The Last Apprentice

The Last Apprentice by: Joseph Delaney.

"I was going to learn how to protect farms and villages from things that go bump in the night. Dealing with ghouls, boggarts, and all manner of wicked beasties would be all in a day's work. That's what the Spook did, and I was going to be his apprentice." Twelve-year-old Thomas Ward, as the seventh son of a seventh son, has no inheritance and is bored with farm work, and even though his new job will mean the superstitious villagers will forever shun him, he is eager to go off to adventure with the tall, hooded man he calls the Spook. His mother, a magical person herself, approves, and the Spook's teaching is strict but kind. But when Tom has only learned enough to be able to control their house-boggart, he is tricked by Alice, the young daughter of a witch family, into inadvertently releasing and then killing Mother Malkin, a witch the Spook has imprisoned in a pit. This is no polite wicca-type witch, but a snuffling, slime-trailing, cannibalistic creature reminiscent of Tolkien's nasgils. The story of Tom's escape from the reincarnated witch's hideous revenge is full of horrible details, as Alice helps, and then once again betrays him. This well-crafted novel marks an auspicious start for an exciting and fast series for young teens." (Ages 10-14) --Patty Campbell --

This is one of those books that was lent to me and it just sat on my shelf for awhile. I didn't even read the back of it I just picked it up and started to read. At first it didn't seem like anything but the more I read the more interested I became. It was quite a fun read with a lot of twists and turns. If you have an child or know or anyone who likes a good thrilling tale this is a good book to recommend to them. :)

Pillage

Pillage By: Obert Skye-

"Beck Phillips is a troubled teenager with a special gift. When his mother dies suddenly, he finds himself shipped off to an unknown uncle who lives outside a strange village called Kingsplot. But Beck's family holds a deep, dark secret. Why is the backyard forbidden? Why did they bury the basement? And why do plants seem to act strangely around Beck?

This young adult fantasy had me hooked from beginning to end. The mystery and suspense were enthralling, and the build-up was incredibly engaging. Obert Skye has created a wonderful legend with characters that pull you into the story. He has a real gift of creating suspense. And thankfully, the reveal was just as exciting. One of my favorite details was the addition of pages from a mysterious family book that Beck stumbles upon, which precede each chapter. We get glimpses of the family secret as the story unfolds.

Pillage is a wonderful book for all ages containing a fun mystery, adventure, interesting characters, magic, surprises, a climactic battle, and a moral about the negative aspects of greed."

This was a book I have had my eyes on for awhile. Ever time I saw it it captured my attention.It's from the same author who wrote the Leven Thumps Series. Which I loved...well the first one anyway. Haven't gotten to the rest.
One day I finally bought this book and started to read. The writing style is a little different than what I am use to. But I really enjoyed this book. it keeps you guessing and I love the whole concept of ancient meeting modern.

Trusting Jesus

Trusting Jesus By Jeffery R. Holland.

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. - Isaiah 12:2

A mother, struggling to cope when a family member is diagnosed with a devastating illness, finds hope and strength when her small daughter pulls her close and whispers, 'Trust Jesus.' Those simple words form the foundation for Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's latest book, Trusting Jesus.

"Everyone meets affliction in mortality," writes the author. "Everyone knows some sorrow. Everyone experiences disappointments, even despair, and looks for ways to bear up and keep on going. The answer for all times and all seasons is to 'trust Jesus.'"

This collection of some of Elder Holland's most memorable and powerful talks will inspire us to keep our focus and our faith on the one source of strength that will never fail us: Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Included in this collection are such classic addresses as "The Other Prodigal," "He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things," "Come unto Me," "An High Priest of Good Things to Come," "A Handful of Meal and a Little Oil," "As Doves to Our Windows," and many others.

The messages gathered here will help us to remember His promises in all our days of trial and challenge. When our souls are spiritually depleted, we can trust that the Lord will provide us with the bread of life and the living waters. When we struggle to fulfill our callings, we can trust that He will sustain and support our efforts. When our lives are hectic and overwhelming, we can trust that the Lord will bless us with peace."

I have been getting into inspirational books more and more, I guess that means I am growing up. :) This book was wonderful I learned so much about the life of the Savior before his earthly mission, after and during. I also learned a lot about our own personal missions on this earth and how we need to view Heavenly Father more like the Father he is to us. I really loved this book and recommend it to all.

Above and Beyond

Above and Beyond by Betsy Brannon Green:

Above and Beyond (May 2008) Once they had Caroline safely back, Savannah assumed that she and Dane would pick up where they'd left off years before. But Dane sends her and Caroline to Ft. Belvoir with General Steele and refuses to even answer her phone calls. Then Mario Ferrante's daughter, Rosemary, comes to Savannah for help. Savannah feels sorry for the girl and sees her request as an opportunity to involve Dane in her life again. Dane does agree to help - with near disastrous results.

This is the second book in the Duty trilogy. I really loved the first book but for some reason had a hard time getting through this one. It didn't grab my attention the way the other one did and the only reason why I continued is to find out about the love interest which in my opinion also ran a little dry. You can only hold someone so long with the will they or wont they get back together topic. I am not sure if I will read the last book.

January Giveaway From Queen of Happy Endings.

Every month Alaine gives away a book or two...or three. On her blog Queen of Happy Endings. January's giveaways are these two...
She has a description of both books on her blog as well as the giveaway. Just click HERE and Good Luck!

2011 100+ Book Challenge Part 2

Another 100+ Book Challenge this one hosted by My Overstuffed Bookshelf. Since I am already doing another 100+ book Challange I would like to Participate in this one as well. The more books I read the less trouble I can get into right. ;) Here we go to a great 2011

2011 Books to be read Challenge

The 2011 Books to be read Challenge hosted by Roof Beam Reader. I am really hoping that I am not to late to join in this challenge. I found it today and think it is perfect for me. I have a list that has been taunting me for awhile of books I want to read or finish reading. So what a better motivator to get them read then a challenge. Hooray! Now some of the books on my list are Series but I am not sure if I'll be able to finish the whole series, especially in the case of some books that I have been wanting to read I recently just figured that it was a series. Anyway so here is my list of 12 books I would like to read for this challenge. Enjoy!

1. The Host

2. The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands

3. Pride and Prejudice

4. The Last Battle

5. The Last Waltz

6. The 5 Love Languages

7. Lemony Snickets a Series of unfortunate Events ( I am on #5 out of 13)

8. The Last Apprentice

9. The Hunger Games

10. Above and Beyond

11.Wild at Heart

12 Leven Thumps Book 2

Okay there are my 12 Wish me luck everyone!