How to Make Friends and Monsters by Ron Bates (Review)

How to Make Friends and Monsters

By Ron Bates

(received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 352

Age Group- 8-12 years-old

Physical description of book- hardback, list price $12.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73607-3

In How to Make Friends and Monsters, by Ron Bates, Howard Boward is unable to make friends.  Kids make fun of his name and it does not help that he enjoys science.

Howard decides he is going to make a friend, a monster.  Before he knows it this new friend is popular and all the cool kids want to be Howard’s friends.  They want him to make them monsters too.

What will he do?  Will he learn the true meaning of friendship?

About the author- Ron Bates currently lives in Texas.  He is a humor columnist, writer and journalist.

My thoughts- Sometimes I wonder why Christian publishers publish some books and How to Make Friends and Monsters, by Ron Bates, is one of those books.  I thought the book itself was great, because it taught the reader that you cannot force people to be your friend and you cannot buy your friends.  It just did not have any obvious message from God, something I have come to expect in books from Christian publishers.

It would be a good book for tweens to read.  They will be able to learn how to and not too make friends.  I know that tweens, especially those who are different have trouble fitting in and may go to any length to do so.  Howard and his monster friend can show them the right way to gain true friends.

I highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received How to Make Monsters and Friends, by Ron Bates., for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower (Review)

Andi Unexpected (An Andi Boggs Novel)

By Amanda Flower

(received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 224

Age Group- 9-12 years-old

Physical description of book- hardback, list price $10.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73701-8

In Andi Unexpected (An Andi Boggs Novel), by Amanda Flower, 12-year-old Andi Boggs and her older sister have to move in with their aunt after their parents die in a plane crash.  Andi’s aunt lets her clean up the attic of the family home, so she can have a space of her own.  While Andi and Colin Carter, a young neighbor, are exploring the attic they find a trunk which holds a mystery.  The trunk contains items belonging to Andora Boggs, a family member.  Andi, whose real name is Andora, had never her of her.

Colin and Andi are suspicious when people will not answer their questions and someone starts snooping.  What will happen?  Will they find out what happened to Andora?

About the author- Amanda Flower is a librarian and currently lives in Ohio.  She is an Agatha-nominated mystery author.

My thoughts- I thought Andi Unexpected, by Amanda Flower, was a well written book.  I felt as if I was part of everybody’s life.

Andi was certainly a character.  It would be fun to have her as a friend as she is so adventurous.  It was certainly nice for Colin, a young neighbor, to be able to gain such a friend such as Andi, especially since her knew so much about the town.  They needed each other to be happy and to solve the mystery of Andora Boggs, one of Andi’s relatives.

I thought there could have been a stronger presence of God, but I am hoping there will be more in the future books.  In the series I know they are Christians, but it still needs to be stronger.

I think all tweens would enjoy reading this book.  There is lots of adventure and lessons to be learned.  I highly recommend it!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Andi Unexpected, by Amanda Flower, for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Wrestling with Tom Sawyer by L. L. Samson (Review)

Wrestling With Tom Sawyer (The Enchanted Attic)

By L. L. Samson

(received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- 9-12 years-old

Physical description of book- paperback, list price $7.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-74057-5

In Wrestling With Tom Sawyer, L. L. Samson, it is time for Aunt Portia and Uncle Augustus’s monthly party, the theme is Mark Twain.  The circle is ready to bring somebody from literature.  The teens, Ophelia and Linus (twins), along with Walter have decided to Tom Sawyer.

The teens have found a secret tunnel under their school and need Tom’s help to find the some of the town’s inhabitant’s missing jewelry.  There is trouble in the tunnels, Joe, from the novel, is there.

What are they all going to do?  Will Tom make it back to the circle in time?

Click here for a sample.

About the author- L. L. Samson currently lives in Kentucky with her family.  She has been writing for a long time and so has her husband.  Samson has written over 25 books.

My thoughts- I have read all the books in The Enchanted Attic series, by L. L. Samson.  I have enjoyed reading all of them.  They keep getting better.  Wrestling With Tom Sawyer was the best one so far.  There was a lot of detail and the maturing of Ophelia, Linus, and Walter made the story even better.  I thought it was great that they didn’t need the adult’s advice and help as much.  Two things I am curious about are a possible relationship between Ophelia and Walter and what will happen between Cato and Linus.  Cato had been causing a lot of trouble with the circle and had brought in the antagonists from the stories into the children’s life.

Once again Samson has made me want to read the book she has based her book on.  I don’t know if it was her intent, but it has happened with all of the books in the series.  I highly recommend this book tween and teen boys and girls.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Wrestling With Tom Sawyer, by L. L. Samson, for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Merlin’s Blade by Robert Treskillard (Review)

Merlin’s Blade (The Merlin Spiral)

By Robert Treskillard 

(received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 428

Age Group- Teens

Physical description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73507-6

Merlin’s Blade, by Robert Treskillard, takes place in fifth-century Britain.  The druids are taking advantage of a powerful black rock that fell with a meteorite to overpower the people of the village.  The meteorite harms the Christian faith which has been gaining new followers.

In this village lives a half-blind, young man, Merlin.  Merlin has to use his blindness to his advantage to save his family, village and the Christian faith in Britain.  Will he succeed?

Some extras are maps, pronunciation guide, and glossary.

Click here for a sample.

About the author- Robert Treskillard currently lives in Missouri with his wife and youngest child.  He has a BA in Biblical; Theological Studies.

My thoughts- Merlin’s Blade, by Robert Treskillard, was about some of my favorite subjects Merlin, druids, and King Arthur.

Although this book had over 300 pages, it was a great read.  I know adults will enjoy this book as will young adults.  The readers will also like the extras like the maps, pronunciation guide, and glossary, like I did.  When I am reading books that contain unfamiliar words, I really enjoy knowing how to say them and what they mean.

This story is a different version than the usual Merlin and King Arthur story and I thought it was great.  My favorite part was the strength of Christianity and its clash with the druids.  The meteorite and the power it held over people (with the druids help) represented to me, Satan and things in our daily lives that can control us.  We all need to be mindful of what we focus on.  I was proud of Merlin and his strength, he was even half-blind and young.

I recommend Merlin’s Blade to young adults and adults who enjoy the Merlin and King Arthur legacy.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Merlin’s Blade, by Robert Treskillard, for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Hidden Deep (Threshold Series, Book 2) By Christa Kinde (Review)

The Hidden Deep (Threshold Series, Book 2)

By Christa Kinde (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Religious / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 272

Age Group- Young Teens and Tweens

Physical description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72489-6

The Threshold Series by Christa Kinde is about Prissie Pomeroy and her friends, who just happen to be angels.  Prissie is introduced to new angels in Jedrick’s Flight and school is back in session.  Her best friends are distancing themselves from her, a kidnapped angel is in pain, and her father’s new helper is not making her life better.

What will happen to the angels?  What will happen to the relationships Prissie has with her friends, human and angels?

A couple of extras are a wonderful description of the different types of angels and discussion questions.  There is also a chapter from the next book, The Broken Window.

About the author- Christa Kinde currently lives in California with her family.  She has written fifteen volumes in the Women of Faith study guide series  She has also written study guides and workbooks for authors such as Max Lucado.  Her website is www.christakinde.wordpress.com.

My thoughts- I must say that I have enjoyed reading, The Hidden Deep, more than I did the first book in the Threshold Series, The Blue Door, because of the addition of new angels and the lessons and faith Prissie needs to gain.

One of the most intriguing angels goes by the name of Adin.  I cannot tell you if he is a good angel or a bad angel, because it will spoil the end of the book.  I can tell you though that I was intrigued each time he showed up.  I was not sure why he was there or what was going to happen.

I was really glad to see a positive development in the relationship between Prissie and Ransom.  They both have so much to offer in a Christian relationship.  My favorite part was when Ransom asked her to explain what she believed and she could not.  That is so me and many others in this world.  We need to be able to help others understand Christianity.  I am glad that Ransom was able to explain what he knew to be true.  I know I need to be able to explain it as well as he did.

I believe that many young ladies and gentlemen would enjoy reading, The Hidden Deep.  It is a good book to read and there are many parts that would be excellent jumping off places for discussions.  I highly recommend it.

My review of The Blue Door.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Hidden Deep, by Christa Kinde, for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Skull Creek Stakeout (The Caden Chronicles, Book 2) by Eddie Jones (Review)

Skull Creek Stakeout (The Caden Chronicles, Book 3)

By Eddie Jones (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General

Published by- Zonderkidz

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 192

Age Group- Young Teens

Description of book- paperback, list price $7.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72390-5

In Skull Creek Stakeout, by Eddie Jones, Nick has been sent by the editor of The Cool Ghoul Gazette to investigate a murder.  This is no ordinary murder, the victim has fangs, bite marks, and a wooden stake in his chest.  The victim lived in Transylvania, North Carolina.

Nick has his Aunt Vivian, who lives in town and he befriends, Meg, the coroner’s assistant.  Together they plan to solve the crime.

Will they find out who it is, before it is too late?

About the author- Eddie Jones lives in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He has written nine book and 100 articles.  His novel, The Curse of Captain LaFoote, won the 2011 Selah Award in young adult fiction.

My thoughts- When I wrote my review of the first book in The Caden Chronicles, Dead Man’s Hand, by Eddie Jones, I was looking forward to finding out if Nick and his family had change their views on Christianity.  They didn’t.  In this book, Aunt Vivian was the Christian strength for her family.  I can only hope in future books that Nick can come to believe in God.

Skull Creek Stakeout was full of adventure and danger.  I enjoyed the possibility of vampires as Nick was going to be in Transylvania, North Carolina.  He knows though that there are no vampires, but a real murderer.  I was guessing until the end of the book.  I did not know who it was.

I think young adults will enjoy this book.  I do find it hard to believe that Nick is only fourteen.  He acts much older.  I do recommend this book.  I cannot wait to see if he becomes more interested in Christianity in future books.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Skull Creek Stakeout by Eddie Jones for free through DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story by Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers (Review)

Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story

By Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Biography & Autobiography / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 144

Age Group- Tweens (ages 9-12)

Description of book- paperback, list price $6.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73613-4

David Hilmers grew up in Iowa.  It was through his faith in God that he became an astronaut and then a missionary doctor.  No matter what was happening with his life he would put his plans on hold if he knew God wanted him to do something else.

There are pictures documenting his life from his childhood to his space shuttle flight on the STS-26 Discovery.

About the author- Rick Houston interviewed Dr. Hilmers while writing a book about the space shuttle program and they wrote the book together.  Houston has written five books.

My thoughts- Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story, by Dr. David Hilmers and Rick Houston was an excellent book.  I could understand how God was always working in David Hilmer’s life.  He would always understand that if something didn’t work out that it was God’s will and he would move on and not let it bother him.

There were so many good Godly character traits that were written about in this book.  Two of my favorite traits were being a good steward and spending time wisely.  I also was please at how he took his father’s work ethic so seriously and applied it to his life.

It was exciting to read about his life as an astronaut and a missionary doctor.  Tweens are really going to enjoy learning about a person whose life has been dedicated to God.  I highly recommend this readable book.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Man on a Mission: The David Hilmers Story by Rick Houston and Dr. David Hilmers for free from DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

Avenger (A Haflings Novel, Book 3) by Heather Burch (Review)

Avenger (A Haflings Novel, Book 3)

By Heather Burch (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 304

Age Group- Young Adult

Description of book- hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72824-5

Seventeen-year-old Nikki Youngblood is never going to be able to get away from the man who created her, Damon Vessler.  He needs her for his evil plans.

Damon has sent a Seeker after her and she escapes with Raven, while Mace and the other Haflings say behind and fight.

Nikki has a lot to think about and a lot of different beasts to fight.  Will she stay with Mace or become Raven’s girlfriend?  Will Damon turn her heart dark?  Will her heart change and affect her future with the Throne?

About the author- Heather Burch currently lives in Florida with her husband and sons.  She loves fiction and has learned that writing is her heart’s desire.

My thoughts- Avenger was full adventure from the beginning, but as it was part of a series and I didn’t read the second book, Guardian, I feel that I missed important information.  I would recommend reading books one and two before reading this book.

Although I haven’t read Guardian, I enjoyed reading this book.  There was a lot of action and just the right amount of romance.  I also enjoyed how God was mentioned, but it was in a way that would not prevent many different types of religious people from reading this book.

As with the other book, I had a little bit of trouble accepting the idea of Haflings, but I didn’t let it change what I thought of the story and it’s characters.

I would recommend Avenger to those who like action and adventure with a little romance included.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Avenger by Heather Burch for free from DJC Communications.  I was not required to write a positive review.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.  All links were current when posted.

The Bare Naked Truth by Bekah Hamrick Martin (Review)

The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting, and God’s Purity Plan

by Bekah Hamrick Martin (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Christianity

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 416

Age Group- Young Adult (girls)

Description of book- paperback, list price $9.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73402-4

Filled with candor and humor, Bekah Hamrick Martin, has written The Bare Naked Truth to help teen girls understand the lies and how to abstain from sex until marriage.

Martin has included quotes from people such as Tricia Boyer, Holly Gerth, and Kristin Billerbeck.

Some of the subjects are:

• Don’t base your decisions on fear.
• Safe sex is not always safe.
• How to have compassion with everyone, not just those who seem perfect.

Also included is a lot of information on what God says about purity.

About the author- Bekah Hamrick Martin currently lives in North Carolina with her husband.  She now shares her experiences with teens.  She talks mostly about healing and surviving the adolescent years.

My thoughts- The Bare Naked Truth, by 29-year-old Bekah Hamrick Martin, is a must read for all teen girls.  There is an honest candor along with a lot of humor, which will help them see the lies (example, “Waiting is for wusses.” and “I don’t have to decide now.”) for what they are, so they can turn away from what isn’t pure.

There were many parts of this book that I enjoyed.  One of the best parts was the different tips and quotes that were separated from the rest of the text in boxes.  The space at the end of each chapter to answer questions and journal was also very helpful.  I think it is important to think about the chapter and write down your thoughts, so you can remember it for the future.

Having accounts from real people made everything Martin wrote even more concrete.  The back of the book even had a list of the people in the book along what they have written and how to contact them.

I highly recommend this book to all teen girls.  The truth about dating and purity needs to be known.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received The Bare Naked Truth: Dating, Waiting, and God's Purity Plan by Bekah Hamrick Martin for free from DJC Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. All links were current when posted.

Captives by Jill Williamson (Review)

Captives (The Safe Lands- Book 1) by Jill Williams (received for review purposes)   

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- Zondervan

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 416

Age Group- Young Adult

Description of book- paperback, list price $8.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72422-3

Eighteen-year-old Levi is from the village of Glenrock. He returns from Denver City to find that the people in Glenrock have been either killed or taken captive, by the enforcers. It has happened, because of his brother, Omar.

Omar has to decided to help the enforcers, so he can help Glenrock. He thinks his village is being held back by an old religion. He also thinks the Safe Lands, home to the enforcers, will keep everyone safe and that he will be given a position of power.

The third brother, Mason, has taken a job in the Safe Lands.

What will happen to the three brothers and the inhabitants of Glenrock?

About the author- Jill Williamson currently lives in Oregon with her husband and children.  She has written other books and has won the 2010 Christy Award and the Epic Award for By Darkness Hid.

 My thoughts- When I read the synopsis of Captives, I knew I wanted to read it.  I grew up in a town called Glenrock, as did Levi and his brothers.  That is the reason I selected it for review.  I wasn’t even one-fourth of the way through the book, when I knew I was reading a gem.

Captives has both male and female main characters, so both young men and women will feel comfortable reading this book.  Everyone will learn what the power of temptation is like and how you can avoid it.  You can be strong and work for what is right.

I have watched, Princess Bride.  It was a lot of fun to read references to it in the book.

I recommend Captives.  Many readers will learn how sneaky temptation can be and how to be strong.  Read today!

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Captives by Jill Williamson for free from DJC Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. All links were current when posted.

Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker

Back Before Dark (Code of Silence- Book 2) by Tim Shoemaker 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- ZonderKidz (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 376

Age Group- 9 and up (I would recommend high school)

Description of book- Hardback, list price $14.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-73499-4

Cousins Cooper and Gordy, along with their friends Hiro and Lunk, are on their way home through the park on their bikes when Gordy is kidnapped.  The kidnapper thinks it’s a game, but nobody knows that.  Cooper is troubled by Gordy’s kidnapping and leaves no stone unturned as he looks for him.  Hiro wants to be a detective so she is able to give him guidance and has the courage to involve the police.  Lunk is also there for Cooper for everything.  Soon there is talk of a memorial service, but Cooper won’t stop looking.  Will they be able to find Gordy before it is too late?

About the author- Tim Shoemaker has been married for over 32 years and has three grown sons.  He has written over eight books, including Code of Silence and Dangerous Devotions for Guys.

 

 

 

My thoughts- This is the second book in the Code of Silence series.  I found that it is o.k. to begin with this book as I wasn’t missing any crucial information from the first book.

This is a book that young men are going to like; there’s action and a lot of mystery, because of Gordy’s kidnapping.  Cooper, Hiro, and Lunk are both brave and foolish about looking for him.  I’m glad they stick together and have a system for how they hunt for Gordy.

Cooper's dedication to finding his cousin is astounding.  Cooper would not give up looking for Gordy.  He had faith that Gordy was still alive when other people didn’t think he was.  I hope that I can have that level of perseverance and faith when I am facing adversity.

One of my favorite parts of the book was, “A Word from the Author” and the information that followed.  It made a good study guide and provided a lot of good information on how to stay safe.  We all need to remember we are not invincible.  We can be hurt.

I would recommend that teens and their parents read this book and discuss it afterwards.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker for free from DJC Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. All links were current when posted.

Dueling with the Three Musketeers by L.L. Samson

Dueling with the Three Musketeers (The Enchanted Attic- Book 3) by L.L. Samson 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- ZonderKidz (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2013

Number of pages- 176

Age Group- 9 and up

Description of book- paperback, list price $7.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72799-6

Linus, Ophelia, and Walter are back and ready for a new adventure with the enchanted circle in the attic.  Ophelia has been reading The Three Musketeers and Madrigal Pierce’s brother has returned and plans to sell the mansion he owns with his sister.  The children decide to bring D’Artagnan to help them save the mansion (Pierce School For Young People).  The evil Countess de Winter comes along with D’Artagnan.  Will Linus, Ophelia, and Walter be able to save the school?  What will happen with the Countess?

About the author- L.L. Samson lives in Kentucky with her husband, Will.  She has been a co-author with her husband and has written over 25 books herself.

My thoughts- This is the third book of The Enchanted Attic series.  I thought it was the best one so far.  There was a lot more action, new characters, and more fun!

I thought it was interesting how more people were able to come through the enchanted circle.  I have not read The Three Musketeers by Alexander Dumas, but I was impressed by Milady, the Countess de Winter.  She wasn’t so evil after all.  I’m impressed how Ophelia, Linus, and Walter are able to treat people kindly and change their lives.  The children change the lives of the people they live with as well.  I’m impressed with such nice children.  We all need to help others like Ophelia, Linus, and Walter do.

My suggestion to you is to get a copy of this book and read it.  You will learn about fun book characters and how to be helpful to others.

Here is my review for Saving Moby Dick.

Here is my review for Facing the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Dueling With the Three Musketeers by L.L. Samson for free from DJC Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. All links were current when posted.

Winter’s Tide by Lisa Williams Kline

 Winter’s Tide (Sisters in All Seasons- Book Four) by Lisa Williams Kline 

Genre- Juvenile Fiction / General

Published by- ZonderKidz (Zondervan)

Copyrighted- 2012

Number of pages- 240

Age Group- 9 and up

Description of book- hardback, list price $10.99, ISBN: 978-0-310-72619-7

Diana and Stephanie are still having problems dealing with each other and with Diana’s problem of being bullied at school.  It is winter and there are two accidents that make them face their problems.  First, Stephanie’s stepbrother is in a near-fatal accident and then Diana discovers a beached whale on the North Carolina shore.  Both girls face their challenges together until Stephanie’s lie surfaces.  Will Diana be able to forgive her and find a new faith in God? 

About the author- Lisa Williams Kline currently lives in North Carolina with her husband.  She has grown daughters.  Some of her stories have been in Cricket, Cicada, Spider, and Odyssey.  She is an editor, writer, and English teacher.

 

My thoughts- This is the fourth book of the Sisters in All Seasons series.  After reading this book I want to read the other books as well as the final book coming out later this year.

I was surprised at the number of step-families in this story.  The main characters are stepsisters and there are others mentioned too.  This was one of the first times I had read a book like this.

I enjoyed having the perspective of both Stephanie and Diana by alternating chapters.  It was nice to have different perspectives, because I learned more about all the characters.  Diana needs a lot of guidance which was more noticeable by the different perspectives.  I was glad she was able to succeed with her feelings and viewpoints.

I would recommend this book to all young teen girls.  It is worth the read.

Disclosure of Material Connection- I received Winter’s Tide by Lisa Williams Kline for free from DJC Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. All links were current when posted.