Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle

Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
Vivian Apple #1
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on January 6, 2015

Summary: "Seventeen-year-old Vivian Apple never believed in the evangelical Church of America, unlike her recently devout parents. But when Vivian returns home the night after the supposed "Rapture," all that’s left of her parents are two holes in the roof. Suddenly, she doesn't know who or what to believe. With her best friend Harp and a mysterious ally, Peter, Vivian embarks on a desperate cross-country road trip through a paranoid and panic-stricken America to find answers. Because at the end of the world, Vivan Apple isn't looking for a savior. She's looking for the truth."  --From Goodreads

Vivian Apple at the End of the World didn't draw me into its pages right at the beginning.  I started (and finished) another book while reading this one.  Vivian was very ho hum at the start of the book.  She wasn't a believer, thought that the Rapture was just another fad.  But!  Lo and behold, her parents actually disappear!  Vivian goes on a road trip with her best friend to find out what happened to her parents.  They (of course) have really weird things happen to them, and they meet a few different (and weird) people on their way to find out the truth.  

Vivian grew into being a strong, confident woman.  She began to make her own decisions and not depend on others for opinions.  One major theme throughout the book is the question, "What do you believe?".  Over time, she does learn how to answer that question for herself.

I gave this book three stars because of how boring the plot was.  There was very little conflict between the people left behind from the Rapture.  There were a few stories about looting, but the main characters did not experience any of these things firsthand.  I'll read the sequel if they ever publish it in the United States.  There were a few things that weren't tied up at the ending, so I hope she addresses those concerns in the sequel.

Disclosure: I received a digital galley of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern
Published by Chronicle Books LLC on May 6, 2014

Summary: "Eleven years old. The beginning of everything!

For Maggie Mayfield, turning eleven means she's one year closer to college. One year closer to voting. And one year closer to getting a tattoo. It's time for her to pull herself up by her bootstraps (the family motto) and think about more than after school snacks and why her older sisters are too hot for their own good. Because something mysterious is going on with her cool dude Dad, whose legs have permanently fallen asleep, and Maggie is going to find out exactly what the problem is and fix it. After all, nothing's impossible when you're future president of the United States of America, fifth-grade science fair champion, and a shareholder in Coca-Cola, right?"  -- From Goodreads

What I Loved:

Maggie.  I loved how she grew up over the course of the novel.  She started out as a kid, wanting to believe that everything was perfect in her own little world.  At the end, Maggie was starting to understand more about her Dad's disease and how it would affect her life.

Maggie's Dad's disease.  While I didn't love the disease itself, I loved the way that the author decided to portray the disease.  Her Dad is a person first, and the disease always comes second.  It's nice to know that a family can have a life and do normal things, even when one member cannot always be "normal".

What I disliked:

The Grandma.  The grandma coming for Christmas was a big deal in the book.  I really wish the author would have delved more into the backstory of the Dad and the Grandma.  While I know that would probably be a bit much for a middle-grade novel, it would have added a bit more to "Things Maggie Now Understands".

Overall, I think this is a novel that everyone will enjoy.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson

Silver Thaw by Catherine Anderson
Mystic Creek #1
Published by Signet on January 6, 2015

Summary: "After years of living in fear of her husband, Amanda Banning has left him and moved to Mystic Creek, Oregon, for a fresh start. But she’s having a tough time providing for herself and her six-year-old daughter. Writing her secret yearnings on slips of paper and sending them into the wind helps her cling to the hope that things will get better…and that she can find happiness again.

Jeb Sterling has no idea that the handwritten messages he finds scattered across his land are the first hints that his life is about to change. Nor does he understand why he feels so compelled to help Amanda Banning and her daughter when a cold snap leaves them temporarily homeless. Maybe he’s inspired by Amanda’s courage or perhaps by her beautiful brown eyes. Either way, the man who once renounced love suddenly finds himself willing to do anything for the pair. Amanda seems to have given up on her dreams, but Jeb refuses to quit until he makes her every wish come true…"   --From Goodreads

I was surprised at how much I truly liked this story.  Amanda ran away from her husband with her daughter Chloe, and that took real guts.  She also was very mindful about how she wanted to stand on her own two feet and was hesitant about taking any help from anyone, even her swoon-worthy neighbor, Jeb.  The story was well written and clearly illustrated how some women heal after being abused by their significant others.  I can't wait for more in this series, as I hope the other main characters will be Jeb's five brothers and sisters.  

Overall, this is a good book for someone who likes a little bit of intrigue with their romance novels.  

Top Ten Tuesday: Things I Like and Dislike in Romances

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme are the ten things I like/dislike when it comes to romances in books.  Here we go!

DISLIKE

1. Insta-romance

Twilight: Edward and Bella's relationship.

2. When a couple that is so clearly meant-to-be does not end up together.

Jacob and Bella were a better fit than her and Edward.

3. The helpless female character that always needs saving.

Bella.  No questions.

4. The stalkerish-type of love.

Edward definitely.  Watching people while sleeping is creepy!

5. MOST love triangles.

Love triangles are so cliche.  

LIKE

Swoony male leads

Nathan Fillion as Richard Castle.  Enough said.

When friendship grows to love.

A thorn in her side to friendship to more.

Banter.

"You do remind me a little of Hootch."

Opposites attract.

Writer.  Detective.

Yes, I know my list is only nine items.  What would be your favorite thing about romances?  

Leave a list or link in the comments!

Delirium series by Lauren Oliver

The Delirium series by Lauren Oliver is on tap for today!

Delirium  •  Pandemonium  •  Requiem

Before the cure, everyone thought that love was a good thing.  Love caused you to do stupid things.  Now that scientists have perfected the cure and eradicated the disease.  Lena Holoway has always looked forward to receiving the cure because then she'll be safe and happy.  But only 95 days before her scheduled procedure, Lena does the unthinkable.  She falls in love.

I read all three books in the space of a week.  I really liked Delirium, but I had a holy crap moment with the ending of Pandemonium.  Requiem was also pretty good, and the story ended wonderfully.

The Darkest Minds series by Alexandra Bracken

A dystopia crossed with X-Men.

Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi

More kids with powers, but with even more of a love triangle.

The Jewel series by Amy Ewing

A girl is purchased as a surrogate, stumbles into a rebellion.

Overall, this is a really solid series.  I truly love the premise of "if love was a disease".  I know teenagers have thought this at least once.  I'd recommend this series if anyone likes dystopias or if they like science fiction.  I find their religion fascinating because of the unique mix of Christianity and science.