Jeanne Skartsiaris

Thanks to Fresh Fiction for this win.

This was a book within a book. I enjoyed the alternating chapters of Cassie/Caria writing a book that she doesn't want her family who she adores and is overprotective of her two daughters (who are 8 and 15) or anyone to know about it. She works in the ER as a nurse and loves her job and her co-workers who she is friendly with and is worried that since her book is a "bodice ripper" she'll be found out, she will be and the results are hilarious.

The chapter titles are witty also and I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was funny, sad, serious all at the same time.… (plus d'informations)

Asa is a sarcastic, smart and hard working girl who just can't seem to catch a break. Trouble follows her around like a tail, even when she has the best of intentions. She's been arrested for protesting with her hippie, psychic mom, has moved more times than she can count, is hanging on by a thread at both school and whichever job she can keep. Add to that teachers who aren't supportive but condescending, and a police officer with an evil soul stalking her, and you can imagine the helpless frustration she must be feeling. I even let out a groan of frustration myself! Her only friend, Walker, has been supportive, to a point, but has baggage of his own.
Aja's bright spot comes where she least expects it, in a job that connects her with others, and helping out has never cost her so much! Karma's a beast, and when Aja finally sets some good into motion, it starts heading her way again.
Definitely a great story, until nearly the end, that is..I'm all for a happy ending, but this one does a 180 from the tone of the entire first three quarters of the book. Not only does Aja's life turn completely around, everyone she touched has a similar experience. It's as if Miley Cyrus turned into Snow White, it's entirely too abrupt, without a natural change, and it just doesn't fit. I do admire the idea that everyone can change for the better, and even Aja's new idea to bring the two sides of her life together to help each other, but again, it's abrupt and ultimately unrealistic to the story.
With a better ending, this would be 5 stars, I liked it that much. However, it felt as if another author stepped in and wrote the end, and I ended up feeling aggravated and cheated out of Aja's true story.
*I received an arc for an honest review… (plus d'informations)

Snow Globe by Jeanne Skartsiaris is a young adult paranormal novel (sort of) set in Dallas, Texas. Aja (pronounced Asia) Harmon is eighteen years old and finishing up her senior year of high school. Her mother has moved her around every year of her academic career (which has made it rough on Aja). The principal and some of the teachers have made judgements of Aja based on her file, appearance, and her mother’s occupation as a psychic (she is the real deal). Aja decides if they think she is bad she will do something bad. She then steals $40 from Mrs. Dempsey’s purse (the English teacher who dislikes Aja). When the police (Officer Clay) arrive at her house to arrest her, Aja sneaks out (and hurries to work). Aja meets Walker who offers her a lift to her job at Abercrombie and Fitch. Aja gets fired when she confronts a customer who is abusing her daughter (the store sides with the mother). Aja gets a new job at Golden Leaves Retirement Community (she is saving up money to move to California after she graduates) thanks to her new friend Walker. Aja will be a waitress in the resident dining room. The one person that Aja has in her corner (besides her mother) is the school counselor Mrs. Burnett. She believes in Aja and is encouraging her (and helping her).

Aja was not sure she would enjoy working with the elderly, but the residents surprise her (except for one who seems to dislike her). Aja also makes a friend in Walker whose grandparents are residents at Golden Leaves and with Mr. Jenson (who believes Aja looks like his wife). Aja, unfortunately, has caught the attention of (corrupt and lecherous) Officer Clay. When jewelry goes missing at Golden Leaves will Aja be able to prove that she was not the culprit? Aja will have to fight the system and prove to people there is more to her than meets the eye. Aja has special abilities (like her mother) but they scare her. Will Aja ever be able to accept her abilities (and who she is)?

Snow Globe is a good novel, but I found it a little lacking. I wanted more of the paranormal element. The novel teaches a lesson about make snap judgements about people (about perceptions based on appearances). The novel is written well and engaging. There is a lot going on in the book, but I liked how the teenagers interacted with the elderly (and that they learned from each other). I give Snow Globe 4 out of 5 stars. Snow Globe has a lovely ending that wraps up all the storylines. Snow Globe is a young adult novel, but can be read by all adults.

I received a complimentary copy of Snow Globe from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)

The beauty and mystique of Snow Globe's cover grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go so I decided to read it. I wasn't sure if this book was a good fit for me but I was taken by surprise and found I really enjoyed it!

I found Snow Globe to be at times humorous, sad, loving, engaging and the thriller/suspense part had me on "the edge of my seat". All in all, a very good story! Snow Globe also reminded me that it's best "not to judge a book by it's cover" and that people are not always who and what they seem to be.

If you're into reading the author's notes as the end of the book, I highly recommend it. She has an interesting story of how she came up with the ideal of this book!

Thank you to CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform and Netgalley for the opportunity of receiving a free book in exchange for an honest review.… (plus d'informations)