The Ghost Next Door (Classic Goosebumps #29 or #10) by R.L. Stine

The Ghost Next Door (Classic Goosebumps #29 or #10) by R.L. Stine-124 pages

I wanted to read a Goosebumps book for the last one for this month's challenge. I hadn't read this one before and it has a surprising twist in the middle. Hannah Fairchild is a 12-year-old girl living in a quiet neighborhood in a small town. When a boy and his mom move in next door, Hannah begins to suspect that they are ghosts, but all is not as it seems. This is where the plot twist comes in, but I won't spoil it. I actually enjoyed reading this book, to my surprise. I will probably read more Goosebumps in the future, since I didn't really read them much as a kid.

Fire by Kristin Cashore

Fire by Kristin Cashore
 416 pages
 I like the book, but I don't like the audio book. I figured I'd give it a try since the book is good and maybe be able to get past the fact that I don't like having books read to me. Other than that it is a wonderful book and I recommend the whole series.

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart-240 pages

I was sparked to read this book because it was a choice for the Teen Librarianship class I took last summer in the last semester of my Master's coursework. I chose to read something else then. It was an interesting read and I did not expect the ending at all, although after finishing it I realized that some of the clues were there. I liked the "fairy tales" that Cadence (the protagonist) told in the story and it was interesting how the family always tried to act "normal" no matter the circumstances. Overall, it was a pretty good, although sad, read.

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas -- 464 pages

Iolanthe Seabourne didn't realize that calling forth a bolt of lightning would mark her as the greatest elemental mage of her time and set the Atlantians on her trail. Suddenly she finds that her life and destiny have been planned, not only by a prophecy, but by a Prince, who has been waiting his whole life for a mage--but not a girl. He is not only unprepared, but determined to have his plans realized, and that includes Iolanthe confronting and defeating the greatest mage ever known. 

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas - 376 pages

Amelia Hathaway has a hard time keeping her family in line.  Her older brother is determined to kill himself through drinking, drugs and fighting.  One younger sister is frail after scarlet fever.  Another younger sister has the bad habit of stealing small items when she is nervous or upset.  Thankfully, her brother just inherited a title and estate in the country.  Amelia takes her family there in hopes that things will be better.  Unfortunately, it seems things are only getting worse.  Then she meets gypsy Cam Rohan who promises to makes things better if only she'll marry him.
This is the first book in the Hathaway family series by Lisa Kleypas.  While I didn't enjoy it as much as the other book I read, I still found it enjoyable to read. 

Burning Brightly by Mercedes Lackey

Burning Brightly by Mercedes Lackey - 406 pages

Lavan Chitwood is at loose ends when his family moves to the capital city of Haven.  His family enrolls him in a local school for the children of merchants hoping that he will find a career that interests him.  Unfortunately, what he finds is a school run by the oldest students who terrorize through the torturing of the younger students.  One day the torturers push Lavan too far and he unknowingly calls upon his gift of fire-starting, killing several of the other boys.  While recuperating he is Chosen to be a Herald by the one Companion who is able to control his gift - a gift that will soon be needed as the country is being pulled into war.
This is the one Valdemar book that I had not read even though it came out several years ago.  I'm not sure why I never picked it up before.  I enjoy all the Valdemar books and this one was no exception.  I already knew the book would not have a happy ending as the main character is reference several times in other books in the series.  It was unusual to read a book with such a sad ending.