart constrict just thinking about it. Maybe that's not a "bad" thing, but it was kind of awkward.

The De Vries heir asks Clara to "do it" with him and she refuses. I was thinking GO CLARA!!!! but I wish they had not put that in the book.

Clara's best friend, Lizzie, bugs me to no end. But I had to read this book through twice, and the second time she seemed a little better. Still, though.

Clara's aunt is kind of frustrating, but you also have to feel kind of sorry for her. Come to think on it, I actually found Clara frustrating. But I don't know why. She's pretty cool. She just ... I don't know. Maybe it's just me. :) Have you read it? What did you think of her?

The book has no language or alcohol content or violence. Just ... romance. :)

The Silent Governess by: Julie Klassen

Olivia Keene is fleeing her own secret. She never intended to overhear HIS.

But she cannot go back. And now that she knows the truth about Lord Bradley, what will he do to her? Any uncouth comment to the wrong person could result in the truth being revealed. He stands to lose everything - fortune, reputation, and home.

He forces Olivia to stay with him at Brightwell Court where he can keep an eye on her. Was it not once said, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer"?

But as they begin to see into each other's hearts, things change ... suddenly they are no longer enemies. They look at each other in an entirely different way.

But Olivia is hiding something, and Lord Bradley cannot be entirely sure that it's not this clever woman who is leaving mysterious and threatening notes in his room.

Enter a 1900th century manor house run by the handsome and secretive Edward Bradley where all is not as it seems.

My thoughts:

This book is one of the. Best. EVER.

I love it.

One of the best things is that Olivia gets this neck injury so she can't talk anymore and she has to be a governess to these kids without talking to them. It's a really awesome plot idea.

I just LOVE Olivia Keene. She's clever and sticks up for herself. I love the cover art on this book. I love stories where the mean guy falls for the sweet girl and becomes nice. :)

I thought the story was slightly spoiled by the fact that there's this other guy who takes a romantic interest in Olivia and gets temporarily locked into a closet with her where he tries to kiss her. But aside from that I loved. This. Story.

Objectionable Content:

Language: None.
Romance/Sexual Content: Kissing.
Edward Bradley finds out his parents weren't married.
A servant has a baby and she isn't married.
Violence: Wild dogs attack Olivia.
Drugs/Alchol Content: None.

The Wishing Pearl by: Nicole O'Dell

Sixteen year-old Olivia Mansfield dreams of a land far, far away...

A land far away from her stepfather's abuse and torment.

A land far away from her mother's blind eye.

A land far away from the haunting memories of her past.

No one can be perfect, but it does seem like Olivia's parents could both do some things better. When Olivia's dad was alive, everything was different. Her mom would never have needed a spa day. Or had the money for it.

But he's gone. Forever. And with change, people change. Olivia's mother included. There's no way to talk to her, no way to have a glimpse of the mother she once knew.

In a confused state, Olivia makes some poor choices and finds herself in the middle of her best friend's unexpected death, leaving her at a crossroads.

She can choose to get help, or she can let life work itself out. Will the demons from her past prevent her from having a happy future? Or will she go down the right path, towards eternal hope and healing?

Watch the trailer for The Wishing Pearl...



My thoughts:

The Wishing Pearl is seriously amazing! I could not put it down. Everything in it is so nicely done. The cover art is gorgeous. I sat there staring at it for probably fifteen minutes before I actually opened the book.

One thing I did not like, however, was the little Kira-being-pregnant-thing. The romance between Olivia and Justin is innocent and cute, but Kira's pregnancy kind of spoiled the book for me. I know a lot of people would probably laugh at me for that, but it does matter. It was kind of necessary to the book, but it still bothered me.


Objectionable Content:

Language: I don't remember any...
Romance/Sexual Content: Kira is pregnant before she comes to Diamond Estates. She tries to make everyone believe Justin is the father.
Justin tells Olivia he loves her.
Violence: Olivia is in a car crash.
Drugs/Alcohol Content: Lots of drinking. One girl sneaks in some marijuana. Another girl is trying to lose weight, so she eats speed, which I have read a lot on, and it's really not good.

I reviewed this book for

Team Novel Teen.

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about The Wishing Pearl by Nicole O'Dell by clicking on the links below , and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

 My Life with a Mission • ADD Librarian • Audacious Reader • The Book Fae • Book Nook 4 You • Bookworm Reading • Gillian Adams • Jill Williamson • Katie McCurdy • The Librarian's Bookshelf • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • Virtuous Girlhood

Want to buy the book??? Click HERE.

You can also check out Nicole O'Dell's website, HERE.

Gathering Blue by: Lois Lowry

Kira is an orphan with a big heart and a twisted leg. She lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. Where the unwanted are sent to the Field and never seen again. Where no questions are asked. Where the all-powerful Council of Guardians can create dreams... or smash them.

Vandara would like nothing better than to see Kira dead... especially so she can have the property that Kira lives off of. Her plans are to fence in animals and children on it... to keep them out of trouble.

The hate in Vandara's heart is so great that she brings it up with the Council of Guardians, resulting in half win, half loss. She gets her coveted property, but she does not, however, get to see Kira dead.

Vandara doesn't hesitate to remind Kira that if it weren't for her mother fighting the law, Kira would already be dead, a fact that she already knows all too well.

Now without parents or home, Kira is put up in a building with two other people, Thomas, the carver, and somebody else... a little girl with a talent for singing... that she isn't supposed to know about...

Kira's mother was a gifted weaver and passed on the talent into her daughter. But her daughter's talents go far beyond anything she was ever taught...

Kira's gift for weaving is the only thing keeping her alive...

No one can know her plans to find the truth about her world.

My thoughts:

Wow was this an interesting book!

Gathering Blue has some very excellent points. It doesn't really seem to ever get fully explained, though. The end makes you think there might be a sequel, but sadly, there is not. If you think about it, The Giver (which I reviewed HERE), could be a sequel, but not really.

Gathering Blue is not a supernatural book, but it is certainly not natural either. :) It's... odd.

Anyway, the characters are really well written. Their personalities can be almost confusing at times! :)

Objectional Content:

Language: None.
Romance/Sexual Content:  A little boy thinks Kira should marry someone.
Violence: There may have been some fighting.
Drugs/Alcohol: None.

Replication: The Jason Experiment by: Jill Williamson (win a copy for FREE!)

Martyr - J:3:3 - is only one insignificant clone out of hundreds kept in a facility - or prison! - called Jason Farms. He is content as he is, helping the brokens and learning new things, because he is told he has a purpose... to save humanity.

But Martyr has a natural curiosity to see outside the facility he is kept in. He knows he will "expire" soon... and his one last wish it to see the sky.

Abby Goyer weighs the pros and cons of living in Alaska and so far it would seem that the bad outweighs the good. Her dad may be caught up in something illegal, a guy in school just won't leave her alone, and then, if that isn't bad enough, she finds a clone in her bedroom!

Martyr must decide if living with Abby is worth giving up his purpose, which is starting to look like one big lie.

My thoughts:

I am a huge fan of Jill Williamson, and so I awaited this book in the mail with much anticipation. It didn't leave me wanting. The concept is amazing. I love scientific stories. The characters are unique. I love Abby because she is spunky and Martyr because he is so sweet and curious.

I was a little disappointed, however, as I felt some of the romance-y things puts in here were not necessary. I felt the book would have been a much better read without them.

Objectionable Content:

Language: None
Romance/Sexual Content: Three kisses. A guy in Abby's school takes an unhealthy romantic interest in her and in one sentence it specifies his eyes "wandering where they shouldn't be wandering." Talk of marriage.
Violence: Some fighting, not in detail. Some of the clones have needles inserted into them.
Drugs/Alcohol Content: None.

Some extras:

Visit the book's website.

Find out what your expiration date is.

Watch Martyr's book trailer.

Watch Abby's book trailer.

I reviewed this book for:

Team Novel Teen.

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction.

Check out other posts about Replication: The Jason Experiment by: Jill Williamson by clicking on the links below, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

Read other people's thoughts on Replication.

ADD Librarian • Audacious Reader • The Book Fae • Books I Recommend • Book Nook 4 You • Bookworm Reading • Christian Bookshelf Reviews • Fiction Fire • Gillian Adams • Jill Williamson • Katie McCurdy • Kurly Katie's Ruminations • My Story Shelf • The Pen and Parchment • Rachelle Rea • SLY Games • Terri Harr

The giveaway:

The part you've all been waiting for, eh? :)

So. Jill Williamson has offered to give one commenter a hot-off-the-press copy of Replication: The Jason Experiment. For FREE! Due to the realities of shipping, this will only be open to the people of USA. Sorry, Canadians. I feel your pain (I'm one of you! :).

How to enter:

1). Leave a comment on this blog post either asking Jill Williamson a question or telling her how awesome this book sounds (leave your email address on the comment!).
2). Blog about the giveaway (and leave me a link!).
3). Facebook about the giveaway (tell me if you do so).

Be sure to leave your email address!!!

Giveaway ends February sixth at midnight. I'll try to post the winner as soon as possible! :)