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Monday, October 29, 2012

"11th Hour"

*First, I want to send out positive thoughts and prayers for safety to those within Hurricane Sandy's way. Be prepared and stay safe!*

11th Hour by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro, AF, 2012, Playaway digital audio book, 7hrs, rating=3
Source:  library

Your best friend
Lindsay Boxer is pregnant at last! But her work doesn't slow for a second. When millionaire Chaz Smith is mercilessly gunned down, she discovers that the murder weapon is linked to the deaths of four of San Francisco's most untouchable criminals. And it was taken from her own department's evidence locker. Anyone could be the killer--even her closest friends.
Or a vicious killer?
Lindsay is called next to the most bizarre crime scene she's ever seen: two bodiless heads elaborately displayed in the garden of a world-famous actor. Another head is unearthed in the garden, and Lindsay realizes that the ground could hide hundreds of victims.
You won't know until the 11th hour
A reporter launches a series of vicious articles about the cases and Lindsay's personal life is laid bare. But this time she has no one to turn to--especially not Joe. 11TH HOUR is the most shocking, most emotional, and most thrilling Women's Murder Club novel ever. (Goodreads)

The Foursome are back and lots of drama happening but only two crime mysteries to solve.  The drama:  Lindsay is pregnant and hormonal, Yuki is sleeping with Jackson, Cindy is engaged to Rich, and Claire has her hands full trying to find out more about the skulls.  Then the crimes:  (1) Two heads appear at a renowned actor's home; and (2) A man nicknamed "Revenge" is killing drug dealers.  Sounds like ingredients for an interesting mystery read, right?  Indeed it was ..well, in my case, an interesting audio read. 

On the softer side of this novel, immediately I thought Lindsay overreacted to the alleged affair her husband was supposedly having with an old flame then I remembered that when I was pregnant with my second son I had a moment when I convinced myself that my husband was cheating on me.  Of course it was all in my head and attest to how hormones can play in a person's mind.  Granted Lindsay took it over-the-top here but I suppose her fictional pregnancy fart must have affected all logic!  Anyway, I like the continued female bonding among the foursome and overall flow their lives play along the mystery part of the book.  Thus, all together this book was a good blend of drama and thriller.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

"Headache"

Headache by Crystal Marcos, YR, 2012, Kindle ebook edition, rating=3
Source: purchased for free

The magical adventure continues in the spine-tingling fantasy-adventure, HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE! Crystal Marcos delivers another whimsically entertaining escapade for ages seven and up. Readers will delight in more sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, non-stop action adventures of Peter and his best friend, Lina.
When Peter Fisher sets out for school one morning, he has no idea that trouble is stirring in his hometown. With the unexpected arrival of his new Candonite friends from Maple Town, Peter and Lina have extra help saving their beloved town and loved ones from the clutches of the one villain they had hoped they would never see again. Humorous and thought provoking, this unforgettably entertaining story teaches a valuable lesson about standing up and facing one’s fears. (Goodreads)

This was a cute, adventurous children story.  Although I haven't read the first book to this sequel, it provided a glimpse to the generality of what went on.  Which was, Peter and Lina were transported to a fantasy candy land called, Maple Town, where they meet and befriend Candonite characters.  They had an adventurous experience there.  They later return back home.  Unbeknownst to Peter and Lina, a couple of their Candonite friends, Joe and Angela, got transported too including the evil Goaltan and his minions, the Peblars.  So this is where this book comes in ..Joe and Angela searches for Peter in hopes that he can help them get back home to Maple Town.  Then come to find out that the gang (Peter, Lina, Joe, and Angela) will have to work together again to fight Goaltan (and the Peblars).  This time around, Peter and Lina's families get involve and we (the readers) find out a secret!  The story continues with the journey they all had in the battle and adventure to saving earth and such.

I think young kids will enjoy this series.  They'll find fun characters and exciting adventure.  Also will learn the value of friendship, family history, and courage. 

Oh, Lina and family are Filipino so there's a few Filipino terms.  Cool!  *I suspect the author and/or someone in her family is Filipino???

Monday, October 22, 2012

"Madeline"

by Ludwig Bemelmans, YR, 1967, c1939, 48p, rating=4
Source: library

Madeline is one of the best-loved characters in children's literature. Set in picturesque Paris, this tale of a brave little girl's trip to the hospital was a Caldecott Honor Book in 1940 and has as much appeal today as it did then. The combination of a spirited heroine, timelessly appealing art, cheerful humor, and rhythmic text makes Madeline a perennial favorite with children of all ages. (Goodreads)

I recognize this famous name and I do not doubt that the story, whether through book or TV show. have come across my way.  But I do not remember such a specific event (you may recall, I have a memory of a thousand elephants) so I wanted to read it and experience this well loved classic picture book. 

Certainly Madeline, the character, had spunk.  A lovable Anne of Green Gable spirited quality that is likable.  Madeline stood out among the twelve children and put fun into a rigid routine.  She initiated the spirit of being a lovely, carefree child which later the rest wanted to emulate. 

This is a wonderful and simple rhyming book for young children.  The illustrations were a great compliment as well.  The setting, a treat.  Overall, a read that was whimsical and invited this reader to see Madeline's sweet outlook.  It gave me a bit of a homesick feeling for similar innocent times in my girlhood. 

Simply a charming book.  The children exemplified what being a child at heart means. 

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Book Loot Giddy

Yikes, it's been 3 weeks since my last BLG!  Lots of giddiness went on too!! 


Woohoo, I got a book in the mail!  The author signed it and wrote a sweet note for my daughter too!!  Thank you so much Ms. Trudi Trueit.

Won:
Stealing Popular




Kindle freebie:
Afraid



Fallen Autumn



HEADACHE: The Hair-Raising Sequel to BELLYACHE (BELLYACHE, #2)

Silver (The Silver #1)



True of Blood (Witch Fairy #1)



Under a Prairie Moon



Witch Eyes (Witch Eyes, #1)



For Review:
All I Want



Finding the Baby Jesus



Once Upon a Baby: A Tale of Adoption



Reaping Me Softly



Free Download from Internet:
The Last Ringbearer



Purchased (getting ready for Christmas!):

I bought these in one sitting!  Talk about book loot giddy!!

Top 3 books in stack + plant book were actually gifts from my
local library during Family Library Day

Friday, October 19, 2012

Grimm Diaries Prequels by Cameron Jace

 
Snow White Blood Red; Ashes to Ashes Cinder to Cinder (didn't read this one); Beauty Never Dies; Ladle Rat Rotten Hut; Mary Mary Quite Contrary: by Cameron Jace, YA, 2012, Kindle ebook editions, rating=4
Source: purchased individually for free

What if all you knew about fairy tales was wrong?

Book description of Snow White Blood Red: A Grimm Diaries Prequel as told by the Snow White Queen:

I have always wondered why you never asked about my name. Was I so superficial to you? So stereotypical and mundane? Why did you treat me as if I were just the monster of the week? You know what I think? You never had the time to really hate me. You wanted to hate me, long before you even met me. You wanted to scrape my existence and avenge your childhood princess by laying all blame on me. What if they didn’t call me the Evil Queen, what if I told you the real story from my point of view instead of hers, would you ever think of me as an angel? Could I ever make you care? I know that deep inside of you, you adore me,but you’re just scared, afraid to admit how much you love the Snow White Queen.

This Grimm Diaries Prequels are a number of short books in the form of epistolary diary entries. The diaries are more of teasers for the upcoming series: The Grimm Diaries, allowing you to get a glimpse of what to expect of the series.

*Reviewing the prequels as a whole instead of individually*
 
I lucked out and discovered these prequels during the one-prequel-a-day freebie promotion (bummer, I missed the second book, I must have been having sex that day).  What gems!  They were strange yet fantastic twists to classic fairy tales.  They were quick and enjoyable reads.  The storytelling was imaginative with a touch of humor.  I truly got a kick out of the takes and I think those who especially like fairy tale re-tellings will do too.  Furthermore, these prequels did their job, now I'm pumped for Grimm Diaries!

This author is a gem as well.  Apparently, the initial publication had many writing errors.  He took these critiques (some quite harsh) and made the necessary changes.  What a trooper.  Certainly a sign of a great author in my book.  Well done, Mr. Jace! 


Monday, October 15, 2012

Here Comes the Boom!

This is my kind of movie!  I needed some cheering up and for the hour and forty-five minutes that this was on, I was definitely cheered.  I laughed, cried, and was inspired.  I came out of this motion picture, happy.  It was laugh out loud funny and heartwarming.  The ultimate recipe for a winning film!  Thanks Honey for a great movie choice for our date night.

The cast was incredible.  They all were a perfect fit.  Every role was important to the story and I couldn't help but fall in love with them all!  They all contributed to conveying the message of conquering fears, dreams, goals, and much more.  I love, love, love this movie! See it and you'll understand. 

Here Comes the Boom had a lot of heart and you know I love hearts!  I give it 5 stars ..a must see! Now, this needs to be written into a book and I'm on it like white on rice!  :)


“Without music life would be a mistake”

In the comedy Here Comes the Boom, former collegiate wrestler Scott Voss (Kevin James) is a 42-year-old apathetic biology teacher in a failing high school. When cutbacks threaten to cancel the music program and lay off its teacher (Henry Winkler,) Scott begins to raise money by moonlighting as a mixed martial arts fighter. Everyone thinks Scott is crazy – most of all the school nurse, Bella (Salma Hayek) – but in his quest, Scott gains something he never expected as he becomes a sensation that rallies the entire school.

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Cover Reveal: The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington

I'm a couple of weeks late but here it is!! It comes out first day of 2013.  Hoping to get my hands on it ..maybe win an ARC copy from the author's contest HERE (hurry it ends today)?  ;)

I absolutely loved Ms Harrington's book, Clarity, so I'm eager to read another of her books.  Clarity's sequel Perception is on my wish list and now so is this one! 

Inviting cover, huh?  Sure makes me want to find out what got her to that point!


Jade loves the house she's just moved into with her family. She doesn't even mind being the new girl at the high school: It's a fresh start, and there's that one guy with the dreamy blue eyes. . . . But then things begin happening. Strange, otherworldly things. Jade's little brother claims to see a glimmering girl in his room. Jade's jewelry gets moved around, as if by an invisible hand. Kids at school whisper behind her back like they know something she doesn't.

Soon, Jade must face an impossible fact: that her perfect house is haunted. Haunted by a ghost who's seeking not just vengeance, but the truth. The ghost of a girl who ruled Jade's school -- until her untimely death last year. It's up to Jade to put the pieces together before her own life is at stake. As Jade investigates the mystery, she discovers that her new friends in town have more than a few deep, dark secrets. But is one of them a murderer?

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Freebie Alert: Afraid by J.A. Konrath and Jack Kilborn

Here's one that seems like a perfect read for Halloween.  ~Horror's not my cup of tea but it might be yours.

I'll give it a shot.  If it gets too scary I'll just close the book ..or in this case, tap the home icon. ;)

Kindle ebook edition 
Get it for free HERE

SSMG Winner!



Congratulations Rhonda D.!  You are my Sharing Some Mail Giddiness winner.  You have won a copy of Justice at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels.  You have 72hrs to reply to the email I sent you.

Until the next time!  Take care.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Author Interview and Giveaway: Justice at Cardwell Ranch by B.J. Daniels

I am happy and honored to welcome author, B.J. Daniels, to my blog today.  I thank her for taking time out from her busy schedule to answer some questions.  It certainly was a pleasure getting to know more about her through this interview.  Now, enjoy getting to know her and Jusctice at Cardwell Ranch as well!


B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn't writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis. (Goodreads)

Read my review HERE

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch…and trouble isn't too far behind.As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be. (Goodreads)



What was the best and hardest part about writing JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH?

Not letting my readers down. They had loved Crime Scene at Cardwell Ranch. Now it is six years later. I wanted my readers to love Justice just as much.

What did you learn from writing JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH?

That people can change – but often don’t. I found it interesting to see if bad-boy Jordan Cardwell and his back-stabbing sister Stacy had changed – and how much. And if so, what had brought about that change. Their brother Clay had always been a fence-rider and never as mean as the other two when it came to the ranch. Jordan had needed the money from the ranch desperately to keep his super-model wife. Stacy needed the money as well but for other reasons.

So what happened when they didn’t get it? I had to find out.

Also I wanted Jordan to come back for his 20-year high school reunion. So it got me wondering about his classmates. We all knew mean girls and the popular snobby kids. So I learned a lot about the Cardwell family by going back to see what had shaped their lives.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

I love mystery and suspense and romance. I was so excited that I could mix all three in a book. That’s how I began writing for Harlequin Intrigue. It was perfect for me.

What do you do for fun?

I spend time out in our boat either fishing, swimming, waterskiing or just plain daydreaming. I also quilt, snowboard, camp and play tennis.

What is your pet peeve?

Gee, I have to think. Not much really upsets me. I guess it would be people who are
inconsiderate to others. Where I live, everyone holds the door for you. Recently I was in a larger town and a man slammed the door in my face. I just figure his mother never taught him manners.

How did you come up with the names of your characters?

Now this is tough. When you’ve written as many books as I have, it is hard to come up with names. When I hear a name I haven’t used that I like, I instantly write it down!

Who do you see playing your main characters in a movie?
Sam Elliot and Ali McGraw when they were younger.

(Author did not provide images.  I'm a visual person so I had to Google. 
Oh Sam, I see why Ms Daniels picked you!  Hot!!)


What advice would you give a new writer?

Read! And write. It surprises me how many aspiring writers don’t write. Write what you would love to read and once you publish, write a lot of books and never stop learning.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Coke Zero

If you were stranded in an island, which book would you want there?

Oh man. I would have to pick my first single title that comes out in December: UNFORGIVEN

If there is something you could change about JUSTICE AT CARDWELL RANCH, what would it be?

I can’t think of anything. I even love the title. I have since moved on to my next Cardwell Ranch book, CARDWELL RANCH TRESPASSER (April). I can’t seem to leave the ranch.

GIVEAWAY TIME (US address only, >12yo)
 

I enjoyed Justice at Cardwell Ranch and wanted to give you the opportunity to read it so I'm parting with my paperback ARC copy and offer a chance for one of my readers to win it.  All you have to do is leave a comment about your thoughts regarding the interview/book.  Be sure that you provide an email address if there is no link to your profile.  For extra entry, you are welcome to share this post and if you do so, just leave a separate comment for each share and the link to where you shared it (FB, Twitter, etc).  Contest ends 10/12/12, 9pm PST.  Need not be a follower to enter but certainly appreciated.  ~Good luck!

Monday, October 8, 2012

"Justice at Cardwell Ranch"

by B.J. Daniels, AF, 2012, 224p, rating=4
Source:  provided by author for review
Purchase and read excerpt HERE

Six years ago, Dana Cardwell found her mother's will in a cookbook and became sole owner of the Cardwell Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Now happily married, Dana is surprised when her siblings, Stacy and Jordan, show up on the ranch…and trouble isn't too far behind.As danger draws closer to the ranch, deputy marshal Liza Turner quickly realizes that Jordan Cardwell isn't the man the town made him out to be. (Goodreads)

What a fun read!  Right from the prologue I was hooked and the read thereafter just flowed.  I quickly got engulfed in the storyline because there was richness in all the characters.  Not only do we see the growth and what transpired to the Cardwell siblings six years after the split but we also see the range of maturation of the side characters from high school years to twenty years later.  Add a mysterious secret that results in a death to the mix and you've got yourself a recipe for a suspenseful, back stabbing who-dun-it.  Didn't hurt too that there was romance in the air.  The kind of romance that soothes the heart instead of the loins.  But above all, I like the principles that this story shouted to me ...believe in family, have loyalty, honor your marriage, work hard, love gently, integrity matters, care for people, friends are great, and so on.  Beautiful!  Well done Ms. Daniels.  Thanks for the wonderful reading experience.

I was transported to the Cardwells' Montana and I liked it!  I'm going back again because I will read more of Ms Daniel's books.  And if the rest is like this book, then I've found myself a go to author for comfort reads.  Yay!

WINNER of Banned Books Week Hop


Rafflecopter has spoken. Congratulations Nikki M.! You are my Banned Books Week Hop giveaway winner. You have won a choice of a banned/challenged book. You have 72hrs to reply to the email I sent you.

Thank you to those who entered and for the follows. I truly appreciate the support. 

Didn't win?  Stay tune ..Gratitude and Christmas Hops coming up ...and I think I'll do a surprise giveaway as well. :D

Until the next time, take good care and be happy!!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Guest Post: Cover Reveal & Giveaway of The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan

I've read the four short stories that this novel originated from and enjoyed the read!  I'm happy to see that Ms Morgan decided to combine the novelettes and turn it into a novel.  Oh, in this format, you're in for an awesome reading experience!

Okay, now for the cover reveal and giveaway information by author, Rachel Morgan:


Title: The Faerie Guardian
Author: Rachel Morgan
Release Date: 5 Nov 2012
Add to Goodreads




Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamour follows her into the fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.

The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out of it alive.

[This novel was originally published in four separate parts: Guardian, Labyrinth, Traitor and Masquerade. It includes bonus scenes at the end.]

Giveaway Time!


The bonus scenes at the end of the book are NOT written from the main character's point of view. If you'd like to win a $10 Amazon gift card, all you have to do is guess whose point of view these scenes are written from! Head on over to the cover reveal post at Rachel Morgan Writes and fill in the Rafflecopter form. There's a list of characters there that you can choose from. Good luck!


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Guest Review: Scary School by Derek the Ghost


Please welcome my 9 year old son, David, who  read this book and agreed to review the book through a Q&A.  I think he did a marvelous job so don't be surprise if you see him here again.  In fact I think I'll have him run the reviews of Young Reader books here from now on because he's sharp and a natural!  ~By the way, isn't he such a handsome young lad?  I sure think so!!  Love you eternally, Son!  Thanks for the review!  Mwuah!!  ~Be sure to leave David a comment to tell him what you thought about his review.  :)

Scary School by Derek the Ghost aka Derek Taylor Kent, Scott M. Fischer -Illustrator, YR, 2011, 237p, rating=5
Source: library

You think your school's scary?
Get a load of these teachers:
"Ms. Fang," an 850-year-old vampire
"Dr. Dragonbreath," who just might eat you before recess
"Mr. Snakeskin"--science class is so much more fun when it's taught by someone who's half zombie
"Mrs. T"--break the rules and spend your detention with a hungry "Tyrannosaurus rex"
Plus
Gargoyles, goblins, and Frankenstein's monster on the loose
The world's most frighteningly delicious school lunch
And
The narrator's an eleven-year-old ghost
Join Charles "New Kid" Nukid as he makes some very Scary friends--including Petunia, Johnny, and Peter the Wolf--and figures out that Scary School can be just as funny as it is spooky. (Goodreads)

What would you rate this book? (1-don't bother; 2-satisfactory; 3-overall good; 4-highly recommend; 5-a must read)
5, a must read!

What do you like and not like about the book?
I liked that the author used very descriptive words so I can really see the pictures in my head.  The thing I didn't like about it was absolutely nothing!

What's your favorite part?
When Frank N. Stein showed up, that was very surprising.  I was thinking Frankenstein would come.

Who was your favorite character and why?
I liked Jason because he had a crush on Ms. Fang, that was funny!

Describe the feelings you felt while reading the book.
I felt like I was really in Scary School.

Would you read another book from this author?
Yes, because I really liked this book so why wouldn't I like another book?

What's your overall impression of the book?
I loved the book and I would love to read Scary School 2.

If you could change something about the book, what would it be?
Hmmm, well actually nothing at all!

What would you like the author to know?
I love the book and thank you for such an awesome book!

Side note:  This was a spur of the moment adventure.  I asked questions from the top of my head and David was very excited to answer them.  He truly enjoyed this opportunity to voice his thoughts about this book.  He wanted to stay up to see this post go live but of course I had much to do to set this up and it would be well pass his bedtime by the time I finish it (because I'm slow like that!).

Oh, I did read this book as well and wasn't as enthusiastic about the read as David but I'm long past childhood so my sense of fascination isn't in tune with a young reader's mind.  I personally would rate this book a 3.5.  That said, since this book is geared to young readers, David's review is more apropos.

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