The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson

The Shadow Cabinet by Maureen Johnson
Shades of London #3
Published on February 10, 2015 by Putnam Juvenile

Summary: "Rory and her friends are reeling from a series of sudden and tragic events. While racked with grief, Rory tries to determine if she acted in time to save a member of the squad. If she did, how do you find a ghost? Also, Rory’s classmate Charlotte has been kidnapped by Jane and her nefarious organization. Evidence is uncovered of a forty-year-old cult, ten missing teenagers, and a likely mass murder. Everything indicates that Charlotte’s in danger, and it seems that something much bigger and much more terrible is coming.

Time is running out as Rory fights to find her friends and the ghost squad struggles to stop Jane from unleashing her spectral nightmare on the entire city. In the process, they'll discover the existence of an organization that underpins London itself—and Rory will learn that someone she trusts has been keeping a tremendous secret."  --From Goodreads

I don't know exactly what to say about this book.  It was pretty good, and I did enjoy it.  I thought the introduction of a cult was just what the whole overall story needed.  It pushed the plot forward, even after Stephen's "death".  Finding Stephen and moving the Oswulf Stone made the story drag.  The readers probably could have benefited from both of those scenes being cut in length.

Overall, I do like this series, and I think that The Shadow Cabinet is a good addition to this series.  

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my local library.

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas

A Wicked Thing by Rhiannon Thomas
Published on February 24, 2015

Summary: "One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.

Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept.

As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run." --From Goodreads

I really enjoyed this unique retelling of Sleeping Beauty.  Aurora wakes up after a hundred years and comes to the realization that her family is dead and now she must marry the Prince that kissed her.  Overall, I really did enjoy this story.  The author fleshed out the more main characters, and I'm hoping that some others get more time in upcoming books.  I have no doubt that there will be more books, given the ending.  Aurora finally took a stand for herself, and now I'm excited to see what she intends to do with her newfound freedom.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Published by Amulet Books on September 2, 2014
Newbery Honor 2015

Summary: "Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?"  --From Goodreads

After a bout of meningitis leaves her deaf at age four, Cece must learn to navigate the world with a hearing aid.  I really liked how the author used language geared toward the elementary school audience, but didn't talk down to them either.  This novel was funny and heartwarming, and I will recommend it to anyone. 

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.

Top Ten Tuesday: All Time Favorite Books (Past 3 Years)

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week's theme is my all time favorite books from the past three years.  I'm cheating and making series into one choice.  

 Here we go!

Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins.  

I recently read this series, and I was surprised at how much I loved it!  I've always wanted to go to Paris, and this book just made it worse!

The Lunar Chronicles series by Marissa Meyer

I've been in love with this series for such a long time.  I'm going to be sooooo sad when this series comes to an end in November.

Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

This was a new find for me in 2014, and I have to say that I'm obsessed.  There are three more books in this series, so I don't have to say goodbye to this series for a long time.

Golden by Jessi Kirby

This book affected me in such a profound way.  You NEED to read this!

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

I really loved this book and the world building was spectacular.  The second book comes out soon!

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

I loved the world building in Seraphina, along with the unique premise of half-dragons.

My True Love Gave to Me edited by Stephanie Perkins

I loved this collection of holiday stories.  I will be rereading this lovely book every December.

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

I love this series about kids with natural talents, who are helping the FBI catch killers.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

 This book had one of the best kept endings of 2014.  This truly was a favorite to read and discuss.

I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

*Printz Winner 2015

This was such a lovely book.  I loved the dual perspectives.  I'm really happy that this book won the Printz Award, and I'm sure that young adults will surely love this book.

What are some of your favorites?  Leave a list or link in the comments!

In the Garden series by Nora Roberts

The In the Garden series by Nora Roberts is up today.

Blue Dahlia • Black Rose • Red Lily

Trying to escape the ghosts of the past, young widow Stella Rothchild, along with her two energetic little boys, has moved back to her roots in southern Tennessee, taking a job at In the Garden nursery. As Stella settles comfortably into her new life, she finds a nurturing friendship with her boss Roz and with expectant mother Hayley. Stella also  discovers a fierce attraction with ruggedly handsome landscaper Logan Kitridge.  After her relationship starts, she is increasingly plagued with visits from the Harper Bride; a ghost that has haunted Roz's house for decades.

I pulled this series off of my library's book sale rack, and I'm glad I did.  I liked the three women, and the romances all seemed genuine.  The paranormal aspect was also interesting, and I liked the way book three tied up all loose knots.

I also liked Nora Roberts' The Bride Quartet series.  

Her Inn Boonsboro trilogy is also in the similar vein of the In the Garden series.  It features some paranormal aspects as well.

If you like Nora Roberts, or like romance stories with aspects of the paranormal, you should read this series.  

Overall, I really liked this series, but I don't think it'll be one I re-read.  It was a solid Nora Roberts series, and anyone who likes her works will probably like this series as well.