Author Spotlight: The Number 7 by Jessica Lidh

Jessica Lidh pulls inspiration from her Swedish heritage and experiences as a high school teacher. In encouraging young minds to suck the marrow out of life, Jessica often uncovers the fascinating and hilariously horrifying insights of the twenty-first century teenager. When Jessica isn't fervently teaching or writing, she loves to watch old musicals, bake Swedish cinnamon buns, and go on imaginary bear hunts with her children, Elsa and Gus.

Title: The Number 7

Author: Jessica Lidh

Publisher: Merit Press

Publication: December 1st 2014

Cover Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

The Number 7 is such a creative adventure. I truly loved how the book went back and forth between past and present. I really enjoy historical fiction books.  I also love the cover of the book. It's not very often that you come across a book with a cover that depicts what the book is about so perfectly. I found myself racing through the pages about Louisa just so I could get back to her grandmother's story.

Louisa is an amazing character. She is the foundation of her family it seems. She seems to keep everything together and helps her dad through all of his issues. She is such a strong girl. She has to be pretty dang amazing because she finds herself being the love interest of two young men. And her grandmother picked her to be the one to unravel her family history and the secret it holds.

Greta isn't as strong. She has been kind of distant and tried to hurt herself. I am guessing the loss of her mother hit her a lot harder than it hit Louisa. Regardless, I didn't like her very much and I didn't connect with her well, at all. 

Christian, the girls father, was distant as well. He hid a lot of things and his daughters didn't even know the reason as to why he hadn't been in contact with his parents since he moved out. We come to find out that he really didn't know that much about his parents.

Rosemary kind of creeped me out in the beginning. She was this astrology psychic chick that told Louisa that she was in her grandparents house for a reason. I can't say that she grew on me but as the book progressed she seemed less weird.

Throughout the book Louisa received phone calls from her dead grandmother that slowly piece together her grandfather's, Gerhard's, past and heroism. While the book was focused on Louisa's love life I believe the historical fiction aspect was the best part. The book has a very close family system in it and with the aspect of her grandmother thrown in we get to see how much history truly does affect the future.

Something that would have been cool to add to the book would have been Louisa's list of memories about her mother. Throughout the book we get things like lilac's were her mothers favorite flowers, memory 111. I just think it would have been pretty cool to include that maybe in the back of the book as bonus content.

Overall, I gave the book 5/5 stars.

1) What was the inspiration behind The Number 7?

I used to manage a Swedish antique store, housed in a 19th century farmhouse. One stormy day, I was in the shop alone and I discovered this beautiful black antique phone for sale. When I noticed it wasn't plugged in, my imagination just ran away with me. I started wondering what I would do if the phone started ringing. My first thought was: who would I want to be on the other end, and what would he or she say?

2) Have any of your family members fought in WWII?

I grew up listening to stories of my grandfather fighting in the Korean War. The stories of his time in the Army are so vivid and memorable. (Remind me to tell you the story of the time he served KP duty in December of 1950, cooking hundreds of eggs stamped for expiration in 1947.) He is a natural-born storyteller. I think that's why I'm enamored with the stories time will eventually snuff out. It's sad to me to think my grandfather's stories will one day be lost forever. I suppose, though, it will happen to us all.

3) Are any of the characters in The Number 7 based off of a real person?

Absolutely. Practically each character has some remnant of someone I've known and loved. Chris and Gabe are based on various traits of past boyfriends. Neither is an exact copy of the real person, but they're both piecemeal versions of past flames. I don't believe either real-life Gabe or real-life Chris has read the book, but I'd be interested to know their thoughts. I hope they'd feel I was kind to them.

4) Have you been to Sweden?

I lived in Sweden for a year in college, and I connected with distant relatives while there. Those distant relationships have grown into very close friendships, some of the best in my life. So I've been back to Sweden many times since college. There's always a feeling of homecoming whenever I touch down at Arlanda. My husband and I dream of one day spending entire summers under the Swedish sun with our children. I can't imagine a happier dream.

5) Are you currently working on any new books?

Yes! While I have one manuscript halfway complete, I have another stewing in my head. There's never enough time in a day to get everything done (especially with two young kids at home), but my husband and I are currently moving from suburban Maryland to the mountains of North Carolina. I'm hoping the change of scenery will bring greater opportunities to write. I'm eager to get another book out there. I'm eager to share what's in my head.

6) Did you write a completed list of Louisa's memories of her mother?

Great question! Surprisingly, I never did. It's amazing how people have responded to that list of memories. My old employer, the Swedish antique shop owner, loved my book. One of Louisa's memories was that her mother used to sing "La Vie En Rose," and when my employer read that part, she recalled her own childhood memories of her mother singing that song. After finishing the book, she called me into the shop and presented me with her mother's old compact case, a beautiful gold mirror compact from the 1950s. When I opened it, it started playing "La Vie En Rose." It was such a tender and special gift. I was really humbled in that moment. It's wonderful how stories and words can affect others so deeply.

Author Spotlight: Hexed and Charmed by Michelle Krys + Double Vision

Michelle Krys is the author of HEXED and CHARMED. She lives with her husband and son in Northwestern Ontario, Canada, and works part-time as a NICU nurse. Michelle is probably not a witch, though she did belong to a witchcraft club in the fifth grade and "levitated" people in her bedroom, so that may be up for debate. Visit her at michellekrys.com or follow @MichelleKrys on Twitter.

Title: Hexed

Author: Michelle Krys

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication: June 10th 2014

Cover Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

Hexed is one of those books with a lot of action and a lot of emotional turmoil. Towards the beginning of the book something beyond tragic happens and it just sets the tone for the rest of the story. Then something happens in the end that sets the tone for the next book. I wouldn't say prepare to shed a lot of tears but I will say prepare to have your heart ripped apart.

Indigo was one of those girls who just followed the leader. She should have left Bianca in the dust a long time ago yet  she continued to follower her like a lost puppy no matter what horrible things Bianca said or did to her. She was also very naive in thinking that Bianca wouldn't try stuff with Devon.

Bianca and Devon were your typical ass-hat pair. They might have pretended to care about Indigo but they were just worried about themselves. I don't understand why Devon even dated Indigo if he was just going to give into Bianca so easily. And before that even happened he refused to take Indigo home when there was something wrong with her mother.

Bishop was such a wanker. He was a over-sexed pig at first. I really didn't expect anything to happen between him and Indigo. But oh well, I was wrong. I was kind of hoping he would kick Quarterback Jack's ass though. But he did become a very useful and overly important character. He was Indigo's backbone it seemed.

Paige was that idealistic best friend. Even though Indigo treated her like the plague and tried to push her away she stood her ground and was there for Indigo through everything. Sadly, the friendship was more than harmful for Paige and now we get to wait to the next book to see just how much Indigo values Paige.

I really enjoyed how well the author meshed together Indigo's REAL teenage life with her supernatural life. Most supernatural type stories fail to focus on the fact that a REAL life still have to go on. The author was amazing with showing the story rather than telling it. I could actually picture the sewers and The Black Cat. Everything felt very realistic.

The end of the book was and wasn't what I expected. I was kind of hoping something would happen to Devon or Bianca. I wasn't expecting the Paige situation even though that seemed pretty predictable. I also wasn't expecting the Aunt thing either. But right before prom she said something that made me think really hard about everything. 

Overall, I gave the book 5/5 stars.

The world of magic fascinates me. When it comes to witches I will most likely read or watch anything. All I knew going into this book was that it dealt with witches and I was intrigued just by that, plus the cover.

I was able to breeze through this because it is fast paced because of the way it is written. The characters and the story are highly enjoyable. I haven’t come across a witch story quite like this.

Indigo is a cheerleader with a best friend, who isn’t the greatest of friends in the world, with a boyfriend who flirts with her. Her mom owns her own shop, which she works at after school. Indigo is a smart female character and tries to be strong with all that she learns and has to go through.

Something I haven’t really come across is that Indigo actually tells her mom what happens. Normally, the characters keep everything from their parents, but this is not the case.

 As soon as we meet Bishop, I liked him right away. I’m one for tattoos and having a guy character that has them makes him more appealing, plus his sarcasm doesn’t hurt. You can tell right away that he likes Indigo.

Not only is the story addicting, but it gets emotional. I yelled at this book many times. I got sad or angry along with Indigo.

Through this Indigo gains a friend that she keeps pushing away. That is her neighbor Paige. She is the type of character that is nice to everyone, no matter if you wronged her, which makes her a good friend and someone Indigo needed.

Overall, I really enjoyed this. If you are like me and love anything about witches, then I recommend that you check this out. I’m looking forward to seeing where Michelle Krys will take this story. 

I rate this 5/5. 

Title: Charmed

Author: Michelle Krys

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication: May 26th 2015

Cover Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

I was so glad that I had Charmed on hand after I finished Hexed. I had to find out what happened to Paige and I needed to know how everything worked out with The Family and The Priory.

Indigo was reckless in this book. She didn't care about the feelings of those who loved her. She had her mind set on something and nothing was going to stop her. That is a admirable trait but she also should have taken into consideration how Bishop and Penny felt. With how dangerous her plans were she could have died. She did a lot of stupid things throughout this book. But in the end I am glad she ended up where she did.

Bishop and Penny could have been a little more supportive towards Indie. Then maybe she wouldn't have done such reckless things. But I can see that they were just trying to protect Indie. But you can only protect someone so much when they have their mind set.

Regardless of Indigo's childish behavior, Paige and the rest of the teenagers wouldn't have survived without her. But I also can't help but think that Cruz would be okay if it wasn't for her as well. I do believe that positive outcomes out-weighed the negative ones, though.

The book didn't have that much going on sadly. It was just Indie trying to get Paige back, her relationship with Bishop and her pissing her Aunt off. The entire book just felt like Sabrina the Teenage Witch rebelling.

The world building and character development was pretty good. I could picture Los Demonios clearly. There was a little bit of predictability with The Chief and Indigo's situation. But one thing I can say is that this is only of those series where I am constantly wondering what happens after the book ended. Do Indigo and Bishop stay together despite their differently planned futures? Does Indigo get her life and schooling back on track? No matter how certain books ends you will always want to know more and this was definitely one of those books.

Overall, I gave the book 4.5/5 stars.

I was looking forward to reading this because of how Hexed ended. I was ready to see what the next adventure was going to be. See where Michelle Krys was going to take the story.

I was a little bit disappointed with this one. I loved Hexed, but I found this one to be lacking. It wasn’t as fast paced, but rather slow for most of it. It didn’t pick up for me until a little past halfway. I felt it dragging until that point.

In Hexed Indigo was a strong girl and dealt with everything that was thrown at her. She did break down a few times, but considering everything she was going through it was understandable. In Charmed, though she was determined as ever, was reckless. She did what she wanted no matter the cost of her life. That is bravery, but she didn’t think things fully through or ask for help before going and doing something. She kept things from her Aunt Penny and her boyfriend Bishop. I didn’t like that she did that considering she told them what was happening in Hexed. She changed a lot and at the time not for the better. She spiraled. At certain points I also found her annoying. The only thing she started to improve on a bit was her magic.

Secrets come to light that have been kept for years. I saw it coming, but I enjoyed seeing how the characters reacted to the news.

Overall, I had a lot of problems with this one, but I did actually enjoy it, more than I thought I would. It got better, which helped. I thought the ending was satisfying with how things were left for all the characters. You are able to imagine that there is a lot of work that the characters still need to work through, but that they will get there in the end.

I rate this 4.5/5. 

1)If there was a spell to trade a sorcerers life to bring her mother back do you think Indigo would do it?

Absolutely! Indie regrets having taken her mother for granted and misses her like crazy.

2)Will there be any other books for this series after Charmed?

Right now, CHARMED is the last book in the Witch Hunter series, but I’d definitely be open to writing more if there was a demand. I love spending time with Indie and Co.!

3)What was the inspiration behind The Witch Hunter series?

One day my sister, Brandy, who is also a writer, told me about an adult historical novel she wanted to write called THE WITCH HUNTER’S BIBLE. I loved the title, and it gave me all of these great ideas for a YA novel. When Brandy decided to write a different book instead of the one she told me about, I asked her if I could use her great title for my idea. Luckily she agreed, and I got to work writing about a snarky, popular cheerleader who gets caught up in a centuries-old war between witches and sorcerers. Funnily enough, the title ended up changing in the editorial process.

4) Why did Paige continue to try and be friends with Indigo after so many years of being turned down and ignored?

Paige and Indie have known each other for so long that Paige has a hard time accepting their friendship is over. She believes Indie is a good person and that Bianca is corrupting her. You can see more about this dynamic in the digital short story BLACKWOOD, which is out now.


5)If Indigo were to write a book about her life what do you think it would be called?

Hmm, that’s a good question! Probably something like . . . “The Cheerleader’s Guide to Boys and Witchcraft”. Or! “The Bewitching of Indigo Blackwood.”


6)Do you believe in Witchcraft?

Witchcraft, as in magical spells? Sadly, no. I only wish it truly existed! 

Mini Review Monday[42] Rise by Amanda Sun

Title: Rise (Paper Gods book 2.5)

Author: Amanda Sun

I love the Paper Gods trilogy, so when I found out about this novella I knew I had to read it. 

Here we got to see how it all began between one couple. We go back and forth between the two couples. One couple in the past and one couple in the present. 

In the past, it is where everything began. They loved each other, but their relationship wasn’t perfect and it created something neither of them could imagine. 

In Ink and Rain I loved the relationship between Yuki and Tanaka, but I imagined more for them. They got along so well and you could see they cared deeply for one another and we got to see something being built between that they both wanted it to happen. It was beautiful to watch it grow. 

Overall, this was a nice novella. We learned what happened in the past, while experiencing what was happening in the present.

I gave this book 5/5 stars.

Weekly Wrap-Up[6]

Mini Review Monday - The Beautiful and the Cursed by Page Morgan

Review - The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Author Spotlight for Jeanne Ryan

The bottom 4 I got in the mail. The top 2 I bought at used book stores

These are some of the author spotlight books I have gotten in the past 2 weeks.

Half of these are from birthday gifts in the mail or preorders.They are all from Barnes and Noble except 4.

I picked these up while my friend Dani was spending the weekend with me.

I got these for .20 cents each at a library sale.

Author Spotlight: Charisma by Jeanne Ryan

I’ve lived all over the world, raised in a family with eleven brothers and sisters. I spent my early childhood in Hawaii and the rest of my growing-up years trying to figure out a way to get back there, with stops in South Korea, Michigan and Germany along the way. Before writing fiction, I tried my hand at many things, including war game simulation and youth development research. But I decided it was much more fun to work on stories than statistics.

These days, I still love Hawaii, but have found my home under the moody skies of the Pacific Northwest.

Note, I post news on Twitter @Jeanne_Ryan and on my FB page: www.facebook.com/JeanneRyanAuthor

Title: Charisma

Author: Jeanne Ryan

Publisher: Dial Books

Publication: March 3rd 2015

Cover Rating: 5/5

Goodreads | Amazon

Charisma was such a great medical thriller. What would you give to not be shy? To glow with such intensity that EVERYONE notices you? Would you give your life? I don't think I would. But I'm not shy or socially awkward so I have no idea how someone like Aislyn truly feels. But Charisma is on the level of bulimia, anorexia and other body/mind altering lifestyles. People are all too quick to change themselves.

Aislyn was kind of annoying. She was so desperate to live a normal life that she put herself and other at risk. I can understand how it is to want to be something you're not but what Aislyn did was entirely selfish and stupid. I do not condone what she did, even if it was to help with her college tuition. Also, because of Aislyn's stupidity, her brother, Sammy, didn't get to go through with a Cystic Fibrosis trial.

Sammy was such a strong little boy. I actually liked him more than most of the other characters. He knew what it was like to live with something that will eventually end his life yet he kept living and was pretty happy. 

Evie was such an amazing friend. But after the entire incident she handled Aislyn with kid gloves. I don't if that was because she was afraid of contracting Charisma or if she was trying to keep calm because of Aislyn's fragile mental state. But either way, I think she should have just acted normal. Aislyn has enough things in her life change and she sould have used a little bit of normality in her life and Evie should have really considered that. Whenever something bad happens it tends to make people act differently towards you because they are afraid you are fragile when in actuality they should just be acting normal to help you heal.

Jack seemed sweet but I just had a feeling he was only trying to get in Aislyn's pants or some other ulterior motive. He pulled away from her towards the end of the book when she probably needed him the most. But I think it also had something to do with Shane.

Shane was a cocky, annoying little jerk at first but after a while I started to like him. He seemed to be hiding some insecurities behind his cocky, man-whore, attitude. I was so upset in the end though. I couldn't believe it.

I loved the focus of the book. Gene Therapy sounds so interesting but that is something that needs so much research and trials. It sounds very dangerous and could probably alter someone beyond just fixing social anxiety. This book felt very real. Young people seem to have no regard to what they take and whether it can hurt them or not. They seem to think they are invincible.

The characters in the book were all so diverse and well rounded. They all had their over strong personalities and stood out. Maybe the author did that because of the Charisma? Either way, I enjoyed having so many diverse characters.

Towards the end of the book I was so happy about Chloe. Not so many people were as lucky as she was. I think the kids who were lucky enough to survive should either join the cause for a cure or focus on maybe trying to help other young people who feel like altering themselves is the ultimate cure. 

Overall, I gave the book 5.5 stars.

1)    Would you ever take Charisma?

As a teen I probably would not have taken it since I was still figuring out who I was, but now, if it were proven to be completely safe, I might give it a try. It would be fascinating to experience life from a perspective so different from my introverted self. However, I’d still want the opportunity to return to “normal” since I think my introspective, observant nature helps me write.

2)    Who would you pick? Shane or Jack?

For the short term, Shane. Long term, Jack.

3)    Where did you get the idea for Charisma?

I started out writing a much different book, a thriller based in Indonesia since I had a trip planned there. However, as I was checking out the State Department travel site, I found a rabies warning for Indonesia, especially in Bali, where we’d spend a week. This warning took root in my brain and my fear grew to giant, ridiculous dimensions. I couldn't figure out a way to handle the mounting anxiety.

Finally, one day I’d had enough. I told myself that I had to find some productive channel for all this crazy, and, since I’m a writer, you can guess what that productive channel might be.

What if there were a lethal virus, like rabies, which also had an upside? A really, really amazing upside?

As a lifelong introvert, the upside that first came to mind was X-Factor star power, which to someone who could easily blend into the scenery has always struck me as a kind of magic. So, taking that seed of a premise, I did some research and eventually arrived at a new story idea, one in which a girl with crippling shyness agrees to an underground gene therapy, delivered via a virus, in order to become the charismatic rockstar of her dreams. The drug would deliver on its promise, but also come with dangerous side effects. This new story lent itself to themes of being careful of what we wish for and figuring out what it truly means to be oneself.

4)    Are you currently working on any new books?

I’m always working on new story ideas. As to which one will have the legs to go on and be published next, it’s too soon to say. But I’ve learned not to rush the process and to enjoy the thrill of discovery.

5)    If you had to pitch your book to a potential buyer what would you say?

I think this story is one that most of us can relate to since who wouldn’t be tempted to accept a one-shot fix for our biggest flaw? Besides that, the book offers romance, danger, and some cool speculative science that may be less fictional than we think.

6)    How do you feel about the newer generation of teenagers always trying to alter their bodies and minds? (i.e. bulimia, anorexia, plastic surgery, etc.)

I think it’s understandable to want to be the best you can be, but I also believe that some teens (and adults) go too far in their quest for “perfection”. Obviously, dangerous eating disorders are never okay. As for plastic surgery, it’s a gray area. Although I think a teen getting Botox or lip fillers seems unnecessary, I could see certain types of plastic surgery possibly making a difference in one’s self esteem if a person were really fixated upon a specific “flaw”. It’s such a personal decision, however, that I don’t feel qualified to draw a line designating what’s “right” or “wrong” in terms of body alteration. Just think long and hard before doing anything permanent.

7)    What would you tell a teenage girl who thinks she needs to change herself to please others?

I’d say if you’re changing who you are to please others, that’s nowhere near as compelling a reason as changing to please yourself. In the long run, you’ll be living with yourself far longer than with anyone else.

REVIEW: The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

Title: The Beginning of Everything

Author: Robyn Schneider

Publisher: Katherine Tegen

Publication: August 27th 2013

Cover Rating: 4/5

Goodreads | Amazon

Tragedy. It’s one of the things that makes life hard to live. 

Tragedies cause change. Change for the person and their life and the people around them. The change can be good or bad or both. Like it was for Ezra. 

Ezra lost his best friend Toby. Something happened to Toby, but Ezra distanced himself. They grew apart and were in different crowds. After years Ezra had his own tragedy. This brought him back to Toby. The good part, but he also lost so much due this happening to him. 

This is a story of a boy having so much and losing it, but gaining other things in his life. Getting his best friend back and falling in love for the first time. Learning who he is as a person and not what everyone knows of him. Branching out into unknown territory and leaving familiar territory behind. 

It showed that just because something bad happened doesn't mean it's the end of everything, but the beginning and I loved that. It turned a negative situation into something positive, which is always good to see. 

I enjoyed being able to see Ezra grow as a character from whom he was into who he wants to be. Him meeting the new girl who he fell in love with, but had to let her go. 

This was a sad, but a positive story about what tragedies can do to a person in their lifetime and to learn from them and come out brighter in the end. 

I loved the story and seeing how things change you. You don't want it to happen, but it does in the end. I didn't feel that connected to the story or the characters, which is the only problem I had.

Overall, I gave the book 4.5/5 stars.