How to Hang a Witch

Book Review!

Title: How to Hang a Witch

Author: Adriana Mather

Rating: ★★★.5

Date Published: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Page Count: 358

Follow Author: Website, Twitter, FB,Insta

Buy Book: Amazon, B&N, 
Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

Salem, Massachusetts is the site of the infamous witch trials and the new home of Samantha Mather. Recently transplanted from New York City, Sam and her stepmother are not exactly welcomed with open arms. Sam is the descendant of Cotton Mather, one of the men responsible for those trials and almost immediately, she becomes the enemy of a group of girls who call themselves The Descendants. And guess who their ancestors were?

If dealing with that weren't enough, Sam also comes face to face with a real live (well technically dead) ghost. A handsome, angry ghost who wants Sam to stop touching his stuff. But soon Sam discovers she is at the center of a centuries old curse affecting anyone with ties to the trials. Sam must come to terms with the ghost and find a way to work with the Descendants to stop a deadly cycle that has been going on since the first accused witch was hanged. If any town should have learned its lesson, it's Salem. But history may be about to repeat itself.

My Thoughts:

“Group silence can be a death sentence. It was in Salem,”

I have always been fascinated by anything that has to do with witches and if the set is in Salem that is a plus! So, when I read the synopsis of How to Hang a Witch, I immediately knew that I needed to read it.

After her father fall into an unexpected coma, Sam and her stepmother are forced to move into his old childhood home in Salem due to financial struggles. Sam soon finds out that she is a descendant of Mather who happens to be one of the main people responsible for the witch trials, this doesn't go well with a group of kids called the descendants who just happen to be related to the witches that were killed. 

Sam is a very likable but at the same time very frustrating character! I loved her determination, sarcasm and will to never give up, but in some cases, she put herself in very dangerous situations that could have easily been avoided. Sam has is bad in the friend department in her new high school, the only person that wants to get to know her is next door neighbor Jaxon, whom I wish would have been more in the novel, but what I did see of him I really liked; especially how he stood up for Sam. The Descendants were your typical clique mean girls, the only one I really care to see more of is Alice! And then there is Elijah, oh Elijah he was such an intriguing, swoon worthy character; I won't say more because I don't want to spoil anything.

I can’t believe the author is related to Mather, researching him and the trials must have been so interesting and informative! I loved the Salem vibes, like I said above I have always been fascinated with Salem and Witches, so this was the perfect read for me. The ending was full of so many feels, I was just not expecting it and I am kind of salty that my ship did not take sail! The author does include a twist, but for me the twist was very predictable, I saw it coming from a mile away all I said when I came to it was 'I was right'! There is also a love triangle, but I was only rooting for one guy and well as you read above my ship sank before it even left. With all that said, I really enjoyed the book, I read it in one sitting, and cannot wait to pick up the sequel.  

SandraTheBookWorm

The Tower

Book Review

Title: The Tower

Author: Nicole Campbell

Rating: ★★★★★

Date Published: June 21st, 2017

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: YA Contemporary/Paranormal

Page Count:  345

Follow Author: website, Insta, FB, Twitter

Buy Book: Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

"On our sixteenth birthdays, our kind is gifted with awesome powers. Except no, not really because this isn’t Narnia, or Hogwarts, or whatever other mythical realm where witches supposedly live. This is Elizabethtown, Illinois, and much to the chagrin of the local chapter of Susie-Homemakers, we live here."

All witches understand that the universe is a scary sort of powerful on a good day. On a bad day? Well, that’s when The Tower card shows its face during a reading. As summer draws to a close before the beginning of junior year, Rowyn Black is tired of seeing that card stare up at her from the table. Rowyn, Reed, and Rosalyn have made it through just about every dramatic storm their sarcasm could weather during their seventeen year friendship, and it would be nice to have a quiet semester. Rowyn hopes that the only thing The Tower foretells is the frightening sight of the school parking lot come the first day- full of more jacked-up trucks and cut off shorts than a Luke Bryan video. True to its nature, however, the universe doesn’t care much for hopes and wishes, and when the promise of The Tower comes crashing down, they might fall right along with it.


My Thoughts:

I was sent a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book had my emotions all over the place, I laughed, swooned, got mad, cried, ugly cried and then cried some more! I absolutely loved this book and every character in it! It was not what I was expecting, it was better! Nicole has become one of my favorite authors and has loved to make me cry, but I am not mad because this book was so real and raw! It dealt with friendship, loss, grieve, first love, depression, and family relationships; it tackles so many things that we go through when we lose a loved one and the author did it so well, she did not try to sugar coat it one bit.

Rowyn, Reed and Rosalyn families are in the same circle so, these three have known each other since they were in diapers, they have learned spells together, and now they're all in high school trying to figure life out together! I really liked all these characters, but my favorite must be Reed, I know, I know, I am adding another book boyfriend to my ever-growing list. I absolutely loved everything about him how he treated his friends, the way he joked, how he put Row before himself. Rosalyn was another one of my favorites she was so bubbly, and it was impossible to now feel bubbly reading her chapters. I really liked Rowyn, but I really did feel like shaking her around in some chapters, but at the same time I knew exactly where her emotions where coming from, learning to cope with loss is not easy especially when you are a teenager, she went through such amazing character growth and towards the end I absolutely fell in love with her characters flaws and all. 

The author tackled the topic of grieve so well, like I said above she left nothing out! The emotions the characters were feeling, and the way they were acting was so raw and real. She also talked about how the characters got bullied because they were different, I really enjoyed how the author dealt with those situations.  The author also when into depth about the catchers beliefs, I learned so much about paganism what they believe in, the holidays they celebrate, how they learn about spells and so much more! I absolutely adored this novel and miss the characters so much. If you are looking for a good contemporary look no further this is the book for you and even if you are not looking for a contemporary, I highly recommend it to anyone!

SandraTheBookWorm

After Death

Book Review

Title: After Death

Author: Jacqueline Smith

Rating: ★★★★★

Date Published: October 6th, 2015

Publisher: Wind Trail Publishing

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Page Count: 250

Follow Author: Website, FB, Blog, Instagram  

Buy Novel! Amazon

Add on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Circus of the Dead.

When Michael Sinclair receives an invitation to the grand opening of Cirque Somniatis, he figures it will be a good opportunity to get away from ghosts, potential in-laws, and the seemingly endless stream of rejected job applications... And a chance to spend a romantic weekend at the circus with Kate. 

But nothing is as it seems as Michael, Kate, and ghost-hunter extraordinaire Luke Rainer venture onto the haunted fairgrounds in the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma. New rivals, theatrical psychics, and a Ringmaster with a dark secret of his own all wait for them under the Big Top. 

Come one, come all. Do not forego. 
Step inside, enjoy the show...

My Thoughts:

I was sent a copy by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I had missed these characters so much, it was so much fun revisiting them! this is the fourth book I've read by Jacqueline and she never lets me down; she had me laughing, crying and at the edge of my seat before the book was over. 

I was so happy to read that she had brought the whole gang together. I have always loved the main character Michael; his humor is so much like mine and I just connect with his character so much. Kate is so bubbly, that is something I have always loved about her, she is always the one to lighten the mood in a tense situation; well her or Luke, Luke is the one to have me rolling on the floor laughing with the crazy things he says. Finally, is Brink, he must be my favorite character of the whole series and my love for him grew so much more after reading this novel.

This new adventure was set in a circus which is said to be haunted, when the crew gets to the carnival strange unexplainable things begin to happen to them.  I really loved the Circus setting, they are already creepy so sending someone who sees spirits just amped up the creepiness. I liked the new characters that were introduced, they really brought the creepy vibe and made me suspect of everyone. Jacqueline is a master when it comes to writing these paranormal stories, this one was no exception; she even managed to break my heart, and make me cry. I absolutely love this series and cannot wait for the next book in the series. If you have not picked this series up, please do! It is the perfect Fall/October read.

SandraTheBookWorm

 

The Witches of Hant Hollow

Book Review

Title: The Witches of Hant Hollow

Author: D.F. Jones

Rating: ★★★★

Date Published: October 14, 2017

Publisher: Jones Media

Genre: Paranormal Fantasy

Page Count: 264

Follow the Author: Website, FB, Twitter, Instagram

Buy Book: Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Synopsis:

Wickedly thrilling fast-paced tale of a family of witches power struggles over light and dark magic, and how one mortal man gets caught in the crosshairs of the feud causing upheaval in not only Jasmine's love life but rife within the American Mage Alliance.

Will Jasmine save Jonathan at the risk of losing the one she love most?

My Thoughts:

I was sent an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

I've read every single one of author D.F. Jones books, and I have enjoyed every single one! So, when she asked me if I wanted to read her new novel, I immediately said yes, and just like the rest it did not disappoint.

This novel is the perfect read for this month! It has all the paranormal elements you look for in a good October read witches, vampires, wolfs and so much more. The novel revolves around the witches and their power struggle over dark and light magic, our main witches name is Jasmine and oh, how I loved her character! She was so sweet, but she was also a rebel that took crap from no one, especially her dear grandmother who may I add was one crazy witch; I also loved how selfless she was. Jonathan is the poor mortal and love interest, I absolutely adored him! He was quite the southern gentleman and any girl would be lucky to have him by her side.

This book is very fast paced and grips you from the first chapter! I really enjoyed how Jones tackled the prejudice that witches had against mortals and vice versa, as the book progresses Jones shows us how those prejudices evolve for the better and how they come together to help each other. The novels plot thickens several times and it had me at the edge of my seat. I love romance in my novels and Jones made sure to provide us with plenty of it, and even though some holes were blown on my ship, I still loved the ending. The only thing I wish had been done a little different was how rapidly the characters fell in love, I’m just a sucker for a slow burn romance. Other than that, this novel was a great paranormal read, and has me hoping for a sequel because I just need more of these characters.

SandraTheBookWorm

Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things

Book Review

Title: Children Shouldn't Play With Dead Things

Author: Martina McAtee

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Date: August 31, 2015

Published: Self-Published

Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Page Count: 510

Stalk the Author: Website, FB, Twitter, Instagram

Buy:Amazon, B&N, 

Synopsis:

17 year old Ember Denning has made an art of isolating herself. She prefers the dead. She spends her days skipping school in old cemeteries and her nights hiding from her alcoholic father at the funeral home where she works. When her own father dies, Ember learns her whole life is a lie. Standing in the cemetery that’s been her sanctuary, she’s threatened by the most beautiful boy she’s ever seen and rescued by two people who claim to be her family. They say she’s special, that she has a supernatural gift like them…they just don’t know exactly what it is. 

They take her to a small Florida town, where Ember’s life takes a turn for the weird. She’s living with her reaper cousins, an orphaned werewolf pack, a faery and a human genius. Ember’s powers are growing stronger, morphing into something bigger than anything anybody anticipated. Ember has questions but nobody has answers. Nobody knows what she is. They only know her mysterious magical gift is trying to kill them and that beautiful dangerous boy from the cemetery may be the only thing standing between her and death. 

As Ember’s talents are revealed so are the secrets her father hid and those in power who would seek to destroy her. What’s worse, saving Ember has put her cousins in danger and turned her friend’s lives upside down. Ember must learn to embrace her magic or risk losing the family she’s pieced together

My Thoughts:

Where do I even begin! This book had me hooked from the first chapter; I don't know why I took so long to pick it up from my review copies. It has everything you would want in a paranormal read! Reapers, werewolves, witches, reanimators, necromancers, shifters and freaking SOUL EATERS! 

This book is told in four different points of views. We have our main character, Ember who was always felt like she doesn't belong, until the day she meets her two cousins and discovers that she is part of a family with supernatural powers that she herself was oblivious to. I absolutely loved Embers development in this book she really learned how to cope with her powers and how to be more open with and about her feelings. Our second character is Kai, I immediately connected with Kai, he has an enormous heart and does thinks without thinking especially when it comes to his family and I absolutley loved that about him. Our third character is Tristin, I liked Tristin, but I did find her a little irritating; I know her heart is in the right place, but she can be a little condescending. Our fourth character and my favorite, my new boyfriend would be Mace, oh Mace had me since I read his first sentence! I don't even care that he is the "villain" I know that deep down he cares and is a big teddy bear, lol.

I adored every second of this book!! I couldn't get enough and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel. The author really took me on a ride that I did not want to end and that I can’t wait to get back on to. The world building was very well done and the character development was outstanding. Did I say how phenomenal all the characters were?! I fell in love with every single one of them even the supporting characters. The ending was such a shocker and I did NOT see it coming, I had to read it several times just to make sure I was reading it right!! Like I said above I just can't wait to get my hands on the sequel and see where the author takes me. If you have yet to pick this series up, I highly recommend it! The covers are gorgeous, the story is different and the plot is AH-MA-ZING

-SandraTheBookWorm

Anna's Way (The Ditch Lane Diaries #2)

Book Review

Title: Anna's Way

Author:  D.F. Jones

Rating: ★★★★★

Release Date: May 3rd, 2016

Publisher: Jones Media

Genre: Paranormal/Romance

Page Count: 296

Stalk Author: FB, Twitter, Instagram, 

Buy Me! Amazon

Add me on Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Ditch Lane Diaries continues with Anna's Way. 

Anna the healer, Ruby the dreamer, and Sandy the soul reader are The Wards of Campbell Ridge. 

Anna discovers that she has a guardian angel named Ralph. He is a part of the elite warrior angels that has been sent to train The Wards of Campbell Ridge against the forces of darkness. Ralph teaches Anna how to use her divine healing power while she learns as much as she can about modern medicine. As Anna’s power grows stronger so does her drive to become a doctor. Anna receives a full ride out of state scholarship for medical school, but she is in love with Jerry. 

Will Anna pursue her divine calling at the risk of losing true love? 

My Thoughts:

I was sent a copy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review. 

I loved, loved Anna's story! I couldn't get enough of it; Jones had her hooks on me since the beginning of the book until the very end. Anna and her friends Sandy, Ruby and Jerry all have powers that are later going to help them in a war. Anna has the power of healing and the longer she uses her powers to heal the stronger the pull to go to medical school becomes. when she receives a letter from an out of state school saying that she has been approved for a full scholarship, she has to make a tough decision, leave her one true love Jerry behind and follow her dream or put her dreams aside and start a life with Jerry. The character development in this book was very well written I really enjoyed reading how Anna came to understand her powers and grow stronger all with the help of her Guardian Angel Ralph, which by the way I adored. That is another thing that made me love this book all the Angels and Demons! I'm a sucker for books that talk about angels it’s just such a fascinating topic for me and I feel the way Jones wrote her Angels and Demons really gave them a personality and made me connect with them. I had a love and hate relationship with Mr. Jerry at one point I wanted smack him upside the head and ask him what the hell was going through that head of his. Before I end this review I just really want to say that I love the friendship this characters have they really and truly love each other and would do anything to protect their friends. I loved every second of this book and can’t wait to read the next one! If you haven't picked this series up and are in the look for a romance with some paranormal, look no further this is it. 

-SandraTheBookWorm

Anna's Way Release Day!!!!

Anna’s Way (Ditch Lane Diaries 2)

Author: D.F. Jones

Buy Me: Amazon

Stalk the Author: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Go to the authors website for a preview of Anna's Way. 

What Anna's Way is About:

It's a pinch of City of Angels with a smidgen of Constantine and a dash of Michael. The Ditch Lane Diaries begins in 1977 and follows three childhood friends (Anna, Ruby and Sandy) from college to adulthood. Love and joy, heartache and tears, held in the hands of destiny by divine supernatural forces and powers. A healer, a dreamer and a soul reader on life's journey of discovery to true love and how to use their divine gifts.

A splelunking adventure changes Anna’s life forever. She receives the ability to heal through a divine power and meets her guardian angel, Ralph, who teaches her how to use her gift. Anna's power grows stronger with every passing year as does her drive to become a doctor. When Anna receives an out of state scholarship for medical school, her love for Jerry has her torn. She has been in love with Jerry for most of her life. Does she pursue her dream, her divine calling at the risk of losing true love?

The Ditch Lane Diaries is a paranormal romance that includes angels and demons with metaphysical and visionary elements fighting an angelic war over Earth’s humans. The many twists and turns give the reader plenty to contemplate over life choices. The Ditch Lane Diaries is for readers Adults 18+ and trending Women 35+ with a medium heat level.

Interview with the Author

           When do you write and how often?  

I write either in the morning 7-9 am or from 9 pm-12 midnight. I’m a night owl. I’m most productive at night. There are times when I write all day long when the mood hits me. But, as I rule, I write two to three hours a day. Any more than that and you risk burnout.

     Can you tell us about your current work in progress? 

Sandy’s Story is the third installment of the Ditch Lane Diaries, coming this fall. Sandy has a secret that no one else knows except her guardian angel, Baldric the Warrior. The storyline delves into the growing relationship between Sandy, the clairvoyant or soul reader and Baldric the Warrior and the rules of Heaven that prevent them from being together.

  What inspires you to write? 

Music. Anna’s Way starts in 1977 and takes the girls to the middle 1980’s. I made playlists on Spotify for Ruby’s Choice and Anna’s Way. The readers may just click the link below to listen to Anna'a Way by DF Jones Author

https://open.spotify.com/user/12130424252/playlist/0bdG3Oopi2mOM8ylZQHbRz

     What’s your favorite item on your writing desk? 

Photos of my smiling sons.

 What’s your favorite genre and why? 

Paranormal Romance, Fantasy with metaphysical and visionary elements. I also like writing about Time Travel.

Any advice for those who want to write or new authors? 

I still consider myself as a newbie. It is important to cultivate friendships with other authors. I have met so many wonderful authors. I know a lot more now than I did last July when my debut novel, Ruby’s Choice went live. I made the decision to self-publish. It’s important to research. Join writer’s groups. Attending writing workshops. Write daily and never give up. See your story through until the end.  Whether it’s a napkin or my IPhone, I have pages and pages of notes. Do not allow any negative comments or reviews to stop you. I love my books and I want readers to love them. However, I know everyone will not like my books. In the end, it’s my book and I love them!

      What do you do when you are not writing? 

What do you do for fun? I love spending time with my family and friends. Whether its going concerts, restaurants or football games. Laughter is the key to happiness. I try to live by my mom’s motto, it’s better to laugh than cry.

What else would you like to share with your readers?

 Life passes by in an instant. Be happy in life. Don’t let the darkness and negativity get you down. My new tagline line that I sign in my books, “May love light the way.” Corny maybe, but I like corn!

Advice From the Author for Aspiring Writers

Advice for those who want to write or new authors

 It is important to cultivate friendships with other authors. They have been where you are now. Write daily and never give up. See your story through until the end. Anytime I get an idea I write it down. Whether it’s a napkin or my IPhone. I have thousands of pages of notes. I came by this quote, the writer is unknown, but it has stuck with me “Get it written, then get it right!”

If you are going to self-publish find a good editor, proofreader and formatter. Hire a professional to design your cover.  

Editor: A good editor will make or break your book. You don’t have to stay with an editor or a publisher if you are uncomfortable with their feedback or lack of feedback. Read the fine print of any contract. If your gut is telling you something isn’t right, trust it and move on. Writer’s Beware is a site which offers insights on individuals and companies that do not have good reputations. Review this site!

You need to find an editor that works in your genre. It’s important to relate well with your editor. If it doesn’t work or your stressing about it, look for someone else.

Beta Readers: During your second pass find Beta Readers They’re a godsend. Listen to their comments. If you have two or three beta’s saying the same thing, then it is a good rule of thumb to revisit your manuscript for a tweak.

Proofreader and formatter: You may want to find a good proofreader after your manuscript has finished its last pass. By the time you make it through your third pass, your brain has a tendency to auto correct mistakes. My brain auto corrects in any pass….And then lastly, find a good formatter. You want your manuscript to be polished. An editor, proofreader and formatter will help you accomplish your goals.

Bookcover and marketing. Hire a professional. If you are not a designer, then don’t design your book. If you want to be taken serious, then have a seriously professional book cover, website and even social media ads.

Once you’re book is published, don’t rest on your laurels. Start writing again even if you only write scenes. Remember, not everyone will like what you write, at the end of the day, it is your book. As long as you love it and you’re happy, then someone out there will love it too.

-SandraTheBookWorm