"Trapped" by Irene Hannon

"He always listens to us, no matter how long it's been since we last spoe iwth him. It's just that we don't always get the answer we want."
-Irene Hannon, Trapped

Laura and her 16-year-old little sister, Darcy, had problems, but what sisters don't?  Darcy moved in with Laura after some family issues, and Darcy wasn't exactly thrilled about it. After giving it a try, Darcy decided to do Laura a favor, and just leave and live with a friend back home. Laura came home from her job at the library to find Darcy's room clean (unusual), and she found a note on the bed, saying that Darcy had run away. Panicked, Laura began to make phone calls while she silently prayed for her sister.

A few days pass with no luck, so Laura decided to hire a private investigator. Laura is aware of the dangers of runaway teens, and the snow storm made her worry for Darcy even more. James Devlin (Dev) was the best PI around, and he would do everything he could to help Laura find Darcy. First, he had to do everything he could to get his mind off of Laura. An agent should not date his client! The sooner he found Darcy, the better; not to mention, he could ask Laura out once the investigation was over.

Laura was completely aware of how attractive Dev was, but she kicked herself for even thinking things like that with her little sister missing! Whatever Laura had to do to find her sister, she would do it. Hopefully, it wouldn't take too long, especially after Dev told her all that could go wrong for Darcy. They had to move quickly.

The snow storm ended up being on Laura and Dev's side. It detained Darcy from leaving the city, so Darcy ended up in a shelter with a girl she met at the bus station. The girl seemed to know the street life, so Darcy trusted her. When the girl was ready to leave the shelter to hit the streets again, Darcy hesitated, not knowing what she should do. She was more comfortable having a friend, but she wasn't sure about leaving the warm shelter. One of the volunteers spoke with her, noticing that she didn't seem to belong with this crowd. He offered to let her stay at his place for a night or two until the storm passed, and he even offered to let her friend join, too.

What does Darcy decide? Do Laura and Dev find her soon? Find out in this romantic suspense novel!

I have to admit, when I heard "romantic suspense," I thought that there was no way that would make sense. I had never heard that combination before, but I was extremely surprised and pleased. This book had me running through pages. I read this book in NO time! I was so into this book, that I would tell my dad about everything that was happening, especially when one of those moments happened where I would gasp aloud. Halfway through the book, I thought that he was getting annoyed, but he came up to me while I was reading and asked me what happened next. He was into it, and he wasn't even reading it! And if my dad is interested, that means it's REALLY good. He is a picky one!

The book alternates points of view frequently, allowing the reader to see every angle of the story, without giving too much away. Even though you see all the sides, you still are on the edge of your seat until the very end. The romance is refreshing and not overbearing. Because it is a Christian novel, the romance side of the book is genuine, fresh, and there are no scenes that make you wish you could cover your eyes. I work in a Christian bookstore, and a lot of the fiction books we sell usually are the same, and I hate to say it, but they are dull. Hannon definitely stands out among Christian authors, creating a story that is truly gripping.

If you aren't a Christian, don't think you should stray from this book. There are times where God is discussed and they pray for Darcy's safety, but Hannon in no way tries to bash the Bible over your head as you read. She uses a gentle touch of grace to show God's love and care in a way that is not overbearing to her readers that are not believers.

Her writing style as a Christian author was not only inspiring, but it was very intelligent. Trust me, you won't want to miss this book!

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Have you read this book or another by this author? Comment your thoughts below!

"The Fault In Our Stars" by John Green

"I'm a grenade, and at some point I'm going to blow up and I would like to minimize the casualties, okay?"
-John Green, The Fault In Our Stars

John Green again, yes. But, come on, you can't read a book by John Green and NOT read The Fault In Our Stars! It's what all the cool book nerds are raving about, so I knew I needed to add it to my site. Fun fact: the movie comes to theaters on June 6, 2014, according to IMDB.

Most of us don't know what it's like to be sick. Sure, we've all had the cold, a virus, or some weird infection now and again, but those things go away. Cancer doesn't go away. Some cancer does, but not the kind that Hazel Grace Lancaster has. Her cancer affects her lungs to where they fill up with liquid and she has to get them drained periodically just so she can sort of breathe. Without her cannula, the tubes always resting in her nostrils, she wouldn't be able to breathe efficiently. Her oxygen tank is always with her in a cart she has to roll with her anywhere she goes. Hazel gets out of breath when she walks up a flight of stairs because her lungs fail to work the proper way. Most of us don't know what this feels like.

There ARE people who know this pain of having a sickness that takes a lot of life's joy from them. Hazel met these people in a support group. Hazel HATED going to the support group, but her mom wanted her to go so she could make friends. Ugh, okay mom. She went, just to please her, but she did end up making friends there, like Isaac. He lost one of his eyes to a cancer and wears an eye patch. Isaac is really Hazel's only hint of sanity in the group.

Isaac brought a friend once, and Hazel would have noticed him even if she was the one with only one eye. The weird part about it was that this boy was noticing her. What is there to notice about a skinny sick girl who didn't care about her appearance at these meetings. Why was he looking at her? She noticed he only had one leg, so she knew he had been sick at some point. Soon enough, she learned his name and his story.


Augustus Waters was the air her lungs could never let her breathe. He was real, he was handsome, and for some reason, he liked her. And she was determined to find out why. Hazel was afraid to like him because she knew any day could be her last, and she didn't want to hurt anyone she didn't have to. It's bad enough seeing the pain in her parents' eyes every day. But there was something about him that she couldn't shake.

The quote I chose was not one that I had originally planned on using. This one continued to stick in my mind because it was a constant struggle for Hazel, and I think it's something that a lot of us can relate to in many ways, even if we aren't sick. For those of you who have already read it, leave your favorite quotes in the comment box below!


To steal from the people creating the movie, it is "one sick love story." I love the play on words there, and it fits this book perfectly. This is a story you won't want to miss. It's not a mushy love story or anything like that. It's actually very moving. The way they deal with their sickness is comedic relief in their lives. It shows how both healthy and sick people should appreciate every second, because (healthy or not) no one knows when the last day is.


Read The Fault In Our Stars, and I guarantee you'll fall in love with this book. It's a book for both genders! I love books with humor, and this book is PACKED with it! I laughed so much while reading it! Although you would expect it to be a sad book, I actually closed the book with a warmth that surprised me.


I know many of you have already read this, and I would love for you to add your thoughts and comments below so that my other readers and I can see your opinions!

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"Looking For Alaska" by John Green

"You spend your whole life stuck in the labyrinth, thinking about how you'll escape it one day, and how awesome it will be, and imagining that future keeps you going, but you never do it. You just use the future to escape the present." - John Green, Looking for Alaska

I never would have even picked up this book if it wasn't for my friend, Cameron. So, Cameron, I owe you big time, because this book was definitely something I needed!

Miles is about to be a junior in high school, but public school just isn't doing it for him. He is ready to discover the "Great Perhaps" and he hopes it lies within the campus of Culver Creek Boarding School, in Alabama (whoop whoop). Currently living in Florida, Miles hopes that, at least, a change of scenery will jump start his new journey.

Miles moved into his dorm to meet his new roommate (and soon-to-be best friend), Chip. No one called
 him Chip, he goes by "The Colonel." He is a short stocky guy, just the opposite of Miles' tall, lanky, scrawny self. Demonstrating his nickname, The Colonel basically took charge and began to tell Miles how to survive at Culver Creek, and also told him who to be friends with, and vice versa. He even gave Miles a nickname of his own, "Pudge," because he was just the opposite. The Colonel introduced him to all of his friends, including Alaska, the hottest and most beautiful girl Miles had ever laid eyes on.

This group of friends was just the kind of people that parents always tell their kids to not hand around: "Don't smoke, don't drink, don't cuss, etc." The Colonel, Alaska and the gang did all of this and lived by it. Even though they did all of these things, they were the best friends Pudge could have ever asked for. And some of the smartest people. Alaska's room is literally filled with books stacked upon books stacked upon more books. The Colonel memorizes capitals for countries all over the world. Pudge learns things from them that he could never learn sitting in a desk within the barriers of a classroom.

Between hanging out with his new friends and pulling pranks and having fun, Pudge actually had to go to his classes and study. His religion class was a class he particularly enjoyed, and it made his mind stretch and mold more than any other. Pudge wasn't exactly religious, but the class made him look within himself to unfold his "Great Perhaps" among his struggles, fears, and failures.

The book is divided into two sections: BEFORE and AFTER. Before what? After what? That's for you to discover. You never actually know until POOF it happens. Which is a lot like life, usually. Between all of the shenanigans they partake in and the pranks they pull, Pudge and his friends learn a lot about what's important in life all within one short year.

I finished it last night, and I still can't get over how incredible this book was. Not only were the plot and characters so perfect, the words used throughout the book blew me away. John Green writes in such an elegant way. It's not over your head at all, but it really seeps inside you, and stays. This IS a sad book though, but the sad that makes it an outstanding book. Just make sure you keep tissues nearby.

AGE RESTRICTIONS: I do not recommend this book for anyone under 16. Some of the content is mature, especially the event that the BEFORE and AFTER describes. I don't know that I would have wanted to read about something like that before I was 16, but that's just me. The mature content includes drinking, smoking, profanity, and sexual content.

Read it for yourself to see if Pudge finds his "Great Perhaps" and what event makes the BEFORE and AFTER. You might just find out something about your own labyrinth..

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"Dangerous Passage" by Lisa Harris

"I've found that when you pray a lot, then fill your life with people you love and things you believe in, there's often more room inside your heart that you realize. Say no to what you have to, but do what you were called to do. Follow God. Love family. Pursue justice. And maybe in the middle of all of that you'll find that there's some unexpected room for someone else in your life."
- Lisa Harris, Dangerous Passage

It's been a while since I have read a GOOD mystery novel, and I was excited when I was assigned to read this for the radio station! That's right! This is the first book I reviewed for WTBF-AM/FM in Troy, Ala. I wrote a shorter version of my review for the radio to cover a three minute spot! Am I famous? No, not by a long shot, but it sure feel like it, so I'll take it!

*Clears throat* Okay, now on to the book..

Detective Avery North has just embarked on her next case: two Jane Does are dead. At first it seemed like two different murder cases until Avery noticed that they had something in common. They both had a tattoo of a magnolia on their shoulder. Instantly, Avery began to think that she was now dealing with a serial killer. She had to move quickly to track this guy down, figure out his plot, and stop him from killing any girls like this.

Avery was very sensitive to these cases. She has a daughter; what if it had been her? Those thoughts are the very drive she needs to stop these criminals from continuing their actions. She realizes how much of a risk her job is, and after losing her husband, Ethan, she knows that she needs to be extra careful because her daughter doesn't need to lose another parent. Especially after Micheal's death. Micheal was Avery's brother, and died on the job. Although the job is dangerous, it's worth it to Avery to stop the evil in the world one case at a time.

Since Ethan's death, Avery hasn't even thought about beginning another relationship. Well, not until she partnered with Jackson Bryant, a medical examiner, for this case. It was just so easy with him, she couldn't NOT think about him! Somehow every date they tried to go on would get interrupted by the case they were working on, but that didn't make any of the time they spent together any less special. Every new day, Avery fell for Jackson more and more. Even though she tried to put it in the back of her mind, it would always push its way back to the forefront.

Eventually Avery and  Jackson solved the case and their relationship. I won't give away the ending, you know I never do! Don't worry!

This book was a great read! If I wasn't completely buried in school work, I would have finished it much faster! I would laugh out loud and some parts, and others I would be wiping my tears away. The mystery in the book was really good, as well! There were times I would be reading, my heart pounding, and I would jump at the sound of the ice maker in my kitchen! Silly, right? I was just so into the book!

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This book deals with the topic of human trafficking, which is something that the Lord has given me a passion for here recently.  Did you know that there are more slaves in the world today than ever before? Did you know that the sex trafficking industry is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world? This book is set in Atlanta, Georgia which is a hotspot of sex trafficking in the United States. YES, it happens right here in America, and not just in Atlanta. 

I am on the leadership team for Troy's Stella's Voice on Campus. Stella's Voice is an organization that prevents sex trafficking.While Stella's Voice focuses mostly on the country of Moldova, sex trafficking is a serious issue all over the world. Stella's Voice has created houses for boys and girls that have been trafficked. There is an incredible number of orphans in Moldova. When these orphans turn 16, they are tossed on the street with nothing more than a bus ticket and $30. This gets these kids nowhere. Most of them are abducted and sold into sex slavery, with no one missing them or looking for them. They simply disappear.

It's up to us to stop this. For more information on Stella's Voice, visit www.stellasvoice.org to see how you can begin a chapter in your area or give a donation. You can also contact me if you have any questions as well.

I'm so glad that Lisa Harris incorporated this into her novel so that people may realize how serious this issue is! This book is not only a great story, it has truth in it. Book 2 of the Southern Crime series, Fatal Exchange, releases in May, and is available for pre-order NOW!

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"Being Sam, No Matter What" by Marta Tandori

"I didn't think I looked any different than my friends."
-Marta Tandori, Being Sam, No Matter What

I don't usually read young adult novels, but I always promise read and review a book by any author that follows me on Twitter. Marta Tandori followed me on Twitter a while ago, and I finally was able to read one of her books. The book I chose was Being Sam, No Matter What. She was a knew author to me, so I really just chose the book at random.

Sam Pacepa started her seventh grade year just a few weeks ago, but Sam isn't the average seventh grader. Sam and her family are immigrants that moved to Canada when Sam was very young. Her parents have very strict rules for her and her siblings. While most of her friends get to have sleepovers and wear jeans, Sam doesn't.

Her homeroom teacher announces that the class would be taking an overnight trip to Niagara Falls. Sam knows that she won't be able to go, not with her parents' rules. Her friends really want her to go, but how will she convince her parents?

To be honest, the book didn't grab my attention in the beginning. It was a little slow, but I had to remember that it was a young adult novel. Towards the end, however, there were several plot twists that spiced things up a bit. I just wish they didn't happen all at once.

There was one thing that stood out to me, that I just couldn't get over. I understand that at the age of 12, a girl starting her period is a big deal. That can be revealed in a novel, sure, but not with onomatopoeia. The word, "plop" has probably scarred me for life. I really don't think it was supposed to be a big deal, but I couldn't get passed it.

It really wasn't a terrible book, but it's not something that sparks my interest. If you are a very young reader, I would suggest it. It's an easy read with struggles that a lot of young girls go through. I just don't think it's a book that someone 15 or older would enjoy.

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Readers in Troy, my book reviews are coming soon to the radio station, WTBF, so make sure to tune in for the Book Bit!!

"Losing Hope" by Colleen Hoover

" Moments like these with people like her are what make all the suffering worth it."
-Colleen Hoover, Losing Hope

Okay, Okay. I know. I'm completely OBSESSED and ADDICTED to everything written by Colleen Hoover. She's the best. Period. Done. Over. If you are reading this review and still haven't read any of her books, HELLO??? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?? Get off your tookus, purchase a copy of any of her books and get going!!!

As I've mentioned in a previous review, Losing Hope is the companion to Hopeless. Instead, the book is written from Holder's point of view. Hopeless was written from Sky's point of view. No, I won't give you the spill of the main plot again because I did that in my first review. To see the review on Hopeless, CLICK HERE!

The plot is the same of course, but everything is still different! I found out so many new details that changed the story completely! Leave it to Colleen to take a story that she's already written and add a twist that blow's the reader's mind. It sure blew mine away! Even though I knew what was going to happen, I still couldn't read fast enough to get to each new page of the story. Either I was super in love with the book, or I just couldn't get enough time with my book boyfriend, Holder. Either way, I just couldn't get enough of it!

Congratulations to Colleen on selling the rights for her books to be made into MOVIES!!! I understand it will be several years from now before it hits the big screen, but I. AM. SO. THERE!!!

This review was a little more freak out-ish than normal, so I apologize for my outrageous excitement! That just shows how much I loved and adored this book!

This is not a young adult novel. I would reserve this book for readers 18 years old and up. Because it is from a male point of view, there is much more language than the first book. Also, there is sexual content that is not suitable for young readers.

BIG shout out to Griffin Peterson for posing as Holder on the cover! He definitely gave me a visual of what my book boyfriend looks like! While we're talking about Griffin, he also has a new single on iTunes! To download his new single CLICK HERE!

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"The Mortal Instruments Book I: City of Bones" by Cassandra Clare

"Where there is love, there is often also hate. They can exist side by side."
- Cassandra Clare

One of my best friends wouldn't stop bugging me about this book all semester last spring. She wasn't going to let me get away with not reading it because the movie is coming out in August, so she said she didn't care when I read it, just as long as I did it before the premiere. Boy, am I glad that she pushed me to read this! I am head-over-heels in love with this series, and I cannot wait to continue reading! I read it on the beach, and I would literally scream and gasp and laugh out loud. I was THAT into it!

Clary, fifteen, and her friend Simon go to Pandemonium, a club in New York City one night. She's not really into the "club scene," but she loves to watch the people around her. As she and Simon are dancing, she notices an attractive boy. Her eyes follow him as he walks to the other side of the club and enters a closet with an exquisitely beautiful girl (of course). Little does the boy know, two other guys are following close behind. Clary notices that they have weapons, and she can tell they are after him. She hurries to the closet to try to stop them, if she can. When she gets there, she witness the boys with weapons murder the handsome boy. Only, this was no ordinary murder. His blood was thick and black, and his body vanished into thin air. Clary stands frozen in her place as these murderous people approach her.

They are confused as to why Clary can see them, but Clary doesn't understand why she WOULDN'T be able to see someone! One of the boys, Jace, explains that they are Shadowhunters, and that they did not just kill a human, that boy was a demon. In the middle of their discussion, Simon shows up at the door, and asks Clary where the guys with weapons went. So, Simon cannot see them even as they stand by Clary's side. Soon enough a demon enters Clary's home and tries to attack her! Jace shows up again, and she is instantly part of an entire new world! Why can Clary see them when no one else can? What does this mean for Clary? How will her life change? Find out in The Mortal Instruments Book I: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare.

Not only was the storyline over-the-top outrageous, her writing style was gorgeous! I know that's such a journalist thing to say, but I am what I am! She had incredible imagery and some of the best similes! The words she used to describe this story were simply beautiful. It's hard to beat that kind of writing!

I wish I could just tell you everything that happens! I went to the beach with a friend, and she was reading the same book at the same time, I was just roughly 100 pages ahead of her. I would freak out about something exciting, or some new twist that Clare threw in the story, but I couldn't talk about it! It was torture! This feels the same way! I want to tell you just how amazing this story is, but there is no possible way to do it without telling you everything! I CAN tell you that there is so much passion in this book, and I can't even tell you how much I laughed! The book is truly hilarious! The humor is flawless!

The movie premiers on August 21st, so make sure you read the book before then! Just from watching several different trailers for this film, I can tell it will be slightly different from the book. That's always expected; however, the movie looks incredible, as it should be! With a plot this extravagant, it would be hard to make a bad movie.

I believe that any age group would enjoy this book. I wouldn't go younger than a teen though. Some content may not be suitable. There is slight profanity and sexual humor. Not enough to say that I would limit it to adults, because it was written for a younger audience, but I believe that adults will love it, too!

SPOILER ALERT: THE TRAILER REVEALS THINGS THAT YOU MAY NOT WANT TO KNOW BEFORE READING THE BOOK!

So whether you choose to read the book, watch the movie, or both (I STRONGLY encourage both), I know that you will fall in love with it, just as I did! This is a six-book series. Five books have been released so far, with the six not too far behind. Don't worry, I will still be reading books for the blog, I will just be reading these on the side. I'm seriously addicted!

Clare also wrote a series called The Infernal Devices. It's a three-book series that serves as a prequel to The Mortal Instruments. I would suggest reading The Mortal Instruments first, THEN The Infernal Devices. Check out Cassandra Clare's site for more information! CLICK HERE

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