Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks

So, I have seen the movie for Safe Haven, but I haven't ever read the book until now, I KNOW, I KNOW, what a big no-no ;)

Katie has a secret. One that could ruin her new life. She came to the teeny town of Southport, North Carolina to start over, and create a new life for herself, a safe life. She definitely doesn't want to let her guard down, even to her super friendly neighbor, Jo. But after she opens herself up to Jo, she finds her heart opening up to little Kristen, the shopkeeper, Alex's, daughter. Which soon leads her to Alex. Who is a widow and more than cute. and loving & gah. But how can Katie possibly be falling for this guy when she knows love doesn't last... or does it? And can Katie even love this man when she knows her life will bring so much bad into his?

So personally I loved the movie! I did skip a couple parts in it, where there is a sex scene & makeouts, but for the most part I really enjoyed it. I was suuuuper disappointed though, because the book was much more crude. I don't even want to get into it too much, because it's just kinda gross/awkward to me. But lets just say it had much more sexual stuff in it. I would definitely not recommend. BOO! Thumbs down!!

Rate: PG13/R
   Some cussing, and lots of sexuality
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    GOODBYE ;(

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Review by Marissa

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
Chances are if you have heard this line, it was from the movie, not from reading the book. While the book and the movie are *practically* the same thing, it is a law of literature that the book is always better than the movie :) In this case, the book and movie are in close competition, but the book, (again, as ALWAYS) includes those details that don't make it into the movie. Since my own summary could not do justice to this classic, here is the book's own summary:
"As Florin and Guilder teeter on the verge of war, the reluctant Princess Buttercup is devestated by the loss of her true love, kidnapped by a mercenary and his henchmen, rescued by a pirate, forced to marry Prince Humperdink, and rescued once again by the very crew who absconded with her in the first place. In the course of this dazzling adventure, she'll meet Vizzini- the criminal philosopher who'll do anything for a bag of gold; Fezzik- the gentle giant; Inigo- the Spaniard whose steel thirsts for revenge; and Count Rugen- the evil mastermind behind it all. Foiling all their plans and jumping into their stories is Westley, Princess Buttercup's one true love and a very good friend of a very dangerous pirate."

This book is the perfect combination of romance, adventure, sinister plots, and humor. I HIGHLY recommend this book, even if you have seen the movie already. By reading the book, you get the real story, which (surprise!) the movie does not perfectly cover. I will admit that I was surprised to see how well the book-to-movie transition was done over, but in the end the book was more interesting and captivating than the movie.  You get to learn so much more about the characters, and you get a whole new view of their stories. For those of you who have not seen the movie, this book is a wonderfully written adventure full of surprising twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It will quite literally leave your broken and bruised one minute, and the next put you back on the edge of your seat with hope and anxiety and happiness and helplessness all wrapped into one moment. It's a page turner that you won't be able to put down! At least, that's what it was for me:) This book is for sure one of my new favorites.

Rate: PG13
For some violence, and brief use of strong language.
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
GOOD!!

Let's Get Lost

Let's Get lost by Adi Alsaid

Four teens from across the country all end up running into the same girl named Leila at different points when they needed someone the most. Hudson, Bree, Elliot, and Sonia all find a friend in Leila, so when it comes time for her to leave their lives are changed forever. During her journey across the country she learns that sometimes what you need the most is right where you started, and maybe the only way to figure that out is to get lost along the way.

I really wish that I could say I love this book, but I can't. There are quite a few parts where it hints about getting stealing, sex, making out, appropriate thinking/touching towards some characters and getting drunk plus a little bit of swearing. I really enjoyed the story and the lesson it taught but the author had to add in all the extra content which made me dislike this book.

Rate: PG13

Some drinking which lead to a few inappropriate scenes 

GOOD OR GOODBYE?

I would have to say GOODBYE / maybe just for adults or older teens?

NITTY GRITTY:
Sexual: there are a couple make out and hinted sex scenes plus inappropriate touching/ thinking towards some characters

Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth


Fast forward into the future, future Chicago. In an attempt at survival, the 5 factions were created. The Candor (the honest), the Abnegation (the selfless), the Dauntless (the brave), the Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the smart). On a certain day of every year, all of the 16 year old's must choose what faction they want to be in...for the rest of their life. There is no changing.
"For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her." (http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/p/books.html)

Many people have read Divergent, and/or seen the movie already, but for those that haven't... 

I really enjoyed reading this book!! It kept me on the edge of my seat, and I could not put it down. The story line is unique and very well written. There isn't very much cussing, and not too much sexual stuff. But..... there is a lot of violence. In order for Tris to stay in the Dauntless initiation and then at the end of the book, there is some violent scenes. 

If violence is something that doesn't bother you as much, then I think you would really enjoy this book. However, if this sounds like something that you wouldn't enjoy, then I would maybe pass :) 

rate: PG13

    some violence, & some makeouts (borderline inappropriate)

GOOD OR GOODBYE? 

   I would say GOOD/ You decide! Do what you feel comfortable doing! :)

NITTY GRITTY:

There are a couple instances where the H word is used.
Sexual: There are a couple makeout parts, and sex is hinted at in one part, but nothing actually happens.... I would say borderline inappropriate. 

Dragonswood

Dragonswood by Janet Lee Carey
So I know this book isn't very well known, but I really enjoyed it! It started out being a little hard to read, but by the middle of the book, I was hooked!

Also sorry I'm lame and can't seem to write a good summary so all the credit for this summary goes to goodreads.com
"On Wilde Island, there is no peace between dragons, fairies, and humans.
Wilde Island is in an uproar over the recent death of its king. As the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans begins to fray, the royal witch hunter with a hidden agenda begins a vengeful quest to burn girls suspected of witchcraft before a new king is crowned.
Strong-willed Tess, a blacksmith’s daughter from a tiny hamlet, wants more for herself than a husband and a house to keep. But in times like these wanting more can be dangerous. Accused of witchery, Tess and her two friends are forced to flee the violent witch hunter. As their pursuer draws ever closer they find shelter with a huntsman in the outskirts of the forbidden Dragonswood sanctuary. But staying with the mysterious huntsman poses risks of its own: Tess does not know how to handle the attraction she feels for him—or resist the elusive call that draws her deeper onto the heart of Dragonswood."

I mentioned above that I didn't like the beginning of this book, and it was because it was just so "violent" I guess you could say. Because Tess was accused of being a witch she was tortured for a little while, and I was a little iffy about it. But it only lasted for the first part of the book. After that, it got really good! I also really liked it because it was super clean and had a little romance. Some parts of the book were super predictable, but others were totally surprising! Definitely a GOOD book! 

Rate: PG/PG13

    Clean! No cuss words! Small "violence"

GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    GOOD!!!! 

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
I've heard about this book for like years...but I've just now gotten around to reading it... and I was disappointed..... sad sad day.

Four bestfriends going four different ways. One thing in common.... The Pants. The Pants are magical. They fit all four girls PERFECTLY. But not only do they fit four very different girls, they look Gooooooood! As these four girls send the pants back and forth throughout the summer they grow closer together, and grow as individuals.

Like I said, this is a very popular book.... but I am so sad to say I didn't like it. It was a cute story... and I really did like watching the characters grow... but it was too crude... Since it was about teenage girls the book talked alot about bodies... and there was small nudity and hints at sex.. and just ah no... Makes me sad, but I would not recommend.
Rate: PG13
  A couple cuss words, crude parts, small nudity, hint at sex
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
  GOODBYE

The Longest Ride

The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Since this is a newly popular movie, I decided to read the book and review it for you guys. I'm beginning to realize I should really stop reading Nicholas Sparks...

Sophia's roomates beg her to go to a bull-riding event, and in order to please them, Sophia finally agrees. Never does she dream of meeting Luke, the hot cowboy who saves her from her creepy ex-boyfriend. Soon the two can't get enough of each other, but will Luke's secret ruin the closest thing to love he's ever felt?

Meanwhile, Ira is dying. Literally. After accidentally driving his car off the road on a snowy night, 91 year old Ira distracts himself of the pain by talking with his deceased wife, Ruth. Talking with Ruth, and reliving all of their memories seems to be the only thing keeping himself alive. But is this "ghost of Ruth" even real? And what do Ira and Ruth have anything to do with Sophia and Luke.

Ah, so like I said earlier, I really need to stop reading Nicholas Sparks! Here's the problem... they are so well written and super cute, and they just draw you in... BUT THEY ARE BAD! Like they have cussing and sex.... This book mainly had sex.. like lots of it.. :( SO DISAPPOINTING... like honestly Nicholas why....
Rate: PG13/R
    Cussing (3-4 words) and sex
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    GOODBYE? Ah idk it's hard to say goodbye since its so cute. Maybe just for adult readers? #itsastruggle

The Heir

The Heir by Kierra Cass

If you're like me, you got your hands on this 4th book in the series as soon as you could! But tbh I didn't like this one nearly as much as the first 3 books in the series. 

Eadlyn, daughter of America Singer & Maxon Shreave, didn't ask for the selection. In fact, she was positively upset that it had to happen. Why on earth should she be forced to let 25 guys into her house/castle and be forced into marrying one. She could rule perfectly well without a man. So when her parents force her to hold a selection in order to appease the country, Eadlyn is told to put a happy face on. So she schemes to scare the boys into leaving..... But after meeting all of the boys, and spending time with them.. Eadlyn realizes that each one of them hold a little place in her heart. How on earth can she choose one to be her husband, and does she even want a husband?

It sounds pretty amazing! Let's be real though, I really didn't care for Eadlyn's character in the beginning of the book. Maybe it's just because I didn't really relate to her feelings. I would've been very happy to hold a selection for my hand in marriage ;) or maybe it's just because I felt like she was kinda a brat in the first half. But then I grew to like her... .AND THEN THE BOOK ENDED. I felt like it ended in a bad place.... (well technically a good place because it makes me wanna buy the next book) but a bad place because it just left me hanging!! AHH! Not cool Kierra.....

Rate: PG (PG13)

   There were a couple cuss words, kissing, and a little part that is borderline inappropriate.

GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   I honestly still think Good. It is clean compared to many other books, and the storyline definitely keeps you wanting to read more and more. 

Charlie St. Cloud

Charlie St. Cloud by Ben Sherwood

I'M HEART-BROKEN. I absolutely loved this movie, but the book isn't very clean. :(

Charlie St. Cloud has a secret. If he were to tell people that he played catch with his dead brother every night, everyone would call him crazy. But that's exactly what happens. Ever since that night 13 years ago when Charlie barely survived the wreck that took his brother, Charlie had been able to see spirits. Charlie knows that if he misses the game of catch for even one night, he will never see his brother again. So even when his mother moves away, Charlie stays. He tends the lawns of the ancient cemetery where Sam is buried. His life isn't very exciting, but it's his life. When Tess Carroll, a woman planning for a huge round-the-world sailing trip, suddenly gets mixed into Charlie's life, Charlie learns that life is meant to be lived.

So, like I mentioned earlier, I watched the movie before I read the book. (A big no-no I know...) I absolutely loved the movie, (besides skipping the sex scene) and so I was really looking forward to the book. But I was disappointed to find out how much cussing there was.... ;( Also the sex scene... major bummer. Therefore, I think I will have to say GOODBYE!
Rate: PG13
   Cussing, sex scene
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   GOODBYE ;((((

NITTY GRITTY:
So I just realized what the difference is between explicit and normal swear words.
I don't like any of them, but for those wondering, this book did not have any explicit swear words. However it had the H & D word multiple times.

ALSO what I did for my book is mark out all the cuss words & sex scene so that I could re-read the book and enjoy it! Because I really do like the storyline!!

The Book Thief

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Last night I finished The Book Thief and again am struggling. The story line was great, and a totally original idea.... but there was so much cussing. Honestly other than that, this was a totally clean book. It just had so so much cussing...

Liesel was abandoned. Her mother left her in the hands of Rosa and Hans Hubermann, Liesel's new foster parents. Nazi Germany is fighting in World War 2, jews are in concentration camps, bombing raids, rations are small, life is tough. Liesel finds something though that makes her life have meaning....words. Words from books. They seem to be her only comfort in life. But she only has one, so she steals. With her new parents, bestfriend Rudy, and the jew hidden in her basement, Liesel learns the power that words have.

I really enjoyed this book. It did start out kinda boring, but it was just so powerful. And I have to admit... I did cry at the end ;) There was one other thing that bothered me besides the cussing. That was the narrator. Liesel wasn't the one telling the story. Death was. Yes, you heard me right... Death! Because of this little fun fact, it made the book wayyyyy more confusing than it could have been. But once you got used to it, it wasn't a big deal at all!! :) Okay, so I'm going on and on about how I liked it.... and yet I am rating it Goodbye! I'm sorry guys. But I really can't recommend this one. It literally has so many cuss words. When I create my own company to change the bad words in books to clean words.... this will be one of the first ones edited so I can freely recommend! But until then... I can't recommend & still be cool with my conscience.
Rate: PG13 (R for amount of Language)
     LOTS of cussing
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    Goodbye, sadly...

A Voice in the Wind

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

Well my friends, I am sorry this review is going up so late... my bad..
So this book is one I have been thinking alot about. I actually finished it almost 2 weeks ago, but I haven't been able to decide it's rating. It was very good, I couldn't put it down. However there was alot of stuff in there that made it hard to make and easy decision. Gah it was super hard!

Flash back to the early years after Christ's death. Jerusalem is being destroyed. All of Christ's apostles have been killed. Rome is in chaos.
Hadassah, a young jewish/christian girl with no family remaining, is taken to be a slave for a wealthy aristocratic family. She is to be the hand maiden of the daughter of the household, Julia.But as she starts to serve, she finds Julia to be a selfish brat who cares only for her own wants. Then there is Marcus, the son of the household, who's only pleasure in life is money and women. With a father seriously ill, and a mother not knowing which way to turn, this family seems to be falling apart. Hadassah loves each member of the family dearly, (some a little more than others(; ) and tries to serve them, and teach them of the Savior. With little success. As Hadassah clings to her faith and serves dutifully, she is also introduced to the product of what Rome has become.

Okay so first of all, the reason why I am having such a hard time deciding on this one is because it is definitely an adult book. There is death, and sexuality, and violence. However it is historical fiction, so how much of that is needed to be said in order to be factual?! I don't know..  The author did do a decent job at not going into detail during sex scenes, however the sex scenes did happen alot. (It would just kinda be like "After they slept together... yata yata") The violence was decently graphic, and there were some deaths. Yet there were no cuss words. A Voice in the Wind is  historical fiction, and I enjoyed learning about ancient Rome. But it was religious, and I try not to bring too much religion into reviews, so anyone can enjoy them.

As you can see, I am in quite a predicament. There are many bad things in this book, that I wouldn't recommend to others. However there was also wonderful underlying messages. Messages of always being grateful no matter your circumstance; never ever losing faith in what you know is right; and the knowledge that there are things more important than money, and simple pleasures. There is so much good and so much bad. Gah it has been very hard to decide, but here is my final conclusion:

Rate: PG13/R
   Violence, Sex, and adult content.
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
    I would give this book a little bit of a you decide. If you are a teen, I WOULD NOT recommend. However I think if you are an adult/mature (older) teen, and you think you can handle it, I think it would be okay! It is very well written, and entertaining. I just don't think its suitable for young teens. 

NITTY GRITTY:
There is sexuality. Same gender attraction is brought up, passionate kisses, prostitutes, some nudity, etc... However, I know the author did try to tone it down a little bit, instead of detailing each part.....
The violence is during the gladiator fights. This was a common pastime for romans. Getting prisoners to train to fight each other to the death. So there was death and violence.
I really would not recommend to young teens.

A Kiss in Time

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn.
(Same author as Beastly)


Funny story, I was looking in the library for a new book to read and review for you guys, and I checked out this book -- A Kiss in Time. & I was thinking "oh perfect!" Well turns out I have already read this book & didn't like it because it was baaaad! Hahah so oops. Here's the review for it anyways :-)
Also, since I don't think I could give the book much justice myself, I will just use the review from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5266667-a-kiss-in-time?from_search=true&search_version=service :

"Talia fell under a spell...Jack broke the curse.

T: I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic...
J: I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.
T: I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger's soft kiss.
J: I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.
T: Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!
J: Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels...The good news: My parents will freak!

Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?"

Obviously this book sounds cute, like maybe a little romantic, and obviously full of comedy. I was suppppperrrr excited to read it, but then suppperrrrr disappointed when I read it. I was definitely not expecting there to be drinking, partying, sexuality, and cussing. & yet there it was. I would not recommend.

Rate: PG13

   Cussing, sexuality, partying

GOOD OR GOODBYE?

   GOODBYE!!!!

The False Prince

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielson

I started the False Prince a while ago, but after a couple chapters, I put it down & didn't really give it a second thought. Not because it was bad... I just got involved in other books. Well then I realized it was a library book, and I was gonna get a fine... so I picked it up again and SHAZAM! I was hooked! I couldn't stop reading it! So good!! The only bad news is I still haven't returned it, so I owe a little money... whoops.

A plan is brewing. A plan that may or may not be treason to the throne. But Conner is willing to risk his neck (literally) in order to save the country from a civil war. Or maybe just to gain some power.... Conner finds 4 orphans to compete for his main role in the plan. The Prince. The royal family is dead, and without a Prince, the nation will go crazy. But the only heir to the throne is dead. If Conner can convince the country that one of these orphans is the "dead" Prince, it will save the country. But can he pull it off. And will Sage even want to participate in this plan even though there are so many lies? Especially considering the fact that Conner isn't exactly warm and cuddly. But through all the lies, one truth remains.

So like I said I really loved this book. There was a teeny bit of violence, but no language or sexuality! The little bit of violence is there, but it isn't very gory, bad. Like on a scale of 1 to 10 it would probably be a 4?
Ahahaha I'm bad at judging violence ;)

Rate: PG/PG13
GOOD OR GOODBYE?  GOOD!! 

Gone -- Leena

  GUEST REVIEW WEEK IS ALMOST OVER. THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED. 

This is Sunday's review by Leena!!

Gone by Michael Grant

San Temple is a 14 year old boy that lives in the small town of Perdido Beach Cali. He doesn't fit in with the popular crowd, or with the geeks but is labeled as a hero. So when every adult and kid  over the age of 15 vanishes in the bilk of and eye, his peers look to him for guidance. But dose Sam want to be the leader, and to govern his friend and neighbors? whale kid try to put their lives back together with out and adults they run in to many problems like hunger, no cellphones, no internet, bully's tacking over, animals mutating, kids developing strange powers, and to add to that  and evil creature is getting stronger each day.

   This series in a page tuner a great adventure book but has some kissing, alcohol use, and violence. this is not recommended to kids but is a great read for young adults. PG13 good

Legend -- @books_reviews_girls

TODAY'S REVIEW IS BY @BOOKS_REVIEWS_GIRLS
Legend by Marie Lu

In a future US that has been divided into the Republic and the Colonies, two separate countries that are fighting one another constantly, there is a boy and a girl named June and Day. Day is the Republic's most wanted criminal, while June is their top fighter. June and Day only meet when June's brother is killed and Day is the one believed to do it. But they soon find out what really brought them together, and the lengths the Republic will go to to keep its secrets.

So, Legend by Marie Lu is awesome. It's really good, except that they use the capital "G" word (if ya know what I mean) a few times and its sad because a lot of good characters either die or turn evil. So it's kind of PG-13 but still pretty awesome and cool beans.

The Hobbit -- Marissa

Today's review in GUEST REVIEW WEEK is:

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien reviewed by Marissa Fuller

"'Never laugh at live dragons, Bilbo you fool!' he said to himself, and it became a favourite saying of his later, and passed into a proverb."

Ok so I have read this book twice niw, and it never ceases to thrill me! I love following along with Tolkien's maps, and obviously just reading the story in general. It is a wonderfully engaging book, and definetly a good read ;)

Bilbo Baggins is a respectable hobbit living life in the shire--- a quiet, unadventurous life, thank you very much.  In fact, adventures don't even cross his mind; at least, not until Gandalf shows up.  Bilbo suddenly finds himself thrown into a very large adventure indeed-- and without a pocket hanker chief, too, if you don't mind!  Accompanied by thirteen dwarves (and occasionally Gandalf) Bilbo confronts trolls, orcs, elves, and a dragon, all in an effort to reclaim the lonely mountain Erebor and restore the dwarves to their rightful home.  Will Bilbo be able to make it there and back again without too much trouble, or will unpredicted enemies keep him from returning to his beloved home?

Okay, so I really, really loved this book!  As it is meant to be a children's story book, Tolkien manages to keep it very clean.  There is one instance of the 'h' word (with the h cut off at the beginning) and, I couldn't find it, but I believe there may be an instance of the 'd' word.  There is a bit of violence, mainly because of the orcs, but like I said, it is a children's story and Tolkien keeps it well focused on the adventure and experiences of Bilbo.  There are also a couple of scary/intense scenes, but they don't have any awful, terrible content.  Beer is mentioned a little and drunk by some of the characters as well, and there is some smoking.  Personally, I was very comfortable reading this book, (compared to the movie it's definetly PG) but for a book, the mild language and drug use make it PG-13. I highly recommend this read!

Rate: PG-13

          Mild language and drug use; little violence and intense/scary scenes

Good or Goodbye:  GOOD

Nitty Gritty:  Like I mentioned, there are about two cuss words, the d and the h word, as well as a little bit of name calling.  The orcs present a little violence in the book, but Tolkien usually keeps it very short and doesn't go into gory descriptions. Some of the characters drink and smoke, including Bilbo, but it is not often.  There are a few intense scenes, including characters such as Gollum and the orcs, and the dragon.

Throne of Glass -- Grant

IT'S DAY 3 OF GUEST REVIEW WEEK, AND TODAY'S GUEST REVIEWER IS GRANT!
The Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

"In a land without magic, where the king rules with an iron hand, an assassin is summoned to the castle. She comes not to kill the king, but to win her freedom. If she defeats twenty-three killers, thieves, and warriors in a competition, she is released from prison to serve as the king's champion. Her name is Celaena Sardothien.

The Crown Prince will provoke her. The Captain of the Guard will protect her. But something evil dwells in the castle of glass--and it's there to kill. When her competitors start dying one by one, Celaena's fight for freedom becomes a fight for survival, and a desperate quest to root out the evil before it destroys her world."
From amazon.com

Throne of Glass- GOOD
Rate- PG13
Violence--- The book follows an assassin, so be prepared.
Romance--- Sex References, though not explicit mention.
Overall---
This book is probably the single greatest Fantasy novel I have ever read. I'm not usually a Fantasy-type reader, (or one for romance,) but this book has both and I LOVED it. It is written with teenagers in mind, and is the first book with a love triangle that I'm not disgusted by. The plot is unique, original, and very deep, with unexpected twists all over. The only thing I would be worried about is the violence. The main character is the world's greatest assassin, and although I would have liked it better had Sarah J. Maas not included so much violence, but amazing nonetheless. I had this book recommended to me by a friend, and after skeptically picking it up I am now obsessed with the whole series. Three books are currently out, with more to come, and I can't wait.

Review by Grant

The Tigers Curse -- Kate

It's Guest Review Week! I just want to give a big thank you to all who participated!
Our first review is by the fabulous Kate Pierson. And guys, before you read her review... I would like to say something about Kate. Right now Kate is battling cancer. I don't actually know her, but she has inspired me so much by her positive attitude and outlook on life. I would personally like to wish her the best, and to send my love and support to her. I encourage you all to do the same :)

Here's her review:

"Tigers Curse (The Tigers Saga #1)
By Colleen Houck

The Tigers Saga has been my favorite series for as long as I can remember. To me it has the perfect elements a story needs to be great. Let me first tell you, you will fall in love with the male love interest and you won't be able to help it. This book is probably more on the girly side of things, but some men have liked it too. Here is the preview from the back of the book--

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world. But that’s exactly what happened. Face-to-face with dark forces, spellbinding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

Tiger’s Curse is the exciting first volume in an epic fantasy-romance that will leave you breathless and yearning for more. I don't know about you, but I don't like to read straight romance books. I like there to be a plot other than the romance. This book is a page turner.
I should probably tell you that most of the book takes place in India, where the focus is breaking the curse, that has a lot to do with Indian mythology. There is some talk of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Good or Goodbye?
GOOD
Rate? PG-13

Nitty Gritty-
There are a few swear words, the d and h words I believe. It is very infrequently though, like in the 400 page book, there is only 3 or 4. There is some kissing/making out scenes.  In the entire series it stays that way with NO sex scenes.

Master

Master by Toni Sorenson

Alright, so usually I try not to bring religion into my reviews. I am a Mormon, and I love to talk about my religion, but Good or Goodbye is for anyone. No matter what religion you are, Good or Goodbye should be helpful to you in finding good, moral books and good products. BUTTT I recently read this book called Master, and couldn't NOT review it. Master is amazing for all Christians.

Almon is a young boy who lives with his father. They travel all over the deserts and cities, selling Almon as a slave and then stealing him back to earn a (stolen) profit. But one day, they come across bandits in the desert. Dangerous bandits. After killing Almon's father and leaving Almon alone to die, Almon awakes to find himself in the care of a small family. Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus. As Almon travels back to the Joseph's  home, and starts to get to know the family, he decides he will stay as their slave. That is the best he could possibly hope for considering he is mute. However, the longer he is with Joseph, Mary, and Jesus the more he loves each member of his new family. When Joseph lays on his deathbed, he gives Almon a special job: watch over Jesus. Almon has always loved and silently followed Jesus, so this request was easy for him. Almon watches Jesus grow older and older and travels with him through many different cities, healing the sick, raising the dead, and creating so many miracles. He even forfeits marriage to follow Jesus. But when people start wanting to harm Jesus, what can he do for his Master.

Obviously Master is historical fiction. Almon is not a real person. However Jesus is. Master is fiction, yes, but the words and miracles in it, are real. I loved Master so much. It gave me a much better understanding of the Savior. It gave me a better picture of his life. Also who doesn't love a character that you can fall in love with who is real? I mean come on! It doesn't get better than that! I really really loved Master and I know you will too!

Rate: PG/PG13
   Totally clean language-wise, but has a little violence
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   Definitely GOOD

The Best of Me

The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

Before I start, I just want to let you guys know that this will be a you decide. My opinion may differ from yours, and therefore, after you read my thoughts, I think you should decide for yourself. :-)

Dawson and Amanda were high school sweethearts, but as life has gone on, their lives have been drawn apart. After Dawson and Amanda's beloved friend dies, they are brought together for his funeral. But as they arrive there, they find they were the only ones invited. As they start spending time together, and remembering the past, they are led to wonder if love can truly rewrite the past. Of course, it isn't that easy, their lives are totally different now, on different paths. Amanda has kids and lives far away, and Dawson has his family that isn't so friendly. But can their two different roads be joined again?

Sorry that summary wasn't as good, haha I haven't read this book in a looong time! When I read it, I loved it! There was so much action and the story was so entertaining. Such a cute love story; old love regained. HOWEVER, there was some cussing and a sex scene. Uber disappointing. Towards the end there is also some violence. Which is why I think this story is a you decide. Yes, I loved it when I read it, (also I cried) but is it worth it, looking back? It's a hard decision..... Why don't you tell me what you think?

Rate: PG13
   Some cussing, sex scene
GOOD OR GOODBYE?
   You decide

NITTY GRITTY:
As I said before, it has been a long time since I have read this book. When I go back to remember it, I remember really enjoying the story! Buttttt, I do remember there was some cussing and a sex scene. I skipped the sex scene when I got to it, but still. Honestly, I think you need to decide for yourself.