Read-a-Thon Mini Challenge Answers

Ok, here are my answers for my 1st mini-challenge hosted by http://www.ibbookblogging.com/.

1.  I'm embarrassed to say that I'm not all that familiar with mythology, so I can't choose which type is my favorite!

2.  Just finished Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, and it was aMaZiNg!!!

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Goodreads Description: 
How do you defy destiny?
Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.
As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

My review:  Another book that I ordered with my giftcard.  The cover is beautiful, and the story was wonderful!  I don't know too much about mythology, guess I'm going to have to read more about it!  I loved all the characters and their "talents".  I'm so glad that Helen had Claire as her friend!  And what a smart little thing Claire is!!  Great book!

A little bit of language.

Secret Sisters by Tristi Pinkston

Goodreads Description:  Ida Mae Babbitt didn't mean to become a spy. But when visiting teaching stats are low and she learns one family under her care is in financial trouble, she'll do whatever it takes to make sure they have what they need. If that includes planting surveillance cameras in their home and watching them from a parked car in the woods, well, isn't that what any caring Relief Society president would do?

My review:  What a fun book!!  I read part of it on a short jaunt our family took, and had to endure all the sideways looks my hubby was giving me as I laughed out loud in so many places!  I definitely need to pick up more of Tristi's books!

I won a $50 Amazon giftcard, and this is one of the books that I ordered.

Pillage by Obert Skye

Goodreads Description:  When fifteen-year-old Beck Phillips travels by train to the secluded village of Kingsplot to live with his wealthy but estranged uncle, Beck discovers some dark family secrets. A buried basement, a forbidden wall, an old book of family history with odd references to... dragons? Beck's life is about to be changed forever in this suspenseful tale about the destructive nature of greed and the courage to make things right. Pillage is filled wtih Mr. Skye's signature humor as well as some very intense moments. including a surprising ending, that will keep readers young and old engrossed and entertained.

My review:  My daughter and I loved the Leven Thumps series, so I wanted to try this book. I really liked it, but it seemed to take a long time to introduce the characters and the story, and to lead up to the meat of the book.

The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley

Goodreads Description:  "Hmmm," the doctor muttered.
Natalie wrinkled her forehead, almost afraid to ask, and said, "What does that mean?"
"You do know you're pregnant, right?"
Her breath caught in her throat. "Excuse me?"
"You're pregnant."
Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. "I'm what?"

Natalie Drake certainly has her hands full raising a large family, dealing with her difficult mother, and maintaining a relationship with her rebellious teenager. Just when things seem to be going smoothly, she finds out another unexpected surprise--she's going to have a baby. Faced with so many challenges, Natalie must learn to trust in a plan that isn't what she imagined and discover that every situation has an upside.

Beloved author Rebecca Talley carefully creates this touching and heartfelt story that is sure to inspire you. With true-to-life characters and situations, The Upside of Down will reignite your faith and remind you of the importance of family.

My review:  I won this book from LDS Women Book Review blog. I've been wanting to read this for so long! It was the first book on my to-read list. Rebecca didn't disappoint me! What a beautiful book about holding onto your faith, even through all of life's trials. Natalie went through so much, and I could relate to a few things. One of the things I could relate to the most was having a wayward child and figuring out how to love them without liking their behavior. And sweet, sweet Gabby! What a blessing! Thanks Rebecca!!

The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden

Goodreads Description:

When Crispin, Lord Cavratt, thoroughly and scandalously kisses a serving woman in the garden of a country inn, he assumes the encounter will be of no consequence. But he couldn't be more mistaken--the maid is not only a lady of birth, she's the niece of a very large, exceptionally angry gentlemen, who claims Crispin has compromised his niece beyond redemption. The dismayed young lord has no choice but to marry Miss Catherine Thorndale, who lacks both money and refinement and assumes all men are as vicious as her guardian uncle.

Trapped between an unwanted marriage and a hasty annulment, which would leave his reputation tainted and Catherine's utterly ruined, Crispin begins guiding his wife's transformatoin from a socially petrified country girl to a lady of society. Their unfolding relationship reveals encouraging surprises for both of them, and privately each of them wonders if theirs maay become a true marriage of the heart. But their hopes are dashed when forces conspire to split asunder what fate has granted. As a battle of wits escalates into a life-threatening confrontation, will it be possible for Crispin and Catherine to live happily ever after?

Review:  I don't read too many romances, but I loved this historical romance!! I loved Catherine, but felt so bad for the life she must have had growing up with her abusive uncle! It was so fun watching her grow. Crispin was great too, and I loved his sister!! A great story!

GIFTED by Karey White

Description on Goodreads:  Susan and Brent Weller have been waiting for years for a baby of their own. But as Anna grows, her unique gifts become more apparent, and the choices she makes while trying to help others could threaten her family's happy, comfortable life. With a strong message about family and having hope for the future, Gifted is sure to change your outlook on life.

I loved this book! Two things that pulled me in initially was the story of this couple adopting their little girl (our first 2 kids are adopted), and that the little girl, Anna, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico (I was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico).

What kept me reading is the way this story was so beautifully written. What parent doesn't consider their life changed when they have their first child? What parent doesn't think that their children aren't the most beautiful, talented, and gifted children around? What happens when you learn that your child really is gifted? Do you ignore it?

I could really feel the emotions that Susan, the mom, felt. She wanted to do what was best for her child, wanted her to have a "normal" childhood. It was so hard to sit and read through what happened in Anna's elementary school years. I think that Susan handled it so well though. I'm also so glad that she had such a good, supportive husband.

Beautiful cover, and very beautiful book. Thanks Karey!!