Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

Dead Time is one of those books that's difficult for me to summarize simply because there are essentially two plots going on at once. For the most part, you have Rose, the main character, witnessing the murder of a boy from her school and she wants to discover who did it--which is actually much more complicated than how I've explained it although it might not seem so at first. On the other hand, you have Rose's mother and Joshua's father who have been missing for years; Rose believes that they're dead and Joshua refuses to stop searching for them.

I think my biggest problem with Dead Time was the fact that it really felt like the overall plot (for the books) didn't really seem like it fit with the plot of Dead Time as seamlessly as I would've liked--it felt like it jumped back and forth. The other problem that I had with Dead Time was how much Rose seemed to idolize and blindly follow Joshua around. I should probably explain who everyone is though, yes? Rose is our main character, her mother was dating Joshua's father when they went missing and as a result, Rose now lives with her grandmother--who does have Rose's best interests at heart, even if she doesn't show it. She's also a bit of a Nancy Drew and she definitely isn't someone who follows all the rules. Then there's Joshua, whose father was dating Rose's mother and in Rose's eyes, he's the only real family that she has. It's not that he's a bad guy, it's just that he's extremely stubborn. I'd talk about Skeggsie, but you'll see enough of him in Dead Time--and besides, telling you about him would technically mean spoilers.

So would I recommend Dead Time to you? Well, that's a bit difficult to say. Yes, if you're intrigued by the plot--because I will always encourage you to form your own opinions--but other than that, if you're unsure, maybe it'd be best to borrow this one from the library.

Overall Rating: ★★

Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Release Date: May 22, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

If I'm being completely honest, I struggled to get into Breaking Beautiful initially. Why? Because Allie definitely does not start off as a strong character and there's a very good reason for that, she was--up until recently--in an abusive relationship. However, I persevered and sure enough, there was some serious character growth--although it is gradual.

Breaking Beautiful is the story of a girl who survives the accident that kills her (abusive) boyfriend and it's something that she never wants to think about again. Unfortunately, the case has been reopened and the detective in charge of the case wants to know what happened that night... all of it. With the help of her best friend, her family, and time, Allie will eventually face what happened that night.

I can't even begin to tell you how important Blake is to the story. He's Allie's best friend and despite that, there are still things that she doesn't know about him--for instance, he's an artist and he likes her. I also really liked Allie's (slightly) younger brother (and twin), Andrew. He's extremely smart and he's tougher than everyone thinks--and he has cerebral palsy. There's also Caitlyn, who dresses in a somewhat eccentric manner, who you'll meet in Breaking Beautiful; she really is perfect for Andrew and I think that they're so cute together! And I know I haven't really mentioned Trip--the abusive ex-boyfriend--but trust me, you'll learn enough about him in Breaking Beautiful and the guy is just... ugh. 

Breaking Beautiful is a story that grows on you, and although you might not like Allie initially, I promise that she'll grow on you--it just takes some time. Would I recommend Breaking Beautiful to you? Yes, if it seems like something that you're interested in reading.

Overall Rating: ★★★★ and a half.

Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers

Release Date: April 24, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Meet Josephine Taylor--known as Jo to all and Zo Jo to the paparazzi crowd--who takes pictures that most of the other paparazzi can't due to her height and the fact that although she's sixteen, she can look as young as eleven. She's been snapping pictures of celebrities as a way to pay for photography classes that will take her out of the paparazzi scene and those classes are anything but cheap! When presented with the opportunity to make a sizable sum by photographing Ned Hartnett, she takes it and that is when the fun really begins. Why? Jo will have to go undercover at the retreat in Boston to take pictures of Ned and she just might lose her heart to him along the way.

It does take some time to really get into Shooting Stars but once Jo settles into the retreat, things really start to move. I really loved the fact that Jo is half Japanese and that although she's cunning when it comes to taking pictures, she's not completely ruthless. The paparazzi angle of Shooting Stars in general was really fun and it definitely played a part in Jo's growth--you'll see what I mean. And then there's Ned Hartnett who I have to mention because he plays such a huge role in Shooting Stars. If it wasn't for him, well, there's a lot of stuff that wouldn't have happened. Ah! I can't not mention Katrina though! She's Jo's roommate at the retreat and an ex-ballerina who is extremely tall when compared to Jo. I love the fact that she befriends Jo and that their friendship continued after the retreat as well.

Overall, I'd recommend Shooting Stars to you if you're looking for a light, fun read that ends in--what I consider to be--a surprising way. You might struggle to get into Shooting Stars at first, but once you get to the pool scene, things get interesting. And the ending? Adorable and absolutely perfect; I couldn't see the book ending any other way.

Overall Rating: ★★★★

Shooting Stars by Allison Rushby

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Release Date: February 28, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

If you've read the summary for Stolen Away, then you're probably thinking that it's told from only one point of view, Eloise's. Or at least, that's what I assumed. However, as it turns out, it's told from Eloise and Jo's perspectives. That, admittedly, made things a bit confusing for me as I wasn't expecting it--and will probably teach me to spend some time reading what I assumed were chapter titles.

So on one hand, you have Eloise trying to save her aunt (Antonia) from Lord Strahan and on the other hand, you have Jo, her best friend, helping her out--while falling for a very cute boy. Between the two of them? I think I like Jo a little bit better. Why? Because it seems like she's better at sticking up for herself--although I can definitely relate to Eloise's love of food. I mean, and then there's the fact that Jo likes to use British slang--which may have something to do with why I like her. Just maybe. But for the record, Eloise's mother kicks some serious ass. Don't know what I mean? Let's just say that it has something to do with a baseball bat.

I think my absolute favorite part about Stolen Away would have to be the descriptions of the Fae and the Courts. Why? Because I'm a sucker for detail and pretty things--which means that I absolutely loved learning about the different Courts, the seven year reign rule, and so forth. There is, however, a lot of details for the reader to pick up on. It's not impossible to keep up with, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't do a fair bit of nodding and hoping that things would explain themselves later on--which they did. This leads me to my one other issue with Stolen Away, the romance. More specifically, the fact that it really takes off. The plot in general is very fast paced. Example? Eloise meets Lucas on the third page. Who is Lucas? A Fae boy who introduces himself to her by kneeling. Granted of course, this takes place in the prologue.

Having said all of that, I did end up enjoying Stolen Away, although perhaps not as much as I enjoyed Haunting Violet (one of Alyxandra Harvey's other books). It does appear to be a standalone and if you enjoy stories involving the Fae, you may very well enjoy Stolen Away. Although I would have to--again--mention the rather fast paced plot.

Overall Rating: ★★★ and a half.

Stolen Away by Alyxandra Harvey

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Release Date: January 17, 2012

Edition: e-ARC

* Received for review via publisher and NetGalley.

Haunting Violet by Alyxandra Harvey

Haunting Violet
Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Release Date: June 21, 2011
Edition: Hardcover
* Purchased on my own.

Violet has a unique gift, she can see the dead. However, being the daughter of a (fake) medium, Violet would really prefer that no one find out--in particular, her mother. Lord Jasper has called Violet and her mother to his country estate so that she (Violet's mother) might call upon the spirits and entertain his guests. However, his motives run deeper than that and when Violet begins to see the ghost of a drowned girl again and again, it'll be up to her to figure out just what the girl's ghost wants.

It's a little bit difficult to sum up Haunting Violet. Taking place in the Victorian era, Violet's life is far from what you're used to reading about. Things are tough and her mother is big on appearances. So much so that their parlor is the best decorated (and furnished) room in the house. She doesn't approve of her mother's methods, but it is what's keeping her clothed and fed. Well, alright, that's not exactly true; Violet has become an excellent pickpocket out of necessity. When they're called to attend a house party at Lord Jasper's country estate, Violet's mother sees it as a stroke of luck and Violet is simply glad that her dearest friend, Elizabeth, is there.

That isn't to say that Haunting Violet is without romance though. On one hand you have Xavier, the son of a wealthy merchant who appears to be courting Violet and on the other hand you have Colin, whose Irish accent thickens when he's truly mad. He's been there for Violet for quite a long time and although I'd love to tell you more about him, I think it's best to let some things remain a mystery (at least until you've read the book). Needless to say, Colin was definitely my favorite--I'm a sucker for accents--and although I didn't really love their relationship at first, things definitely got better. Besides, the only thing that Colin can offer Violet is himself and since I'm a romantic at heart, I loved that.

Don't expect the ghosts to be scary in Haunting Violet though because quite frankly, they aren't and Haunting Violet only really focuses on one ghost although others are mentioned. I think that's about all that I can say in regards to Haunting Violet. It started off a bit slow and by the time I hit the half-way point, I kept reading until I hit the last page. It definitely seems like the sort of book that would have a sequel and I'm sort of hoping that it does. After all, I don't think Violet is done growing into her ability just yet. Although I can't give Haunting Violet as strong of a recommendation as I would've liked, it was a good read and if you like the sound of the plot, definitely give it a go.

Overall Rating: ★★★★