Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally

Release Date: March 1, 2013
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 304
Series: Hundred Oaks #3 (A companion book that can be read as a standalone)
Review Source: ARC for review from Raincoast Books

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Kate has always been the good girl. Too good, according to some people at school—although they have no idea the guilty secret she carries. But this summer, everything is different…

This summer she’s a counselor at Cumberland Creek summer camp, and she wants to put the past behind her. This summer Matt is back as a counselor too. He’s the first guy she ever kissed, and he’s gone from a geeky songwriter who loved The Hardy Boys to a buff lifeguard who loves to flirt…with her.

Kate used to think the world was black and white, right and wrong. Turns out, life isn’t that easy…

My Thoughts:
I completely adore how Miranda Kenneally is willing to discuss such serious (and touchy, for many people) issues in her books. And because of this I think my review for ‘Things I Can’t Forget’ will be a bit different from my normal ones. I know there will be some very strong reactions to this book, so I thought I would reflect on the issues that the book presents, and especially on the book’s main character.

Kate Kelly is a tricky character. I think for a lot of people she might seem too religious to relate to. However I think if you take a deeper look you can identify with Kate and her situation. Kate has done something which she believes to be immoral, something that she doesn’t believe in, to help a friend. Then because of prejudice (on both sides) that friendship falls apart. I think we’ve all had friendships end, and we’ve probably all been in situations where we have to make a difficult decision based on what we believe, whether that be related to religion, politics, or even just personal morals.

Personally I can relate a lot to Kate’s situation. I also grew up in a relatively strict Christian household, and at one point I think I was in that bubble where it was shocking to realize how other people were living, and what other people thought was right, versus what I grew up believing. Because of this I can really empathize with Kate as a character, even when her beliefs come across as rigid or judgmental.

I think as you read the book you see that Kate is someone who has a belief system and is growing up and learning about herself and her place in the world, just like anyone else. We see Kate try and reconcile her own faith and beliefs both with her own behaviour and with others’ beliefs and behaviours. Kate has never been a position before where she’s had to question her beliefs, and she finally sees how other people might find her judgmental. I love how Kate manages to stick to her fundamental beliefs, and yet also grows as a person, accepting that others might not always believe the same things as her. She realizes that it’s not the end of the world for people to have different beliefs, and that it’s not her place to judge people, especially before getting to know them.

I can't write this review without commenting on how much I adored the romance in this one. I’m pretty sure I would love any romance that Miranda Kenneally writes, but I especially loved Matt and Kate together because of their past connection. I loved how their relationship came out of an easy friendship, and the summer camp setting was a perfect place for them to explore their feelings. I loved the mutual respect that existed in their relationship, and how their feelings made Kate question (for the first time) what boundaries should exist in physical relationships before marriage.

I really can’t say enough about how much I enjoy Miranda Kenneally’s books. I always feel so much for her characters and their relationships. I love the examination of deeper issues that gets mixed in with totally swoony romances. After ‘Stealing Parker’ Miranda rose to the top of my auto-buy list, but this book just confirmed my feelings.

The Cover:
Cute!! I like it.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find Things I Can't Forget by Miranda Kenneally on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren

You may recall that I absolutely loveeee the River of Time series by Lisa Bergren (I'd love for you to check out my reviews of Waterfall, Cascade, & Torrent). Well, I was super excited when Lisa announced the release of the 'Bourne' novella, and was even more excited to be able to review it. You can find out more about the series on Lisa's website or on the River of Time Facebook page.

Release Date: February 27, 2012
Publisher: Self-Pubbed (previous books from David C. Cook)
Pages: the pdf I read had 116
Series: River of Time #3.1
Review Source: For review from author

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
BOURNE, a novella (1/3 the length of a normal novel), picks up right where TORRENT left off...Find out what has happened to men returning from the battle, gravely wounded, to the Betarrinis, fighting for the men they love, and just who is hunting them next...

My Thoughts:
'Bourne' was a great addition to this series. It's different from previous books in that it's narrated by both Gabi and her sister Lia. It felt a bit frantic at the beginning hearing both perspectives in such short bursts, but after a little bit the narration smoothed out. It was also great that you could tell the difference between the girls' narration. As sisters they obviously have some similarities, but they also have different personalities and ways of speaking. I grew to really like the insight into Lia's character, as she reflects on Luca and their relationship. Their interactions were so super cute; the light-hearted flirting was nice in comparison to Gabi and Marcello's more serious (but still fun) relationship.

I love how this novella manages to pack in romance, humour, and heart stopping action in such a short space. It was also great to see the fallout from Torrent explored, both in the personal and the political realm. Both of these are really personified in Lord Greco's character. In this volume Greco is a bit hard to get a read on, but it made me all the more curious as to where his character might go.

Really this novella was such a great opportunity to reconnect with characters I adore, and it made me all the more excited to read further adventures featuring them. To appreciate 'Bourne' you definitely have to read the previous books in the River of Time series, but if you haven't yet I urge you to pick up those books. Lisa is a very talented author, and I dare you not to fall in love with her characters.

The Cover:
Helloooo Lord Greco! Ahem, I mean... it's nice, I like how it fits with the previous books.

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Bourne by Lisa T. Bergren on Goodreads, Kindle, Nook, & Smashwords.

First Date by Krista McGee

Release Date: January 10, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 336
Series: n/a
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Addy Davidson discovers God's unexpected plans for her life when a reality TV show turns her quiet existence on its head.

The orphaned daughter of missionaries, Addy is quite content to stay in the shadows and never draw attention to herself. But when she's selected for a reality TV show to try to become the President son's prom date-a show she didn't audition for-she's suddenly in America's spotlight.

The lights, the make-up, the competitions, and the blogs discussing every move she makes all make Addy incredibly uncomfortable. But through her time at The Mansion, Addy comes to realize that first impressions aren't always right, that hiding out may not be what God had planned for her life, and that her faith should affect everything she does. It may just be that her selection wasn't random at all and that she's on this show "for such a time as this."

My Thoughts:
This was a really cute clean read that I think would be especially good for younger teens. I think I would have enjoyed this one even more at the end of elementary school/beginning of high school, just because of the content and the message. It sounds strange to say this, but this is Christian fiction that is very Christian. It’s not that I didn’t agree in most places, it’s just that it felt very in your face, which isn’t something I’m used to.

As I side note I want to point out that the one part that I was really taken aback by was the journal of Addy’s mom from when she was starting out as a missionary. The tone of her journal seriously shocked me. It was full of such first world American Christian superiority and looking down on the indigenous people that it really rubbed me the wrong way. I should also point out that Addy’s mom was praying to understand these people and to try and give up her attitude, but I just didn’t think the way some things were phrased were necessarily at all. (This is such a minor part of the book I feel weird even bringing it up, except that it really stuck out to me).

Back to the main plot: I thought the competition aspect was super cute. I can’t see a First Son ever going on this type of show, but it was amusing and entertaining. I also really adored the innocent and sweet affection that grew between Addy and Jonathan as the competition went on. Overall this was really just a cute book (I know, I can’t stop saying 'cute'!). It was a bit saccharine overall and melodramatic at times, but mostly it was just a quick read that was strong enough to keep me reading until the end.

The Cover:
Kind of exactly what you would expect for this type of book, and I actually do mean that in a good way.

Rating:
[3/5]

Find First Date by Krista McGee on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones

Release Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 320
Series: n/a
Review Source: Netgalley

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
In a small cottage house in rural Ireland, Finley discovers she can no longer outrun the past.

When Finley travels to Ireland as a foreign exchange student, she hopes to create a new identity and get some answers from the God who took her brother away and seems to have left her high and dry.

But from the moment she boards the plane and sits by Beckett Rush, teen star of the hottest vampire flicks, nothing goes according to Finley's plan.

When she gets too close to Beckett, a classmate goes on a mission to make sure Finley packs her bags, departs Ireland-and leaves Beckett alone.

Finley feels the pressure all around. As things start to fall apart, she begins to rely on a not-so-healthy method of taking control of her life.

Finley tries to balance it all-disasters on the set of Beckett's new movie, the demands of school, and her growing romance with one actor who is not what he seems. Yet Finley is also not who she portrays to Beckett and her friends.

For the first time in her life, Finley must get honest with herself to get right with God.

My Thoughts:
If I had to sum up this book I would probably say that it’s about loss, crisis of faith, and journeying. But then add in Ireland and a teen vampire (well... he only plays one in the movies).

Finley is a really sweet character. She’s lost her brother and lost part of her faith along with him. She goes to Ireland to retrace his steps and be in the place where he felt God’s presence. The Irish setting was beautiful, and I loved the descriptions of the small village life.

Beckett was a lot of fun. His character and story arc were pretty much what I expected, but I still enjoyed him. He was a sweet and interesting guy, and I loved how he helped Finley and was always there for her. There’s just something about a celebrity character I can’t resist, and it was fun to have that more lighthearted aspect in a book that’s so wrapped up in grief and hard times.

I wish that the side characters (like the girls from Finley’s school) were a bit more well rounded, but Finley and Beckett and their complexities make up for that. I also almost wished we could’ve experienced some of the things Finley went through in the two years between her brother’s death and her trip to Ireland. It would have given a better backstory, because I couldn’t see the Finley we read about in this book doing some of the things that are talked about.

Overall this is a pretty powerful read with an important message. It’s about Finley believing and trusting in God and finding His voice as she finds herself again. Finley’s faith is always a big part of who she is, even when she’s doubting, and I appreciated the nuances of that. This is a really perfect feel good read when you’re in the mood for something quieter that still moves at a good pace. Finley, her faith, and dealing with her brother’s death are at the centre of this novel, but it also has a foreign setting, the fun celebrity angle, and a pretty sweet romance. I would say it's well worth a read if it sounds like the type of book you might enjoy.

The Cover:
I'm not sure why but I really like it! I think it fits the story well.

Rating:
[3.5/5]

Find There You'll Find Me by Jenny B. Jones on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker

Release Date: July 19, 2011
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Pages: 288
Series: n/a
Review Source: Library

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Lacey Anne Byer is a perennial good girl and lifelong member of the House of Enlightenment, the Evangelical church in her small town. With her driver's license in hand and the chance to try out for a lead role in Hell House, her church's annual haunted house of sin, Lacey's junior year is looking promising. But when a cute new stranger comes to town, something begins to stir inside her. Ty Davis doesn't know the sweet, shy Lacey Anne Byer everyone else does. With Ty, Lacey could reinvent herself. As her feelings for Ty make Lacey test her boundaries, events surrounding Hell House make her question her religion.

Melissa Walker has crafted the perfect balance of engrossing, thought-provoking topics and relatable, likable characters. Set against the backdrop of extreme religion, Small Town Sinners is foremost a universal story of first love and finding yourself, and it will stay with readers long after the last page.

My Thoughts:
‘Small Town Sinners’ is an incredibly compelling and touching novel. Melissa Walker offers a very nuanced and non-judgemental examination of religion, belief, and truth. When reading the book I was really touched by Lacey and Ty and their discussions and doubts.

There are a lot of horrifying scenes in the book of what the church is saying through their Hell House. It makes me sad to know these things really happen, because I feel like no matter what you believe you should have respect for people as human beings. Condemning people for their sins in this way seems so opposite of the ‘God is love’ message. These are the types of questions and reactions that ‘Small Town Sinners’ elicits, which I think is fabulous and important.

The book contains a beautifully written and sweet romance and some touching friendships as well. It’s a truthful examination about faith and how questioning is part of being a teen, and even part of being a human being. To me the book is really about searching for answers and truth while knowing that there may not always be an easy answer. ‘Small Town Sinners’ is moving and relevant and I highly recommend it, as it was one of the best contemporaries I’ve read this year.

The Cover:
Beautiful! I love the apple and its symbolism.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find Small Town Sinners by Melissa Walker on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.

Torrent by Lisa. T Bergren

Release Date: September 1, 2011
Publisher: David C. Cook
Pages: 352
Series: River of Time #3
Review Source: eARC from author

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
When Gabi and Lia finally learn to surf the river of time, they realize they must make hard choices about life and love in the third and final book in the River of Time series. Gabi and Lia Betarrini have learned to control their time travel, and they return from medieval Italy to save their father from his tragic death in modern times. But love calls across the centuries, and the girls are determined to return forever—even though they know the Black Plague is advancing across Europe, claiming the lives of one-third of the population. In the suspenseful conclusion of the River of Time series, every decision is about life … and death.

My Thoughts:
How much love do I have for this book? So, so much. The first note I made after reading the book is “loveeeee <3”. So yah, that might tell you a little bit about what I thought of ‘Torrent’.

I just adore the characters in these novels so much. I couldn’t help but race through ‘Torrent’ to find out what was going to happen next, but I want to delve right back into it from the beginning and experience it all over again. Seriously, it’s making me sad that my journey with these characters is over.

There are so many epic aspects to these novels that it’s hard to pick a favourite, but I probably adore the romance the most. The love between Gabi and Marcello is so deep and true. It’s not often that I read about the kind of connection they have. Marcello is so kind and he adores Gabi so much, he’ll do anything for her. And Gabi’s love for Marcello? Well, let’s examine the sacrifice she wants to make for him: is willing to give up modern life and stay in a dangerous time period because she loves Marcello so much. Real and deep love? Yes, I think so.

Another awesome part of ‘Torrent’ (and the previously books) is the theme of family. These characters are truly willing to sacrifice for each other. They love each each other so much, and they always consider their family members when making decisions. They protect each other. And then there’s the action. Lisa T. Bergren absolutely knows how to write an action packed book. There is never a dull moment, that’s for sure! But even when there are quieter moments in the plot the writing is always exciting.

‘Torrent’ is the perfect conclusion to the ‘River of Time’ series. It ties things up well enough, but it’s not neat and packaged with a bow either. It feels more like real life to have an ending like that. Basically? This book and this series are so lovely. The characters are amazing and the books are full of adventure and romance. I would definitely label them as ‘must-reads’.

The Cover:
I like the general design of these covers and how they're all similar... the lighting is so pretty. Not the biggest fan of Marcello's model, though... he's a little bit cheesy, which is unfortunate because the books are epic amazing.

Rating:
[5/5]

Find Torrent by Lisa T. Bergren on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon

River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren

You may remember that earlier this month I posted reviews for Waterfall & Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren. I really love this series! The characters are great, the action is intense, and the romance is incredibly swoony. Bottom line: you want to read these books!

I thought I would post the book trailers, because I think they do a good job explaining what the books are about (plus lots of pretty imagery!):





Some links to check out:
- Waterfall on Goodreads
- Cascade on Goodreads
- Lisa's website
- Lisa on Twitter --> @LisaTBergren

Bloggers, Lisa is currently hosting a fabulous promotional contest, and you can check out the details on her website. While the contest is exciting, it in no way influences how much I love these books. Even without the contest I would definitely be suggesting that you pick them up.

Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren

Release Date: June 1, 2011
Publisher: David C. Cook
Pages: 399
Series: River of Time #2
Review Source: eBook from author for review

Synopsis: (from Goodreads)
Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”

Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

My Thoughts:
Like I mentioned in my review of 'Waterfall' I was so thankful to have 'Cascade' ready to read. I just wanted to keep reading about these characters and this fabulous historical Italian setting. Overall, 'Cascade' did not disappoint. The book starts off focusing more on the romance aspect of the book, but very quickly action and adventure become part of the story once again. This book, even more than the first, features an intense struggle for survival.

The thing I really like about these books is that there are real consequences. People truly get hurt, and some people die. There's a real possibility that one (or some) of the main characters may not make it, so the level of tension throughout the book is high. There's no easy way out for the characters, which I appreciate. However it's not all doom and gloom. This book is heavier on the romance, and what a steamy romance it is! However, steamy does not equal sultry. If an author can write steamy romance merely with words, gestures, and a few kisses, that is talent! I'd so much rather read about a strong emotional connection, where the reader truly understands the characters' feelings.

I couldn't help but have a couple of little issues with this book, however. I thought Gabi was giving up on the present a little too easily. I thought there could have been some more options in her head. However, she was still quite realistic about everything, making sure to put her family's wishes first, and I appreciated that. One thing I wanted to know more about is the Time Tunnel itself and how it worked. Even if the answer to its mysteries are related to faith, I just want to know more about it, so I hope that the third book will answer a few questions as the storyline gets wrapped up. I'm glad, though, that Gabi mentions that she's clueless about how the time travel works. At least it shows why the whole thing isn't explained fully.

I feel a bit more on the fence with this one than the 1st novel, mostly just because I want some answers and conclusions, and this book, like the first, leaves the reader at a bit of a cliffhanger. However, I still wholeheartedly recommend this series. The action is thrilling, the romance is amazing, and the characters are full of such life. I haven't read such enthralling books in quite a while.

One little side note: there was something that kept making me giggle, which really wasn't supposed to. Luca is one of the knights, and Lia is Gabi's sister. Now cue me laughing whenever "Luca and Lia" were mentioned together. Star Wars, anyone? Yah. Geek alert!

Rating:
[4/5]

Find Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren on Goodreads, Book Depository, & Amazon.ca