Chapter and Hearse by Lorna Barrett

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free! (Paperbackswap!)
Retail price: $7.99
Number of pages: 320
So, unlike the Kate Kennedy cozy mystery series by Nora Charles, this series HAS to be read in order! A lot of things won't make sense if you don't. I noticed that when the lives of the characters started to get more personal and let's just say a few of them may start...disappearing. (I don't want to give anything more away than that!)
Still a pretty good series, although it's still being kind of repetitive. One thing I didn't really like in this book was Tricia (the main character) is always SO nice to everyone even if she doesn't like them. Like okay there's a point of being civil but sometimes she takes it too far which is a little annoying. Also she's sooo nice to everyone and all that her friends say back is thank you and she doesn't even bat an eye. She doesn't expect anyone to do anything nice for her which makes her a little spineless in that category.
The way people are dying has changed but basically it's the same characters doing to the same old thing to solve the crime. Have some originality! Bring in a new character! Add some amazing twist! Hopefully the next book in the series will be more unpredictable than the last couple have been. And I can tell I'm getting frustrated with the story lines when half way through the book I'm thinking, "When is this book going to be over?" and when I set it down and I have time to read I think, "I guess I should read that to get it over with, so I can move on to the next series." but then the story has some high points that help me stay interested.
Hope this was helpful! See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Cleopatra's Moon by Vicky Alvear Schecter

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: $4.50 (purchased at Scholastic Warehouse)
Retail price (paperback): $8.99
Number of pages: 351
I loved this book! I'm a sucker for historical fiction and it's so hard to find one's that are written so well. Cleopatra's Moon topped the charts for me! I mean just look at some of these sentences, "I stared up, squinting into the brilliant blue of the sky as waving palm fronds skewered fluffy white clouds. The intermittent calls of shipmen and merchants drifted in from the Royal Harbor." That's how the whole book is! It's beautifully written.
The story itself is amazing and one of triumph and you find yourself really rooting for all the right characters. Reading the Author's Note and The Facts Within the Fiction at the end really helped me understand the story even more too.
Another thing I found helpful was the List of Characters at the beginning, because with all those old names and so many of them, I got confused in the beginning and found myself backtracking to check and see who was who.
The reading itself was fairly easy. Not as easy as some books like the Gossip Girl series and other likenesses but it was very enjoyable! I wholeheartedly give this book a Paige-Turn! So if you're looking for a really good historical fiction pick this up! It doesn't feel like you're getting a history lesson while you're reading it and it's soooo good!
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Snow Queen by Emma Harrison

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: $3.00 (purchased at used bookstore!)
Retail Price: $5.99
Number of pages: 377
This book was such a fun and easy read! I loved every second of it and was sad to see it end. This book is one of those typical teen chick-lit books where there's a girl and a guy, and well, you just know what's going to happen at the end of the story! :)
As much as this story was predictable, it was still really good! The reading level wasn't very high, you can just tell from reading the first few pages, but it was still great! A really good Christmas/Winter read (which is perfect because it's Christmas today!) Anyone will just plow through this book in a few hours because it was so much fun to read and you always wanted to know what would happen next!
Overall, a great book and I definitely give this a Paige-Turn!
Merry Christmas by the way! Did you get anything good? I got a Kindle 4! Yays! But we'll talk about that later at my end of the month haul! See you soon and Happy Hollidays!
-Paige

Read More

Bookplate Special by Lorna Barrett

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free! Paperbackswap!
Retail Price: $7.99
Number of pages: 310
This is the third book in the Booktown Mystery series and I'm still loving the series! SOME parts are a little redundant but there is new twists and turns that I never suspected with characters who have been in the book since the beginning. This is definitely a series you would have to read in order!!
By the way I don't know if I've talked about the covers much on these books but they are so adorable! At first you glance at the cover and think oh that's nice, but once you start reading the book more and more, there are elements of the story that show up on the cover, which I think is awesome!
I'm anxiously awaiting the next one, and I hope something drastic will happen because in this book it was sort of mediocre. I felt it could have been a lot more suspenseful but this specific book in the series fell a little flat for me. Also I felt there were a couple things that didn't get resolved at the end of the book, which I totally forgot about until I was reading the synopsis again. Weird. I don't really want to say much of anything else for fear of spoilers but I would give this book a tentative Paige-Turn. (As always I think the first book in the series was the best!)
See you soon! Only 5 days until Christmas! Have you finished your shopping? I have!
-Paige
P.S. I'm still plowing through the Gossip Girl series, so once I finish I hope to have an entire series review up by the end of the year!

Read More

Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett

Read a synopsis here!
Number of pages: 297
I'm going to try to not have any spoilers in this review, but if I have a slip up, then I'm sorry!
So, as usual I loved this cozy mystery! These books are so good! The stories are adorable and I loved how Lorna Barrett puts other side plots into the story that sometimes help solve the murder or that just make the story more interesting. The way Tricia (the main character) solves the mysteries is not the same as in the last book which is really nice because some mystery books get really repetitive.
I just love how cute the whole series has been so far! I've come to the conclusion though that these stories are more geared towards women. Like I don't think men would like these as much. Is it because the main character is a woman? Perhaps, but there are more strong female characters then men.
I think high schoolers could read this too (I mean look at me!) as well as adults. A great read, for a lot of age groups!
I've already started the third book, which I'm borrowing from my library for the time being. I'm sure I will get through that one quickly! Gotta go! Dinner's awaiting!!
See you soon!
-Paige
P.S. Today was my last day of school so I have 2 wonderful weeks of break which means lot's of reading! Yay!

Read More

Evermore by Alyson Noel

Read a synopsis here!
Number of pages: ???
Okay I have to admit I didn't get past page 50 of this book. Maybe I'll try it again some other time like next year, but it just was not that great. The story progressed to slowly and I was bored with the story line. It didn't feel fresh or new to me. The only thing I really like about this book is the cover which is gorgeous but I guess that proves don't judge a book by its cover!!
I'm going to try some of Alyson Noel's other books that are not part of the series but honestly not any time soon because this book is like putting me off her for awhile. I think I had a problem with a lot of the characters. Ever and Damen were Mary Sue's and Gary Sue's (very stereotypical characters with little development that makes you believe you can be the character)
Not a fan. So, as much as I hate giving bad reviews, this was not my cup of tea and I would not give this a Paige-Turn! Like I said though, maybe I'll try it some other time!
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Reading, reading, reading

Let me just say that I cannot wait until I go on Christmas break because then I will have all the time in the world to read, read, read.
This whole week has been crazy busy with homework and tests that a book that I should have finished probably yesterday I'm just a little more than half way through. I'm going to try to finish it tonight so that I can move on. (The book I'm talking about is Gossip Girl #7)
I'm still hoping that something new will happen in these Gossip Girl books because everything seems pretty monotonous. I mean it wouldn't be so bad if it weren't dragged out for so long. Like move on already! Oh well, I'm halfway finished with the series and it doesn't feel like it because I've gone through the books so quickly. As much as the story moves slowly I just plow through these books. They're still great but I just wish there was a new twist!
I think I'm going to read Evermore for real after I finish Gossip Girl #7 but I'm not 100% sure yet. Anyways! Just wanted to give you that little update! Hope you're all being good little children because Christmas is right around the corner (only 16 more days! Can you believe it! I still need to put my tree up, and go Christmas shopping, and oh! So much to do, so little time!)
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Marked by P.C. and Kristen Cast

Read a synopsis here!
Number of pages: 306
I definitely had my doubts about this book when I started because I think I've heard more bad reviews than good ones. However, I loved it! It is definitely one of those guilty pleasure books (like Gossip Girl) and I got through it super quick! (Yeah, sorry that this review is so late. School has been CRAZY!)
The characters could have used a little more development but I have high hopes that they will grow throughout the next novels. (How many are there in the series anyway? Like 8!? Lot's of room for development!)
I don't know why but I really loved this book so much! Although the use of language could have been cut down a little it was actually really good! Sometimes the story line was a little predictable but that was okay because you wanted that next event to happen the way you imagined.
The conclusion was awesome! Normally conclusions are kind of boring for me because they basically tie up loose ends but this conclusion had so much excitement and action that I just loved it. I also loved how everything played out but I don't want to say more than that in case I ruin it!!
Overall, when I heard that there's was lot's of language and sex material I expected there to be something on every page but really they mentioned sex like 3 or 4 times. Some other young adult books are WAY worse than that!
Great read! Definite Paige-Turn seal of approval! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!! Catch ya later!
-Paige
P.S. What's on your Christmas Wish List? Only 18 more days!

Read More

Book Hauls?

As you know from my last post I went book shopping yesterday and I bought A TON of books! Since I know that I'm getting some for Christmas, I'm going to wait until the end of the month to post a collective December Book Haul. I think it will be easier/more fun to see how many books I've collected or received over the month. (Maybe I'll do this for the rest of the upcoming year too. I can't decide! What do you guys think?)
I'm almost done with Marked! I'm so sorry it's taking forever but I do have to juggle schoolwork into my schedule as well! I only need the last like 100 pages and then I'll be done! Also for the rest of the month I'm going to read the rest of the Gossip Girl series (my goal is to finish the entire series within December) and the rest of the Marked series. (I'm not setting a deadline for that one because the series is not even completely written yet!) So there may not be as many reviews this month but y'all should be spending time with your families and getting into the festive mood! Happy reading! See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Done!

Last night I finished another Gossip Girl book (Because I'm Worth It - number 4) and it was pretty good. I'm just hoping that maybe some new stuff starts happening because it's kinda getting repetitive.
I'm about half way done with Marked by P.C. and Kristen Cast and so far I LOVE it!!! I was skeptical about reading it because of all the bad reviews I've heard but I have to say, I think this is going to become one of my favorite series'. Although I did find some grammar errors....
Christmas is coming up and my wish list is ever-changing. I can't decide between all the books I want! Today I'm going shopping at this book place (will explain more later) and if I find some books there that are on my wish list I'll have to update it AGAIN! Haha it will be worth it though! Can't wait until Christmas! (Only 22 more days!)
So I guess I'll see you guys later! I've got a long day of book bargain hunting/shopping ahead of me and I can't wait!
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

25 Question Tag

So I found a video on Youtube with this tag and I really liked it so here we go!
1. Do you have any pets?
Yes! I have one guinea pig (named after a character from a Jane Austen novel!) I also have two goldfish!
2. Name 3 things physically close to you.
Marked by P.C. and Kristen Cast, my iPhone, and a blanket
3. What is the weather like where you are?
Chilly in the winter and blazing hot during the summer. (Gotta love Cali!)
4. Do you drive, if so have you crashed?
Yes I drive (have been for about 1 year)! No I have not crashed!
5. What time do you wake up?
6 a.m. on Monday's - Thursday's and 7 on Friday's and whenever I want on weekends.
6. When was the last time you showered?
Literally 10 minutes ago!
7. What was the last movie you've seen?
In theatres: Harry Potter 7 part 2, at home: Hangover
8. What does your last text message say?
Well I've been texting one of my friends for a bit while writing this so I just wrote back to him, "Hehehe it's a secret I'll have to take you sometime to show you! :D"
9. What is your ringtone?
How by Maroon 5
10. Have you ever been to a different country?
Yes! Germany!
11. Do you like sushi?
NO!
12. Where do you buy your grocery's?
The grocery store
13. Do you ever use medication to help you fall asleep?
Nope!
14. How many siblings do you have?
1! An older sister
15. Do you have a desktop or laptop?
Laptop!
16. How old will you be on your next birthday?
17
17. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
Contacts ever day (I'm near sighted) and glasses when my eyes are tired from wearing contacts
18. Do you color your hair?
No I do not!
19. Tell me something you're planning on doing today.
Homework, reading, texting, sleeping, etc.
20. When was the last time you cried?
Listening to If I Die Young by The Band Perry
21. What is your favorite pizza topping?
Pineapple!
22. Hamburgers or cheeseburgers?
Cheeseburgers, but I could eat either or
23. Have you ever pulled an all nighter?
For studying? No... hanging out with friends? Yes
24. What is your eye color?
Boring brown
25. Can you tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi?
Nope! But for some reason I prefer Pepsi....
Hope you enjoyed! See y'all soon!
-Paige

Read More

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: $3.50 (Purchased from used bookstore)
Retail Price: $7.00
Number of pages: 281
I knew I was going to love this book! A bookstore owner plus murder mystery, equals excellence! I totally loved the characters and the setting too! Normally, I don't get to into a setting but the little town of Stoneham is just to adorable! It totally worked with the story (small town gossip and all that).
The plot was awesome too! I mean a woman getting murdered in a cookbook store? If it wasn't so morbid I would admit that that's just adorable too! And the main character, Tricia, is an awesome herione. She kicks butt, not literally but the stuff she says is like wow, she's got balls! Hahaha!
Tricia's sister was a little too annoying for my taste and I wish Lorna Barrett had resolved the sister issues but perhaps she will in a later book.
Solving who comitted the murder was a little predictable (the characters helped me figure it out with not so subtle hints) but after reading many Agatha Christie's and always being suprised at the end it was nice to figure it out on my own.
Overall, a great quick read! Can't wait to read the next one! I would give this a Paige-Turn!
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Paperbackswap.com Haul!

I got my order today! Yay! Thanks so much to the person who sent the books to me! Here's what I got!

• Because I'm Worth It (Gossip Girl 4) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• I Like it Like That (Gossip Girl 5) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• You're The One That I Want (Gossip Girl 6) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Nobody Does It Better (Gossip Girl 7) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Nothing Can Keep Us Together (Gossip Girl 8) by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Only In Your Dreams (Gossip Girl 9) by Cecily von Ziegesar

Yep! Total of 6 books!!! All for free! Free, my favorite four letter word next to book(s) and love. (I love free book(s)!!!) I will be starting those soon, after I finish Murder Is Binding by Lorna Barrett (the first book in the Booktown Mystery series) So yeah! See y'all soon!
-Paige

Read More

The Black Sheep by Yvonne Collins and Sandy Rideout

I'm not going to do the whole synopsis thing and stuff because I couldn't finish this book. It was really awful I got to page like 50 or 70 and I couldn't read anymore of it. I don't know what it was but it was just really bad! The story was moving soooo slowly and the characters were pissing me off er putting me on edge. Normally I like books that have to do with Hollywood, stars, or like television but this one just fell flat for me! Thankfully I only checked this one out from my library so it didn't cost me a thing to get! Anyways I have no idea what I'm going to be reading next so just keep checking my side bar and my currently reading book will pop up soon! (By the way I would NOT give this a Paige-Turn)
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

Read My Lips by Teri Brown

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free! (Paperbackswap)
Retail Price: $8.99
Number of pages: 234
I went into this book with high hopes and I have to say it went above and beyond what I expected! I like how Serena (I must have a Serena theme going with all the Gossip Girl books I've been reading!) grew throughout the story. She had already accomplished so much by being deaf and overcoming simple obstacles of having conversations but the way she rose through the ranks of her new school and made friends was something to be revered. Her relationship (I'm not going to say how far) with Miller was adorable too! They have a great chemistry!
The plot itself was really original and I liked all the struggles that a variety of characters went through. I also thought the book had a great message; befriend thy neighbor. Hahaha kidding, but it was pretty close to that. (I'm not going to say what it was because it might ruin the ending!!)
The one thing I didn't like about the book was that it seemed a little too unrealistic how the popular girls picked up on Serena's lip reading capability so quickly and invited her to become part of their group on the first day of school. Come on no one would notice something that quickly! (And that is not a spoiler! Read the synopsis people!)
Overall, Serena's trials and tribulations were sort of relatable to the average girl. She had a lot of character development which I really liked and the plot itself was a fun read. Definite Paige-Turn! :)
See you soon!
-Paige
P.S. I'm not sure why but I totally dig the cover!!

Read More

Kiss My Book by Jamie Michaels

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free (borrowed from my library but it's one my Paperbackswap wish list!)
Retail Price: $7.99
Number of pages: 224
I sort of had my doubts about this book within the first chapter but I'm so glad I kept reading! I could totally relate to this book, being a book lover myself. The central character, Ruby, voiced a lot of thoughts that I had myself about getting lost in the stories of books, and just general literature for teens.
The story itself was completely adorable! I love the little town of Whispering Oaks because on vacations I've driven through small towns (Forks, Washington was what really came to mind when I read this. Don't look at me like that! I did like Twilight, for a short amount of time, a LONG time ago. The town itself is adorable, except for the fact that it looks nothing like in the movies.) so I didn't have that hard of a time imagining what life would be like for Ruby.
I loved all the other characters too and they helped move the story along at a great pace. (And of course there were those characters that you just love to hate!)
There were a few different plots going on and one of them I didn't really appreciate how rushed it was concluded at the end. It was so rushed that I almost thought the author had forgotten about it, but then tied it up neatly at the end. I did like the overall conclusion!
I also like how Ruby had to deal with the accusations of her work being plagiarized and at the end of the story she came out a better, stronger character. In the beginning she was a little weak for me but I really loved her development! Overall, a really great book! I would give this book a Paige-Turn!
See you soon! (And Happy Black Friday shopping - I, myself don't participate but if you get any great steals on books, let me know!)
-Paige

Read More

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi everyone! Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving today! I, myself can't wait for all my family to come over and we just dig right into that turkey! (My mouth is watering just thinking about it!!) Of course I have a lot to be thankful for on this day so here's just a couple:

• My wonderful family
• All the luxuries of living in a house and having a bed to sleep in every night
• Having modern technology like my phone and lap top
• And books!!

Don't give me that look I know, you know that you're thankful for your books too!! Anyways just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving and I hope everyone has a really great time today! (And to all of you Black Friday shoppers that are going tonight, or are perhaps camping out right now; Number 1, you're crazy!! and number 2, I actually respect you because I could never do that!!) Oh! Just got an email from Barnes and Noble about their Black Friday shopping, time to go browse some deals! See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

You Know You Love Me by Cecily von Ziegesar

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free! (Paperbackswap, of course)
Retail Price: $8.99
Number of pages: 240
Yep it's official I love Gossip Girl! The books are always so witty and I love how the story will be told and then some unknown person (Gossip Girl I presume) will come in and make some sarcastic comment.
There's was a lot more sex and drug references in this book than the first one but I don't think it took away from the story. Such a fun read! I don't really want to say much about it in case you haven't read the first one so all I can say is read them! Even if they're your guilty pleasure! Just do it! I would give this book a Paige-Turn.
Okay! Now a mini update!
I'm going to be finishing the rest of the Gossip Girl series but I'm not going to do reviews on each and everyone, but when I'm finished with the series I will do a series review. I'm sure I'll get through all the books quickly, but I can't garuntee it! In between books I will probably read some stand alone novels and do some reviews but not too many because I don't want to get confused in the Gossip Girl series. See you soon!
-Paige

Read More

PaperBackSwap Haul/This or That Tag

I forgot to tell you guys! Yesterday I got my book that I ordered, in the mail! I ordered Read My Lips by Teri Brown. I can't wait to read it!
Also, I'm going to do the This or That Tag so here goes!
1. Audio or Book in hand?
Book in hand!! I only listen to audio books for like classics that I'm trying to read and even then I'm reading along with the book. Plus the audio books read to slowly for me!
2. Softcover or hardback?
I really love both but I have to say softcover for a couple of reasons; 1: They're a lot easier to hold and take with you somewhere 2: They're cheaper!! 3: I honestly like how they look on my shelf better than hardcovers. Although I do still love hardcovers too.
3. Fiction or non-fiction?
Fiction!!! (There's this one girl on Youtube that said she hated non-fiction books with bad endings because that actually happened so there's no changing it. I just love that statement. So true.)
4. Fantasy world or real life issues?
I actually love both, but if I had to choose only one I would say fantasy world but in a real life situation....does that make sense? Like it's fictional like the Night World series' by L. J. Smith but it also has real people and real issues like love, wars, etc. I'd also say fantasy world because I read to get away from real life so I don't want to really read a book that reminds me of real life.
5. Harry Potter or Twilight?
Um is this even a real question? Harry Potter all the way!
6. Kindle, iPad, or other?
I REALLY want a Kindle for Christmas so right now I'd say none for owning one, but I really, really, really want a Kindle. We'll see!
7. Borrow or buy?
This depends. I will usually say buy but sometimes I like to read the newer, more popular books, or I'll borrow a book, read it and see if I like it THEN buy it. Usually I buy though, I really like the idea of helping contribute to authors, publishers, general literacy, etc.
8. Bookstore or online?
Well, I've had to result to online buying due to Borders closing but I do love browsing through bookstores (especially used one's!) Sorry I hate Barnes and Noble. Gag.
9. Stand alone or series?
Stand alone! I do like series' but stand alones I can read right away and I don't have to worry about forgetting the story while the next book comes out.
10. Monster read or short and sweet?
Short and sweet! I save monster reads for the winter (usually when I'm on school break) but I prefer short and sweet so I can just move on to the next book.
11. Starry eyed romance or full of action?
Romance! I love (no pun intended) reading those little teen chick-lits and trashy teen romances! They're kind of my guilty pleasure *blushes*.
12. Curl up in a Snuggie or bathe in the sun?
Bathe in the sun! I love summer! Favorite season! Although I do love the rain too...maybe I should move to Hawaii where it rains while it's summer. I'd be a happy camper!
13. Hot chocolate or latte?
Hot chocolate! Yummy! I'm actually drinking some right now! (It's raining here right now so I felt the need for chocolate.)
Well that's all for now! Hope you enjoyed! I tag you!
-Paige

Read More

Gossip Girl by Cecily von Ziegesar

Read a synopsis here!
How much it cost me: Free (Paperbackswap!)
Retail Price: $8.99
Number of pages: 224
Being the second time that I've read this book I still love it! Gossip Girl is such a guilty pleasure for me! The story is probably geared more towards like 15 and up I would say due to the explicit material. (drug reference, profane language, and sexually explicit) So yes I am one of those people who LOVE Gossip Girl!
Now, I was browsing the reviews on GoodReads and a lot of people were talking trash on the books/series saying it wasn't good literature, it's to risque for teens, the stories are just pointless, etc. Okay let's address that first point: It's not good literature. To me, the writing was fine - typical young adult reading level. Of course I think the writing is better than Twilight (well anything is really, that's such trash) but come on! These books aren't meant to be studied in schools or discover hidden meangings like an E. E. Cummings poem or something! It's just fun quick reads!
Next point: It's to risque for teens. Okay if this is parents saying this then they need to wake up. There are teens out there EVERYWHERE who do drugs, have sex, and party at a very young age! You can't just hide the fact that that stuff happens! I actually commend Cecily von Ziegesar for writing about this stuff and sort of spreading awarness about it. In the books whenever a person did drugs or partied they always regretted it a little bit because it made them feel awful! This is sort of sending a message like, "Hey! DON'T party! (Or if you do, be safe!!)"
Lastly: The stories are pointless. Um question? Why are you reading if you think  a story is pointless? The POINT of a book is to tell a STORY!!! HELLO! That's what fiction is!! Fine, then why are you reading Twilight? What's the point? Teach you how to be a creepy stalker and just give up on life when the guy you like runs away for a couple months?? Gossip Girl's point (like I said before!) is almost to spread awarness on partying, drugs, and underage sex. The characters do these things and then regret it. Well expect for the stoners but come on-THEY'RE STONERS!
Anyway sorry for my little rant, but I stick up for what I believe in. Overall, I'd give this book a Paige-Turn and I can tell I'm going to devour the rest of the series really quickly.
See you soon!
-Paige

Read More