Set in Stone by Beth Balmanno

Set in Stone by Beth Balmanno

Fifteen year-old Valerie is used to losing things–she lost her dad to his job ages ago and her best friend moved with no warning...and hasn't been heard from since. During a weekend camping trip with her emotionally distant parents, she stumbles upon a hidden, mysterious stone and she finds herself desperate to keep it, to possess it. Two strange and beautiful boys have other plans, however. They follow her home–Leo, warm and seductive, who covets the stone and will stop at nothing to get it; and Noel, dark-haired and wise, who pledges to protect her and keep her safe.

As she delves deeper into the magic of the stone and the Celtic lore that surrounds it, Valerie realizes that she's losing. Again. But this      loss might involve more than a magical stone – 
this time, she just might lose her heart.

Set in Stone is available for purchase on AMAZON! 

Please check out  Beth Balmanno's Site! 

WHAT I THOUGHT: 

Whew! This book sent me through a heap of emotions and I just couldn't stop reading.
I found the premise so fresh and new. The story line was unpredictable for me which I loved! There were no moments when I thought to my self, "...and now this happens." The story kept moving at a great pace with just the right amount of development throughout.
I was immediately pulled into the mythology involved with this story. It is so well integrated with real life.
Set in Stone follows Valerie a 15 year old who has yet to come into her own. She has a faltering relationship with her mom and her dad is consumed with business. The story opens with a family camping trip that Val is none too excited to be apart of. Little does she know it is this trip that will change her life.
Her character is so real and I related with so much of what she was feeling and experiencing at that age. Her first love and loss. Every time she smiled in the book I smiled right along with her.
It was hard for me to remember that this book was aimed for a younger age (I am in my mid 20's) Set in Stone could be enjoyable for any age not just young adults.
It was so nice to see Val gain her strength at the end of the book. I really felt like I had journeyed with her.
Oh! And I loved the characters of Noel and Leo as well. I would be interested to know how Balmanno came up with their concept! It was great that despite the fact they are Gods, they can also be realized as human as well.
This book was just so great! I can not wait to read the sequel!!


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After Midnight Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Well I can't sleep... to the kitchen I go!! I am making the trip to visit my grandma tomorrow and thought it would be nice for her to have some homemade treats! My friend, Astrid (author of The Mosswoods) sent me this recipe she tried out the other day. They are great! I really do prefer chocolate chips in oatmeal cookies rather than raisins, but you can do either! ENJOY ^^

HERE'S WHAT YOU DO:
Yield = 3 dozen

3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature (I used salted)

1 cup (210 grams) packed light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup (105 grams) all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 cups (260 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats (I used only 21/2)

1 cup dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins or 1 cup white or dark chocolate chips

1. In large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and smooth (about 2 - 3 minutes). 

2. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat to combine. 

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat until incorporated. 

4. Stir in the oats, and chocolate chips (or addition of your choice).

5. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. (about a tbsp full)

6. Then wet your hand and flatten the cookies slightly with your fingers so they are about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. 

7. Bake the cookies for about 12 - 15 minutes or until light golden brown around the edges but still soft and a little wet in the centers.

8. Remove from oven and let the cookies cool a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool.

** I also added 1/4 tsp nutmeg to the mix for a little added flavor **