Review (The Skinny) : Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 2.5 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance
Published: October 1, 2010
Pages: 366
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Adelaide Proctor is a young woman with her head in the clouds, longing for a real-life storybook hero to claim as her own. But when a husband-hunting debacle leaves her humiliated, she interviews for a staid governess position on a central Texas sheep ranch and vows to leave her romantic yearnings behind.
When Gideon Westcott left his privileged life in England to make a name for himself in America's wool industry, he never expected to become a father overnight. And five-year-old Isabella hasn't uttered a word since she lost her mother. The unconventionality of the new governess concerns Gideon--and intrigues him at the same time. But he can't afford distractions. He has a ranch to run, a shearing to oversee, and a suspicious fence-cutting to investigate.
When Isabella's uncle comes to claim the child--and her inheritance--Gideon and Adelaide must work together to protect Isabella from the man's evil schemes. And soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But after so many heartbreaks, will Adelaide be willing to get her head out of the clouds and put her heart on the line?

The Skinny

It is alarming how well I can see through this plot! I loved the last book I read by Karen, To Win Her Heart, but this one is oodles too long and equally predictable. The beginning half had me - it was funny - and I liked Gideon and Addie, but a quick sweep through some pages tells me that their romance dissolves into the typical Man-Woman corniness I quite dislike. Also with so little time I cannot afford to (sorry) waste the little I do have with something that only mildly interests me. It isn't meant to be a mean remark, I just want something more engaging. This is the second time in a year that I have tried this book, I got farther than the last time, but I'm not sure if there's a third meeting in our future.

This novel had its perks, I wouldn't read it again, but it was an okay read.

Review (The Skinny) : Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Angels, Paranormal
Published: October 13, 2009
Pages: 391
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

The Skinny

Oh I definitely liked this one! It was brooding and sexy and It got my toes curling in the RIGHT way. Since it first came out the cover has captivated me, urging me to pick it up and I'm glad I finally did! It was a great read and definitely doesn't deserve a lot of the negative criticism other than the obvious fact that the protagonist, Nora, has terrible choice in friends. I think I will always hate Vee, but always, always love Patch. Great book and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!

4 genies: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review (The Skinny) : Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Published: February 1, 2011
Pages: 480
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

The Skinny

It was engaging and crisp. One thing I love about Oliver is her directness, she knows what she wants to say and exactly how to say it! Delirium was oh-so-very inspiring to me and it reminded me why love IS worth it. The characters were superb and the romance was epic, period. The setting was perfect for this book and so was the jacket (beautiful)! Excellent Oliver, hats off to you! :)

4 genies: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review (The Skinny) : Fallen by Lauren Kate

Fallen by Lauren Kate
My rating: 1 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Romance, Paranormal, Angels,
Published: December 8, 2009
Pages: 452
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce – he goes out of his way to make that very clear. But she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Luce has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret...even if it kills her.

Dangerously exciting and darkly romantic, FALLEN is a page-turning thriller and the ultimate love story.

The (Really) Skinny

Unfortunately I really couldn't get into this one and it was much too dreary and depressing for my liking. The romance I found was lacking and the protagonist for the most part ground on my nerves. I won't be reading the sequel but it's a read for anyone who'd want to kill time...in a graveyard.

1 genie: it wasn't that great, obviously, and I would 

NOT recommend the read. 

Review (The Skinny) : Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist

Maid to Match by Deeanne Gist
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Adult
Published: June 1, 2010
Pages: 363
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary 

From the day she arrives at the Biltmore, Tillie Reese is dazzled—by the riches of the Vanderbilts and by Mack Danvers, a mountain man turned footman. When Tillie is enlisted to help tame Mack's rugged behavior by tutoring him in the ways of refined society, the resulting sparks threaten Tillie's efforts to be chosen as Edith Vanderbilt's lady's maid.

But the stakes rise even higher when Mack and Tillie become entangled in a cover-up at the town orphanage. They could both lose their jobs...and their hearts.

The Skinny

*Sigh* This book was perfect! My family and I went on a road trip and on the way there I had the absolute pleasure of reading this. Time passed quickly with this book, I enjoyed it that much. It was wonderful and so heart-racing! The cover was what got my attention - it is so accurate and relevant to the story.

The title fits, and the story is as moving as its characters. Mack is a complete dream for all that he sacrifices, and Tilly is so likable, a great heroine! It was written beautifully and already a fan of Mrs. Gist I will continue to read all of her books!

4 genies: A good read. I enjoyed this book, not quite loved, but it 

isn't far off from being amazing.

Review (The Skinny) : Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4.5 of 5 genies
Genre: YA, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Romance, Adventure
Published: September 1, 2009
Pages: 391
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Sparks are igniting, flames are spreading and the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before...and surprising readers at every turn.

The Skinny

So worth everything. Collins is the ultimate Gamemaster and Catching Fire is equal part heart and adventure. I love every single one of these characters and I am well invested in them; the Games felt realer than ever for me and I truly applaud everyone forced to participate for all their strong will. I love you Katniss. I love you Peeta. And Collins? I love you too.

Now give me my sequel, woman!

One helluva a read, spectacular in the very most parts, tugging rightly at the heartstrings, this book will warm your heart as it did with mine.