Diamonds In the Rough Book Review October 5, 2014

Diamonds In the Rough

A Book Review 

By, Amy Halbern

"Sisterhood First Crushes

And Scandalous Secrets 

Explode In Book 2 Of Michelle Madows Riveting 

The Secret Diamond Sisters" 

Michelle Madow, has become on of my favorite Authors. After Reading The Secret Diamond Sisters, I couldn't wait to pick up Diamonds in the Rough. In the first book we get to know the Diamond sisters on the surface which was a great start, however we really get to know Savannah, Peyton and Courtney on such personal level. I felt that this story was for sure an emotional coaster for me to read. I loved how the story evolved so much from the first book. There was so much mystery that unfolds in Diamonds in the Rough. The Diamonds Sister experience so much and grow so much through the heartaches and pains of their past. I felt that we as readers get to know Adrian and Rebecca More and they don't seem so distant anymore. Courtney learns a lot about her past, her kidnapping that she knew so little of from the first story, she also discovers who she can really trust and rely on. I absolutely love she and Brett's "Friendship" I put that in quotes because I don't want to give too many spoilers away lol! I also love how Courtney stayed true to herself and didn't change for anyone but for herself. Peyton who I still feel like is a lost soul but not as much as she was in the beginning of  the story, she doesn't have a huge chip on her shoulder as she once did, I hope she finds someone who will love her for her. I also enjoyed how she also evolved in this story. I feel that she is showing more trust to those who truly care and love her. To be honest her character drove me crazy but I am liked her a lot more in Diamonds in the Rough. Savannah wow that girl has been on a roller coaster of craziness, with her friends, love life, her YouTube channel, and family situations. I feel that she has a lot more of a back bone in Diamonds in the Rough, then she did in The Secret Diamonds Sisters. It was fun to read about her best friendship with Evie and too see how Evie did with her current friends in which are so superficial, it is so ridiculous how superficial her volleyball friends are. Without giving too much away lets just say that Savannah gets some awesome time in the lime light. I hope that she gets some awesome happily ever time with her guy of choice and her blooming singing career. Madison as crazy as it sounds is growing on me. I still am not sure about her but she is not thinking all about herself as much as she did in the beginning, concerning some new information that has come to light that when it is revealed will change everyone's life. I hope that she stays this way and continues to evolve into more and more of a selfless character. Brett is seriously my favorite guy character. I wish I had a guy in my life like him. Brett is the most caring loving selfless person. I loved all the Brett/Courtney moments. I loved how much his character evolved in this story. Damien is turning out to be a way good guy I am really shipping he and Savannah at the moment. Oliver wow not much to say about him!! lol! I just hope the best for him.. I loved how Adrian is finally being more of a father to his daughters. In the first book he seemed so selfish and he didn't care about them. However my opinion of him has changed and I really like him, for now... This story had mystery, romance, scandal, teary-eyed moments, and what matters most, family. I loved this story to start to finish. I loved how I felt that I was right there going to the Halloween Parties, Savannah's birthday party, which was wow I would love to have a party like that, family trips, shopping with the Diamond Sisters, and wanting to hug them when they needed  a shoulder to cry on. I loved it from start to finish.. Lets just say that I had a big smile on my face for many reasons at the end of the story!!! I can't wait to read the next story!! I highly recommend this book!

For Elise Book Review

For Elise 

A Book Review 

                                      By, Amy Halbern

"He Lost her Once 

He cannot loose her again." 
~For Elise

For Elise was such a great story, it was full of love, friendship, mystery, suspense and happiness. Like all of Sarah Eden's books this story has become one of my favorites.. I like how Sarah touched on some very difficult issues that Elise and Miles had to endure. A lot of the struggles and sensitive issues that Elise faced were such a taboo of a topic back in the 1800's, it was the shhhh.... It never happened don't talk about such issues.. I loved how strong Miles and Elise's friendship was throughout the story.. This is another favorite of mine that Sarah does in her stories all of her characters build a strong friendship before the romantic relationship comes to play, it shows that friendship is essential before the romance can happen. I loved little Anne's character so cute and very sweet. When she talked about her character I could picture her so clearly. I loved how Miles took to Anne so quickly, talk about kindred spirits. Even though Beth who was Miles's sister and Langley her husband were not always in the forefront of the story I enjoyed reading about them. I loved how there was such a mystery to the story of who murdered their fathers and wow I was shocked who did end up being the bad guy, as some would say I didn't see that coming... I loved the end such a great end to a great story.... I can't wait to read more of her stories... I highly recommend this book.

Countdown to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick.

Countdown to Black Ice by Becca Fitzpatrick.

City of Heavenly Fire Book Review

City of Heavenly Fire 

Book Review 

By, Amy Halbern 

" Freely we serve 

Because freely we love, 

as in our will to love

or not; in this we stand

or fall."
~ The Shadowhunter Codex  
By, Cassandra Clare

  what a great ending to such an amazing series!!! City of Heavenly Fire was the longest out of all the books in the series! I was sad when it came to an end!! I loved how there was so much reflection of the past five books. I really enjoyed getting to know Emma, Julian and some of the new shadowhunters that will be in the Dark Artifices that is coming out in 2015. Emma is quite the spitfire she really reminded me of Clary at the beginning of the series. Emma has a lot of the stubbornness that is so much the way Clary is. Julian is sweet and kind and really cares a lot for Emma and the rest of his family. There was so much loss in this last book, it got me teary-eyed a few times. There was a lot of closure with some of the characters. I feel that the main characters got their happy endings. I honestly didn't know how this book was going to end I kept thinking halfway through it, it has got to get better. I feel that there was a lot of deeper character development with some of the characters that we didn't know that well throughout the series. I loved how the story was written from many POV's. I feel that Cassandra Clare did a beautiful job concluding this story, and setting up the next story with some of the new characters, what a great way to transition into the next series. I absolutely love how we got to see some of the old beloved characters from The Infernal Devices, that was a real treat!!! Finally I love the end with everyone we love together  having such a kindred spirit moment. I am sad to say goodbye to this series and what a crazy adventure it was but I am also excited to read The Dark Artifices! I highly recommend this series! 

A Book Review of Michelle Madow's The Secret Diamond Sisters By, Amy Halbern

A Book Review of 

Michelle Madow's

The Secret Diamond Sisters

By, Amy Halbern
April 4, 2014

The Secret Diamond Sisters was such a great read!! I am sad when it came to an end. I wish November was here so I can read "Diamonds in the Rough" This story is like an Onion it was so many layers to it, along with such different characters. I usually don't give a spill on my feelings with each character however with this story I will. I will start with the Diamond Sisters. First There is Peyton who reminds me of Peyton of of "One Tree Hill" She has so much anger inside along with a deep rooted protection of her sisters. She feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere and who also wants to be happy. Peyton has not had good luck with guys since 9th grade which is too bad and with that she doesn't trust anyone except her sisters. I hope that there will be an amazing guy for her while she is in Las Vegas and that she finds happiness. Next is Courtney who wants to be loved and accepted by all especially her dad Adrian. She reminds me of Haley off of "One Tree Hill" She is smart and beautiful and wants to also find where she belongs. I love how she cares about her sisters and wants them to be happy. I am shipping she and Brett and hope that things will work out for them because she truly deserves happiness. I loved how she said that she finally feels happy and she doesn't have to worry about taking care of the bills and her mom. I feel that while living in Las Vegas she will unravel so many different mysteries especially the mystery of her baby book and why she was kidnapped. Then there is Savannah who reminds me of Brooke off of "One Tree Hill" sweet innocent Savannah who needs to take her own advice and not listen to Evie because she is not one to shovel out advice. Nick seems like a way good guy but he is for sure hiding something. I don't know how I feel for her feelings for Damien. I hope that she gets her love of singing off the ground and gets discovered while in Las Vegas. Finally there is Madison wow she is quite the piece of work. I don't like her she seems like she is out to destroy everyone's happiness. I feel she and Oliver deserve each other. She is insecure and needs to kind to people sounds like she needs a slice of humble pie. Madison is going to get what is coming to her.. Onto the Guys of the story. I am going to start with Adrian, wow talk about layers. I am not sure how I feel about him. I feel like he cares about his daughters but I am not sure how deep that affection goes. He is definitely hiding a lot of things. Next is Brett. Brett is my favorite he is genuine and kind and cares a lot about Courtney. I feel like he is not a fake and is true to his character. I hope that he and Courtney can be together. Next is Oliver. Wow what a D-bag, Jerk, scum of the earth uses people to his liking and is a miserable guy who is so insecure he doesn't know whether he should be a good guy and be himself. Next is Damian who I also feel is a d-bag and Jerk and is also insecure I feel like he has a lot of growing up to do and decide who the heck he wants because sorry Damian you can do so much better than Madison she is not interested in you. Next is Nick. I think he like Brett is genuine and kind. I feel his feelings for Savannah are true and he doesn't BS about things. I feel he wants to get over Madison and be happy as well. Geez that girl sure knows how to string them along. I do think besides his good qualities he is hiding something. Finally there is Jackson poor Guy I know he likes Peyton but I am glad that he keeps her in check and is honest with her from the get go but who knows.
    I really enjoyed this book. I felt I was there with Savannah, Peyton and Courtney living it up in Las Vegas. I loved reading about the parties, the shopping and my favorites of course were Courtney and Brett's Adventures. I also loved how Michelle explored the world of the growing pains of teenagers. I know I can relate to the variety of emotions that these characters go through. I think that Courtney is my Favorite out of the Diamond Sisters. I can't wait to read more when Diamonds in the Rough comes out in November. I highly recommend this book!

As You Are Book Review

"Use Grammarly's plagiarism checker because... Those who plagiarize papers are clearly out of great ideas....  

As You Are 

By, 

Sarah M. Eden 

Book Review

February 25, 2014

 

Like all other Sarah M. Eden books I loved this one as well. This story is amazing, heart-wrenching, silly, and romantic. Corbin is not like his other brothers at all. He is more reserve, shy, and not very confident. As the story rolls on he decides after advice from his brothers and Crispin that he needs to be himself. Besides Philip he is my favorite out of the Jonquil brothers. Clara is a true heroine of the story the trials that she endured from her past are absolutely horrific, along with what her nephew Edmund and daughter Alice had to endure. I loved how the Jonquil family, Crispin and yes even the Duke of Kielder ha ha! came to her rescue and showed that there are people who love and care about her and not want to hurt her. Corbin and Clara's relationship is quite comical its the typical assuming what the other might be thinking and whether if the other cares for the other person. I really loved how Sarah shed light on how it was for woman who didn't necessarily have a "knight in shining armor" come and rescue them. It also showed how powerless women were when it came to abusive situations and how it was all the woman's fault. I absolutely adored Edmund and Alice especially little Alice and how she calls Corbin Mister. It was also neat to see more of Mater's character and how she loves each of her sons and even cares a great deal for Clara and her children. I thought it was very sweet how she told Alice and Edmund to call her Grandma ma. I think some of my favorite parts were of Layton's daughter Caroline and Edmund. Caroline is quite the spit fire in this story. I loved the ending! It was great end to a fantastic story! I hope we get more of the Jonquil family stories. I highly recommend this book.

Interview with Author Michelle Madow

Interview with Author Michelle Madow

February 8, 2014

           Michelle Madow e-mailed her awesome Street Team Members and asked who wanted to interview her with our awesome questions we were all dying to know about her new book that is coming out.. "The Secret Diamond Sisters" I jumped at this opportunity to do this so here is the interview... However before we get started here is some info on Michelle, the cover of "The Secret Diamond Sisters" and the synopsis of the book. 

Michelle Madow has visited Las Vegas every year since she was fifteen years old, and was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters while walking through the beautiful Wynn Hotel. She grew up in the suburbs of Baltimore, then went to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. She wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college, and later went on to self-publish it as book one in the Transcend Time Saga. She wrote The Secret Diamond Sisters in the year following graduation, and is so happy to finally share it with the world!

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, shopping, sunshine, Disney fairy tales, and Broadway musicals. She loves connecting with readers online,
 So be sure to follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

Website: www.michellemadow.com

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton. 

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite. Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Add on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17160608-the-secret-diamond-sisters

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373211090/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0373211090&link_code=as3&tag=yabore0f-20

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secret-diamond-sisters-michelle-madow/1116411550?ean=9780373211098&itm=1&usri=9780373211098

Book Depository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Secret-Diamond-Sisters-Be-Announced/9780373211098

iBookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-secret-diamond-sisters

/id771362355?mt=11

& Finally the Interview 
 

1) How did you come up with the idea to write The Secret Diamond Sisters?

I visit Las Vegas every year because of a family event, and I was walking through my favorite hotel — The Wynn — when I thought, “What would it be like to live here?” From there, the idea for The Secret Diamond Sisters formed!

2) Out of Courtney, Peyton and Savannah who you identify most with? 

I’m by far the most like Courtney! (The most down to Earth and goal-driven sister.) Although I also have aspects of the other girls in me, like Savannah’s optimism, Peyton’s dislike of following arbitrary rules, and Madison’s confidence. 

3) Las Vegas is a pretty glamorous city but why Las Vegas? 

I love how the city bursts with magic and excitement. Vegas does everything as big as possible, so being there is like entering a fantasyland. I haven’t read any YA books that take place in present day Vegas, and I thought it would be fun bringing it to life on paper (which is definitely was!)

 Thanks Again Michelle for this awesome Interview!!