Discern (Katon University #1) by Andrea Pearson (Review)

Nicole Williams is an Arete—a fourth child with magical abilities—yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t Channel her power. In fact, she seems to be the only student at Katon University who fails at magic.

That doesn’t stop magic from finding her. It starts with possessed books and cursed spiders before moving quickly to freaky shadows and magical currents. Nicole turns to her best friend for help, along with fellow student Austin Young, who is considered by all a magical rarity. He also happens to be the hottest guy on campus and just might be interested in her.

Nicole soon finds herself competing to be included on a university-led expedition to Arches National Park. She is determined to show everyone, but mostly herself, that she does belong. Yet, to qualify for the trip, she must produce at least a speck of Wind magic, and that appears to be impossible.

As the competition progresses, Nicole wonders if she’s making the right choice—especially when she learns that the strange fossils they’ll be studying in Arches might not be as dead as everyone thinks.

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Saving Grace (Hearthfire #1) by Michele Paige Holmes (Review)

From Whitney Award Winning Author, Michele Paige Holmes, comes SAVING GRACE, a regency romance from the Hearthfire Romance series:

After the death of her grandfather, the Duke of Salisbury, Grace Thatcher wants nothing more than to live quietly in the country with her younger siblings. Her father’s debts thwart those plans, and to protect her sister, Helen, Grace must marry a man of her father’s choosing.

As each suitor proves less than desirable, Grace comes up with clever schemes, causing each to reject her. While staying at the mysterious Sutherland Hall, a middle-of-the-night mishap sends Grace into the arms of a stranger, Nicholas Sutherland—and provides inspiration for her grandest plan yet—one that will leave her reputation in tatters yet free both her and Helen from all possibility of marriage.

Too late Grace regrets her rash actions when her father’s last choice, Mr. Samuel Preston, proves to be a gentleman and a friend. But Samuel is the sworn enemy of Nicholas Sutherland, the man responsible for her “ruin.” Now instead of being free, Grace is caught between two men—each with his own agenda.

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Winter 2014-2015 COYER Reading Challenge

I'm signing up for the Winter 2014-2015 COYER Reading Challenge, hosted by Berls @ Fantasy is More Fun and Michelle @ Because Reading. The challenge runs from December 20th, 2014 to March 6th, 2015. Signups are open through January 25th, 2015.

The Rules

• Read Your E-Reads! Every book you read must be in an electronic format – meaning E-Book or Audiobook. It’s okay to start a book before December 20th, but for it to count you must finish & review it during COYER.                                                    
• The books must be FREE or NEARLY FREE! This includes library books, review books, tour books, NetGalley, Edelweiss, etc. What’s nearly free? Since it was brought to our attention that books cost different depending on your market, here’s the maximum price in the main markets. Also, since audiobooks are considerably expensive generally, we’re looking at the average price for an audiobook purchased with an Audible Credit. (In U.S. currency, the maximum for ebooks is $2.99 and audiobook is $16.00).                                                                                                       
• Review & Link Reviews! Your review may be on your blog, Goodreads, Shelfari, Booklikes, etc. Link the review to the Review Linky (we will share this December 20th). We will randomly pick TWO review links to win a $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. All links must be entered by March 6, 2015 at 11:59 PM EST.

MY GOALS

• Read 30 books
• Participate in at least 3 of the read-a-thons

If you'd like to join this reading challenge, go HERE.

The Big Book of American Trivia by Stephen J. Lang (Review)

Its an extravaganza of the trivia kind! Impress your friends (or stump them) with knowledge about all things American-geography, history, entertainment, people, culture, and quirky miscellany. More than 3,000 questions will fill up countless hours of fun as you learn fascinating facts about our country. The Big Book of American Trivia is perfect for party games, family gatherings, and vacations. A collection sure to please all the trivia fanatics you know!

{sample questions}

Q. What is the only state that borders only one state?
A. See page 15

Q. What city is only 90 miles from Havana, Cuba?
A. See page 313

Q. What famous patriotic song was written on the back of an envelope during the bombing of a fort?
A. See page 85

Q. What twentieth-century president was the first to be born in a hospital?
A. See page 299

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