The Septimus Heap series

This series started out as a quick grab of the first at the library. I had never heard of it, but I read the back and it sounded cute, so I picked it up. Little did I know that I would get hooked and continue to read the other book in this series. They are fun. At first, I was just counting all the ways it was like Harry Potter (and falling short), but then I got over it and ended up really enjoying the books. So, my advice, go into reading them knowing their are similarities with harry Potter and it is not as good, but put it behind you and keep reading!

Magyk- Book 1

This book is about a family (the Heap's) that have lost their seventh son, but that same night adopt a little girl. 10 years later they find out who the little girl is and what really happened to their youngest son. An evil wizard, who everyone thought was dead, has returned and is trying to kill the "Heap" girl and take over the castle. The story is about their discoveries as they are "running" from this man.

Flyte- Book 2

This book is about Septimus (he know is the apprentice of the ExtraOrdinary Wizard) as he tries to save Jenna (the adopted Heap sister) from the apprentice of the evil wizard in the first book. Once again the evil wizard is trying to take over the castle.

Physik- book 3
An old evil queen is "unleashed" from a painting and tries to become queen once again. Septimus is dragged back into time and jenna and some brothers and friends go back to try and save him. 2 are unable to get out of the past, but the others make it out and stop the evil queen (who's time they had gone back to when she was actually the queen and discover her evil secrets).

Queste- book 4

Jenna and Septimus are determined to get the other 2 out of the past and are set back when an old evil ghost is determined to have septimus die through a required quest. Septimus is tricked into it, but tries to ignore it by going with Jenna and others to find the House where all times merge to get the 2 back into the right time.

Ok, I know this isn't the best review and it probably SEEMS dumb, but I couldn't say too much or else I'd give away the books. They really are good.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Wow. I had no idea what this book was about and based on the front cover and what I kind of thought most of Picoult's books were about, I was taken by surprised. It's not some cheesy romance novel.

In the small town of Sterling, New Hampshire, Peter Houghton has been picked on all his life. He just can't fit in. His best friend Josie keeps him grounded until she leaves him for the popular crowd. He commits a violent crime in high school and turns their worlds upside down.

This book made me really think about how I was raising Luke. Am I doing everything right? Will I believe him when he comes home and tells me about his day at school? Will I be perceptive enough to know something is wrong? Even if we think we're doing everything right, what if we're not? I'm so grateful for the Gospel and to know that if you teach your kid righteously, they'll have the resources to turn to later.

Something Blue by Emily Giffin

This is the sequel to Something Borrowed.

So, in the last book, we hear things from Rachel's perspective, but in this book we hear from Darcy, the crazy best friend. Darcy learns that maybe being as shallow as she has been isn't what will bring her happiness. And she's in for a MAJOR life change.

I really enjoyed these books. Easy reads, but not just fluff. I recommend them!