Title: Wrapped
Author: Jennifer Bradbury
Publisher: Atheneum
Published: May 24, 2011
Genre: YA, Hist-Fic
Pages: 256
Source: S&S Galley Grab

This is Agnes Wilkins’ debut season and already she’s attracting the attention of one of England’s most eligible and desirable men: Lord Showalter. He’s been quite forward about his intentions and Agnes finds this at once thrilling and terrifying. He is handsome and wealthy and has this quirky interest in helping England amass the world’s finest collection of Egyptian artifacts. It could be a good match—but everything Agnes knows about courtship and high society romance comes from A. Lady novels, and it seems to be a rule that men who are too good to be true are usually hiding something.

But, what Showalter is hiding is not crumbling finances or boarish behavior. He is deceiving the whole British Empire. He is spy working for Napoleon, his orders smuggled into London in Egyptian artifacts—like the one Agnes pockets while at a mummy unwrapping party at Showalter’s home. Her innocent interest in this trinket (and childish need to keep it) jump starts a chain of events that bring out dangerous characters, dangerous circumstances, and the biggest danger of all—true love.

Agnes is ready to enter society. It's 1815, and it's time for her to enjoy (and entertain) her first season of eligibility, which means she will have every opportunity to find a suitable husband with good intentions, wealth and interests. Lord Showalter is one such man, and he's got his eye on Agnes. When he invites her to a mummy-unrapping party, she accepts, sending her on a whirlwind adventure of lies, deceit and even the fate of England at Napoloeon's hand. Will she be able to stop the thievery and lies while maintaining her good name as a proper lady?

I don't read too much historical fiction. That's not to say I don't love historical fiction, it's just that I don't find too many that really break the mold. Wrapped has a great premise, and it's definitely one that I've never heard before, which intrigued me. Promising a plot full of twists and turns, as well as a lovable heroine, author Jennifer Bradbury has set up an adventure-filled novel that somehow manages to combine history and mummies into a cohesive and fun story.

Wrapped definitely didn't disappoint when it came to the main character. Agnes was seriously witty, and definitely more than what met the eye. She kept me guessing, and her little anecdotes added a touch of lighthearted hilarity to the story. Lord Showalter, though not nearly as deep, was a good character that perfectly Agnes's personality. I will, however, say that if you're looking for complete accuracy in the historical parts of the book, Wrapped won't meet your standards. The time period, though great for the story, wasn't entirely historically accurate. I will also say that, at times, I felt like the Jane Austen references within Wrapped were a bit too cluttered. That said, the tone throughout the book was fun, enjoyable and intriguing, so despite the somewhat obvious villain, the tone won out.

All in all, Wrapped is a fun read. It's not deep, and there was no real message hidden in multiple layers, but the plot was a nice, quick and simple read for me. I give it a strong 3.5 out of 5, and I'd recommend it to all fans of YA, especially those who enjoy lighthearted chick-lit and historical fiction.

I received this eARC free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we can't wait to read. As always, there are some amazing upcoming books, but this week I'm particularly excited for...

Title: Sass & Serendipity
Author: Jennifer Ziegler
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: July 12, 2011
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Pages: 350

Daphne Rivera and her sister Gabby could not be more different.

For fifteen-year-old Daphne, the glass is always half full, a dab of lip-gloss can ward off a bad day, and the boy of her dreams—the one she's read about in all of her beloved romance novels—is waiting for her just around the corner.

But Daphne’s older sister Gabby wishes Daphne would get real. In Gabby’s world, everyone’s out for themselves, wearing makeup is a waste of time, and boys only distract you from studying before they break your heart. The only boy Gabby trusts is her best friend, Mule, who has always been there for her.

Both Gabby and Daphne are still reeling from their parents’ divorce, though in very different ways. While Gabby will never forgive her unreliable father for failing her mother, Daphne idolizes her daddy and is sure that everything would work out fine if her cranky mom would just let him back into their lives.

I want to read Sass & Serendipity for several reasons, the first being the super cute cover because, yes, I am THAT shallow. I'm also on a bit of a contemporary kick right now, and I'm looking for books that are sweet, push the envelope without trying too hard and still have a great theme. And finally, this is meant to be a play on Jane Austen's Sense & Sensibility, which I adore, and as one of three daughters, any books with sisters, trials and tribulations speaks to my soul. What do you think, and what are you waiting on this week?

Ramona Wray is a Romanian-born author now living in Plymouth with her husband and young son. Her third book in English, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale was released on February 1, 2011 and combines a classic fantasy premise with twists of past lives, hexes, and the power to create one's own destiny. 

Self-published in English, which is not her native language, if I might add, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale is thoroughly fun and refreshing. To view my review, click HERE. So, without further ado, onto the interview!

1. Describe Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale in five words or less, please!

Well, that's easy - pink, pink, and pink :) Or - fun, surprising, easy read.

2. Who is (are) your favourite authors, and why?

Ooh, tough question. Jane Austen, because she's so subtle, and funny, and - well - Jane Austen. Annette Curtis Clause, because her novels have amazing depth. Jenny Downham, because Before I Die was like nothing I ever read before. Holly Black, because she is such an innovative writer. Sarah Rees Brennan because she's unique. Cassandra Clare because she writes so elegantly.

3. Do you model your characters' personalities after real-life people?

I'm often inspired by real-life people, but my characters are purely fictional. They live in my head only.

4. Where do you draw your information from?

Different sources. I'm a meticulous observer and I always watch people (though not in a creepy way :). But the way they act, the way they handle emotion, and so on. I was raised by my grandparents so I grew up listening to all kind of myths and legends. After I left Romania, I lived in many different places and everywhere I went I did some degree of research into the local folklore. I carry around a bag of stories that grows a bit heavier every year.

5. What is the first song that comes to mind when you think "Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale"?

Snow Patrol ft. Martha Wainwright "Set The Fire To The Third Bar". To me, that song is perfect to describe the relationship between my main characters. A duet, but one in which, each voice carries quite distinctly on its own.

6. If your readers could come away from your book with one message, what would you hope that message to be?

That even the most peculiar of us can be happy.

7. Is there anything else you'd like to tell your readers?

Thank you so much for buying my book and for sending me your thoughts on it. Most of all, thank you for reading it.


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And now, onto the giveaway! Ramona has generously offered TWO copies of her novel, Hex, A Witch and Angel Tale to my readers. To enter, please follow the link below to fill out the form. The Rules: This giveaway is US ONLY, and the giveaway ends at precisely at midnight EST on February 27th. You do NOT have to be a follower to enter, but it's greatly appreciated! I will notify winners by email the following day.

To enter, click HERE