Books

received some books via mail and bookstore, just wanted to share: First the ARCs Lady MacBeth's Daughter, Lisa Klein Pastworld, Ian Beck The Waking: Dreams of the Dead From Bookstore: Blood Promise, Richelle Mead Scarlet, Jordan Summers

Picture Book Thursday

Every Thursday I'm going to focus on a special picture book that has meant something to me or my children. I think it's a fun way to introduce people to books that aren't necessarily just for the preschoolers. The first book I chose is one that is near and dear to my heart. It's not a well known book outside of New England, but it's a beautiful Caldecott Winner and the history of it is just so special. "Make Way for Ducklings" Robert McCloskey This book tells the story or two ducks, Mr. & Mrs Mallard, who are looking for a place to live to lay their eggs. They fly across Cambridge, MA and land in the Public Garden in Boston, MA and find the best island in the pond to call home. But soon Mrs. Mallard is nearly struck down by a youngster on a bicycle and she decides that maybe it's not the best place to call home. The pencil drawings of Boston in the 1940's captures a time, long gone. But when I read it again and again, I see the Boston that I remember and it still looks the same some 60 years later. McCloskey lived in the New England area until his death in 2003. He's also known for "Blueberries for Sal" which takes place in Maine. "Make way for Ducklings" is such a beloved story here in Boston and right in the Public Gardens are statues of the ducklings, Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack and Quack. Should anyone come to Boston, the Swan Boats are a must, and having your picture taken with all the ducklings. This truly is a brilliant masterpiece and endures 68 years later.

Waiting on Wednesday (13)

The Van Alen Legacy, Melissa De La Cruz From Goodreads: With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged. Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series. I love this series and with the disappointment of the third book, I'm really hoping that things really start moving along with this book. What will happen with Schuyler and Oliver, or Mimi and Jack... I just love the mythos of this story. Angels, vampires and everyone else!

Becky's Boyfriend picked number 275.

So if you're number 275, you're the winner! ( I already know who the winner is!) You just won a three pack of books! Congratulations and let the squeeing commence! 1. Donnas 2. A flight of minds 3. Donnas 4. A flight of minds 5. Kira R 6. The Book Pixie 7. Eleni 8. The Book Pixie 9. Ashley 10. marniecollette 11. Froggy 12. marniecollette 13. purplg8r 14. Kira R 15. The Book Pixie 16. I heart book Gossip 17. Austenfan 18. The Book Pixie 19. Clenna 20. Reverie 21. Paradox 22. Reader Rabbit 23. wrighty 24. Ju 25. Bianca 26. Donnas 27. Ju 28. The Book Pixie 29. SabH 30. Laura 31. marniecollette 32. The Book Pixie 33. wrighty 34. Liyana 35. Laura 36. marniecollette 37. Reverie 38. Paradox 39. Lizzy 40. Eleni 41. Eleni 42. Reggie Writes 43. Llehn 44. Froggy 45. debs desk 46. Brooke 47. Erica 48. Amy 49. what a girl reads 50. I heart book Gossip 51. Julie 52. Donnas 53. what a girl reads 54. marniecollette 55. wrighty 56. Donnas 57. Austenfan 58. Megan 59. Austenfan 60. Whatbrireads 61. SabH 62. Paradox 63. marniecollette 64. The Book Explorer 65. WordVore Prod 66. Erica 67. Lizzy 68. Austenfan 69. Liyana 70. Brooke 71. Reverie 72. I heart book Gossip 73. Julie 74. Amy 75. Whatbrireads 76. Reverie 77. verzaura 78. marniecollette 79. SabH 80. Brooke 81. Froggy 82. etirv 83. Froggy 84. Laura 85. purplg8r 86. verzaura 87. I heart book Gossip 88. Bianca 89. Donnas 90. Reader Rabbit 91. I heart book Gossip 92. The Book Pixie 93. Whatbrireads 94. marniecollette 95. Laura 96. I heart book Gossip 97. I heart book Gossip 98. Julie 99. Liyana 100. Tina 101. Amy 102. Austenfan 103. Amy 104. Donnas 105. Dani 106. Jessica Kennedy 107. Austenfan 108. Austenfan 109. Megan 110. Lizzy 111. Karolina 112. juju 113. Reggie Writes 114. Reverie 115. Amy 116. Brianna 117. Amy 118. Kira R 119. Amy 120. Lizzy 121. WordVore Prod 122. Austenfan 123. Erica 124. I heart book Gossip 125. Froggy 126. Kristen 127. Whatbrireads 128. Dani 129. Tarie 130. marniecollette 131. Kate 132. Mel 133. purplg8r 134. Liyana 135. Laura 136. purplg8r 137. Reader Rabbit 138. The Book Pixie 139. Paige 140. Brooke 141. Froggy 142. I heart book Gossip 143. Liyana 144. Kristen 145. Brianna 146. Dani 147. etirv 148. verzaura 149. I heart book Gossip 150. A flight of minds 151. Yan 152. Froggy 153. I heart book Gossip 154. The Book Pixie 155. Reader Rabbit 156. Kristen 157. Amy 158. The Book Pixie 159. etirv 160. Reggie Writes 161. Ashley 162. SabH 163. brandileigh2004 164. purplg8r 165. Lizzy 166. Jessica Kennedy 167. I heart book Gossip 168. Froggy 169. Froggy 170. Dani 171. Ju 172. wrighty 173. Jessica 174. Eleni 175. Letter Garden 176. Froggy 177. wrighty 178. Laura 179. WordVore Prod 180. Erica 181. Eleni 182. Paradox 183. Austenfan 184. Jessica 185. Lauren 186. Donnas 187. Ashley 188. Brianna 189. Brianna 190. Tina 191. Austenfan 192. Brooke 193. Amy 194. The Book Pixie 195. Amy 196. Dani 197. Froggy 198. The Book Explorer 199. purplg8r 200. I heart book Gossip 201. Jessica Kennedy 202. Lizzy 203. Brianna 204. SabH 205. wrighty 206. Dani 207. Bananastamper 208. Wanda 209. The Book Explorer 210. Amy 211. Austenfan 212. A flight of minds 213. wrighty 214. I heart book Gossip 215. Amy 216. Donnas 217. WordVore Prod 218. marniecollette 219. The Book Pixie 220. Reader Rabbit 221. Laura 222. juju 223. marniecollette 224. wrighty 225. Froggy 226. Reverie 227. Amy 228. Kate 229. Brooke 230. marniecollette 231. Dani 232. Dani 233. The Book Explorer 234. Ashley 235. Donnas 236. Yan 237. wrighty 238. Lizzy 239. Dani 240. Dani 241. Sue 242. Paige 243. A flight of minds 244. Reverie 245. The Book Pixie 246. Reader Rabbit 247. Bianca 248. Jessica Kennedy 249. Brooke 250. juju 251. The Book Explorer 252. Ashley 253. Reverie 254. Liyana 255. SabH 256. Jessica Kennedy 257. Paradox 258. wrighty 259. Donnas 260. wrighty 261. purplg8r 262. wrighty 263. Laura 264. Tarie 265. Shawna 266. Austenfan 267. Letter Garden 268. Whatbrireads 269. purplg8r 270. Lauren 271. Ashley 272. Paige 273. Erica 274. Paradox 275. Dani 276. The Book Explorer 277. Reverie 278. marjorie 279. Kate 280. wrighty 281. brandileigh2003 282. marniecollette 283. Erica 284. Lauren 285. Eleni 286. Donnas 287. Letter Garden 288. Reverie 289. Mel 290. Kate 291. Froggy 292. Tina 293. what a girl reads 294. Austenfan 295. Whatbrireads 296. Jessica 297. A flight of minds 298. Amy 299. Kate 300. Austenfan 301. wrighty 302. Lizzy 303. Donnas 304. Lizzy 305. Tarie 306. Letter Garden 307. purplg8r 308. WordVore Prod 309. Kate 310. Letter Garden 311. Donnas 312. Froggy 313. Letter Garden 314. Yan 315. marniecollette 316. The Book Pixie 317. Ana R 318. Jessica Kennedy 319. Lizzy 320. WordVore Prod Timestamp: 2009-08-24 18:38:51 U

Currently reading

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. Has anyone else read this one? Did the Aussie influence in the language make it a more difficult read? I'm enjoying it, but the tone of the MC is weird. Maybe it's just me. Oh, and I bought another book today, The Chosen One. I've heard good things from people who got ARCs. Almost bought Coffeehouse Angel, but will pick that up next. I'm on the hunt for an early copy (at the bookstore) of Blood Promise! I want this book so badly and I've heard that Books-a-Million are selling it already! We don't have a BAM! up here in MA! (ARGH, GRUMBLE!) Oh, I did receive from Bancroft Press, Thanksgiving at the Inn. Which looks like a lovely holiday read. What are you guys reading? Should I buy it? Does it have a hot male character? :)

Contest is open to ALL ASIAN COUNTRIES!!!

What I'll do is buy the book in person, then mail it, if an Asian Country wins! How does that sound?

My contest isn't going so well...

And I thought that by giving away a copy of "Blood Promise" would really ignite the masses. I'm at a loss as to why more people aren't commenting. Is there something else you'd like to see on my blog? I'm trying to get some author interviews underway, but I really suck at them. Would a guest blog by an author be something you'd be interested in? Any help would be greatly appreciated. PS: OPEN TO ALL ASIAN COUNTRIES!!!!!

I forgot two books on the Recommendation list

And these are two books that are completely amazing: Watership Down, Richard Adams The Book Thief, Marcus Zusak I can't believe I forgot these two! Also don't forget the awesome giveaway here.

I will order a copy of Blood Promise (and other goodies!)

To the winner of this contest. But in order for that to happen, you must promote my blog and that I've been blogging every day in august. This is what you need to do: +1: for commenting +2: for following/being a follower +3: for creating a post on your blog commenting me with link +3: for adding sidebar (again leave link) +5: for recommending people to leave a message including that you sent them here This book is released on August 25, 2009, so this contest will end on August 22, at 11pm (EDT) and I will pre-order the book and have it shipped to your house. To spice this up, the winner will also receive a copies of: Ruined: A Novel And After, Amy Efaw PS: Amazon will not send to any Asian Countries, I tried to have a book sent to Vietnam, with no luck. This contest will be US/CA/Europe only.

Boy Toy, Barry Lyga

Summary: Five years ago Josh’s life changed. Drastically. And everyone in his school, his town—seems like the world—thinks they understand. But they don’t—they can’t. And now, about to graduate from high school, Josh is still trying to sort through the pieces. First there’s Rachel, the girl he thought he’d lost years ago. She’s back, and she’s determined to be part of his life, whether he wants her there or not. Then there are college decisions to make, and the toughest baseball game of his life coming up, and a coach who won't stop pushing Josh all the way to the brink. And then there’s Eve. Her return brings with it all the memories of Josh’s past. It’s time for Josh to face the truth about what happened. If only he knew what the truth was . . . My Review: Barry Lyga holds no bars when he wrote this book. He writes about a taboo subject that will cause any parent to cringe when they read it. But you know what? It's a story that needed to be written! THIS is the type of book that authors should strive to write. Snappy dialogue, witty retorts and language that will rock your socks. Josh is now 18 and five years ago, something happened that he cannot forget. Plus when the whole town knows what happens it becomes quite difficult. So Josh gets lost in baseball. Baseball is his life and he knows he's good. The coach knows he's good, the school, the town. But is baseball all there is for Josh? Now there is Rachel who liked Josh five years ago, but when something happened, he stayed away and kept staying away until he bumps into her at her place of work. Rachel just happens to be the best softball player on the high school team, and she wants to know why Josh avoids her like the plague. By telling this story in snappy flashbacks, you get the whole of the story, but yet, also wonder if what Josh is remembering is exactly what happens. What we learn from Josh is traumatic, and dramatic, yet Rachel is there for him. All Josh has to do is open his heart to her. This hard hitting novel gets 5 bookmarks because it engaged me so much. I loved the storyline, I'm glad that Lyga wasn't afraid to go where he did with the story. I'm especially pleased that it wasn't toned down for any reason either. The way Lyga weaves a story is incredible. Lyga has become a favorite author and I really do rank him up there with Nick Hornby who really takes no crap when it comes to his writing.

You like contests

Well go here to win the below items! PLEASE DO NOT POST HERE, GO TO HER WEBSITE AND TELL HER I SENT YOU! I've decided I need to free up a little space in the house for all the September book releases. Have you noticed that there are a ton of new books coming out in September? OH MY!!! So in tradition of that I'm hosting a new contest. Theres still time to Enter My Other One HERE!!!! There will be numerous ways to get extra entries! So I've went through all my books that I know everyone is pining for and decided to give everyone else a chance to read them!!!! I've got all my reviews scheduled to post, so time to part with some of these amazing books! Here Are The Rules. You must leave some way to contact you to be entered. No way to email you, I will draw another name. +1 for Leaving A Comment +3 for becoming a follower or already being a follower +5 For Promoting this contest on your blog, sidebars do not count, must be a entry +1 For Promoting This contest on your sidebar +1 Telling me the name of the person who referred you and the person who does the referring also gets an extra point (just include in your comment) +6 Including your Link to Your Latest Waiting On Wednesday Post in My Linky (we all like looking at them, LOL) (since this is two weeks long, if you come back and include it again next week, You will get 6 more entries.) The Winner Will Get All These Books. 1. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick ARC 2. Along For The Ride by Sarah Dessen ARC 3. Kiss of Life by Daniel Waters ARC 4. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater ARC 5. Troy High by Shana Norris ARC 6. Love You Hate You Miss You by Elizabeth Scott ARC 7. Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn ARC 8. Lovestruck Summer by Melissa Walker 9. Death by Series by Linda Gerber (3 books total) 10. a 5 dollar giftcard from Walmart (you can buy yourself half of a book with it, lol) 11. 3 Sarah Dessen books ( Just Listen, This Lullaby, Someone Like You) 12. Suite Scarlett by Maureen Johnson 13. Fire By Kristin Cashmore ARC 14. Last but not least, I have some extra amazon cards, so I will also include a preorder for CATCHING FIRE BY SUZANNE COLLINS. It will be shipped to on or around Sept 1st (whenever they ship it) AND a book of your choice (under $15.00 please and it can be a preorder as long as it comes out in September-so many good books get released) IF I can get up to 150 followers I will also include a choice of two of these books (ARCS) to a second person! If I get more, I'll add in another contest! Did You Enter Colleen's Contest Yet???? Enter Here!!!! Have you entered to win Healing Wars yet? Enter Here I'm adding another way to get points and Another Chance To Win. With all these wonderful people entering, I want more than one person to win! I'm now past the 150 followers!!!! So with that, here's another way for entries! If you can answer 5/8 of these and tell me the titles of these awesome books I will give you 5 extra entries for the main contest PLUS they will be entered in this contest for 1 of these books. IF I get more than 200 followers (not likely probably) I'll give you 3 of them (your choices)! Do not POST your answers here! Email them to me at cutelittlecindy8 at gmail dot com! When you do, make sure you tell me who you are so I know where to enter your extra entries! You guys are sooooo amazing! I am now at 205 followers! wow! I told you I'd have a few more giveaways so I will. One more winner will win one of these books IF I can get up to 225 followers! If I can get up to 275 I'll give another one away! This giveaway I get to pick out the book for you so I can have some fun on my end! If you have already read it, I'll pick another! Sorry the picture is a little blurry, these books have somewhat of a glare off them! And One Winner Will Win This: This awesome box! Doesn't everyone want a box? Isn't a box the greatest thing in the world? You can even pretend your a ninja and jump out of a box! LOL just kidding! Inside it will be a few books: a few of them will be books left over from my other contest (go enter if you haven't yet) AND a few other ARCS that I thought were wonderful AND a few surprise gifts! Only Open To US and Canada Residents. Sorry. Anywhere else would be a killer to ship all these! Contest Ends August 24th!

Paperback Swap and Walmart!

Weird titles, eh? Well they'll mean something in a minute. I received a cool book from PBS: The Rules of Survival, Nancy Werlin. I've been waiting over a year for this book on PBS and it finally came thru my wishlist. I went to Wal*Mart yesterday and found: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Stieg Larsson. Originally I wanted the trade paperback (the bigger one) but ended up buying the mass market paperback for $5.97. It was a deal. When I'll be able to read them? who knows. I'm busy with school work right now. Also, I'm going to keep the Shiver contest open until 6PM tonight. This is absolutely the final deadline. Number 45 wins. Only a couple more slots, but you may never know who you are until you post and approve it! So get to it! MAKE SURE YOU POST UNDER THE CONTEST POST. POSTING HERE WILL NOT ENTER YOU!!!!

Less than FOUR HOURS LEFT

for this contest and in order for someone to win this, there has to a 45th person. I need more than 20 people to still enter this contest or else this book goes back on my bookshelf beside the OTHER finished copy of Shiver... Such a waste... So get to it people! Spread the love and tell them to enter!

Random Contest

C'mon people, I know that you're visiting my blog, I just want you to stop by and say hello! So in order for that to happen to be entered in this random contest, all you have to do is leave a message saying hi Laura or hello Laura, or great blog, Laura. That's it. and I'm moderating comments because if you are number 45 (and please ONLY POST ONCE!) you win a copy of Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver. A beautiful finished copy of it! So that's all you gotta do! So make sure you leave a comment, this contest will run from 6am today to 12am tomorrow morning! If I don't get the 45 Comments, then the book will go back on my bookshelf. This contest will be open internationally. PS: I am moderating the comments so they are not showing up. I want to make this a fair contest! So far 15 people have commented!

Book Recommendations

I was going to group them into categories, but then realized that would just take forever. So in no particular order... Elsewhere, Gabrielle Zevin, A Certain Slant of Light, Laura Whitcomb Vampire Academy, Richelle Mead Frostbite, Richelle Mead Shadow Kiss, Richelle Mead Graceling, Kristin Cashore The Luxe, Anna Godberson Rumors, Anna Godberson Envy, Anna Godberson Halfway to the Grave, Jeaniene Frost One Foot in the Grave, Jeaniene Frost Before After and Somebody in Between, Jeannine Garsee Say the Word, Jeannine Garsee Anne of Green Gables, LM Montgomery The Secret Garden, Frances Hodgson Burnett Dark Lover, JR Ward Bloodfever, Karen Marie Moning Darkfever, Karen Marie Moning Outlander, Diana Gabaldon Little House on the Prairie, Laura Ingalls Wilder High Fidelity, Nick Hornby About a Boy, Nick Hornby Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen Persuasion, Jane Austen Sense & Sensibility, Jane Austen The Eyre Affair, Jasper Fforde Lost in a Good Book, Jasper Fforde The Well of Lost Plots, Jasper Fforde Something Rotten, Jasper Fforde Bridget Jones's Diary, Helen Fielding Tom Jones, Henry Fielding Howard's End, EM Forster The Long Road Home, EM Forster Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl Matilda, Roald Dahl Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones The Chrestomanci Chronicles Book 1, Diana Wynne Jones The Chrestomanci Chronicles Book 2, Diana Wynne Jones The Giver, Lois Lowery Gathering Blue, Lois Lowery Diary of Anne Frank, Anne Frank Go Ask Alice, Anonymous Flowers in the Attic, VC Andrews Petals on the Wind, VC Andrews If There Be Thorns, VC Andrews Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Bronte Agnes Grey, Anne Bronte Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac, Gabrielle Zevin The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins Twilight, Stephenie Meyer Eclipse, Stephenie Meyer New Moon, Stephenie Meyer The Host, Stephenie Meyer Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, JK Rowling Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, JK Rowling Midnight for Charlie Bone, Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bone and the Time Twister, Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bone the Invisible Boy, Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bone and the Castle of Mirrors, Jenny Nimmo Charlie Bone and the Hidden King, Jenny Nimmo

Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins

I read "The Hunger Games" I believe back in December of last year, so I was a bit confused at the beginning of "Catching Fire". I couldn't remember the 'berry' incident that starts out the book with the President coming to meet with Katniss and pretty much telling her or forcing her to behave during the ceremonies that are coming up. Once I looked back at "The Hunger Games" it came to me and I was able to remember certain things. Suzanne Collins starts the story off with a bang and doesn't let up for over 300 pages! The twists and turns of this book are breathtaking. I literally held my breath during some scenes. I like Katniss. She may not be the type of girl I'm used to, but she's family oriented. Trying to do everything for everyone and for her it sucks to be her. She knows that Gale loves her. She knows that Peeta loves her and she's torn into bits and pieces. When she gets wind of an uprising in the various districts, she realizes that she is the cause of it and even though she's done everything perfectly to the letter, she knows it's unavoidable. Now the president wants all former winners of the Hunger Games back in the arena. To fight to the death yet again. Can Katniss use her love for Peeta again, will she ruin everything with Gale? What about her family? The second chapter in this series in fantastic. And no I'm not saying that because I'm being paid to, I really enjoyed the tension in this book. The writing is solid, the storyline moves at a fast clip that you really have to savor each word because before you know it, the book is over and your left feeling, what now? The world that Collins creates is scary, dystopic and eerily creepy. The supporting casts have emerged in their own right and the book doesn't bogged down with empty characters. You really feel for them. This book will be released on September 1, 2009 and I have a feeling it will fly off the shelves. The book is that good. 4 Bookmarks

Blogging politics and why I stay out of it.

I'm generally very quiet when it comes to the politics and issues that pop up around the blogging community. I prefer to be gloriously ignorant of certain issues, does that make me a terrible blogger for not getting involved or defending a fellow blogger? I don't think so. I think it's just me not getting involved and trying to maintain a blog that I hope people will like. I'm striving hard to do the once-a-week reviews, which I know I have been a lacking. I'm trying to maintain a home life too with a husband, two kids, stepson on weekends, dog and a house. It's a lot of work! Plus I have a part-time job! I want people to know that they can come here and discuss books or whatever else they want to talk about. But what is going on in the blogoverse will generally not be talked about. I know that we are all here because we love to read books, whether it be children's picture books, middle grade books, young adult novels or the occasional adult novel. I will say one thing about something that has popped up on the blogs. We are all entitled to our own opinions regarding reviewing a book. A book that I may hate, you may love. A book that I love, you might hate! That is how life goes. I'm not telling you to read the book or give up on the book, I'm just telling you what I thought of the book. If we all liked the same thing, we'd be a boring bunch of people. If I give two bookmarks to a book, it's because I had an issue with the book or the style of writing. Does that mean the book is bad or good? nope, it's just my opinion. A few months ago I was accused by an author for begging for a book, and then trashing the book. Which I never did. I simply stated that the main character was a bit annoying to me. I gave the book 3 bookmarks and was entirely honest in my review. Use my reviews as a benchmark, not to come out and say "Well I'm not getting that book." because you never know, you may like it. There is one book that I vehemently disliked, but you know what? it was such a bestseller and is now a movie (opening this Friday), that my opinion obviously didn't matter. The book in question is "The Lovely Bones", I viciously hated this book. It just wasn't what I would call a great book. But there are other people who will turn around and call me crazy. Reading is so subjective and objective. Crazy enough I liked Twilight, and many other people will decry that book. It's the way it goes. Even Stephen King gets a bad review once in a while. I hope that people take a look at the world around them and realize that we are all different people and we don't all like the same things.

Becky picked the winner for Boy Toy and it is...

:) Erica Becky LOVES Bearded Dragons and had one named Hercules who died a few months ago. We were sad:(

Can't even do BEDA correctly!

I forgot to post yesterday! and I could temper it by saying I posted twice on Thursday, but that is still not the same thing! I'm going to pick a winner of "Boy Toy" tomorrow. My review of "Catching Fire" will be coming next week. If you're a previous winner, can you just leave a message letting me know that you've received your books here? thanks. To Fire and Catching Fire winners, I haven't sent your books yet. Fire will go out on Monday. Catching Fire will go out as soon as my stepson finishes it. He BEGGED me to read it. Starting tomorrow night I'm giving away a copy of After, by Amy Efaw and Shiver, Maggie Stievfater, both finished copies. I'll let you know what hoops you need to jump to win them. There will be one winner and it will be open internationally as well. Hope everyone is having a lovely Saturday!

Made a bookstore run!

and I purchased a few books: Destined for an Early Grave: Night Huntress Book 4, Jeaniene Frost Faefever: Fever Book 3, Karen Marie Moning Generation Dead, Daniel Waters Skinned, Robin Wasserman I'm really looking forward to reading these four books, and encourage you to visit your local bookstore or library and read these as well.

Why not Excuses?

I could possibly come up with a ton of excuses as to why I want to quit blogging. I'm tired, it's too much work, I'm not doing it correctly. I need more readers, blah blah blah...:) I suck at interviewing. I never know what to ask people that isn't going to make them fall asleep at their computer! If you look back at my interview with Jeannine Garsee, she must've thought I was nuts for the boring questions I asked. And we talk quite regularly! If you could interview an author, dead or alive, what would you ask? and which author would you ask? Perhaps we could take the best questions and use them to ask several authors for an interview that is by the readers? What do you think?

I'm giving away a SIGNED copy of Boy Toy

Comment here if you want a copy. For those who commented in the other post, you're also entered. Like I said, this is a great book.

Waiting on Wednesday (11)

I've been so remiss on this! I just haven't been looking to see what is coming out, however, this is definitely one book that I'm definitely waiting for! From Goodreads: "Much has changed since autumn, when Kelley Winslow learned she was Faerie royalty, fell in love with changeling guard Sonny Flannery, and saved New York City from a rampaging Faerie war band. When a terrifying encounter in Central Park sends Kelley tumbling into the Otherworld, her reunion with Sonny is joyful—but cut short. For they’ve been plunged into a game of Faerie deception and wavering allegiances in which the next move could topple a kingdom...or part them forever. The fans who flocked to Lesley Livingston’s Wondrous Strange will fall hard for Darklight, the soaringly romantic second book in the trilogy. Breathless high stakes and vividly magical characters make this a can’t-miss fantasy for readers of Melissa Marr and Holly Black." Definitely cannot wait for this book!

BEDA 4

Not many people have entered the Boy Toy contest. I should've mentioned that it is a SIGNED copy of the paperback. Barry Lyga signed it himself. AND I saw him on Sunday at the Sarahs' Signing. We got to talk a little bit about the book and of course I gushed how much I loved the book. Whoever wins this book is in for a treat! You can enter here The Sarahs' signing was great! Can you believe they had a whole panel of Sarahs' there? Sarah Beth Durst(Into the Wild and Out of the Wild) (who in fact is from MY neck of the woods!), Sarah Cross (Dull Boy), Sarah MacLean (The Season) from RI, Sarah Rees Brennan (who came all the way from Ireland! and of course the lovely Sarah Ockler (Twenty Boy Summer). They were all so lovely and it was so good to see Sarah O again, sans Lily. It was fun driving down with Gail and meeting up with Sharon again. Of course Mitali was there and I got to meet her friend, Priya. All in all it was a great day.

Prophecy of the Sisters, Michelle Zink

Amelia (Lia) and Alice Milthorpe have become orphans with the death of their father. And so opens the book Prophecy of the Sisters. Soon after the death, Lia notices a mark on her wrist that surprises her and she goes in search to find out what is going on. What she finds is a prophecy that has been in her family and may have been the reason why both her mother and father are now dead. Lia goes searching for answers and discovers that she has an enemy right in her own family. Her identical twin sister, Alice. With wonderful twists and turns and a budding romance, Lia must race against time to find out all the information she needs to stop Alice from wreaking havoc on the world. I read "Prophecy..." back in November of last year, so I've been holding this review close to the chest because I really didn't know how to review it. But let me tell you I savored this book. Michelle Zink weaves a story so finely woven and leaves one begging for the sequel (and I have TWO years to wait!). One would never think that identical twins could be so different, yet so alike in certain ways, but Alice is pure evil. I found myself crediting Michelle for writing such an elaborate tale and wondering where'd she get the nugget from. Because it seems so labyrinthine. Her writing is tight and her story progresses to a watery climax that will have people up in arms and screaming for more. Her labor of love comes out in this book. I am looking forward to more Lia, Sonia and Luisa. Plus, now that Lia embarks on a journey that brings her answers what does it hold for her relationship with her beau, James? All which I hope will be addressed in the second novel. Michelle's debut novel has everything that teenage girls and adults will love: Twins, hatred, murder, love and above all, great friendship. Some may compare it to Libba Bray's "Gemma Doyle" series, and while there are some similarities, this book holds its own. 4 Bookmarks

Heading to NYC today

For a "Sarah" Spectacular at Books of Wonder!. Sarah Ockler, Sarah Cross, Sarah Rees Brennan and perhaps other 'Sarahs' will be there! PS: I'll try to pick up some goodies for everyone! :) Have a great day!

BEDA 1

Well today is my first day of blogging everyday and I thought that I'd first tell you what has been going on in my world here in Massachusetts. First of all, I'm back in school studying to become a teacher and then a children's librarian! My love of books just sort of threw me into this. I'm taking classes through University of Phoenix so it's completely online, and let me tell you, it's not easy at all! In fact, I find myself struggling from time to time! My oldest daughter is heading to college in 28 days! She's been accepted to Bridgewater State College and will live on campus. She'll be about an hour away, but I'm glad that she's moving out. It'll be good for her. I'll miss her, of course, but this means I did my job and she's growing up! My youngest daughter, Lily, is heading to kindergarten next month! I still can't believe she's starting school already. It seems like yesterday she was just born! Time is fleeting when you have children, I'll tell ya! My stepson went to his first concert on Tuesday! he saw AC/DC (He's his father's son!) and he had a great time. I know that you're all reading this because you want to know what book I'm giving away! Well it's Barry Lyga's "Boy Toy"! So why don't we do this--why don't you tell me a little bit about YOU. I'm going to have my eldest daughter pick the winner next Saturday. Please remember that this contest is for US only. I will open it back up to International readers next week.

Winner of Fire is...

Shal smarty91@gmail.com