Unraveling Isobel

 

Rating: 4.5

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 by Simon Pulse

 

What a fantastic story. Unraveling Isobel was so much different than I had expected. Sure, the blurb was interesting enough, but the story and dialect was so much more.

Isobel is moving with her mother, her new step-father and step-brother to Naime, an island off the coast. She has very few nice things to say since her mother dragged her away to some desolate island her senior year with a hot step-brother and a new step-father her mother has only known for 3 months. Yeah, I'd be pissed off too. You would think the "crazy" would run in her mother's side of the family.

Isobel isn't exactly feeling like gummybears and rainbows around her new step-father. The more he pushes "family" the more she despises him and the fact that her mother is totally oblivious to the fake charm he puts off.

The Wickham family has an "estate" on the island and this place seems huge. But there are stories on this island about a curse and murders. Seems that there is more to Morrigan (the estate) than Isobel realized.

Weird things begin to happen and there is a murder mystery Isobel must figure out. Her step-father, Dick (Richard), is making her life miserable and the only person who believes her is Nate, her step-brother.

There is so much more to this story. You have your classic bitch from school who is out to ruin you, the sexy guy (Nate, woo hoo), a murder mystery, SWOON worthy moments and so much more.

From the beginning I knew I would like this book. There's something to say about a writer who can make you laugh within the first few pages. Isobel is an awesome character. I admire a character who has the kahuna's to face scary situations. Nate, the sexy step-brother, was intriguing. I loved the chemistry between Nate and Isobel.

This is one book that don't think I would have normally picked up to read and I am so glad I did.

Indelible by Lani Woodland

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Pendrell Publishing

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by Pendrell Publishing

Absolutely Amazing!! If you loved Intrinsical (The Yara Silva Trilogy,#1) you will LOVE Indelible (The Yara Silva Trilogy, #2). Ms. Woodland has hit a grand slam with Indelible. I will try to make this review as spoiler-free as possible. It will be difficult due to the fact that it was so good, I could just ramble on and on about it. So, here I go...

Yara has spent her summer with Vovo in Brazil. It takes practice to develope the skills and insticts needed to know how best to help a spirit cross over. Three months of Waker training, Yara was ready to be back in the arms of her boyfriend, Brent (who by the way, is outstanding in Indelible). Here is a simple quote to wet your taste buds..."His velvet lips found mine again. He was the oxygen I had been deprived of all summer and I willingly kissed him back."

Back at Pendrell Academy, all seniors attend a recruiting dinner in hopes of being awarded an internship position. From this point forward the story takes off without haste. There are new characters, new ghosts (scary, angry ones at that), new plot with intricate twists and skillful details, lots of action, suspense and plenty of romantic moments.

It is amazing to watch the development of Yara's character grow and ascend into this strong woman. Not only do we see her grow, but the relationship with Brent was deeper and more developed. I loved the fact that there are so many more "memorable" moments throughout Indelible. I am serious when I tell you I have 6 pages of notes written because I surely did NOT want to miss anything or forget pieces of this AMAZING story.

Vovo was a backbone in guiding Yara through her trials and tribulations. Facing her biggest fears, Yara figures out what her true calling is. From beginning to end,I assure you, this story will leave you in awe.

All notes aside, After reading Indelible, Lani Woodland has reserved her spot on my "Most Favorite" Author list. I admire a writer who can handle intense intricate plots and make it come out smooth and desired.

A well deserved Five-Star rating!!