The Captive Maiden by Melanie Dickerson

About the Book
Happily Ever After ...Or Happily Nevermore? Gisela's childhood was filled with laughter and visits from nobles such as the duke and his young son. But since her father's death, each day has been filled with nothing but servitude to her stepmother. So when Gisela learns the duke's son, Valten---the boy she has daydreamed about for years---is throwing a ball in hopes of finding a wife, she vows to find a way to attend, even if it's only for a taste of a life she'll never have. To her surprise, she catches Valten's eye. Though he is rough around the edges, Gisela finds Valten has completely captured her heart. But other forces are bent on keeping the two from falling further in love, putting Gisela in more danger than she ever imagined.

My Thoughts
As with all of Melanie's novels, I loved this book! She once again did a fantastic job of retelling the fairytale without making it sound exactly like the original. There was enough that you recognized it as the fairytale but it was completely unique at the same time!
I loved both Valten and Gisela! Valten was the perfect hero, chivalrous, kind, brave, and able to fight! I loved how even though he was the eldest son of a Duke he didn't act like he was above everyone else but was kind to all he met. And Gisela was great! She didn't let years of being basically a slave to her step family make her bitter and instead was sweet and kind. I loved that there were many characters from The Fairest Beauty that we at least saw briefly, it was was fun to visit them again!
There were so many things that happened in this book and it seemed that everything that could go wrong did! But it was all believable and I kept reading trying to figure out how it would all work out in the end.

All in all another superb novel from the extremely talented Melanie Dickerson!

Meet the Author
Melanie Dickerson is the author of The Healer's Apprentice and The Merchant's Daughter, both Christy Award finalists, winner of The National Reader's Choice Award for 2010's Best First Book, and winner of the 2012 Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree in special education from The University of Alabama. She has taught children with special needs in Georgia and Tennessee, and English to adults in Germany and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama. Visit her on the web at http://www.MelanieDickerson.com

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Guardian by Heather Burch

About the Book
Vigilance. The mission to safeguard Nikki Youngblood depends on the fragile alliance of two half-angel, half-human guardians, both struggling with intense feelings for the girl who has been assigned to their care. Mace, steadfast and deeply in love, wants to protect Nikki at all costs, while Raven's loyalty to Nikki finds him advocating for her independence and battling his own darker inclinations. At the same time, Nikki finds it harder and harder to choose between the two heavenly beings she may never have. Dangers intensify, and tensions between Mace and Raven flare as the purpose of their mission becomes clear. Can their defenses hold up to master manipulator Damon Vessler and the powerful secret he holds regarding Nikki's heritage? Can anyone protect Nikki from her true purpose and destiny?

My Thoughts
It is always tricky to write books about angelic beings since there is so much that we don't know. But Heather Burch has found a way to do it and to do it well. The whole concept of Halflings is rather interesting and a pretty clever idea. To take a couple verses from the Bible and create a whole story idea like this is sorta genius.
One of the only problems I had, was the whole love triangle thing. It was kinda annoying how Nikki's affections kept changing from Mace to Raven and back again, but I did see it's purpose in the story so that made it easier for me to look past that. There were a couple other minor things that didn't seem to make sense but they started to as the book went on and hopefully book three will clear everything up!
My opinions were pretty mixed as I read this book, one moment I would love it and then another I wouldn't be enjoying as much. But all in all, it was a pretty enjoyable read that left me desperate for the third book!

About the Author
Heather Burch grew up in Branson, Missouri, where she learned to love fiction. She then married into a family of published novelists and quickly learned writing was her heart's desire. When she's not working on her latest book, Heather can be found watching a sunset at a beach near her home in Southern Florida, along with her sons Jake and Isaac, and husband, John---who is her hero in every way.

I received an ARC of this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Not A Fan: Teen Edition by Kyle Idleman

About the Book
If someone asked, 'Are you a fan of Jesus?', how would you answer? You attend every movie featuring a certain actor, you know the stats of your sports hero, and you can recite lyrics from your favorite songs. In short, you're a huge fan. But are you treating Jesus the same as the other people you admire? The truth is Jesus wants more than the church attendance, occasional prayer, and the ability to recite Scripture---the fan response. He's looking for people who are actually willing to sacrifice in order to follow him. In this teen edition of Not a Fan, Kyle Idleman uses humor, personal stories, and biblical truth as he challenges you to look at what it means to call yourself a Christian and follow the radical call Jesus presents. So, will you be a fan, or a follower?

My Thoughts
What a book! Kyle Idleman really makes you truly look at your walk with God and see it as it really is. I was constantly being challenged as I read this and I began to see areas in my life where I was behaving more like a fan than a follower of Jesus. I would honestly recommend this book to anyone-it's a life-changer.

About the Author
Kyle Idleman is the Teaching Pastor at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, the 5th largest church in America. He is the author and presenter of the Award-winning video curriculum series H2O: A Journey of Faith and The Easter Experience. Kyle and his wife, DesiRae, have four young children.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Code of Silence by Tim Shoemaker Book Review

About the Book
Telling the Truth Could Get Them Killed. Remaining Silent Could Be Worse. When Cooper, Hiro, and Gordy witness a robbery that leaves a man in a coma, they find themselves tangled in a web of mystery and deceit that threatens their lives. After being seen by the criminals---who may also be cops---Cooper makes everyone promise never to reveal what they have seen. Telling the truth could kill them. But remaining silent means an innocent man takes the fall and a friend never receives justice. Is there ever a time to lie? And what happens when the truth is dangerous? The three friends, trapped in a code of silence, must face the consequences of choosing right or wrong when both options have their price.

My Thoughts
This book was a pretty good read. Since all of the main characters were thirteen I probably would have enjoyed it more if I was younger. But nevertheless the book held my attention the whole way through and I really liked it.
Tim Shoemaker did an excellent job of painting the effect lies can have on not just your life but the lives of those around you. He also pretty efficiently captured the minds of thirteen year-olds, their actions, and their words were pretty spot on. The story was also well written and I would quickly recommend this book to young teenagers!

About the Author
Tim Shoemaker is a speaker and author of eight books, including Dangerous Devotions for Guys; Smashed Tomatoes, Bottle Rockets, and Other Outdoor Devotionals; and Mashed Potatoes, Paint Balls, and Other Indoor/Outdoor Devotionals. He has three grown sons and has been happily married for over 32 years. His debut into the juvenile fiction market draws from his experience with kids as a volunteer youth leader for more than sixteen years.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.