Enchanting and Delightfully written
359052
I was given this delightful book by new author Jennifer Scott and immediately fell in love with the lifestyle atmosphere of this traditional French family. The tips and comments on their stylish and rarified lifestyle are enchanting. This is the perfect book to give as a gift to anyone who loves Paris, the French and everything stylish.
3464418
Uprooted is absolutely beautiful and enchanting. I can't exactly put my finger on what causes this but the story and the written feels positively lyrical. This smoothness to the writing alone is enough to recommend this book. Luckily for readers that is not the only thing Uprooted has gong for it.

On top of sensational writing, Uprooted is filled with tons of action, magic and intrigue as to the Wood's origin and its spies at court. In fact the second half of the book is filled with so much action readers will be hard pressed to set the book down until the final pages once they reach this point of no return.

Of course Uprooted also has a strong protagonist who readers will easily root on (no pun intended) in Agnieszka. She grows both in strength of magic as well as strength in character as the book progresses and the story of her independence will be one that readers will easily get behind in support. This intertwining of the magical and practical growth of character helps build the story making her decisions more practical and leaving readers satisfied with the decisions made as opposed to rolling their eyes with the stupidity.

Between the magic, the action, the impressive display of writing ability by Novik and the subtle natural growth of a love interest, there is very little not to love about this book. It kept me engaged and entertained and therefore I highly recommend it.

http://whatchamacallitreviews.blogspot.com/2015/05/uprooted-by-naomi-novik.html
3986756
What a beautiful book!  I just got it for my granddaughter and I found myself captivated by the beautiful photography and the delightful story.  The remarkable graphic design adds to the pleasure of discovery at the turn of every page.  Thank you for sharing this enchanting story with us, young and not so young readers.
1287298
Rachael Ikins'  "The Complete Tales from the Edge of the Wood" transforms mere words on a page into a highly visual enchanted story where magical forest creatures, sultry dragons, and sassy elves will do nothing less than steal your heart. From the moment you begin reading until the last page (sadly, because you won't want it to end) turns, Ikins captivates with intricately phrased prose that is as imaginative and mesmerizing as the tales she weaves. Each of the characters--be they good or evil--is developed in a way that makes us understand and care about them all. Timeless and yet contemporary, her story is one of discovery, love, courage, and magic, all told in way that is far too human, and yet transports us to a place where even the simplest creatures are important--as they should be. I loved the book.
Diana S. Zimmerman
4702331
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book!  I felt magically pulled in by the story right from the beginning.  The characters are well developed, multidimensional, and credible.  The writing is beautiful.  I also loved the attention to details like food and the landscape.  I found the story unpredictable as well, a characteristic I appreciate in a novel.
3198831
Lila Strand's "The Star Children" is an enchanting tale that will engage both young and old.  Her delightful water color illustrations beautifully support the narrative themes of light and nature. The star children learn the lessons of listening and remembering. This is a book that invites us into a world beyond our day-to-day perceptions of the physical world.
1147811
'The Magic of Ramblings' is a book to savour and has earned a place on my 'keeper shelf.' From the evocative north of England setting to the poignancy of the heroine's journey, the writing is engaging and lyrical and I cared about the characters from the very first page.

It's also a book that has a special timeless quality about it, and the gentle romance between two wounded souls is both thought provoking and heartwarming. A lovely read and one I recommend highly.
3386419
I wished for such a long time to get this book, and I was thrilled when my wish came thru, I was given this book as a gift. I had high expectations, and hopes which is natural for something you looked forward to. Still this book managed to trump everything I had hoped for. Its simply magically wonderfull.
The characters you meet, both human and other are vivid, complex, and has the imperfections that makes them viable, likable and easy to relate to. The story is magnificent, magical, and exciting, twists and unforseen things makes things highly alluring and intriguing.
It is one of those books that won't be going out of fashion when popularity directs trends in books, It has the allure that only can be found in books that is creating the very core of this eras classical books. As well as bygone eras have their classical masterpieces, this era has as well, and this is without a doubt one of them.
A Deep courtesy and appreciation to this author for writing this magical book.
1165896
a wonderful, enthralling read.  the story pulls you in and the characters turn and twist and shimmer in the light of the woods.  Mya can make you despise her, Lucia can be wishy-washy and Willow ambivalent.  But it all melds into a delightful and iridescent magical book.  I really enjoyed it...please read.
2446124
I couldn't help but being swept away by Murder In the Secret Garden. Enchanting and magical with romance with a multi-layered plot that was beautifully written. The Medieval Herbalists are staying at Storyton Hall, a book-themed retreat where patrons go to read and relax with no distractions of modern day life and Jane Steward is responsible for guarding the hidden library with secret books and manuscripts inside.

There's an upcoming wedding, and will be something for the nature lovers, gardeners, and foodies and studying and growing herbs and there will be a inaugural bookish duck race.
Among the Herbalists are some interesting characters like, Constance Meredith aka "Poison Princess" and expert on poisonous plants with a toxic personality.

Kira Grace is a photographer who's subjects that she photographs weren't just plants. Jane finds Kira Grace floating dead in the river. In Kira Grace's possessions are compromising photos. When it's proven that Kira Grace was poisoned not drowned, and the theft of a rare herbal book on display Jane will do anything to protect Storyton hall and all the books the hidden library hold.

The Secret Library is a place that fascinates me I would love to venture in there to read the books it beholds.  The elements of fantasy and a page turning story that makes you feel for the characters, and a captivating romance between Jane and "Book Theif" Edwin Alcott. An unforgettable read that I couldn't put down I can't wait to read and review the next book in the series.

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review. This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
2071704
Written with evocative and lyrical prose, I was mesmerized and enthralled immediately.  The prose was lush in its descriptiveness (but not too much so) and transported me to time and place.  I have not been this caught up in a book in awhile.  I would have finished the book in a sitting but did not only because I started it late in the evening.  A wonderful engaging piece of work.
2899193
Having this book I find a dear pleasure, the enchanting characters and fine plot that makes the days in the world pass so quickly and with great flow.
837031
What a wonderful tribute to imagination and life!!  The story captured me as quickly as it did my granddaughter.  And after the initial enchantment it rewards the reader by delivering a truly insightful and valuable allegory.  I am so happy to have read this and will recommend it to many.
1989898
Such a heart cant be mended. I hope I won't be tasked with keeping such a useless artifact for much longer. (Meyer, p. 440).

Heartless is breathtaking and enchanting, prose for the senses. It is full of whimsy and poetry, passion and danger. You will be immersed in to the world that is Wonderland. Here you will find the makings of a queen.

The Plot: All Catherine has ever dreamed of is to be a successful baker. This dream will never come true under the scrupulous eye of her mother. Catherine is drowning in social propriety and obligation. Her only breath of air seems to be the impending proposal from The King of Hearts, that is, until she meets Jest, the court joker. Things begin to take a magical turn, but her fate, and the fate of Hearts, is threatened by madness, magic, and monsters. Will she overcome it all to live out her dream and fulfill her desire for true love, or will she risk it all to save those dearest to her?

And down the rabbit hole I went. I was enchanted from chapter 1! Heartless astounded me with its beauty, whimsical imagery, and magical world and characters. I felt like I was in Wonderland with the details that Meyer wrote. When Caths bakery sweets were described, I actually felt like I could smell and taste them! Never, for a second, did I doubt that this world was real. This story had a great pace and the world and its characters unfolded themselves perfectly!

why is a raven like a writing desk? They are both so full of poetry, you see. Darkness and whimsy, nightmares and song. (Meyer, p. 431).

Catherine was such a well written character and her transformation was incredible! She started out as a determined dreamer, aspiring to overcome her mothers oppression, to open her own bakery to do the one thing she loved the most (She had baked her very heart into them. Meyer, p. 4). She was rebellious and respectful all at once. She was curious but skeptical, but then the turning point came, and Cath became vengeful, hateful, and heartless.

That tree is gone by nightfall. If it is not, then I will find an ax and cut it down myself, and your head will be soon to follow. (Meyer, p. 426)

Caths mother, The Marchioness, was a hateful, judgemental woman. She is the Mrs. Bennet of the story. She cared more about marrying her daughter off than seeing her daughter happy. She was overbearing and controlling, and her characteristics can be seen in Cath after she loses her heart.

Her mothers voice was a constant nag in her head, telling her to put down the fork, to stand up straight, to smile, but not that much! (Meyer, p. 16).

Jest was such a lovely character, and obviously, played a major role in Caths transformation. He was dark, handsome, mysterious, and chivalrous. He was also flirtatious, magical, and mildly cunning.

no on knew where he came fromImpossible was his specialty. (Meyer, p. 63).

I enjoyed all the characters in the book. Cheshire was the comic relief of the story, making me laugh every time he appeared. The King was a humorous little man, like a full grown child. The Hatta, not mad yet, was intriguing and mystifying. Each character had a role to play, including the jabberwock, but Jest and The Marchioness, in my opinion, were the ones that really shaped Cath and aided in her transformation the most.

Heartless was incredibly written and drew me in to the enchanting world of Hearts and Wonderland. Meyer created an astounding story that I could truly believe led to The Queen of Hearts in Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland. I give a solid 5 star rating to this imaginative tale of the shaping of The Queen of Hearts!

It was a new day in Hearts, and she was the Queen. (Meyer, p. 449).
954534
This book is filled with wonderful imagination and fabulous characters in beautifully written verse that can be enjoyed by everyone. The animals are brought to life by their vivid descriptions and eccentric escapades. It made me laugh out loud and brought a tear to my eye and also surprised me with some fascinating little nuggets of information and historic facts.

A great book to read and re-read with many layers of intrigue, I would thoroughly recommend it.
3392747
This creative and enchanting story was such a wonderful experience!  I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it and never wanted to put it down!!!  It is written perfectly to meet the needs of the princess in all of us, from teenager to grandmother, it's a perfect read.  I will be anxiously awaiting the sequel and will be the first in line to pick it up. You won't be disappointed!
457976
If you're unfamiliar with this author, you don't know what you're missing out on!

The author writes in a wonderful style that guarantees the attention of young minds. The pictures are also delightfully illustrated. This is the kind of book that makes you feel nice and warm, and all fuzzy inside!

I would highly recommend this enchanting children's book.