Waiting on Wednesday is brought to you by Jill @ Breaking the Spine. It highlights the book we are most anticipating. I haven't done one of these in forever, but based on my poll, lots of my readers like it so I figured I'd give another crack at it. I originally stopped because I didn't think anyone read them but apparently I was wrong! This week's pick is: Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves
Publication Date: January 4, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
Happiness is a bloody knife.
Kit and Fancy Cordelle are sisters of the best kind: best friends, best confidantes, and best accomplices. The daughters of the infamous Bonesaw Killer, Kit and Fancy are used to feeling like outsiders, and that’s just the way they like it. But in Portero, where the weird and wild run rampant, the Cordelle sisters are hardly the oddest or most dangerous creatures around.
It’s no surprise when Kit and Fancy start to give in to their deepest desire—the desire to kill. What starts as a fascination with slicing open and stitching up quickly spirals into a gratifying murder spree. Of course, the sisters aren’t killing just anyone, only the people who truly deserve it. But the girls have learned from the mistakes of their father, and know that a shred of evidence could get them caught. So when Fancy stumbles upon a mysterious and invisible doorway to another world, she opens a door to endless possibilities....
I love this cover, and I was completely smitten by Dia's Bleeding Violet so I'm anxious to see what her very creative mind has cooked up this time.
Publication Date: May 25, 2010
Source: Purchased by Me
Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen, dead, and in charge of Heaven's dark angels—all itching to kill someone.
Madison Avery's dreams of ever fitting in at her new school died when she did. Especially since she was able to maintain the illusion of a body, deal with a pesky guardian angel, and oh yeah, bring the reaper who killed her to his untimely end. Not exactly in-crowd material. It's amazing that her crush, Josh, doesn't think she's totally nuts.
Now Madison has learned that she's the dark timekeeper, in charge of angels who follow the murky guidelines of fate. Never one to abide by the rules, she decides it's time for a major change to the system. With the help of some unlikely allies, Madison forms a rogue group of reapers who definitely don't adhere to the rules of Heaven.
But as she grapples with the terrifying new skills that come with being a timekeeper, Madison realizes she may not be prepared for what lies ahead—unless she gets some seriously divine intervention.
My Two Cents:
I'd rather not beat around the bush with this one. It was such a thin book but it took me FOREVER to finish. I found myself struggling to pay attention and forcing myself to continue on. In the first book in this series Once Dead Twice Shy I was completely enthralled the whole time. Not only was there a full plot, but there were also sub plots that kept the story going. I honesty can not say the same thing for this one. Even the main character Madison, was watered down this time around. She wasn't as funny and charismatic as she was in the first one.
I was pretty disappointed. The whole gist of it was that Madison was trying to prove that there's no such thing as fate. She figured that even though someone could be on the wrong path, if they knew that they could possibly die from it, they might change their attitude. The whole book was spent trying to convince the seraphs of this. I wish there were more examples of her trying this theory out. As far as the romance aspect, it was pretty much nonexistent. Madison and her crush Josh had something special in Book One but it was ice cold this round. We hardly heard anything from him at all. He may have had one line in the whole book if that. Was it badly written? Nope. It just needed more going on to keep us readers interested. It made the whole fate argument seem so drawn out being that that was all it was about.
In My Mailbox highlights all the good stuff we've received over this past week and is hosted by Kristi The Story Siren. This has been a very busy week for me since I've been spending all of my time getting things prepared for my trip to Miami next week woohoo! But that doesn't mean I didn't get some good stuff!
~Tyger Tyger by Kirsten hamilton
~Ghostgirl Lovesick by Tonya Hurley
~Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
~Demonglass by Rachel Hawkins
~Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda
~The Thirteenth Chime by Emma Michaels
~Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
~Past Midnight by Mara Purnhagen
~Love Drugged by James Klise
~Awakened by Ednah Walters
~Wayfarer by R.J. Anderson
~The Poison Diaries by Maryrose Wood
Needless to say, my new bookshelf is already filled! So I guess it's back to stacking them on top of each other. Please look out for my new page "Books for Trade" tonight. I'm literally covered in books. Anywho, tell me what you got this week :)
I have finally hit 500 followers!!! I really can't believe it myself. I'm like the little Blog that Could lol. I first started this blog in November 2009 just to keep track of my reviews. I never actually thought anyone would read it. I've gotten so much advice and encouragement from other bloggers that I am forever grateful. Thank you so much to those followers that stuck with me when my computer completely shut down and I had to blog from work. I know who you are and I hope you've seen a growth in my reviews and the blog itself. I must admit that everyday blogging has become a learning process for me. I'm glad to have found a whole other side to just reading books. Once in a bookstore, someone actually recognized me from my blog. I never thought that would happen and I'm still shocked. Anywho thank you all for visiting my blog, commenting on it, and just having me in you google reader. Now on to the goodies!!! To enter you must be either a new or old follower since this contest is celebrating my followers.
Party Girl! by Sabrina James
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
From the author of SPRING FLING and BE MINE comes another romantic comedy sure to be on everyone's wish list!
When Brittany Pratt, former queen bee of North Ridge High, moves back to town after spending two years in London, the whole school is abuzz. But no one is more excited -- and maybe a little anxious -- than Brittany's former bff, and current North Ridge queen, Gretchen Brannigan. Gretchen is planning her dream sixteenth birthday party, and sharing it with Brittany is sure to be a blast ... right? Or will her perfectly Sweet Sixteen go sour?
Subway Girl by P.J. Converse
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
From the moment he sees Amy on a Hong Kong subway, Simon wants to talk to her. But when he finally works up the courage, he finds out he can’t. Because Amy doesn’t speak Chinese, and Simon is failing English. But despite their language barrier, Amy and Simon connect, and they discover they understand each other.
In this stunning first novel about class differences, cultural arrogance, unwanted pregnancy and abortion, sexual double standards, and love and friendship, two vulnerable teens carve out a relationship even though each seems way beyond the reach of the other.
The Romeo and Juliet Code by Phoebe Stone
Publication Date: January 1, 2011
Summary from Goodreads:
Phoebe Stone, author of the sleeper hit DEEP DOWN POPULAR, is back with a middle-grade code-breaking mystery full of romance and excitement. Think CHASING VERMEER meets THE SECRET GARDEN! Felicity's glamorous parents have a secret. When they leave her with distant relatives in Maine, Felicity hopes they won't leave her long. Her new Uncle Gideon hides things. Her Aunt Miami is star-crossed. And Derek, a kid her age, refuses to leave his room. But Felicity needs Derek's help. Gideon is getting coded letters from Felicity's parents, and she's sure they're in trouble. Can Felicity crack the code, heal the family and save her parents, all while surviving her first crush? It's a tall order, but - like THE SECRET GARDEN'S Mary Lennox before her - Felicity's up for the challenge.
This Contest will be ending October 10, 2010 11:59 PM EST
YES you can pick all three books if you want! But you can only win one. This Contest is open Internationally because I love my international followers as well!
Please note that these are not Pre-orders, I actually have them to give away (I was just too lazy to take pictures). Good Luck!!!
Sixteen-Year-Old Jace Witherspoon arrives at the doorstep of his estranged brother Christian with a re-landscaped face (courtesy of his father’s fist), $3.84, and a secret.
He tries to move on, going for new friends, a new school, and a new job, but all his changes can’t make him forget what he left behind—his mother, who is still trapped with his dad, and his ex-girlfriend, who is keeping his secret.
At least so far.
Worst of all, Jace realizes that if he really wants to move forward, he may first have to do what scares him most: He may have to go back.
My Two Cents:
The best word to describe this novel is unforgiving. It takes a knife and slices you where your heart is and doesn't even apologize for it. This is one of the most emotional, and raw novels I've read in a long time.
Main character Jace is definitely one of a kind. He's a collector of Queen pieces from Chess boards but he doesn't play Chess. He's blunt and has a hard time keeping his mouth shut but I love him for it. Because of his past he's not very good at letting people in. He's one of those guys that can come off as an asshole but he really has good intentions. I get him!
Jace has grown up seeing his father hit his mom and then the abuse began to include his older brother Christian. Christian moves out and Jace is left to fill his spot. One night it gets really bad and Jace leaves with hardly any money and his brother's address in hand.
Flashbacks of the way things were before he left give the reader piece by piece of the whole picture. These boys went through so much physically and mentally. Their story happens everyday. This is the story of what happens AFTER the abuse and the affects it has. Jace tries to make a new life for himself in Albuquerque with his brother. But everyone knows that the past has a way of catching up with us.
Listening to this book literally made me laugh out loud at how sarcastically funny Jace was. Though sometimes it made my heart ache. Living in an abusive home can be the hardest thing to go through and getting out can be even harder. If you or someone you know is in an abusive home and wants to get out this site can help you.
In My Mailbox highlights all the good stuff we've gotten in the mail lately and it's hosted by Kristi The Story Siren. This week I've decided to do a vlog!!!
Books Mentioned
~Hot Girl by Dream Jordan
~Life, After by Sarah Darer Littman
~My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent
~Branded Fall of Angels by Keary Taylor
~John Belushi is Dead by Kathy Charles
~Annexed by Sharon Dogar
~A Matter of Magic by Patricia Wrede
~Wildthorn by Jane Eagland
~Subway Girl by L.J. Converse
Also, check out the new Question of the Week and let me know what you think!
Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Jennifer @ Crazy For Books. This is a great way to discover new blogs and connect with more people. If you'd like to participate, visit Crazy For Books where she explains how it works.
This Week's Question/Topic: In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, let's take time this week to honor our favorite book bloggers and why we love them!
Wow what a tough question! I have a number of bogs that I have on "speed dial" but I don't have all night so here goes:
Ari from Reading in Color because she's so awesome really. Her blog emphasizes on books by or about people of color. It's so different and informative I couldn't help but love it. I'm fairly new to blogging still and she was nice enough to even speak to me and give me recommendations. She has truly inspired me to make more of an effort to find those hard to reach poc books and bring them to the light.
Eleni from La Femme Readers because when you read her blog, you can tell that she's spent a lot of her time into it. Here Tantalizing Future Reads feature is epic. She's such a sweetheart and I was happy to meet her briefly in person at BEA. Plus, she's a fellow New Yorker DUH!
Princess Bookie because she's pretty much the person who encouraged me to begin blogging. We met from another book swapping site and the rest was history. She explained to me how much I was missing out on and pretty much gave me advice and answered all of my silly questions.
And there it is. I wish you ladies continued success in blogging and everything else!
A little while ago I asked to do a review for a CSN Stores product. After weeks of deliberating I finally chose a bookshelf of course. What made me choose something so silly?? Ummmm let's see....my two current bookshelves had books literally hanging off the shelves!! I began to run out of room to stuff them. So yes this was an emergency. I ordered the ORE Furniture 4 Level Bookshelf
It took about a week to get here weighing in at about 32 lbs. Here's what it looked like when it came:
We took everything out of the box and James decided to make a nice little...I don't even know what to call this but here it is:
All of the pieces were there. I love this nice light brown color. It took James about a half hour to put it together and after I looked at the directions I felt confident that even I could have put it together. But of course I didn't lol. Though the directions were so simple and easy to follow. 30 minutes later and wahla!!
Isn't it nice?? I've decided that this shelf will be for books to review and ARC's that haven't been released yet. I also love how it's wide enough to double up on each shelf. So here's a funny tidbit. I'm in the middle of removing my "stuffed in" books from the old shelf and two whole shelves fall on top of me! Apparently the books that were stuffed in we're holding them up! Sheesh...if anyone was wondering I am fine lol.
My only complaint with this shelf and why I have to take a Butterfly away is that it was a little damaged. I'm not sure if it was a packaging issue or if it was shipped like that.
Other than that I love it! It's so sturdy. How do I know? Because I tried rocking it back and forth and couldn't move it. It doesn't seem like it'll be falling on me anytime soon.Special thanks to CSN for inviting me to participate. If you get the chance do check out some of the things they have on their site. You could literally spend hours there because they really sell EVERYTHING.
In My Mailbox describes all the goodies (books) we've received this week and is hosted by Kristi The Story Siren. Some books are actually missing from this picture because they will be featured in my next big giveaway woohoo!
~Fabulous by Simone Bryant
~Close to Famous by Joan Bauer (1/11)
~Red Moon Rising by Peter Moore (11/10)
~Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
~Echoes by Melinda Metz
~Color Me Butterfly by L.Y. Marlow
What did you guys get??
In other news....
If you'll take a look to the right corner of my blog you'll see the Question of the Week. I'll be posting a new poll there every week for my followers because i want to know more about YOU. Sometimes the question will help me change something on the blog and other times I'll just be being nosy. I'd love to know more about the people that read my blog. You guys always get to see me pour my heart out and you get to be all secretive. No more! Seems fair right??
Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Jennifer @ Crazy For Books. This is a great way to discover new blogs and connect with more people. If you'd like to participate, visit Crazy For Books where she explains how it works.
This Week's Question/Topic:
Post a link to a favorite post or book review that you have written in the past three months.
I'd have to say a post I enjoyed writing a lot was when I decided to participate in a bookish mad lib feature about myself. It was a good way to show everyone the girl behind the blog. I try to put as much as myself as I can in my reviews but this was a bit more personal. I hope you like it!
Today we are joined by Anastasia Hopcus, author of Shadow Hills. Yes there's a lot more to her than her fiery red hair that we all love!!
Anastasia Hopcus wrote her first book in the 2nd grade. It was entitled Frederick the Friendly French Ferret and was seven pages long. During high school she wrote numerous short stories and started (but never finished) three screenplays, all as an alternative to doing actual school work. At the very wise age of twelve her career ambition was to drive a Mack truck, but when that didn't pan out, she tried acting, bartending, and being a receptionist in a dojo before finally returning to writing. Anastasia loves horror movies, Joss Whedon, obsessing over music, and British accents. She lives in Austin, Texas and Shadow Hills is her debut novel. You can visit Anastasia at her website www.anastasiahopcus.com.
GOM: What made you pick "Persephone" as the main character's name?
AH: I really like unique names, and Persephone's great because it also ties in well with some of the Greek mythology that's in Shadow Hills.
GOM: The characters in Shadow Hills were all so different and easy to relate to. Did you gain inspiration for any of the characters from someone in your personal life?
AH: My characters aren't exactly like a particular person, but often times they have some of the same attributes as one of my friends or even me. Toy's array of vinyl records, graphic novels, and Frank Kozik toys are reminiscent of my boyfriend Brent's collections, and she loves horror movies like I do. My musical tastes, however are probably most similar to Zach and Phe's.
GOM: Shadow Hills had so many different paranormal elements, how much research did you do to pull it off?
AH: I did a ton of research for Shadow Hills.
In researching the genetic elements, I looked at various scientific studies and read articles about neuroplasticity.
For the stuff on epidemics, I read many articles and also watched a PBS video on the Bubonic Plague. I went to Massachusetts and took pictures at cemeteries, boarding schools and small town squares, so that I could accurately describe Shadow Hills and Devenish Prep.
And of course I did some reading on Greek mythology, Hekate, and ancient Greek religion and magic.
I really enjoy research, and sometimes it even helps generate new ideas so it's also a valuable tool in dealing with writer's block.
GOM: What makes Shadow Hills different from all the many paranormal novels out there?
AH: One of the things that I think sets Shadow Hills apart from a lot of the other paranormal novels is that it doesn't involve vampires, werewolves, or zombies. Because, as much as I enjoy those books, I really wanted Phe's experience to be unique and intriguing for the reader.
GOM: What would you say is your perfect writing setting?
AH: I love music and typically I have it on all the time, but I like peace and quiet to write.
GOM: What song would set the mood for someone preparing to read Shadow Hills?
AH: Wonderlust King by Gogol Bordello--it's the first song that Phe and Zach bond over, and I think it captures their spirit.
GOM: What YA novel is on your night able as we speak?
AH: I haven't started it yet, but I'm really looking forward to reading Sleepless by Cyn Balog. It sounds like a unique and fascinating new concept.
GOM: What would you say was the sexiest scene in Shadow Hills?
AH: The one where Zach comes to Phe's window one night--if you've read the book, I think you'll know what I'm talking about; it's near the very end.(YES I do know and it gets pretty steamy!)
GOM: After years of trying out many different career paths, what made you return to writing?
AH: I get to use my imagination; it allows me to have a flexible work schedule; and it gives me more creative control than any other artistic medium except perhaps for painting, which I'm not any good at.
GOM: Can we look forward to a sequel?
AH: I have lots of ideas for future books about Phe and zach and the people of Shadow Hills, but there aren't any official plans for a sequel yet.
Shadow Hills Trailer
If you somehow missed it, here's my glowing review of Shadow Hills.
To stalk Anastasia such as I do, check her out at these spots:
Thanks so much to Anastasia Hopcus for hanging out with us. Be sure to check out her website for the rest of the stops on her blog tour. To order your copy of Shadow Hills click Here.
I found this cute meme at Reading In Color. Feel free to join in! All you have to do is copy the questions and your answers must be books you read this year.
In school I was: A Match Made in High School {High School is when I met my boyfriend James and we've been together ever since :) }
People might be surprised I'm: Chasing Brooklyn {I am originally from there but moved when I was 18. Brooklyn will always be my true home}
I will never be: Fairy Tale {I'm a realist in most situations and see them for what they are.}
At the end of a long day I need: Whisper {In other words, Peace and Quiet!! lol}
I hate it when: Leaving Gee's Bend {People leave and don't say goodbye. I'm so huge on those.}
Wish I had:Sisters Red {I look at the relationship between these sisters in the book, and I wish I had a better one with my own two sisters but the age gaps are pretty large 32,23,and 12 but I try.}
My family reunions are:The Best and Hardest Thing {The best because I love my family but hard because they're so blunt. }
At a party you'd find me with: Dead Until Dark {At parties is when I really come alive and enjoy myself. I dance all night until the lights come on in the clubs lol}
I've never been to: Shadow Hills {A small town. I love them in books but I'm not a fan of them in real life. They creep me out!}
A happy day includes: Elsewhere {Living in NY is cool but I LOVE vacations even better when they're out of the country. I recently came back from Mexico and didn't want to leave!}
Motto I live by: A Little Princess {All women should live life as if they're princesses. If your boyfriend/husband doesn't treat you like one, move on!}
On my bucket list: Forgive My Fins {Sure I'd love to be a mermaid...but I'd love to learn how to swim first lol}
In my next life I want to be:A Spy in the House {I'm probably the nosiest person you'll ever meet which can be good and bad sometimes!}
This was so fun! I hope you learned something about me you actually like hahaha. If you try it leave me the link so I can check it out.
Publication Date: March 9, 2010
Source: From Publisher
POC #3
Summary From Goodreads:
Rescued from the gallows in 1850s London, young orphan (and thief) Mary Quinn is surprised to be offered a singular education, instruction in fine manners — and an unusual vocation. Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls is a cover for an all-female investigative unit called The Agency, and at seventeen, Mary is about to put her training to the test. Assuming the guise of a lady’s companion, she must infiltrate a rich merchant’s home in hopes of tracing his missing cargo ships. But the household is full of dangerous deceptions, and there is no one to trust — or is there? Packed with action and suspense, banter and romance, and evoking the gritty backstreets of Victorian London, this breezy mystery debuts a daring young detective who lives by her wits while uncovering secrets — including those of her own past.
My Two Cents:
Mmmmm what can I say about Ms. Mary? She's fierce, determined, charismatic, witty and not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is.....my Shero lol. Growing up as an orphan she was a complete ball of destruction. She stole whatever she could to get by but eventually she was caught. Just when she thought all hope was gone she was recruited to attend an all girls school where things aren't as they seem. It turns out that they want her to become one of their spies for their agency.
So many characters but for the first time I find them all relevant to this mystery. Mary is told to only listen and observe. However, when have well behaved women ever changed the world?? She does some pretty questionable things to get down to the truth. She ends up finding out more secrets than she bargained for....even about herself.
Moving in with the Thorolds to investigate what shady dealings Mr. Thorold might be into proves to be a challenging task. It shows her that just because a family has a lot of money doesn't mean they don't have issues.
After getting more acquainted in the wardrobe, second main character James Easton and Mary carry on a very strange relationship. I'd call it romantic in its own way. They have such a love/hate relationship. They argue about everything but the arguing distinctly sounds like flirting to me!
Another plus for me was that it was still a historical fiction novel. We learned about The Great Stink that hit London. This is why I love this genre because I'd never learned about that piece of history in school. Also, for once I did not crack the mystery on my own. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time trying to figure out who did it and I was wrong every time. Now that's what I call a mystery! I truly enjoyed this and I'm sure you will as well.
Book Blogger Hop is a fun meme hosted by Jennifer @ Crazy For Books. This is a great way to discover new blogs and connect with more people. If you'd like to participate, visit Crazy For Books where she explains how it works.
This Week's question is:
Do you judge a book by its cover?
Honestly, yes! And ummm the title too! The cover is always the first thing to catch my attention when I'm just browsing. Then I check out the title. If all is well, then it's on to the summary. Then I'm headed to the cashier! I absolutely love a good cover because I'm usually reading in public and believe it or not people do look. If it's a good cover I'm proud to hold it up. Even if it's a great book inside, who wants to carry around a crappy cover?? Maybe I'm a little shallow LOL..
