Thursday, September 6, 2012

Pinehurst by: Nicole Grane

YA adventure-fantasy

Pinehurst

After attending years of public school and for reasons unknown, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Hollyander AKA Evie, finds herself suddenly "dumped" at Pinehurst, a stuffy private school for the Mageia—the children of magic. Gone are the days of Geometry and Keyboarding, Evie’s schedule now consists of classes that teach defensive spells and charms against the deadly creatures of the Underworld. She discovers that her magical abilities are far more pronounced than that of her classmates, or even her teachers for that matter. She's forced into sixth period PE, boys only “boot-camp” for Slayers; and is taunted by some of the students for being the only female Slayer—ever!
   
But life isn’t all that bad. She has a ten alarm crush on Antonio, a hunky nineteen year old Slayer who is assigned as her personal trainer. She’s ecstatic until she realizes that Antonio can also communicate with her telepathically—translation: he can hear every steamy thought she has for him.

After learning that her father has been captured and is being held hostage in Hell of all places, Evie seeks help from Antonio and Havoc, a feisty pixie who Evie’s sure is evil incarnate. The three of them journey into the Underworld, battle two-headed vipers, a troll, and spiders that are big enough to suck your face off. She’s propositioned by the Lord of the Underworld himself. Proving more powerful than expected, Evie is an acquisition he must have—as well as his ticket to the Outer World. The bargain: the safety of her friends and the knowledge to save her father's life in exchange for an unthinkable price.
   
Available in print and e-book format
learn more at:  http://www.nicolegrane.com/


Haunts Haven by: Joan Sowards

LDS Ghost Story

Haunts Haven

When Callie Wilford inherits a century-old inn in southern Arizona, locals tell her of a ghost who "guards" the inn. But Callie doesn't believe in ghosts, and she plans to turn the inn into a bed and breakfast. Then things start to happen - strange, spooky things - and she begins to wonder if there is some truth to the ghost stories. If that weren't bad enough, Callie discovers a mysterious grave in the cellar. As she confronts the inn's tragic secrets, she also faces her lonely past and learns to embrace her heritage. But it takes a handsome cowboy and a charming rancher to prove that Callie's long-guarded heart can love again.

Available in paperback and e-book format
Learn more at://joansowards.blogspot.com/2012/09/faith-hope-and-gravity-by-merrill.html 

Trouble Blows West-A Ginnie West Adventure by: Monique Bucheger

Middle Grade/YA

Trouble Blows West: A Ginnie West Adventure

Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. She is certain that defending her twin brother, Toran, from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do. But Ginnie couldn’t be more wrong.

She quickly figures out that Toran doesn’t appreciate being rescued by a girl any better than Charlie likes being knocked down by one. When Charlie seeks revenge on Ginnie, Toran sets aside his anger and helps her plot a playback prank at Charlie’s house.

Sadly, Ginnie learns that Charlie has a reason for being a bully when she sees his dad drop him to the floor like a ragdoll with one awful blow to the chest. Realizing he's a boy in big trouble, Ginnie switches gears and decides to be his ally, even if he won’t let her be his friend.

Available in print and e-book format
Learn more at:

Defenders of the Covenant by: Angie Lofthouse

Sci-Fi Fantasy

Defenders of the Covenant

Hannah and her friends have been warned about the danger lurking outside of their secret refuge from the alien invaders who devastated the Earth years before. Their leaders have raised them in the Latter-day Saint faith, teaching them to trust God, but when McKenzie and her rebellious boyfriend, Jeremy, decide to run away, Hannah and Derek follow, determined to bring their friends home.

Once outside, the four teens soon realize they cannot return to the refuge without endangering everyone there. Captured, enslaved, and separated, Hannah, Derek, and McKenzie each learn the unique role they must play in liberating the Earth. The friends must battle with android soldiers and attack vessels, and face their own inner struggles to overcome the invaders. After all, not even an alien invasion can stop the work of God.

Available in print and e-book format
Learn more at: http://www.angielofthouse.com/ 

Chocolate Roses by: Joan Sowards

LDS Romance

Chocolate Roses

Janie Rose Whitaker's world revolved around her chocolate shop until Roger Wentworth and his young daughter moved into the apartment across from Janie's. Anyone would think Roger fit the mold of the "perfect" guy, but soon Janie discovers secrets that could keep them apart forever. Though she resists getting involved in Roger's complicated life, they are drawn further into a bittersweet relationship.

You will laugh, cry, and crave chocolate as you read this LDS modern retelling of the classic novel Jane Eyre.


Available in print and e-book format
Learn more at: http://joansowards.blogspot.com/2012/09/faith-hope-and-gravity-by-merrill.html

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

The Secret Sisters Club by: Monique Bucheger

Middle-Grade/Ya

The Secret Sisters Club


Twelve-year-old BFF’s Ginnie and Tillie, want to be sisters. Tillie's divorced mom plus Ginnie's widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk and slumber parties. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie form a secret club and come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation Secret Sisters’.

Before long, Tillie seems happier about gaining a dad than a sister. Ginnie suspects that Tillie has turned ‘Operation Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation Steal My Dad.’  Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her real mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about.

When Dad discovers she has the journals, he takes them away. Ginnie needs to figure out what the big mystery is before her relationship with her father and her best friend are ruined forever.