Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline -- A Book Review

Bennie Rosato meets her twin, Alice Connelly, for dinner and wakes up buried alive. As she struggles to free herself, Alice takes over Bennie's life. Her goal is to take Bennie's money and disappear. While Alice is executing her plan, Bennie escapes the box and goes back to Philadelphia to find her sister and take back her life. Alice has fooled Bennie's employees and ex-boyfriend but with just one day away from success, Bennie wrecks Plan A for Alice. The two find themselves on a race to getting what they want which for both is doing something evil.

Lisa Scottoline brilliantly writes her characters with an eternal truth at their core which enables the reader to quickly connect with them. They each have profound moments of revelation in commonplace tasks - such as buying a house.

The humor, heartache, and tension throughout the book is cleverly interwoven amongst the vying viewpoints of different characters throughout the several day ordeal.

Scottoline's pace accelerates with each chapter and the readers will feel their hearts racing by the end. Her word choice and sentence structure well executed which entices the reader to complete this book at a sprint's pace.

This book was purchased by myself at a retail chain. It was not given to me for review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Working Stiff by Tori Carrington -- A Book Review

Sofie Metropolis is a private investigator at her Uncle's agency. She currently finds herself looking for a missing body from her aunt's funeral home, trying to prove a murder defendant's innocence, and dealing with the two men in her love life. As the stress from the cases intensify, her love life is thrown into a tizzy partly due to her meddling mother. Sofie doubts her ability as a PI as she goes days without making progress, but soon she stumbles on a bit of advice that changes everything.

Tori Carrington's story has humor and a touch of romance. The characters achieve a small personal growth by the end of the book which will endear them to the reader.

Carrington discusses old cases Sofie worked, presumably from previous books. At first these are acceptable and relevant, but by the end of the story, they are forced - no longer providing insight for the character's current circumstances.

Overall, the story and characters are entertaining, so many readers will look forward to reading more about Sofie and her life.

This book was purchased by myself at a retail chain. It was not given to me for review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Knock Me for a Loop by Heidi Betts -- A Book Review

Grace Fisher surprised her fiance, Zack Hoolihan, at an away game and found a woman in his hotel bed. She storms out and will not listen to his claims of innocence. Several months later they are both still agonizing over the broken engagement, when they find themselves in a tenuous situation.

Grace moves back in with Zack to temporarily take care of injuries he suffered during a hockey game. Soon the old feelings cause them to revisit old wounds and the truth about the woman in that hotel room.

Heidi Betts wrote a story that draws the reader in and emotionally invests them in the characters' relationship. At times, the reader will feel anger at their stubbornness while still maintaining sympathy for their situation. Betts writes characters and situations that are believable and identifiable for her readers.

Betts sporadically stumbles over redundancy in her descriptions but these instances are minor enough that most readers won't find them bothersome. The language is direct and moves the story along at a consistent pace.

The book is sprinkled with wonderful gems - words that pleasantly wet the logophile's appetite. Readers will look forward to other books from Betts.

This book was purchased by myself at a retail chain. It was not given to me for review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo -- A Book Review

Peter uses his only florit to get a question answered from a fortuneteller. The answer to the question causes him to doubt his guardian, an old soldier and family friend. Was his sister alive or dead? The fortuneteller told him that the elephant would take him to her. Peter left upset because Baltese had no elephants. Later that day, a magician did a bit of magic that brought Peter what he needed.

Kate DiCamillo's language is eloquent and pulls the reader back to the time and place when the story occurs. It is a wonderful tale that will remind children of the importance of keeping a promise.

The major characters are developed in a manner that allows the reader's imagination to get to know them at their own pace. It is DiCamillo's talent that gives that characters depth without a superfluous word of description.

The ending wraps up the question for Peter but readers may walk away without a feeling of closure for other characters.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Truly, Madly by Heather Webber -- A Book Review

Lucy Valentine reluctantly steps into the family business, matchmaking, amid her father's scandal. The Valentine family has passed on the gift of seeing auras for generations, but, after an accident as a teenager, Lucy's gift was changed which caused her to previously avoid taking on the tasks of matchmaking.

Soon a client sends her in a new direction - finding a lost love. A tangled web of a missing child, murder victim, determined policeman, and insistent reporter envelopes Lucy. She relies on old friends and a private investigator, a potential love interest, to escape.

The characters are amusing and the story is lighthearted where appropriate. The action is quick and keeps a reader on a steady pace throughout the book.

Being the first in a series, the character introductions and development was sufficient. The author's language is direct and concise allowing the book to be short enough for completion in less than one day.

If readers can get past the cheese of the first sentence, they will be pleased with this romantic misadventure.

This book was purchased by myself at a retail chain. It was not given to me for review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Soulless: An Alexia Tarabotti Novel by Gail Carriger -- A Book Review

Miss Alexia Tarabotti is a single woman in Victorian England. She is considered a spinster by her mother and half sisters due to her Italian heritage and straightforward personality. It is the later that gets Miss Tarabotti into precarious situations involving vampires and werewolves.

Lord Conall Maccon is the Alpha of the London werewolf pack. He continues to cross paths with the heroine during her exploits. Soon the two find themselves at odds with each other while fighting an attraction.

Gail Carriger's ability to pull the reader back in time through elegant dialogue and proper mannerisms is fantastic. Carriger beautifully captures the styles of Victorian fashion while spinning this magical tale.

The story is captivating and give the reader a new twist to vampires, werewolves, and London society. Readers will find it hard to put the book down before finishing.

The next book in this series is entitled Changeless. It will be highly anticipated by readers of Carriger's work.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

It's Never Too Late To Be What You Might Have Been by BJ Gallagher -- A Book Review

This book was inspired by and titled from a George Eliot quote. It uses this idea as a basis for sharing stories that will encourage readers that they can still achieve. The stories range from changing careers to being creative to finding love.

The real-life stories give advice to the reader as well as hope. Not only do the subjects share their stories, they tell about their failures and help show how to begin a journey. The these of each story is there is no such thing as too late, too old, too anything.

Regardless of what you are striving toward at this point, BJ Gallagher captures stories you can identify with. The people Gallagher selected for subjects offer a variety of backgrounds that inspire the reader further.

With quotes placed throughout the book and quick stories or observations, this collection meshes well and pulls the reader in for an uplifting experience.

This book is great for anyone having doubts about their choices or the path they should take. I recommend this to everyone and encourage it be sent as a present to others.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Unusual Mind of Vincent Shadow by Tim Kehoe -- A Book Review

Vincent is an inventor living with his father, stepmother, and three stepsisters. He works on various toys in his secret lab. When his father gets a new job, Vincent has to leave New York and his lab behind.

At his new school, a teacher offers Vincent the chance to enter a toy contest. Vincent enters his windless kite and is chosen to be a finalist. Soon disaster strikes and Vincent has to be quick in finding a solution so he can achieve his dream.

Tim Kehoe wrote a wonderfully imaginative, entertaining, and educating tale of a young boy looking for his place of belonging. Vincent finds it in the owner of a toy company and a famous inventor. Kehoe does an excellent job in meshing these personalities into the story.

Vincent is fully developed as an inventor based on the ideas in the book and the glimpse into one of his notebooks at the end of the story.

Kehoe has written a story that leaves the reader wanting more. This book was enjoyable even from an adult's perspective. Let's hope we see more of Vincent in the future.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet -- A Book Review

Wisty and Whit are pulled from their house in the middle of the night by New Order soldiers. They are accused of being a witch and wizard. They deny the allegations while serving time in a detention center.

As the situation grows bleaker, this brother and sister realize their powers. Through the help of old and new friends they escape and work to rescue fellow inmates from their death sentences.

Soon they learn they are part of prophecies that make them a threat to the New Order. They work to figure out how they can bring down this oppressive government while searching for their parents.

James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet entertain the reader with their realistic depiction of a close sibling relationship put to the test. They also horrify readers with the imposing government juggernaut called the New Order. Patterson and Charbonnet change point of view effectively through the book.

The story and characters pull us into their world and make us hope for the best. The fast paced book leaves the reader looking for more.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Retail Hell by Freeman Hall -- A Book Review

An aspiring screenwriter moves to California and finds himself financially crunched. He accepts a job as a commissioned handbag salesman in a luxury department store.

Freeman Hall takes us through the horrifying and funny encounters he had nightmares about. Hall devises a category for various customers based on recurring behaviors. Some are rather dramatic.

As a true life tale of his adventures, the book entertains. It is a piece of commiseration for those that have suffered through retail jobs.

Hall’s characters are at times two dimensional. He fell short of developing his coworkers into identifiable people. His straightforward prose pulls the reader into his world. As a whole this was an enjoyable read.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Prophecy of the Sisters by Michelle Zink -- A Book Review

Twin sisters Lia and Alice Milthorpe find themselves at opposing sides of a prophecy that has been foretold for centuries. Lia is slowly introduced to this information after the death of her father. As the mystery unfolds, Lia must determine what roles she plays, who she can trust, and the motivations of her sister in order to prevail.

Lia finds herself torn between the temptations of evil, the path of good, and the love she has for her family. She is tested emotionally and physically at every turn. The friends that assist her are in danger as long as they stay close yet can she continue on her quest without them?

Michelle Zink cleverly weaves the struggle within Lia into the unveiling of the prophecy. The descriptors pull the reader into Lia's mind and emotions. You find yourself experiencing the same tensions, thoughts, fears; and coming to the same questions and next steps.

The internal and external forces that influence Lia carefully play off each other. The transition between these perspectives is flawless. For this I highly complement Zink.

This book is a wonderful combination of character and plot. Readers will find it hard to put down. For more information on the book check out the website: www.prophecyofthesisters.com.

On a personal note, I cannot wait for Zink's next book.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

How To Grow a Child By Bernard Percy -- A Book Review

This book contains insight into the 34 year relationship between a teacher and his student writers as well as the original book that was published in 1978.

Ann Arthur, Linden Jackson, Lori Johnson, Crystal Kornegay, Beth Wallace, and Reggie Wright each wrote entries, thoughts, poems, etc. for parents when they were just children. The book focuses on the truth that kids are people and should be treated as such.

Parents should read this book to remind themselves that children are smart and do understand more than they are usually given credit. Readers will enjoy this easy read that is an inspiration for all adults.

The biggest lesson from this book that I hope people would take away is that children deserve love, respect, and understanding.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Twelve by William Gladstone -- A Book Review

In this tale, William Gladstone has the reader following the life of Max from his birth until the end of the Mayan calendar - 12/21/2012. During his life Max lives in a constant state of change. He travels the world, does many jobs, loves different women, and befriends people of varying backgrounds.

Max has a near-death experience in his youth that leaves a mystery for him to solve. There are twelve names, each associated with a color, that he knows are important for him. Unfortunately he only remembers the name of the final person. As time passes he begins to meet these people without knowing the connection they all share.

As Max finally approaches the meeting of these twelve people, he realizes the scope of their importance. He will also learn to accept his role in this world-changing climax.

Gladstone carefully mixes the meetings with the twelve people in with the telling of Max's life so that his personality is a pivotal part of figuring out the final element of the book. The book is fiction that pulls from beliefs held by others. It is a fascinating read if one is able to lose themselves in the reality the book presents.

By the end it felt as if Gladstone was being overly soapboxish. Even with this, it is an enjoyable, easy read.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Another Faust by Daniel & Dina Nayeri -- A Book Review

Five children from various cities disappear one night only to reappear years later in New York City. They are part of the Faust family. Each has their own desires for what they feel is success. The events that led the children to reach out to the governess in the first place are directly related to the ideas of success that each desires. In order for them to achieve their "success" they make deals with their governess for gifts/abilities.

There are prices for receiving these gifts. As each desires more, there are more questions about the motives of the governess. What is she really trying to accomplish? What is in it for her?

The authors paint a great picture of the flaws in desiring superficial accolades to heal an emotional hurt. As each character develops, their fragile natures are explored. As much as this is a modern view of the Faustian bargain, it is a close tale of the pressures many teenagers will face today.

The authors are able to use not only spoken language but thoughts to truly convey what is happening for each character. You feel the pressures, insecurities, drives, and desires of them. The reader will not just be told what is happening. They will become part of the world created. Readers will relate to and enjoy reading this book.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Undone By Karin Slaughter -- A Book Review

A victim of a vicious torturer escapes and ends up in an emergency room in Atlanta. It is here that three characters from previous Karin Slaughter works cross paths. Sara Linton from Faithless plus Will Trent and Faith Mitchell from Fractured each take a distinct path in helping this woman known only as Anna.

As the characters relate memories from their past to the case, conflict and new relationships arise. As a new deadline looms the characters are forced to work through their personal issues and catch the culprit before more women are seriously injured or tortured.

Tensions rise with each dead end. The suspense builds within the reader as each suspect manages to be cleared only to be brought back into the light. Slaughter is able to truly make this a mystery.

In the end the reader will enjoy this mystery and may be surprised at the final climatic scenes. The detail Slaughter uses pulls the reader into the horrifying crimes. A sense of dread creeps up on the characters and readers with each new development of the case.

It was hard to put down this book because the action was non-stop. The depth of the characters was a welcome surprise. This reader was left wanting more of the characters and is hoping for another book where these three reunite.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe -- A Book Review

Connie Goodwin leaves her post-graduate studies at Harvard University to assist in cleaning up and selling her Granna's house. She does this as a begrudging favor to her mother with whom she has had strained relationship due to their similarly opposing personalities.

As the summer progresses Connie finds herself seeking not only a primary source for her PhD dissertation but the history of a woman that has captured her imagination. Along the way Connie begins to open her mind to things about herself and the history she studied all these years.

Connie soon finds herself having visions of history that are too real to explain through logic. As her relationship with a steeplejack Sam progresses, her life soon begins to mirror that of the woman in the family tree she is researching.

Katherine Howe has produced an intriguing character that complements the factual and fictional history within her book. Connie lives both in her today and other people's yesterdays. This dynamic is beautifully built into the character that develops. Howe has truly blended the plot with the character in this book.

The use of various languages throughout the book takes the reader back to the time of Deliverance Dane and the Salem witch trials. The images invoked by Howe's descriptors is magnificent and allows the reader to be alongside the characters' journeys. This is sure to be on the must-read lists of tomorrow.

I highly recommend this book to all readers.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Whacked by Jules Asner -- A Book Review

Dani is a writer on a TV crime drama Flesh and Bones. She is intrigued by forensics and all things murder. Her interest in finding clues and reasons for crimes takes her into morally-questionable situations. As her relationship with long-time boyfriend, Dave, hits bumps her activities become more whacked.

Dani is clearly flawed and not an easy person to root for. Jules Asner brilliantly created a character that draws the reader into her world as it turns upside down after her break-up. The blind dates that range from good to bizarre help further highlight Dani's craziness. The obstacles and traumatic events that feed Dani's craziness build in frequency and intensity in her mind. The outcome of all these lead to a climax that is a natural progression for the character.

The plot is well-written and fast-paced. This is a book readers will not want to put down. Asner portrays a side of LA that seems completely alien to what many perceive, yet it is believable enough for the reader to feel like a voyeur.

Feeling dubious about this book initially, this reader can say all doubts were baseless. Asner is a talented author whose debut book is engaging and a captivating must-read for summer.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Catching Boo by Joanne Rowlinson with illustrations by Mari Brown -- A Book Review

Based on the true story of a runaway dog, this story capture's the owners' view of events. After adopting Boo, Joanne Rowlinson realized Boo was unhappy and she soon went missing. For months the owners searched for and tried to recapture Boo. Without giving away the happy ending, this book is meant to pull at the heart strings.

The author decided to use controlled rhymes which makes the story flow poorly. Not all of the rhymes are pure which causes them to be difficult to read aloud. Emotions are lost due to this rigid approach. The execution of this heart-warming tale falls short of engaging the reader.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Spoon by Amy Krouse Rosenthal with illustrations by Scott Magoon -- A Book Review

This children's tale begins with Spoon being envious of the jobs and abilities of other pieces of silverware. In the end Spoon might just realize what a good job and life he has. The uses of common utensils is discussed along the way. Amy Krouse Rosenthal mixes this educational thread with the moral lesson.

The wording and flow are wonderful. It is an entertaining read for all ages. The illustrations compliment nicely. Overall a great new book that the whole family can enjoy and be able to take away a renewed sense of self.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.

Murder At The Lake (An Amanda Christie Mystery) by Bren Gaudet -- A Book Review

The back cover of the book reads:
When seventeen-year-old Amanda Christie is invited to a cousins-only weekend retreat at her aunt's estate in Austin, Texas, she doesn't know what to expect. But she soon finds that the weekend will be anything but boring. One of the guests is responsible for the death of Amanda's uncle, and when a dangerous storm traps the teens inside the secluded mansion, Amanda becomes determined to uncover the killer. But when their cell phones go missing and guests begin to disappear, Amanda realizes that the killer isn't finished. With time running out and no way of knowing who to trust, she must either uncover the murderer... or risk being the next victim.

This book is scheduled to be published August 1, 2009 and is intended for Young Adults. As I read the first chapter, written by Bren Gaudet I felt like this book was going to be another predictable teen crime story. As the story unfolded, there were enough doubts thrown into the plot by the author to keep me guessing. This is an enjoyable read with one slight flaw. The main character is not fully developed. At one point I felt like the author made an assumption about the audience knowing the career aspirations of Amanda. By the time Gaudet mentioned Amanda wanted to be a crime scene photographer; it felt too late. This should not detract most of the intended audience.

This book is the first in a series for the character of Amanda Christie. According to the author's website (www.bengaudet.com) future stories will include Amanda's best friend and boyfriend as she travels to exotic locations to solve mysteries.

This promotional copy was received during BookExpo America 2009 as a free marketing tool by either the publisher or author and was given to many attendees. It was not given to me to review. I did not receive any compensation from the publisher or author for this review.