The Readings of a Busy Mom

Book Review - Entice by Carrie Jones

2011-01-06T13:37:00.000Z

Entice by Carrie Jones

Synopsis
Zara and Nick are soul-mates - they're meant to be together for ever. But that's not quite how things have worked out. For starters, Nick is dead, and has been taken to Valhalla, a mystical resting place for warriors. If they can find the way there, Zara and her friends will try to get him back. But even if they do, Zara has turned pixie - and now she's Astley's queen! Meanwhile, more teenagers go missing as a group of evil pixies devastates the town of Bedford. An all-out war seems imminent and Zara and her friends need all the warriors they can find...

My Thoughts

'Astley Astley where art thou my Astley' oh sorry wrong book but hey a girl can dream right. Carrie has captivated me again with Entice the 3rd book in the Need Series all the pixie dust that was sprinkled over me as I sped through the pages of Entice it seems to be taking me forever to stop shimmering.

Entice continues after captivate on the hunt to save Nick and to say I was trailing along with a hope That Zara would save Nick but settle for Astley as he is so sweet is an understatement, yeah yeah I know what your thinking but after many losses she does save Nick but the outcome is still to be determined so my hopes are not knocked down yet so for all you Zara and Nick fans calm down he he. The characters remain strong and Zara is beginning to blossom as a Pixie I'm really looking forward to seeing how she develops towards the end of the novel as a few interesting things in Entice was revealed that left me thinking.

I'm sure looking forward to the next in the series, its not to everyones tastings hell I was all eww pixies but as many of you now know I have a whole lot of love for this series full of gold dust trails and pixies and I wouldn't lie to you in saying you need to take the leap if you haven't already and pick it up........I will make pixie lovers out of the world yet ;o)

What To Look Out For In January (UK RELEASE)

2011-01-06T12:00:00.002Z

Please note more will be added to this for the month of January(6th - 31st), please feel free to tell me if there are any I have missed...Please dont steal and if you use please credit The Readings of a Busy Mom

6th January

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan

Balefire Omnibus (bk 1-4)

The Replaement by Brenna Yovanoff

Rules of Attraction by Simone Elkeles

Dark Secrets 3 by Elizabeth Chandler

Eighth Grade Bites by Heather Brewer

Ninth Grade Slays by Helen Brewer

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargroves by Lauren Kate

Mortal Kiss by Alice Moss

Half Brother by Kenneth Oppel

Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

XVI by Julia Karr

January 7th

Forsaken by Jana Oliver

Inside Out by Maria V Snyder

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent

January 11th

The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen

Other Words for Love by Lorraine Rosenthal

Timeless by Alexandra Monir

All Just Glass(The fifth book in the Den of Shadows series) by Amelia Rhodes

Splendour Falls by Rosemary Moore

Warped by Maurissa Guibord

20th January

The Iron Witch by Karen Mahoney

Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Bloody Valentine by Melissa de la Cruz

January 25th

Vesper by Jeff Sampson -

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright, Catherine Hardwicke

Book Review - Bright Young Things by Anna Godbersen

2011-01-05T21:06:00.002Z

Bright Young Things by Anna Godberson

Synopsis
The year is 1929. New York is ruled by the Bright Young Things: flappers and socialites seeking thrills and chasing dreams in the anything-goes era of the Roaring Twenties.

Letty Larkspur and Cordelia Grey escaped their small Midwestern town for New York's glittering metropolis. All Letty wants is to see her name in lights, but she quickly discovers Manhattan is filled with pretty girls who will do anything to be a star…

Cordelia is searching for the father she's never known, a man as infamous for his wild parties as he is for his shadowy schemes. Overnight, she enters a world more thrilling and glamorous than she ever could have imagined—and more dangerous. It's a life anyone would kill for . . . and someone will.

The only person Cordelia can trust is Astrid Donal, a flapper who seems to have it all: money, looks, and the love of Cordelia's brother, Charlie. But Astrid's perfect veneer hides a score of family secrets.

Across the vast lawns of Long Island, in the illicit speakeasies of Manhattan, and on the blindingly lit stages of Broadway, the three girls' fortunes will rise and fall—together and apart. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Luxe comes an epic new series set in the dizzying last summer of the Jazz Age

My Thoughts

Becoming a part of Cordelia and Letty's adventure in Bright Young Things has truly been a highlight on the beginning to my year one that I wont forget easily. Anna writes with a flowing passion that grips your insides and drags you along for the ride even when it slows down with pace it doesn't take long to speed back up again and en lite you with the scandals and the happenings that will shock all..as believe me I didn't expect what happened at all.

The reader can truly relate to the female characters, three girls who were normal regular girls that lived in a historical time. Anne's descriptions of locations, people and moments made me feel like I was right there they where so thought out and perfect for Bright Young Things. I would say there was never a dull moment but then it would be somewhat unnatural like life there are always dull moments but its what came after those moments that mad you want more......

I definitely recommend BYT to all, it is truly a great addition to any book shelf and if the contents was not enough the cover is lush too......

Well HELLO New Year - Whats coming uo on TROABM

2011-01-04T22:21:00.000Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL

I hope it is a great one full of love and happiness and all things that make you smile.

Well with my feet firmly on the ground and my eyes in recovery mode lets start the New Year with a list of the upcoming reviews this week on The Readings of a Busy Mom

Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

The Immortals: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel

So while I catch up around the globe of book bloggers and share the new year new me love I hope your all well and enjoying the cold beginning to 2011.

Trailer Tuesday

2010-12-28T14:38:00.001Z

Its that time of the week to share some amazing book trailers with you all

Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

Entice by Carrie Jones

What other trailers are you oving right now?

Oh How I Missed Thee

2010-12-24T14:31:00.000Z

OK so I have been missing for what feels like forever but I can tell you I'm back but be warned I may end up in hospital again soon if this bump don't cut me some slack ;o) but with the new phone that the hubster gifted me I'm hoping I an keep you all in the know. Since being pregnant I have had some awful luck I was admitted into hospital for sever vomiting where I developed double vision and sever migraines and whilst in hospital my house was burgled so we have been in the process of finding somewhere more safe and secure :o)

My problems have persisted and I have been in and out of hospital for testing ever since, things are getting slightly better but I understand that this can go sour again at any point on the lighter side I'm now nearly 23 weeks pregnant and The Bean seems to be doing well, my vision has returned and although there are occasions I still see double i can read again which believe me is a relief.

So there is the low down for all those that have been worried and emailing me, I'm going to try and post regularly and i have many reviews coming your way including the wonderful Nightshade by Andrea Cremer all I can say for now is WOW!!!!

So tell me what you all been reading...I feel so behind

Book Review - Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-11-03T18:00:00.000Z

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush Hush 2)

Synopsis
Nora should have known her life was far from perfect. Despite starting a relationship with her guardian angel, Patch (who, title aside, can be described as anything but angelic), and surviving an attempt on her life, things are not looking up. Patch is starting to pull away, and Nora can't figure out if it's for her best interest or if his interest has shifted to her arch-enemy Marcie Millar. Not to mention that Nora is haunted by images of her father and she becomes obsessed with finding out what really happened to him that night he left for Portland and never came home.

The farther Nora delves into the mystery of her father's death, the more she comes to question if her Nephilim blood line has something to do with it as well as why she seems to be in danger more than the average girl. Since Patch isn't answering her questions and seems to be standing in her way, she has to start finding the answers on her own. Relying too heavily on the fact that she has a guardian angel puts Nora at risk again and again. But can she really count on Patch, or is he hiding secrets darker than she can even imagine

My Review
Ok so first off can I say how mad I am with the cliff hanger on this book I mean GRRRRR! it sucks big!! how am I meant to last a whole year until the 3rd Novel is released I mean Just as I was thinking things couldn't get any worse on Nora and Becca goes and ends the final page in her Crescendo story with and ending like that...poor poor Nora (until next year anyway :o).)

Crescendo is a continuing journey of twists and turns that keep your hands turning the pages right to the very end! Nora becomes a tad independent in this novel but her inability to listen sends me insane (I must say she is a typical girl, I mean we are all stubborn) she goes out alone in Crescendo trying to find her own 2 feet and not falling off them which believe me she does on more then one occasion but damn I love this girl and her ways, she sure does make the book so much better.

I'm besotted with Becca's addictive writing style, not many hold the continuous drug like style that holds your attention time and time again not once did I waver and I completed the novel within 3 hours. I would say it is a sure read one that will have you screaming at the ending!!

Book (mini) Review - Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

2010-11-02T21:05:00.000Z

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Synopsis
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life

My Review
This review is coming to you after the second time reading of Hush Hush as I wanted my memory fresh for Crescendo but my feelings have not changed I loved it as much as the first time and if not it was much sweeter.

Becca writes a smooth and addictive novel that leaves the hands restless and the heart aching for more, her characters are compelling leaving much to the imagination. The main character Nora can be a little a tad annoying but this I like about her it suits her character and as she grows in the book you see why shes the way she is and she warms on you....Patch was a little more of a mystery to me I had this love hate relationship with him and when I hated him I hated him bad and when I loved him I was besotted.

What does it for me more then the characters is the story line....one that starts of a little dull but captivating changes into a can't put you down, need to consume every word read. The journey Nora is taken on is addictive and your left with a need for more to know more of everything and to know more of who and what Patch is!!

I definitely recommend this read for EVERYONE who has not read it all ready as I have a feeling that Crescendo will be hot hot hott!

Happy Tuesday xx

30 Days of Gratitude(2)

2010-11-01T22:48:00.000Z

So it has come around to week 2 of my 30 weeks of bookish gratitude and this week I'm grateful for trees....

If it was not for the trees around us we would not have the book shelves we have to store our books on or the books we read and we all know there is nothing better then the smell of a new book that the trees around us produce.

Tell me what are you grateful for this week I would love to know and it don't have to be book related.

Book Review - Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

2010-10-30T18:57:00.000+01:00

Midnighters 2 - Touching Darkness by Scott Westerfeld

Synopsis
Bixby, Oklahoma, is full of secrets. Some come out at midnight. Some should stay hidden.

As the Midnighters search for the truth about the secret hour, they uncover terrifying mysteries woven into the very fabric of Bixby's history, and a conspiracy that touches the world of daylight. This time Jessica Day is not the only Midnighter in mortal danger, and if the group can't find a way to come together, they could lose one of their own . . . forever.

My Review
I became a fan of the Midnighters series after reading and reviewing book1(here) not so long ago so I was eager to start book 2 but it wasn't what I expected. I felt a little let down but at the same time satisfied.

Touching Darkness is a great 2nd in the series but for me it wasn't enough and yet and the same time it was, there where times when I felt I couldn't put it down and then suddenly I was in a state of I couldn't allow myself to read anymore, its action packed and gives us more history to The Secret Hour and maybe the history is what made my interest float a little but when that was done with and we was down tot he nit and grit I really enjoyed reading Touching Darkness.

Although this isn't a fave book of mine I would still highly recommend reading it as I feel that it is certainly an element of the novels and I'm looking forward to starting book 3 Blue Noon to see where it leads me I still have high hopes yet!!!

Book Review - Torment by Lauren Kate

2010-10-29T00:09:00.000+01:00

Torment (Fallen2) by Lauren Kate

Synopsis
How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans. Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything. What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

My Review

OH MY GOD this book was totally awesome!!!!! I can honestly say it lived up to all my expectations and more and not only has it had me reading none stop the past 3 hours from when I started it to the very last page it has left me yearning and needing more and I have officially decided the lovely Lauren Kate is no longer Lovely but a big meanie who likes to torment her readers with this tormenting but fabulous 2nd in the Fallen novel.

Torment has a few new additions but the main characters still remain Luce has grown on me tremendously in Torment , it feels like while she has grown on me she has grown as a person, shes opening up to many possibilities and is very unsure of the world around her....it gives that whole you go girl but at the same time let me just smack you up the head a little I mean hello Daniel we need him!!!! The two additional chums that get included in this Novel is Shelby the yoga mad Nephilim and Miles the I'm so in love with you Luce kinda guy they are total opposites but IMO there good for Luce and her Developing Character.

I can honestly admit that my heart and soul has been racing through this book wanting to give each character a Lil what for I mean how dare they do this to me but I must say it feels good to be on the edge of my chair in suspense needing every bit that I can consume as its been a first in a long time that I have found a book that isn't predictable, I mean I'm stunned and feel I can't even write a real review without it containing wow 1000 times I would love to give you all the gory details but I wont as I'm not that mean.... but here it goes for what I can say without giving too much away to my readers who have not read this novel as of yet - the ending sucks big time and waiting for the 3rd novel in the Fallen Series Passion is going to KILL ME.

Happy Reading xxx

A little Rant

2010-10-26T21:59:00.000+01:00

I have been receiving a few emails since I have started my blog which I choose to ignore, the reason for this is 'It doesn't mean ll that much too me what others think regarding a book'

OK so up until I have read a book I avoid all reviews regarding it as when I start a book I start it fresh like its the first book I have ever read, once I have read, written and posted my own review on 'the book I have just read' I like to surf and find out what others felt about the book and 9/10 I hear this

'It was too much like twilight'

'It resembles crescendo'

and so on and so forth blah blah blah...so what if there are a few similarities, I notice them but that doesn't entitle it to a bad review I judge a book purely by what I think about it not what or how others feel or felt when they read the book. You could tell me a book was really bad but I will still give it a shot and see how it is and if I don't like it then I will say so, but it takes alot for me to really dislike a book.

So the next to my readers pick up a book I advise you to think of it as the very first book you have picked up, new book, new author and nothing else matters....don't put it down because there are similarities to another story you have read if you are liking it, give it a shot and finish it you may just be surprised to how much you do like it!!!

Book Review - By Midnight by Mia James

2010-10-25T22:00:00.000+01:00

By Midnight by Mia James

Synopsis

April Dunne is not impressed. She's had to move from Edinburgh to Highgate, London, with her parents. She's left her friends - and her entire life - behind. She has to start at a new school and, worst of all, now she's stuck in a creepy old dump of a house which doesn't even have proper mobile phone reception. Ravenwood, her new school, is a prestigious academy for gifted (financially or academically) students - and the only place her parents could find her a place, in the middle of term, in the middle of London, on incredibly short notice. So she's stuck with the super-rich, and the super-smart . . . and trying to fit in is when the rest of the students seem to be more glamorous, smarter, or more talented than she is, is more than tough. It's intimidating and isolating, even when she finds a friend in the conspiracy-theorist Caro Jackson - and perhaps finds something more than friendship in the gorgeous, mysterious Gabriel Swift. But there's more going on at Ravenwood than meets the eye. Practical jokes on new students are normal, but when Gabriel saves her from . . . something . . . . in the Highgate Cemetery, and then she discovers that a murder took place, just yards away from where she had been standing, April has to wonder if something more sinister is going on. . . . and whether or not she's going to live through it . .

My Review

When I first brought this book it called out to me from my to be read pile but due to it being on the waiting list(this book worm has dead lines):o) i didn't get to read it straight away but when I did finally pick it up I really enjoyed it, so much so that it is still fresh in my mind when I'm now writing the review a few weeks later.

By Midnight was a slow paced novel,and as many know slow paced vampy novels are not normally my thing but By Midnight left me with this sweet taste of understanding and high expectations.

The main character April is a sweet character who comes off a little dipsy shes going through all these emotions and then shes thrown into this world of murder and mystery and is left with no one to turn too. April gets strong, she gets aware of her surroundings and she becomes interesting....I really like this about her and I like that she doesn't trust too easily either.

By Midnight is a great beginning for Mia James (Tasmina & John Perry) yeah I will admit there are mistakes but don't most debut novels have those pin point mistakes, me i looked past those as they didn't really shout out at me and it certainly didn't stop me from wanting more of those day walking non sparkling vampires - roll on book 2!!!

30 Days of Gratitude(1)

2010-10-25T09:50:00.001+01:00

So I decided to tell you all what I'm grateful for once a week every Monday.

This will be things that as a Busy Mom makes my life a little easier, allows reading time to become more often or plain old what I like to do when I sit and read

This week I'm grateful for:

Children's Books

Because if it wasn't for those little hardback pages of fun and cheerfulness I wouldn't be able to have those extra chapters read each day - especially when its an 'I hate to have to put you down' kinda book.

What are you grateful for? I would love for you to tell me or take a picture, blog it and link me up theres nothing more then a little shared gratitude

Book Review - Matched by Allie Condie

2010-10-23T21:55:00.000+01:00

Matched by Ally Condie - Released Novemeber 30th 2010
Synopsis
In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s barely any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one . . . until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow—between perfection and passion

Review
Well, Well, Well what can I say other then WOW!!! I heart you Ally you have entered my life with a bang and I am sure left wanting a whole lot more.

Living in UK the hype for this novel was a little delayed but being a follower of many American Ladies I was down on the 'I so want that' list a long time before I could afford to as when I need a novel I need it bad, so when I was asked to review Matched I literally done a happy dance here in my living room.

Allie writes with a deep passion that engaged my attention from the first page and kept me going all through the night her characters where well thought out and where surely ones to keep you thinking about :o)
Cassie the main character gripped me by the cuff of my neck and had me loving her and the way she took on everything that was thrown her way but then the way she jumped from this innocent naive girl to a fighter after so much slowly unravels made me love her even more. I was left with this feeling that nothing is ever as it seems, there is always a hidden story and I loved every piece my mind eat up, it also left me asking what would I do if every thing I did or planned to do would be controlled? Probably the same!

Matched lived up to all my expectations and then some and if you want to know am I tempted to re-read it then be sure it wont be long before I do as I'm so eager for the next part (boohoo to cliffhangers). Its a sure addition to all my readers book shelves and many of my book club girls have already decided to reserve it as I promise it's one you will regret not reading f you don't!

And if you don't believe me, here is the trailer to leave you drooling :o)

Well hello world, Oh how I have missed thee!

2010-10-20T13:51:00.000+01:00

So im back after decorating and moving and waiting for my internet, phoneline and cable to get fitted I have read like crazy and wrote reviews via word which will be slowly but surely added here.

So watch this space I have lots in store <3

Follow my Blog and Hop Friday

2010-09-17T07:04:00.002+01:00

Hey all, its that time of week again when we share our love for each others blogs, if you stop by my blog today leave me some love so i can return to your blog and say hello

For those of you who don't know, Book Hop is hosted over at Crazy for Books and you can learn all about it by clicking on the link and visiting the great site. Follow My Book Blog Friday is hosted over at Para Junkee so stop by to check it out.

Don't forget to leave some love so I can come and follow you in return

Trailer Thursday

2010-09-16T23:22:00.000+01:00

Two Amazing trailers to feast your eyes upon today,

I hope they make you as excited as they made me..

Enjoy!!

Saving Max by Antoinette Van Heugton

Lies by Michael Grant

Book Review - Tall, Dark and Wolfish by Lydia Dare

2010-09-15T15:43:00.000+01:00

Tall Dark and Wolfish by Lydia Dare

Synopsis
The reckless, rakish younger brother of a powerful duke, Lord Benjamin Westfield transforms into a wolf under the light of the full moon-until one fateful evening when he doesn't change and his life is shattered. Fearing he may never be able to change again, Benjamin sets out for Scotland in search of a witch who can heal his inner beast. The noble werewolf is drawn to the beautiful young woman, but what does he have to offer in this broken state?

My Review
Tall Dark and Wolfish is the second book in the Westfield Brothers and I must admit it was my favourite from the 3 novels....I mean WOW! I love how all the charm of the characters came to life in the book and made it feel so real....if only it was I mean we all love a little wolf in our stories ;o)

I was a little afraid of this book as I didn't want to give up on my Love for the 3rd book in the series The Wolf Next Door, I was smitten with William the middle brother out of the 3 but starting Benjamin's story only gave me a greater love for Lydia's writing and her passion for doing what she does best and of course that is write. Lydia take's you on an exciting journey one that is full of love, fire, passion, wit and a little fierceness from the ladies and if all that wolf isn't enough then I'm sure you will fall for the witty witch Elspeth a Scottish lass who of course has her coven sisters to fight where needed even if means getting the weather and vines to do the dirty bidding...in both good and bad ways of course.

I truly love this series completing each book in less then 3 hours and not even leaving a slight crease down the spine.....and to think I have to wait for a companion novel - The Taming if The Wolf I know it will be hell but I am sure it will be worth the wait!!

Full Links to series reviews

Book 1 - A Certain Wolfish Charm

Book 2 - Tall Dark and Wolfish

Book 3 - The Wolf Next Door

Happy Reading....

xxx

Better and Back

2010-09-14T23:02:00.000+01:00

First of all I need to apologise! I have been so ill that my blogging has suffered but I can assure you that I am on the mend and I will be back with reviews, interviews and giveaways with news for you all so stay tuned the fun begins tomorrow.

Thanks to all those that sent get well wishes I really enjoyed reading all your messages they really made me smile

xx

Winners

2010-09-05T08:33:00.000+01:00

So I'm really sorry this is getting posted late but late is better then never...right

Winner of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain - Khadija @ Black Finger Nailed Reviews

Winner of His Last Duchess - Carrie @ In the Hammock Blog

Congrats Girls

EMAIL ME

So I can post these asap ;o)

Book Review - A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare

2010-09-03T21:40:00.000+01:00

A Certain Wolfish Charm - Westfield Brothers 1 by Lydia Dare

Synopsis
In Lydia dare's debut trilogy, Regency England has gone to the wolves!
He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full...
The rules of Society can be beastly-especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is...

A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.

They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...

My Review

If you remember not so long ago I read and Reviewed the 3rd novel in the Westfield Brother series The Wolf Next Door (review here) and was totally charmed by these hunky man wolfs and couldn't resist more so I went and ordered the first two in the series. (sigh*) A Certain Wolfish Charm is the first in the Westfield Brothers series by Lydia Dare and a great start to a series it is....it would have been a great stand alone novel as it leaves you content at the end but I'm grateful for the continuation as I don't think I could ever get enough of those moon howling beasts with there 'suduce me ' charm.

A Certain Wolfish Charm is about the elder brother in the Westerfield Family, Simon a stubborn yet daring man who meets his match in Lily and her stubborn ways, he falls for her immediately and from there Lydia wastes no time with the mission to unleash the beast. They both are well suited characters who's characteristics allowed me to take an extremely memorable journey with them.

I'm in Love with this series so far and I must say if anyone can get me to devour a 375 page book in less then 3 hours they deserve a well earned thumbs up and recommendation from me. Lydia wastes no time in getting straight to the point not hovering over unnecessary bits of information that are rendered useless to the novel but hitting the spots that make you um and arr. I love her characters and there little love scenario, it makes me want more and more I will get ;o)

Book Review - The Secrets We Keep by Colette Caddle

2010-09-01T09:03:00.000+01:00

The Secrets We Keep by Colette Caddle

Synopsis
Four years ago Erin Joyce left Dublin under a cloud and bought a guesthouse in the remote, beautiful village of Dunbarra. The Gatehouse attracts a strange clutch of guests who, once ensconced, never want to leave. There's Hazel, a shy artist, and her sweet, silent daughter Gracie. Sandra, a brash American, wants to know everything about everyone. Then there's wise old easy-going PJ, who's seemingly part of the furniture. But Erin's fragile happiness is thrown off-balance by the arrival of A-list Hollywood actor Sebastian Grey. Erin finds herself drawn to this handsome enigmatic man, who used to walk with a swagger but now prowls the country lanes with haunted eyes. What trauma could have brought about this devastating change? Sebastian isn't the only one in the Gatehouse with a secret. Why is Hazel cast so adrift? Where does PJ go each week without fail, and what really brought Sandra to Dunbarra? As Erin finds herself embroiled in her guests' secrets she starts to ask herself: will she be ready to reveal her own?

My Review
I'm a sucker for a good book, one that I don't get bored with easily and keeps me turning the pages right to the very end....and I must say The Secrets We Keep is certainly one of those books. I didn't think it was possible for a book to be written on such simple life matters to be so engaging, there is normally a lack of umph for me in Contemporary Fiction but not with Colette's novel The Secret We Keep, there is just something about the character's lives that wants you to know and need more.

Colette writes her characters well, I was touched by the difference between each individual and the fact that the main story was about Erin and was mostly from her point of view, but there was also little sections from many of the other characters in her life's point as well and that only made it more interesting to know how they where feeling also but never giving away too much information or that you guessed what was wrong or what would happen next...

Erin was a little naive when it came to certain things or should I say a certain someone...although she had the world on a platter ready to do anything for her she gave it all up for a possibility and this infuriated me.... She had Ronan a darling of a gentleman who was affectionate and compassionate giving Erin the space she needed when she needed it and then there was Sebastian a man who could have it all and then some, I certainly wanted to smack him one when I read the truth towards the end I mean 'what the funk he is such a punk' but these characters only added to the great atmosphere in this novel!

Colette Caddle has certainly touched a soft spot with this novel and not only has she thought inside the closet but she leaped outside too, giving me an awesome awestruck ride along the way as I hunt down for the truth behind my many possibilities...I'm also truly smoked away by the ending and I may just tempt myself for her latest release Always On My Mind.

Book to Film - Beastly by Alex Flinn

2010-08-31T19:45:00.001+01:00

SPOILER ALERT - There will be spoilers in all Book to Film posts

Beastly - The Movie Trailer

My Book Review - HERE

My thoughts after viewing the trailer

OK so I love this trailer and it was one of the reasons why I bought the book Beastly to begin with...I find it important to read any book that will be later released into a film before I watch the movie.

There are a few points I noticed from the trailer straight away that are very different from the book

Kyle (main mail character aka Beastly) is meant to grow hair and claws like a Wolf not vain type marks. I was looking forward to that fact...
Kyle did not build the green house for Lindy (The Beauty- female main character) he built it because he enjoyed the roses and wanted them to last longer.
Isn't Kendra meant to be UGLY - maybe I'm mistaken but I was hoping she would be a little to the description in the book - I was hoping for at least the purple hair :o(
Where is Will's guide dog?
Beastly does not mask up he reveals himself via sitting watching TV when Lindy Leaves her room.
Doesn't Lindy's father brings her to Kyles house?

So so far there are many points I have noticed that are different, I still have high hopes for the film, I think it will be awesome but I hate that so much is different all ready....I love a good book and I love that they get made into movies but I hate it when they are very different...don't you agree?

In my Mailbox (9)

2010-08-29T22:21:00.000+01:00

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by the wonderful Kristi at The Story Siren

I got some amazing news this week and some of you may already know but those that don't

I'm Expecting

Baby

No.3

Its early days yet but its taken a lot out of me so please please forgive me for the lack of posting and commenting, normality will commence soon.

So now with this weeks IMM

I didn't receive the books I bought this week but I did receive some great yummie's

For Review:

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling

A Novel of Intrigue and Romance by Michaela MacColl

My Life in Pink and Green by Lisa Greenwald

Troy High by Shana Norris

The Pharaoh's Secret by Melissa Moss

Gift:

The Lovely Matt Haig author of The Radleys sent me a signed copy of

So thank you to the lovely Mr Haig xxx

So that's it for this week, What did you all get in your mailbox?

Book Review - Beastly by Alex Flinn

2010-08-28T11:18:00.001+01:00

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Synopsis
I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.
You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly

My Review
Hmmmm, I'm in two minds about this book and can not get my feelings clear, I love Beauty and the Beast its a classic and I don't feel nothing can compare with those few Disney classics from my childhood but Alex Flinn did good with his modernisation of Beauty and the Beast in Beastly.

Alex Flinn writes with a simplicity that makes it an easy read and I think its length and pace was perfect anything longer and I am sure it would have got a little dull. Alex Finn sticks to the original a little too much during the book even though locations differ and a few characters are except i.e Mrs Pots etc I wish he would have changed things a bit more, I mean it would have been great for the story to take unexpected turns that would throw you off course a little, with me being a fan of the original I found it a little too predictable

The characters in Beastly where great I mean Mr Obnoxious surely got taught a lesson that there is so much more then beauty and behind all that hair is someone who is deeply beautiful in many other ways and our Beauty was not so perfect but she was inside and that's what brings the story together.

Overall Beastly is a good read one I would recommend all to read it before the release of the movie...although I do have a feeling that it will be very different from Book to Film but only time will tell.

Book Review - The Prophecy by John Kilgallon

2010-08-26T17:10:00.000+01:00

The Prophecy by John Kilgallon

Synopsis
A stolen manuscript. New York Author Sam Tynnan is violently assaulted and his new thriller wiped from his computer. Then world events begin to mirror those in his unpublished book - "An Ancient Prediction". Provence Nostradamus devotee Jean-Pierre comes across an undiscovered prophecy which he suspects holds the key to catastrophic global events. A Terrifying Race Against Time - London MI5 spook, Adel Al-Shaffir, faces a new terrorist threat - one with a secret blueprint for their course of destruction. Could Sam's book hold the key to the terrorism that has seized the world? Is the prophecy coming true? Adel needs to get Sam to trust him - but time is running out for them all.

My Review
So when I received this novel and began to read it I found it was nothing like I expected, I was thrown into a fast paced thrilling read and couldn't put it down until it was complete. Maybe because this is not my normal genre or maybe it was because I needed a change but whatever it was I loved it. It was so nice to see things from another point of view when it comes to terrorism and it was from an Islamic point rather then a western point of view...a view that had me intrigued thoroughly throughout.

John Kilgallon writes with an exceptional skill, he has been compared to many writers who I would say have outstanding talent and I can do nothing but agree with all those that said he was alike Sam Bourne ,Frederick Forsyth and Harlan Coben. Truly Outstanding and not only is his writing perfect but his characters and research where outstanding beyond belief too. John certainly has entered my reading life with a bang with this thrilling novel. One I would certainly recommend.

Book to Film

2010-08-26T11:17:00.001+01:00

Hey All,

Its a new thing I'm doing here and its called book to film....so this week on book to film we have

Synopsis

It’s 3 a.m. and Elizabeth Gilbert is sobbing on the bathroom floor. She’s in her thirties, she has a husband, a house, they’re trying for a baby – and she doesn’t want any of it. A bitter divorce and a turbulent love affair later, she emerges battered and bewildered and realises it is time to pursue her own journey in search of three things she has been missing: pleasure, devotion and balance. So she travels to Rome, where she learns Italian from handsome, brown-eyed identical twins and gains twenty-five pounds, an ashram in India, where she finds that enlightenment entails getting up in the middle of the night to scrub the temple floor, and Bali where a toothless medicine man of indeterminate age offers her a new path to peace: simply sit still and smile. And slowly happiness begins to creep up on her.

Film Trailer

I have just ordered the book and can not wait to read it but don't you think the trailer is fantastic?

Book Review - The Wolf Next Door by Lydia Dare

2010-08-26T04:46:00.000+01:00

The Wolf Next Door by Lydia Dare

Synopsis
Rogue, Rake…Werewolf. Years ago on a full moon, Lord William Westfield gave way to his inner beast and nearly ruined young Prisca Hawthorne. Knowing he can never trust himself in the arms of the woman he loves, he throws himself into a debauched lifestyle. When Westfield discovers he has a rival for Prisca's love, he decides if she's going to marry a Lycan it damn well better be him. But time is running out as Prisca's other suitor takes an instant and potentially fatal dislike to Westfield

My Review
The Wolf Next Door is the third part in The Westerfield Brother Trilogy but you don't have to read the previous two, to thoroughly enjoy this novel as you don't miss out much it would do great as a stand alone. Lydia writes with a natural skill her work flows and I found my self lost within the pages of The Wolf Next Door completely devouring it in a matter of hours and when I was finished I wanted more. It had all the things I needed right now in a novel....a historical setting, a set of hunky lycans, a bad guy, love, romance and humour, a much needed and speedy read.

The Wolf Next Door is about Prisca and William Westerfield a couple who are in denial about there love for each other. Will is a hunk of a man who is also a Lycan, a man who has done wrong but is trying to put it right, I loved his charm, his wit, his confidence and his manner yup you got it, I fell head over heals for him and then there is his love Prisca....a girl I was at ends with she frustrated me with her innocence and yet her maturity made me love her....I never knew it was possible to have both characteristics but she held them both....she was a girl who knew what she wanted when she wanted it and wouldn't let nothing or no one get in her way until it was Will of course, her humour had me laughing out loud, her stubbornness had me sympathising with her and if that wasn't enough she was down right crazy and all a girl can do is love her.

The Wolf Next Door is a fabtastic read...one I'm eager to continue...Lydia writes with great flow that allows you to breeze with minimal creases to the spine ;o) I'm eager to get my hands on the previous 2 novels,

Bk1 - A Certain Wolfish Charm,
Bk2 - Tall Dark and Wolfish

and then there is the need to continue with

Bk4 - The Taming of the Wolf

So yeah I'm a little addicted to Lydia right now, I have never read a single page of her writing before but after reading The Wolf Next Door I'm hooked like a fish after bait I mean WOW! A definite recommendation to all my Adult readers.

Buy Me - UK - US
Read more about Lydia and her books HERE

Book Review - Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley

2010-08-24T12:00:00.001+01:00

Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley

Synopsis
In the early 1900s, in the elegant, isolated villa Il Piacere, the playwright Galeazzo D'Ascanio lived for Celia Sands. She was his muse and his mistress and the inspiration for his most stunning and original play. But the night before she was to take the stage in the leading role, Celia disappeared. Now, decades later, in a theatre on the grounds of Il Piacere, Alessandro D'Ascanio is preparing to stage the first performance of his grandfather's masterpiece. A promising young actress - who shares Celia Sands' name, but not her blood - has agreed to star. She is instantly drawn to the mysteries surrounding the play - and to her compelling, compassionate employer. And even though she knows she should let the past go, in the dark - in her dreams - it comes back

My Review
I have never read a Susanna Kearsley novel before, so after hearing so many great things about Susanna's writing and novels my expectations where very high. Season of Storms is an excellently written novel with outstanding characters, the developing relationship between Celia and Alex was perfect with their innocence of stolen kisses but there was just something about this novel that did not do it for me....

The mystery unravels in a slow-paced discovery of clues that will fall into place like pieces of a puzzle. Rich with evocatively descriptive language. Season of Storms will take you on a journey with twists and turns that are great for ones reading appetite but the plot lacked it for me....it did not spoil it entirely as I'm glad I read it,, Season of Storms has introduced a new author for me as the booked ooozed with potential with tidits that gripped my attention entirely.

Overall Season of Storms is a great read and I think for someone entirely new to her novels it would be a great one to start with.

Where We Read - Megan Crewe (Author)

2010-08-23T09:48:00.000+01:00

Today on Where We Read we have been joined by the wonderful Megan Crewe author of Give up the Ghost.....

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

I write young adult novels, mostly speculative fiction (paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, that sort of thing). My first book, GIVE UP THE GHOST, came out last fall, and my second, THE WAY WE FALL, will be out in early 2012. I live in Toronto, Canada, with my husband and three cats, and I work as a behavioral therapist for kids with autism. When none of those things are keeping me busy, I can be found practicing kung fu or planning my next overseas vacation (next year: Japan!).

Where is your favorite reading spot?

Honestly, I do most of my reading on the public transit (bus, streetcar, subway), because that's when it's most convenient. And I spent a lot of time on the transit, so I can get in 1-2 hrs a day that way. But I couldn't say that's my ideal place to read. When I'm allowing myself the luxury of curling up with a book at home, my favorite spot is on the living room couch, with leaning against a pillow on the arm by the window.

Why do you like to read there?

It's comfy, I can stretch my legs out, and there's lots of light. And close to the kitchen if I should happen to want to get a drink or a snack to compliment the book. :)

Can you show us your book shelves

These are just the shelves in my office. Three for adult fiction plus poetry and plays, one for kids and YA, and one weirdly shaped one that has most of my research nonfiction (mythology, history, etc.). As you can see, I should really get more--these ones are overflowing. There are also a couple in my husband's office that have a bunch of our other nonfiction, art books, and graphic novels.

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

I find it impossible to narrow my favorites down that far, so here are my faves in a few different categories:

Fave book in a series: THE KING OF ATTOLIA by Megan Whalen Turner
Fave book narrated by a character whose voice reminds me of myself as a teen: THE BOYFRIEND LIST by E. Lockhart
Fave book that I find impossible to put down: REBECCA by Daphne du Maurier
Fave book to read when I need a laugh: THE HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY by Douglas Adams
Fave book I've loved since childhood but hardly anyone seems to have heard of: THE CHANGELING by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Thank you Megan for taking time to join us today, to find out more about Megan visit her Website

Author Interview - Lauren Kate

2010-08-22T08:02:00.000+01:00

So today I have been joined by the amazing author of Fallen and soon to be released Torment - Lauren Kate, I sent Lauren an emailing requesting an interview and she responded:

Thanks for your email. I wanted to let you know that I have just started writing my third book, PASSION, and while I'm writing, I don't usually accept interviews or blog requests (because when I’m working on a book it’s usually hard enough for me to remember to eat, let alone take on other productive tasks!). (more after this but i edited)

Well Lauren it was better then OK...I mean book 3 already wohoooo so here's the questions that Lauren answered even though she is super super busy....She is a rock star and sent an email to me and many others answering many questions that get asked...keep reading to find out more

ABOUT LAUREN KATE:
When did you start writing?
When I was younger, I wrote often and across a lot of genres—poetry, songs, stories, lots and lots of diary writing. I started focusing mainly on fiction by the time I was in high school, and longer stories came more naturally to me than short stories. I majored in creative writing in college, and went on to get a masters degree in fiction—but I don’t think those things are necessary to being a good writer. Practice, curiosity, voracious reading, and diligence are more important than any degree. I finished writing my first novel right when I graduated college—but nothing ever happened with it. It look another six years before I had a book accepted for publication.

Did you read a lot growing up? What are your favorite books?
I’ve always been a voracious reader. I can’t go on vacation for a weekend without at least five books. Growing up, my favorite author was Roald Dahl, and I think I read each of his books ten times. My favorite children’s/YA writers are Lois Lowry, Frances Hardinge, Meg Rosoff, Maureen Johnson, Phillip Pullman, and John Green. A few of my favorite adult books are To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

ABOUT THE BOOKS:

What drew you to the idea of fallen angels?
I’ve been writing love stories for as long as I’ve been writing. To me, the most complicated romances make the most interesting narratives, so I’m always looking for new obstacles to throw in my lovers’ paths. When I was getting my masters degree in fiction, I was studying biblical narratives and came across a line in Genesis (6:1-4), which describes a group of angels who fell in love with mortal women. Putting this reference together with a mention in Isaiah and another in Palsm 82, biblical scholars conclude that these angels were actually cast out of Heaven for their lust. Which means—you could say—that these angels chose love over Heaven. I found this to be an endlessly interesting set up for an incredibly complicated romance. I started thinking about what kind of mortal girl it would take to attract an angel’s attention. And what it would be like for her to find herself in this position. What kind of baggage would an angel have? What would her very over-protective parents think? From there, this whole world unfurled in my head with fallen angels, demons, reincarnation, and the war between good and evil all battling for a piece of the action.

Who is Luce based on? Which character are you most like?
The physical traits of Luce (pronounced Loose) are based on my oldest, closest friend—the dark wavy hair, hazel eyes, tiny teeth, etc. When I first started writing her, I pulled some personality traits from this friend, but as I continued with her story, Luce veered away from my friend into an identity of her own. I share some traits with her—like her stubbornness and tendency to get swept away by romance. But if I had to which one I’m most like (though this is hard to imagine), I might be a crazy combination of Arriane and Penn.

Did you struggle in coming up with any of the characters?
Daniel was the most challenging, mainly because the full truth of his character has to come to light very slowly over the course of the entire series in order for the books to work. The reveal at the end of the first book was probably one that most readers saw coming...it is book about fallen angels after all! But there's a much bigger, game-changing reveal about Daniel to come later in the series. It's challenging for me to know what's coming and only be able to show the reader so much at this point. Daniel's character is difficult enough as it is! But I like to think of him as a work in progress, a developing story, and someone who, above all, knows Luce better than anyone else (including herself), and has her best interest at heart. 0

What happened to Trevor? Who is the good and who is the bad guy? Why did these angels fall? Why did you kill Penn? Why did Daniel give Luce the middle finger? Will there be another love triangle in the next book? Why did you end the book with so many unanswered questions??

That is the blessing and the curse of writing a series! I wish I could give you all the answers now, but please believe me that I have a reason for withholding some of the details! I must torment you until Torment comes out in the fall! In the meantime, check out the Sword and Cross Case Files at www.fallenbooks.com to learn a little bit more about who's who in Fallen!

Why did you choose to write it in third person instead of in first?
I love talking about point of view and love playing with it in my books. In the case of Fallen, I didn’t intentionally choose this point of view. Most of the time when I start a new story, I’ll hear a line in my head before I start writing. In this case, it was the first sentence of Chapter One (more or less). The choice to say “Luce” instead of “I” was implicit, not something I was entirely aware of. I just started writing, but it felt true to the story to tell it from a close, close third, so I kept it. We’re almost in Luce’s head, but there’s that small point of view choice separating us. She remains just a little bit unknowable, which is how I wanted her character to be.

How long did Fallen take you to write?
I blazed through a first draft of Fallen in about two months. I write fast and furious and then take a break and usually go back for another month or two of heavy revision. I write in Microsoft Word on an old ibook with most of the keyboard letters worn off!

Do you have a playlist of songs for Fallen?
Not officially, but a few songs I listened to a lot as I was writing:

Drunken Angel by Lucinda Williams
You Look So Young by the Jayhawks
Not Dark Yet by Bob Dylan

I heart those of you who send me playlist suggestions, so feel free to pass them along.

What about your other book, The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove?
Betrayal is my first novel and was as much of a guilty pleasure to write as I hope it is for people to read. It’s a dark, funny, gothic story about one girl’s twisted path towards Queen Bee-dom. It’s a Cruel Intentions meets Friday Night Lights meets MacBeth (told from Lady MacBeth’s point of view), set in the contemporary south. People read Fallen and they ask me whether I went to a school like Sword and Cross. Not even close! Actually, it’s the school in Betrayal that is a thinly veiled version of my utterly enormous and insanely Texan high school. All the things Natalie cares about in Betrayal are very close to my high school heart.

Like Fallen, Betrayal is richly southern gothic—Fallen is set in Savannah and Betrayal is set in Charleston, South Carolina—so the same sort of wonderfully oppressive southern scenes are important to both books. But where Luce is struggling to find her place in a new, unfamiliar school, Natalie is a girl at the top of her game—and she won’t let anything compromise that. Like every complex character, they both have some pretty remarkable skeletons in their closet. Natalie is a bit naughtier than Luce, but I imagine they would be friends. Actually, Nat’s kind of like a type-A version of Arriane.

No plans (yet) to write a sequel to Betrayal, but you never know!

Can you give us a hint about what will happen in Torment?
I’m having so much fun writing Torment right now. I think I’m more proud of it than any book I’ve written so far. Really, it’s going to be GOOD. It’s hard for me not to spill everything right now so I can say, “Aren’t you excited? Won’t this be great?” But my publisher would probably have my head. So in lieu of that, I’ll reveal just three things:

As Luce learns more about her past, she comes into a host of powers she never knew she had—and they might involve the shadows.

After the second book comes out, a prequel (which will span thousands of years!) will follow before the final book in the series.

I’ve posted a preview on my blog! Check it out!

ABOUT WRITING:
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
I've been writing stories since I was in middle school, so I love talking to people who are interesting in writing. One question I get often has to do with what to do when you get stuck, and the clearest advice I can give about that would be to look at the scene from a different angle and write through it. Say I'm trying to write a scene about two people having an argument at sunset and can't figure out how to make it interesting or fresh. Sometimes, when it takes me a while to get warmed up, I'll imagine how someone else--my husband, my best friend, someone I recently argued with--might see the same sunset. What would they notice about it that I wouldn't, or vice versa? Write a whole paragraph about the sunset instead of just a sentence. Then go back and look at what is strongest image you came up with. Which image reflects something new about your characters? Save that image, cut the rest. Eventually, those strong images will pop out first in your mind.

To those of you who are working on a novel or have finished one and are sending out your work: stick with it! I don’t think you can ever be too young (or too old!) to start sending out your work. In addition to Fallen, I have another novel I have been working on for eight years now and I know that someday I’m going to finish it! I couldn’t even begin to count how many rejection letters I’ve received over the years from agents, publishers, editors, and contest judges. What kept me writing was the support of other friends who are writers—and a dogged determination to someday get my writing published. There were times when I never thought it would happen, but now I’m so glad I kept writing. Find a writing-buddy, share your work, revise it over and over again, read it aloud, stay true to yourself and your voice, and don’t give up. An English or a Writing program are great ways to read widely and meet other writers. You can get a lot of great practice writing and revising in an academic program but I wouldn’t say the degrees you earn are necessary. If you’re looking for an agent, Writers Marketplace (the book) is a great place to start. There are also tons of publishing blogs out there with suggestions for agents. It’s mostly about finding someone whose tastes and sensibilities match yours.

To those of you who have asked, I’m sorry that I can’t agree to take a look at your own writing and offer feedback. I would love to have the time to do that, but I have to start working on my next book!!

Book Review - A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware

2010-08-21T08:01:00.002+01:00

A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware

Synopsis
Some might call it running away . . .

But after a scandalous Hollywood divorce, Blythe Stowe considered it damage control for body and soul. The pain, the humiliation, the daily tabloids shouting details as her famous husband dumped her for her own sister demanded a serious getaway: to the wild coast of Cornwall and a cottage by the sea that her Wyoming grandmother claimed had been home to her ancestors.
Some might call it chance . . .

But Blythe encountered more than just a quaint retreat nestled amid vivid skies and gorgeous ocean. And she had the odd sensation that her wickedly handsome neighbor Lucas Teague was more than a British gentleman going broke. He might be her
destiny . . .

My Review
This is the first novel I have ever read by Ciji Ware and I am sure it won't be my last. A Cottage by The Sea is an addictive read that took me through every page with a comforting ease while I got hooked on the life like characters along the way...a novel of true romance with droppings of suspense and humour in all the right places and if that wasn't enough then the hunk Lucas was!!

Ciji wrote her characters with great thoroughness and I admire that..I loved Blythe she was a strong and spunky character while still remanding soft...she certainly wasn't a push over but she wasn't arrogant even though she had qualities that could have made her like that, Blythe became an added person to my heart...I mean ow! stop making me hurt women, and then there was Lucas.....I felt a strong pull to this character with his daily habits and somewhat charming life...they where both oblivious to what was so obvious to me! Sigh* I would call it innocence but that would be pushing my luck ;o)

Overall Ciji writes a beautiful and compelling novel, Living in UK I'm lucky enough to experience Cornwall growing up as it was a place me and my family would visit for the summer. Ciji explains my child hood Holiday destination with great clarity that allowed my heart to miss it, what's the saying absence makes the heart grow fonder and I think my absence is well overdue as my heart aches with longing!

I would recommend this novel to all my adult readers as it is one that no doubt you will love it has everything a girl needs from romance to history and all things in between including a yummy man face;o)....a novel I'm glad I picked up this year and one you may just regret if you don't.

The Drake Chronicles.- Out for Blood by Alyxandra Harvey

2010-08-20T14:18:00.000+01:00

As many know I'm a big fan of Alyxandra Harvey's series The Drake Chronicles (you can find my review HERE) and if your impatient like me as there is still a 72 day wait... you can find the first juicy chapter for the next installment over at there Bloomsbury book page

Out For Blood

You can also join there facebook page HERE

and if you are one of the few that don't know much about The Drake Chronicles let these trailers wet your appetite for more

Book 1 - Hearts at Stake(us) or My Love Lies Bleeding(uk)

Book2 - Blood Feud

Happy Reading xxx

Book Review - Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

2010-08-19T15:00:00.001+01:00

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

Synopsis
In "Shiver", Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in "Linger", they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his werewolf past ...and figuring out a way to survive the future. But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace finds herself changing in ways she could never have expected...

My Review
When I received this novel I was so excited I mean who wouldn't be right I felt like I had waited for it forever since reading Shiver but it sat on my TBR pile waiting for me while I caught up with a few review titles that when I did finally pick it up I was in a state of relief.....and once I started it I was afraid I was a little disappointed and that it would stay that way.

Linger Starts of very slow and this frustrated me I mean hello wheres all the Shiver in Linger... It was like a get to know the characters and why there so messed up beginning to the book and I felt like this for the first 100 pages although there where spots of hope I was let down but once I passed the first hurdle I understood why the beginning was the way it was......It gave a better understanding to all things that came later on and I quickly forget why I was disliking Linger in the beginning.

Linger is told from 4 points of view we have Sam and Grace who have not changed except they are even more in love and then we have Grace who I came to like in Linger compared to Shiver it feels like she has wised up a little more and although she is still blaming her self for the death of her brother she copes and stays strong. The 4th point of view is Cole one of the newer werewolves, and believe it or not I loved his character more then Sam's as he had so much of it, yeah at times he was a self obsessed jerk always feeling sorry for himself but towards the end he seen the light and that made me love him even more.

Overall Linger built up to be a great read and the ending hit me with a bang...I knew it was coming and I was left a little confused too I mean what happened after? Did Grace's parent go mad with worry? I neeeeeeeeed to know!!! Maybe Maggie will go over it in Forever, maybe she won't but either way there is a lot left unanswered for me...those little bits may not be important to others but to me it goes with the novel and the way her parents have acted this time round.....I'm truly looking forward to Forever but I'm not looking forward to the wait...

Happy Reading

Trailer Thursday

2010-08-19T04:11:00.000+01:00

Since I missed doing this on Tuesday as lately my life has been a little more busier the usual I decided I would post this today...

This weeks trailers are for

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Halo by Alyxandra Adornetto

Karma Club by Jessica Brody

So that's it this week.....eek! can you believe The Clockwork Angel trailer ;o) So tell me what trailers are you loving right now?

Wednesday Wishlist

2010-08-18T18:53:00.000+01:00

Novels on this weeks Wednesday Wishlist are

When Rose Wakes by Christopher Golden

Synopsis

An enchanting tale by Christoper Golden about a teenager who wakes from a coma and slowly comes to realize that she is Sleeping Beauty of fairy tales

Tallow (Curse of the Bond Riders 1) by Karen Brooks

Synopsis

On the edge of a mystical border called the Limen, close to a beautiful canal-laced city, a humble candlemaker rescues a child whom he raises as his apprentice.

Years pass and the child’s unusual talents are revealed, the gentle art of candlemaking slowly transforming into something far more sinister.

Lingering in the shadows, enemies watch and wait - a vengeful aristocrat, an exotic queen and the lethal creatures known only as the Morte Whisperers.

They hunger after the child’s ancient magic and will do anything to control it - betray, lie, manipulate. Even murder.

A story of intrigue, deadly magic and a love so deep it transcends life itself

Don't they both look and sound amazing? Whats on your wishlist this Wednesday?

Guest Blog - Jennifer Echols

2010-08-18T12:46:00.000+01:00

I have been joined today by the wonderful Jennifer Echols, author of many titles including her latest novel Forget You. Jennifer's post today will no be the usual 'lets talk about your book' post, Jennifer has joined us today to tell us a little more about herself and her life as an author and a mom. So lets give a warm welcome to the wonderful Jennifer:

I love the name of this site because I’m a busy mom myself! Here’s a little run-through of today. Currently it’s 5:32 a.m. I’ve been up since 4:30, working through an e-mail I received in July. When I finish writing this guest post, I’m going to work on a book revision until my 9-year-old gets up at 6:30.

Then I’m cooking bacon and eggs, serving up Cheerios, and packing him a lunch for school. I’ll get him out the door around 7:30 and go for a jog—about 3 miles because I’ve been slacking lately. I need to work my way back up to 5. I have a doctor’s appointment, oh joy, where I will read THE HUNGER GAMES, which I’ve heard so many great things about. When I get home, I have another hour of book revision scheduled.

And then, for the rest of the school day, I’m working at my other job as a freelance copy editor. I’ll pick my son up around 3 and we might go to the pool, and, whoops—I forgot until just now that I am in charge of dinner. Later tonight I will scrub the baseboards in the finished basement because my son is having a sleepover on Friday. I will probably fall asleep reading THE HUNGER GAMES. And there you have it, the glamorous life of a novelist.
A few more random things about me: I have a hard time watching movies and TV because I’m so critical. Books are better. I can’t tell you how many movies I’ve rented from Netflix and turned off after 5 minutes because they were a waste of my time. Most of the TV programs I see are science-oriented documentaries I watch with my son. Lots of MYTHBUSTERS. As for music, I’m a new rock kind of girl: Incubus and the Foo Fighters. I have absolutely no fashion sense, but my husband does. He buys me clothes, thank goodness. My menfolk really take good care of me. My 9-year-old has to explain to me how to work my cell phone.

Thank you very much for joining us today, it is highly appreciated as we know how busy life can be especially as a busy mom......If you have not read Forget Me or any other titles by Jennifer you can find out more HERE and Forget Me below.....

Happy Reading xxx

Forget You

Synopsis

WHY CAN'T YOU CHOOSE WHAT YOU FORGET...AND WHAT YOU REMEMBER?

There’s a lot Zoey would like to forget. Like how her father has knocked up his twenty-four-year old girlfriend. Like Zoey’s fear that the whole town will find out about her mom’s nervous breakdown. Like darkly handsome bad boy Doug taunting her at school. With her life about to become a complete mess, Zoey fights back the only way she knows how, using her famous attention to detail to make sure she’s the perfect daughter, the perfect student, and the perfect girlfriend to ultra-popular football player Brandon.

But then Zoey is in a car crash, and the next day there’s one thing she can’t remember at all—the entire night before. Did she go parking with Brandon, like she planned? And if so, why does it seem like Brandon is avoiding her? And why is Doug—of all people—suddenly acting as if something significant happened between the two of them? Zoey dimly remembers Doug pulling her from the wreck, but he keeps referring to what happened that night as if it was more, and it terrifies Zoey to admit how much is a blank to her. Controlled, meticulous Zoey is quickly losing her grip on the all-important details of her life—a life that seems strangely empty of Brandon, and strangely full of Doug.

Book Review - The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

2010-08-17T08:33:00.000+01:00

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis
Carrie Ryan's sensational new novel reveals more of the secrets of the world after the return of the Unconsecrated and introduces a new heroine who must tangle with her mother's secrets. Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known and, and all she needs for happiness. But life after the Return is never safe and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back. Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but, like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling. One night beyond the Barrier ...One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery ...One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry knows only one thing: if she has any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

My Review
If I had too choose a Fave out of the 2 books The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead Tossed Waves I would have to say The Dead Tossed Waves wins hands down.....Its more of a companion novel then a sequel to TFOHAT, we still have a few characters in it that are in The Forest of Hands and Teeth but the overall point of the characters are to see it from the next generation point of view.

I personally feel that Carrie's writes with passion her characters and the location are well thought out and suited the novel perfectly. I found myself in love with so many of the characters and I was in aww with how much my emotions changed the more I read! TDTW is a gripping and spell binding read that kept me engaged from beginning to end...I can not wait until the next book especially as TDTW ended with the need for me to read more and its a dying rage that I have to wait!!

I seriously recommend this series if you haven't already read it!

Holly Cupala Online Event

2010-08-17T07:49:00.000+01:00

Hey all,

So the amazing Holly has a great event that's worth checking out...Holly is releasing 2-3 chapters each week (roughly following the timeline of the book) for FREE. Woohoo! And here's the most exciting part: it's read by my dream reader, award-winning actress Jenna Lamia, who read The Adoration of Jenna Fox, The Chosen One, The Secret Life of Bees, and lots of other cool books. Plus she just won the 2010 Audie Award for Best Female Performance!

Happy Reading

Where We Read - Kylie frome kyliesreads

2010-08-16T07:25:00.000+01:00

So its that time of the week again where we find the places our fellow readers like to relax with a good book. Today we have been joined by the wonderful Kylie from Kyliereads

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

Newly employed library assistant, mother to an 8 year old boy and a four year old girl. Wife to a mad keen fisherman and kayaker. I also quilt in my spare time! Live on a lovely island called Coochimudlo Island in Morteon Bay, Brisbane, Queensland Australia.

Where is your favorite reading spot?

Bed - sorry no picture! The beach. The deck of our house and the ferry on the ride to and from the mainland. I also spend a lot of time reading at a coffee shop or local library when I need to waste time on the mainland before picking up kids or getting to appointments.

Why do you like to read there?

The deck, especially in winter, is awash with sunshine. A cup of tea, a good book, what more can you want! The ferry ride is quick - between 6-10 minutes but is enough for me to get a few pages in. I've actually trained my kids to leave me alone on the ferry - mummy's reading time, don't disturb. The beach is where we spend a lot of time during summer. As we are in a bay, there are no waves and my kids are old enough that all I need to do is look up occasionally and count heads. It's a small community which means while I always take a book to the beach, it often doesn't get read as we always run into friends and usually end up chatting and frequently having a few drinks!

Can you show us your book shelves?

I'm actually a bit anal about my shelves! Alphabetical order by author. No one else is allowed to put books away,although my husband will go in and take books out and put them in random places just for (his) fun! You'd never guess I have a Graduate Diploma in Library and Information Management would you? Non fiction are on another shelf, organised in subjects. We use to have a lot more books, but when we moved from Canberra to the island, a distance just short of 2000km (about 1200 miles) we did a huge weed. All that means is I now have space to build it up again!

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

Hmmm, this is a hard one! My top five change frequently, but here are my current

Life of Pi by Yann Patel - not sure exactly what it is about this book, but it sang to me. Loved it!

The Number No1 Ladies Detective Agency Series - Alexander McCall Smith - fantastic, easy reads. Uncomplicated, but full of delightful stories that espouse morals and values without being preachy.

Breath - Tim Winton - in fact anything by Tim Winton. He is an excellent Australian writer. His use of language is superb. One of those writers you find yourself re-reading sentences just because they are so beautifully crafted.

Sins of the Brother - Mark Whittaker and Les Kennedy - I love a good true crime book and this is one of the best. Ivan Milat was convicted of what is known in Australia as the Backpacker murders. Milat murdered 7 young backpackers from Australia, Germany and Britain during the 1990's. Despite a mass of evidence he protests his innocence to this day. I started to read this book while I was pregnant with my second child and had to stop because it was giving me graphic and vivid nightmares! I'd say a must read for all true crime aficionados.

The Outsiders - SE Hinton - a book a read during those angst filled teenage years. A friend and I use to spend hours quoting parts of it back and forth to each other - from memory! We even took nicknames from it! *blush*

Thank you Kylie for joining us today!! I have never heard of any of your top 5 books so im off to find out more!!

If you would like take part in Where We Read
email me

Book Review - The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

2010-08-15T19:02:00.000+01:00

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Synopsis
Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and, then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation. Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life. This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. "The Eternal Ones" tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.

My Review

The Eternal Ones had me drugged, I got swept into a glorious world of love, lust and yadda yadda ramblings of a grumpy grandma and if that wasn't enough to keep me turning the pages the the hunt was. If there was one thing that strikes me was how easily I flowed through this novel, I moved from page to page with a floating ease and before I knew it The Eternal Ones came to and end and a very good one at that.

The Characters where superbly written and I loved the descriptions for them, yes Haven is a little Naive but I think that goes so well with her character, I didn't expect any less from her. Ian is a intriguing man that left much for Haven to throw judgments on but I still trusted him throughout even through the lies and the accusations my bonds where tied with him from the start and I never doubted him. I don't think there was a character I didn't like, don't ask me how that's not possible as there are good and bad but I loved the bad too the only thing I hated was the past life name of Haven, maybe because I feel that it is slightly overused I don't know but it didn't waver how I felt.

Kirsten Miller's Debut novel The Eternal Ones is a 'butter me up until I'm nice and coated' kind of read. You find that you get so wrapped up into this brilliant and well written love that if you find you have to put the novel down your dying to get back to it......I was so smothered in butter by 1/3 of the way in that the rest of the novel came in a great slippery ease....slipping from one page to the next. The Novel has a great ending and I would have been content if it was a stand alone novel but I know better and I know there will be a sequel to come out nest year, this knowledge has left me tingling to find out what will be in store for Haven and Ian next.

In my Mailbox (8)

2010-08-15T11:43:00.000+01:00

Hey All,

So it's that time of the week again for In My Mailbox.

This meme was started by the fabulous Kristi who was inspired by Alea.

(VLOG will be posted later)

For Review

Lies(Gone) by Michael Grant

Bought

Thirst (Book 1) by Christopher Pike

Thirst (Book 2) by Christopher Pike

Forbidden Game (Bind-up) by L J Smith

Fire by Kristen Cashore
Merlins Harp by Anne Eliot Crompton
Pretty Monsters by Kelly Link

Deception by Lee Nichols

White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black

So that's it this week....leave a comment so I can come and see what you got in your mailbox

Happy Reading xx

Jealousy (Strange Angels 3) by Lili St Crow

2010-08-13T22:43:00.000+01:00

Jealousy by Lili St Crow

Synopsis
Dru has made it to Schola, the leading school where the vampire-fighting Order is based. There she is up against the capricious Anna, the only other female who shares her powers. Dru must unlock the mystery of who betrayed her mother, battle her intensifying feelings for both Graves and Christophe, and try to stay hidden from Sergej's deadly nosferat - bloodthirsty hunters who'll stop at nothing to destroy her

My Review

Wow...no totally wow, wow and more wow!!! If anyone has a bad thing to say about this book that have to go through me! I'm in love so much it hurts.......throughout this series I admired how The Strange Angels got better and better but Jealousy kicked butt BIG TIME I mean hey we love a little vamp beating especially when there mean but we even got a little girl fighting too and Dru kicked there behinds.

There has been a lot of progress in this novel compared to Strange Angels and Betrayals it felt like we where moving forward and I got my wish I really did and it may not be complete but it was something but at the same time I was squealing with worry over Graves....Anna furiated me I mean let me at her.......ill even jump into this novel go super sevotcha on her behind and show her not to mess with the characters I bonded with again!

*Stepping out of the novel* On a serious not I do love this the most out of the series so far, there was so much action packed from page to page allowing your mind to absorb every detail and letting your imagination run wild with possibilities and images and for me Christophe!!! I would recommend this gripping series to anyone and everyone as you wont be disappointed unless like me the only disappointment is waiting for book 4!

Books That Left Me Pining - Part 1

2010-08-13T14:05:00.000+01:00

So I was asked to do a roundup of some of my favorite books this year that have left me pining for the sequels!! I mean go steal it from the publishers or catch a plane to the authors state as I can not stand the wait kinda' pining. So lets start with:

Hush Hush Left me drooling for the sequel Crescendo......

I mean who wouldn't want a little more of Patch

Captivate is the second book in the Need Series and I must admit not many have said much about it but it is brilliant and if you haven't read it 'seriosly you need to as it is brilliant...showed me my little hidden love for pixies..

Another series that kicks some Vampire bootay! This was a series that when I picked up book one Glass Houses I brought the remaining books and did not sleep until I had completed the series to date it was that good! Rachel Caine goes for a whole unique world that has me buttered up and screaming for the release date of Ghost Town..which by the way is in November :o\

This Zombie series had me hooked, the first book The Forest of Hands and Teeth was good but The Dead Tossed Waves had me drooling...It takes Zombies to a whole new level with uniqueness and drool worthy content that can make your heart skip a few to many beats!

So here's part one...what books have left you pining? are there any books you have not read from above? If you have read them what do you think? I would love to hear your views

Book Review - Betrayals (A Strange Angels Novel) by Lili St Crow

2010-08-12T17:24:00.000+01:00

Book Review - Betrayals (A Strange Angels Novel) by Lili St Crow

Synopsis
The second novel in the Strange Angels series picks up with Dru neatly tucked away in a Schola that's more like a prison than a secret training facility. Except for one tiny detail ...she's the only girl in the place and is totally surrounded by tons of cute boys. But a traitor in the Order wants Dru dead and she can't trust anyone except for Graves. Too bad he's being kept busy with a new crew of wulfen teens and doesn't have time for her. As she learns the truth about who she can and can't trust, Dru's only hope may be to save herself - although the one gift that makes her special is draining away, and she doesn't know how to get it back. Will Dru survive long enough to find out who is really after her? Or is she destined for the same fate as her murdered parents?

My Review

I read and reviewed book 1 in The Strange Angels Series HERE a few days ago and automatically fell in love....after reading the second book Betrayals I feel the same way. We have a few extra characters who again suit the novel so well and I love that, I love the way I feel when I read this book it was like it all fit perfectly. Sometimes when I read I find that no matter what there will be something a little off, a character I don't like or a description that is a little of key for my taste but The Strange Angels Series so far has hit all the right notes leaving an echo in its wake!

Betrayals is a well written fast paced...lets kick some Ass and feel a little sorry for myself novel! I love it I really do Dru has not changed much from our first meeting she still holds the key to being Dru except shes maturing slightly. I love how Lili explores her characters senses with great detail and gives us a little more insight to Dru's confusion of the 2 main boys in her life...and yup even though things have progressed with Wulf boy Graves I'm still holding out for Christophe (I mean please Graves is just so Jacob;o) ).

I must admit The Strange Angels novels are not what I expected so far.....I didn't think I would enjoy them as much as I do and it just goes to show that I can be won over even if it only takes a few chapters.....I'm loving the wolf/vampire interaction.....I'm loving the lil' love war that I sense will erupt soon...I'm loving it all and seriously if you haven't read it yet....what are you waiting for!!

Wishing on a Wednesday

2010-08-11T15:30:00.000+01:00

This weeks wishing on a Wednesday is for:

I am Number Four

Synopsis

John Smith is not your average teenager. He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving those who hunt him will find and kill him. But you can't run forever. So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about - and who care about him. Never in John's short life has there been space for friendship, or even love. But it's just a matter of time before John's secret is revealed. He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed. John is Number Four. He knows that he is next ...

Really can not wait to get a copy ;o)

What are you wishing for this wednesday?

Book Review -Strange Angels by Lili St Crow

2010-08-10T12:16:00.000+01:00

Strange Angels by Lili St Crow

Synopsis
Dru Anderson: Night Hunter. Knife Wielder. Heart Breaker. Dru can sense evil, which helps when she and her Dad are tracking down ghosts, suckers, wulfen, and the occasional reanimated corpse. It's a dangerous life, but it's the only one she knows. Then Dru's dad turns up dead and she suddenly finds herself in the middle of a deadly game where every move she makes could be her last. Dru is more special than she realizes - and whatever killed her dad could be coming for her next. Can Dru stay alive long enough to fall for one - or both - of the guys hungry for her affections?

My Review
As many of my readers know I am a true sucker for anything that's a series....good or bad I will read it.....this novel..the first in the Strange Angels series is good. Good in a whole "yo' where's the next book at....I need it now.." kinda goood! Lili writes a great basis novel for the sequel filling you in and laying the roots where needed, Strange Angels is fast paced and action packed, it kept me fully engaged slipping in as many pages as possible, in the little quiet gaps in my days....not leaving a second when I was free without it in my hand.

I was a little upset with Dru at the beginning but her character grew on me and I learned to love her and her stubborn ways, she has a great friendship blooming with Graves but I really don't want it to go any further for some reason I need Dru and Chris to be the 'item' in this novel it will work for the best, trust me. Graves is great he is a strong character who handles what ever is thrown his way but I feel like hes still a child but Chris ...now that boy can handle his surroundings, he is strong, experienced, mature and sounds way better looking the Graves so please BETRAYAL don't let me down.

Over all I enjoyed Strange Angels. Once I completed it, it had me digging through my packed boxes for the sequel so I can start it next. Lili gives you a little of what every girl needs... Wulf, Suckers, Zombies, Mr nice guy a.k.a Graves and we have Mr good vs bad guy a.k.a Chris....and its left me wanting more from them all. So BOOYA Lili for adding another Great Beginning to a series I know I am gonna be in love with.

Happy Reading xxx

Book Review - Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

2010-08-09T14:31:00.000+01:00

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

Synopsis
In Ethan Wate's hometown there lies the darkest of secrets ...There is a girl. Slowly, she pulled the hood from her head. Green eyes, black hair. Lena Duchannes. There is a curse. On the Sixteenth Moon, the Sixteenth Year, the Book will take what it's been promised. And no one can stop it. In the end, there is a grave. Lena and Ethan become bound together by a deep, powerful love. But Lena is cursed and on her sixteenth birthday, her fate will be decided. Ethan never even saw it coming

My Review

I underestimated Beautiful Creatures...I mean majorly, when I first began to read Beautiful Creatures I just couldn't get into it the characters where great but there was a dead start, flat in places and my mind wondered while Beautiful Creatures continued to give us the basis on the story, but the deadness didn't last long and before I knew it I was hit by an unexpected uniqueness that gets an all round toast of brilliantness as Kami and Margaret took me on a journey that will have me pining for the sequel until its release.

I fell head over heels with this novel. I loved the characters all of them they where well written and thought out with there roles suiting them perfectly. The writing is gripping, engaging and ....what started out boring proved to be parts that would later give a better understanding to what happens in Beautiful Creatures...what more can be said this is one book that will be remembered for a while and I'm sure will have Kami & Margaret pestered by there fans until the sequel and then after.

(A review in preparation for the sequel Beautiful Darkness- released 28/10/2010(uk))

Where We Read - Saundra Mitchell(Author of Shadowed Summer)

2010-08-09T00:18:00.000+01:00

Hey blog world,

So its that time of week again for Where We Read and this week we have been joined by the beautiful and talented Author of Shadowed Summer - Saundra Mitchell

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

My name is Saundra Mitchell; I'm a screenwriter and YA author. My first novel was a southern gothic ghost story called SHADOWED SUMMER. My second novel is a historical paranormal romance called THE VESPERTINE- it comes out in March 2011. I love YA, cooking weird stuff, exploring history, and playing in Photoshop.

Where is your favorite reading spot?

My family and I live with my parents, so there's not a lot of room to lounge. I do almost all of my reading at my desk, where I also do my writing. You can kind of see behind me a bit- that's my bed behind me, and to my right, where you can't see it, is my telly. My whole life is pretty much in my bedroom!

What do you like to read there?

YA and middle grade fiction; manga, graphic novels, Metafilter, Publisher's Weekly, the back of my Coke Zero cans, contracts, e-mail, secret notes, Twitter...

Can you show us your book shelves?

Okay, these aren't actually my shelves. These are Aprilynne Pike's shelves. Like I said, my whole life is kind of crammed into one bedroom, and I don't have room for awesome shelves. I have all my books in BOXES, stacked upon BOXES, stacked upon BOXES. But one day, I hope to have Aprilynne's shelves, because THEY! ARE! AWESOME!

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

My top five books EVER or today? Dang, that's hard. My top five books forever are

THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton,

IT by Stephen King,

THE SILVER KISS by Annette Curtis Klause,

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA by Katherine Patterson,

and whatever I'm reading at the moment. I'm flexible like that!!

Thank you for having me!!

Saundra

Don't you think Saundra is the best, shes witty with a great sense of humor......thank you Saundra for taking part.

Happy Monday

In my Mailbox (8)

2010-08-08T18:33:00.000+01:00

Hey Guys, so its that time of week again when I tell you all what I got in my mailbox this week...I really wanted to do a VLOG for this but I am ill and really don't want to be blowing my nose while on camera so thought I would stick with old school for today. So this week I got

For Review

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller

Time Raiders - Day of the Predator by Alex Scarrow

iBoy by Kevin Brooks

Tightrope by Gillian Cross

The Dark Behind the Curtain by Gillian Cross

Brought

The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A Nielson

So thats what I got this week...what did you get in yours?

Author Interview - Bree Despain - Giveaway

2010-08-07T08:02:00.001+01:00

Author - Bree Despain

We have been joined today by the lovely Bree Despain author of The Dark Divine. Bree is a admiring women who has dreamed of becoming a writer all her life but though it was only for special people...well i assure her she has hit the dream like a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow with her outstanding debut and has many anxiously awaiting the next in the series.
-----------------

The Dark Divine (my review)

Synopsis

A prodigal son. A dangerous love. Haunted yearning...Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood. Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

-------------------
1. I would ask you to tell us a little about The Dark Divine but that's going to waste a question after all what do we have the synopsis for so can you tell us your writing process... was it an easy book to write?
At times yes, and at times no. I worked on the book for about a year but then stalled on the story when I was on the third draft. I had what felt like an incurable case of writer’s block, and I ended up putting the book in a drawer for almost a year and a half. I worked on other projects for awhile, and then finally started to get ideas for TDD again. I started working on it again steadily for another year.

2. So that's how we have The Dark Divine - was this the only title or was there more before you chose this one
The first draft of the book was called Daniel Divine because of Daniel’s desire to be a part of the Divine family. But some people who read the early drafts thought the title meant Grace and Daniel were brother and sister—which is kind of gross.

3. I'm a big fan of Daniel I mean who wouldn't be, but which character is your fave and why?
It really depends on the day. I love Grace because I feel like she is a stronger version of my teenage self. She gets to say and do the things that I would have only thought to do or say. But I think Daniel is my favorite character today. I just love exploring the mind of a conflicted character.

4. The Dark Divine is getting some great reviews from my fellow bloggers... How does that make you feel?
It feels really great when people enjoy or connect to something that I’ve poured so much of my time and love into. But honestly, it also creates a lot of pressure for the things that I write in the future. I hope the people who love TDD will also love my new books.

5. What is the best comment you have received for The Dark Divine
I recently received a letter from a teenage girl who read TDD to her best friend who was in a coma after an ATV accident. A few weeks later, her friend woke up from her coma and when she was able to speak again, she said she remembered that while she was asleep she heard someone telling her about someone named Grace or Gracie. She said she wanted to hear more because she liked it. The girl who wrote me the letter said that she believed that her friend’s connection to the story is one of the things that helped her come out of the coma. When I read that letter, I started crying—even though I was sitting in the lobby of a hotel at a writing conference.

6. Word has it there is a sequel in the making... care to share some details
Not sure what all I’m allowed to say, but THE LOST SAINT explores some of the questions and problems that are left unaddressed at the end of TDD. Grace has lost someone very close to her, and she will go to great lengths (and dangers) to find him.

7. And finally how many will there be in this series
Right now there are 3 books planned in the series. It will most likely only be the 3 books, but I can’t say that I am 100% sure there won’t be any more. But I’m like 98% sure.

Thank you Bree for joining us today I know you have bee super busy lately so it just shows us how mush pf a rock star you are. I love your answer to question 5. I would have cried at something like that too...

Giveaway Time

I have a copy of The Dark Divine up for grabs

Its sitting all lost and lonely on my shelf crying

If you want The Dark Divine to come to your home

all you have to do is:

Follow my blog and Spread the word remember to link me in the comments section where you have spread the word each link entitles to 1 more name in the hat

Contest Ends Wednesday 1st September

Book Review - iDrakula by Bekka Black

2010-08-06T08:08:00.000+01:00

iDrakula by Bekka Black

Synopsis
A modernization of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, in cell novel form, in which two rebellious teens find themselves in over their heads when one girl’s boyfriend reappears from a mysterious summer internship in Romania gravely ill and craving blood

Book Review

iDrakula is wrote in text message/email form throughout and it takes alot of imagination to see beyond the simpleness of it and I think that's what makes it a cool read, you are unable to grip to the characters but still like whats happening and how its happening. The idea of writing a book in emails/Texts and on a illustrated phone is very clever, especially as nowadays that's what we do we text or email instead of write a letter or pick up the phone like in the past.

iDrakula is a debut novel by Bekka Black and a cute one at that...It is a modernization of Bram Stokers Dracula and if you have read it you will notice the familiarity at the beginning of iDrakula even with the twist of script. As much as I love originals I applaud Bekka for a great adaption. Overall iDrakula is a simple yet treat me to a quick read on a journey book....I breezed through it in an hour and still I'm not 100 percent sure of how I feel about it I mean it's interesting, cute, cool but its also predictable.......but at the same time I am xzglad I read iDrakula....

Happy Reading xxx

Follow my Blog and Hop Friday

2010-08-06T06:51:00.000+01:00

Hey all, its that time of week again when we share our love for each others blogs, if you stop by my blog today leave me some love so i can return to your blog and say hello

Don't forget to leave some love so I can come and follow you in return

July in Review

2010-08-05T07:17:00.000+01:00

June was a slightly slow month for me and I thought July would be slower with the decorating etc but I'm happy with what I read.

Books read in June

The Secret Hour - (Midnighters book 1) by Scott Westerfeld
The Physick Book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe
The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (debut)
Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown
Rich and Mad by William Nicholson
Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft
Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson (debut)
Zelah Green bk 2 (One more little problem) bu Vanessa Curtis
His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm (debut)
Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis
Heaven, Hell & Mademoiselle by Harold Carlton
The Dark Divine by Bree Despain (debut)
Cathy's Ring by Jordan Weisman, Sean Stewart, Cathy Brigg
The Immortals - Shadowland by Alyson Noel
No and Me by Delphine De Vigan
The Named by Marianne Curley
The Other Countess by Eve Edwards (debut)
Dark Goddess by Sarwat Chadda
Delia's Crossing by Virginia Andrews

Woop! I got a wopping 19 books read this July ;o) that makes me happy considering I have been decorating.

How was your July?

Book Review - Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

2010-08-04T14:27:00.000+01:00

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Synopsis
Pack life is about order, but Bryn is about to push all the limits, with hair-raising results. At the age of four, Bryn watched a rabid werewolf brutally murder her parents. Alone in the world, she was rescued and taken in by Callum, the alpha of his pack. Now fifteen, Bryn's been as a human among werewolves, adhering to pack rule. Little fazes her. But the pack's been keeping a secret, and when Bryn goes exploring against Callum's orders, she finds Chase, a newly turned teen Were locked in a cage. Terrifying memories of the attack on her parents come flooding back. Bryn needs answers, and she needs Chase to get them. Suddenly, all allegiances to the pack no longer matter. It's Bryn and Chase against the werewolf world, whatever the consequences.

My Review

Sometimes there are not enough words to express how I feel about a book...and this is one of those books but yet if you could have seen me the last 24 hours you would understand when I love a book there are no in between, it kills me to put it down, to do anything else, to go the toilet...anything I just read, read, read and more reading. Raised by Wolves had that effect on me!

The Characters where equally endearing and well thought out....I took a major liking to Byrn and Callum, even if parts of the novel was meant for me to hate him I didn't I sought out ways in my mind why I should still like him and I do no matter what happened or is planned to happen in the future. Byrn is a strong character and she gives off the vibe that she will take whatever you throw at her and she will stand tall and proud, she loves her independence and doesn’t like being dominated at all. Many of the other characters also called out to me and I admit I loved them there were 2 things that made my head swirl a few times...the name of Lakes weapon Matilda and the Name of the female werewolf who comes into the story later on Madison but getting over that in no time I was in a whirl wind of awww.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes writes and electrifying novel that kept me engaged from the moment I opened the book, its gripping storyline hit me from the first page not wasting anytime withering on minor details but keeping things perky and interesting throughout. I was drugged into the flow of Jennifer's writing and somehow even though it would have been a great standalone I WANTED MORE and the ending left me with the feeling...YES there will be a sequel and I am right there will be and I cannot wait.
So what you still doing here US readers get BUYING and UK readers get PRE-ORDERING.....i can still sense you ;o)

Happy Wednesday xx

Wishing on a Wednesday(5)

2010-08-04T07:35:00.000+01:00

Wishing on a Wednesday is a place to find the books I'm pining for that I have not really seen around the web.

This weeks book:

Finding Sky by Joss Stirling

Synopsis

When Sky catches a glimpse of Zed for the first time, lounging against his motorbike at school, she is drawn to him just like every other girl in Wickenridge. But Zed sees something special in her that the other girls don't have. Zed tells her they are both Savants - people with special powers like telepathy and the ability to see into the future. Not only that, she is a Savant too, and his soulfinder - meant to be together. When a soulfinder speaks telepathically to her partner, it's like all the lights coming on in a building. You lit me up like Vegas. But for Sky it's just not that easy - she's a mystery to herself, haunted by nightmares from her past before she was adopted, and riddled with doubt and insecurity. Just when Sky is slowly coming round to the idea of being with Zed she is kidnapped by a family of criminal Savants. In a chilling twist, Sky and Zed's relationship is put to the ultimate test and the fate of those she loves lie in Sky's hands. Will Sky have the strength to embrace her power and be brave enough to control her own destiny, or will the dark demons of her past prevent her from realising her true potential?

Doesn't it sound great! What do you all think?

Author Interview - Gabrielle Kimm + Giveaway

2010-08-03T08:24:00.001+01:00

Today I'm being joined by the amazing Gabrielle Kimm author of His Last Duchess. Gabrielle is an amazing and talented women who's debut novel hit all the right notes with me. So lets join her and find out more!

His Last Duchess - My Review Here

Synopsis
When sixteen-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, she imagines life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But little does she know that he is a very complicated man. The marriage is fraught with difficulties from the start, and, as time passes, Lucrezia becomes increasingly alienated. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title should the couple remain unable to produce an heir. Only his lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury. But Alfonso's growing resentment towards his duchess soon becomes unbearable, and he begins to plot an unthinkable way to escape his problems. Originally inspired by a Robert Browning poem, His Last Duchess gorgeously brings to life the passions and people of sixteenth-century Tuscany and Ferrara. It is a story you are unlikely to forget for a long time.
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So Gabrielle its so great to have you here on the blog, can you tell us a little about yourself and your writing style?

I'm delighted to have been invited on to your blog - thank you for having me! A bit about me and my writing style ... well, I first wanted to write a novel when I was twelve (I still have several pages of that first attempt ... it was rubbish!) and I hankered after the idea right the way through my teens, twenties and thirties, but only in a vague 'Oh, I wish I knew how to do that' sort of way.

But then a few years ago, I began to NEED to write a novel, rather than want to, and it sort of took over! I did an MA in Creative Writing at the University of Chichester between 2005 and 2007 (an utterly wonderful experience) and learned SO much both about the craft of writing, and also about good writing practices. Just after finishing, I was taken on by an agent, who then found me my wonderful deal with Little Brown.

I write every day - sometimes (given my family commitments and my part time teaching) there is only time to, say, edit a few sentences or something, but at other times I might blast my way through the first draft of a couple of thousand words. But always something, every day. I write in a little upstairs bedroom converted into what is known as 'my writing room' (by me, that is - my kids call it 'that tip' as it is usually very untidy!) and I write directly onto the computer.

In terms of style, that's a hard one to answer. I suppose I can just say what people tell me - that my writing is visual in quality. I've been told it's filmic. When I write, I tend to picture the scene I want to create, (dress the set, if you like) I try to 'inhabit' it, and then attempt to create on the page the stuff that has been going on in my head. Does that make sense? A bit like directing a play, but with my fictional characters rather than actors.

Whats the best comment you have recieved for His Last Duchess?

I think the nicest comment I can possibly receive is one several people have already given me - that they haven't been able to put it down!

What’s the most challenging aspect of writing?

You ask such difficult questions! In some ways, of course, it's all challenging: creating three dimensional characters who have a convincing interior life, creating a plot that functions properly on more than one level, avoiding glaring mistakes (hopefully!), making sure that you maintain reader interest all along the line - there's always something to worry about! But I do absolutely love all of it.
Other then historical is there a genre that you’d like to write? Is there a genre you’ll probably stay away from and why?
I sort of fell into writing historical fiction because of the Browning poem, which set my book in a specific time and place, and then discovered I just loved writing it, and so I've stayed with it. I'm not sure what else I might try one day - I've been a teacher (on and off) for twenty years, so I might try a contemporary novel set in a school. Perhaps. But not just yet. I write the sort of fiction I like to read, so I would never write in a genre I don't choose to read. I won't say what those are - because I don't want to alienate any readers of those genres

What's next for you?

I'm currently editing my second novel 'The Courtesan's Choice' which comes out with Sphere next July (2011). That is a follow-on from 'His Last Duchess', in that it takes one of the secondary characters (Francesca, the duke's long-suffering mistress) and gives her her own story, but it's not a sequel. There is no plot progression from the one to the other - they are separate stories completely. In 'The Courtesan's Choice' Francesca has moved to Naples, and has set herself up as a courtesan. As the novel opens, she is what would have been described in the nineteen-eighties as 'upwardly mobile' and she is chock-full of complacent confidence, but (fiction being what it is) I have to admit that she's in for a bit of a tough time!

Are there any author/'s that inspire you? Who?

There are many, many authors whose works I admire enormously. In terms of the classics, then Austen, Shakespeare of course, and Dickens for his fabulous plot-crafting abilities. I love Olivia Manning's 'Fortunes of War', and Jean Rhys's wonderful, wonderful novel 'Wide Sargasso Sea' which is a prequel to Jane Eyre. Recent novels I've loved have been Sarah Waters's 'The Little Stranger', 'The Behaviour of Moths' by Poppy Adams and Chris Cleave's devastating book 'The Other Hand' which is still haunting me, some weeks on after finishing it! I've also just read and loved 'The Devil's Music' by Jane Rusbridge, Isabel Ashdown's book 'Glasshopper' and a new book from a fellow historical debut writer, Deborah Swift, called 'The Lady's Slipper'. As an English teacher, I read quite a lot of children's fiction, too - there are some truly wonderful contemporary novels for kids out there.

Can you tell us 3 books on your to be read pile right now?

I'm very busy writing at the moment, and tend not to read so much when I'm in full writing mode (too knackered!) but I am currently reading 'Lion's Head, Four Happiness' by Xiaomei Martell, and have Chris Cleave's first novel 'Incendiary' to start when I have a moment. I'm also planning to read 'Wolf Hall' (Hilary Mantell), but that's a big one, and I need to be a little further on with my editing before I start that!
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Wow thank you Gabrielle it seems you truly have your hands full with all your work good luck with the editing as I can not wait for the release of 'The Courtesan's Choice' :o) If you have not purchased His Last Duchess yet then I highly recommend it as its GREAT!

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Now for the YUMMY giveaway

For your chance to get your hands on a copy of His Last Duchess

all you have to do is Follow my blog(if your not already a follower) then spread the word, leave a link to your post in the comments section.

This Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL

Giveaway ends Wednesday 1st September 2010

Good Luck All

Trailer Tuesday

2010-08-03T07:46:00.000+01:00

This weeks trailer that I am in love with is Tell me a Secret by Holly Cupala...its so unique. I'm in love

A Little About the book

Synopsis

Tell me a secret, and I'll tell you one…

In the five years since her bad-girl sister Xanda’s death, Miranda Mathison has wondered about the secret her sister took to the grave, and what really happened the night she died. Now, just as Miranda is on the cusp of her dreams—a best friend to unlock her sister’s world, a ticket to art school, and a boyfriend to fly her away from it all—Miranda has a secret all her own.

Then two lines on a pregnancy test confirm her worst fears. Stripped of her former life, Miranda must make a choice with tremendous consequences and finally face her sister’s demons and her own.

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Cant wait for my copy to come in the post!! What trailers are you loving lately?

Book Review - The Poisoned House by Michael Ford

2010-08-02T11:59:00.000+01:00

The Poisoned House by Michael Ford (buy me)

Synopsis
Abigail is a maidservant in Greave Hall, an elegant London household governed by the tyrannical housekeeper, Mrs Cotton. Whilst the widowed master slips slowly into madness, Mrs Cotton gradually usurps the position of gentlewoman of the house. She wears his dead wife's jewellery and clothes, entertains guests as though the house is her own and reserves her most despotic treatment for Abi. In the dead of night, Abi makes a desperate bid for freedom, but is soon captured and returned to Greave Hall. As Mrs Cotton's malice intensifies, a ghostly presence distracts Abi with clues to a deadly secret. And Abi now realises that she can trust no one in the house.

My Review.

I am sensing a turn in tides in the world of books as Ghosts get there umph back! Michael Ford writes a gripping novel that is so simply written you breeze your way through every crack and nook of Greave Hall without a worry in the world...that is until he gets to the nit and grit that turns the book upside down and tries to shake out all the bolts and screws.

The Poisoned House is full of mystery and Abi takes us on a journey to uncover the truth behind it..... I constantly sympathised with her and admired how her strength grew along the way while everyone she thought she could trust she no longer could,Abi is a well thought out character along with the others they suit there roles perfectly.

If I ever thought I wouldn't like this book I bite my tongue until it bleeds and apologise....not only is it brilliant and well thought out but it is full of secrets not once giving too much away and leaves the imagination with many possibilities. Reading the book in less then 4 hours is a sign of the ease and enjoyment I was able to read The Poisoned House......

I recommend it for all and better still its released TODAY so go get your copy now!!

Happy Reading all xx

Where We Read - Isalys & Vanessa from Book Soulmates

2010-08-02T07:24:00.000+01:00

(Isalys(left in blue) Vanessa(right in black).)

Can you tell us a little about Book Soulmates?

We met through a mutual friend in 2008 at a birthday dinner for Isalys. You can say we met through fondue and bonded through books! Not only are our birthdays 2 days apart, but we're both voracious readers and love to learn, especially about History. We soon began our ritual of meeting at Barnes & Nobles every week to hang out and see what new books are on the shelves. One day, we ran into Nely from All About {n} who told us about this cool thing called 'blogging'. Anyhoo, we decided to get in on this blogging thing and thus Book ♥ Soulmates was born! We called it Book ♥ Soulmates because we truly consider ourselves book soulmates.

Where is your favorite reading spot?
Isalys

I have two reading spots. My usual nighttime spot to read is on my blue couch in the living room. I have the lamp next to me for lighting and sometimes I'll light a candle. I grab a blanket, my chihuahua Toby and a snack and read until I can't keep my eyes open anymore. During the week, I try to read some during lunch, but nighttime is really the best time for me.

However, during Summer (if it's not too hot of course) I love to lounge in my backyard. I like to relax on the chaise lounge with a book on my lap and a glass of iced tea enjoying some quiet time.

Vanessa

My favorite reading spot is my bed... BUT... since I don't want to show the whole blogging world my not so cool, super hot pink ink stained bed.... I'll instead show you my favorite reading spot when I went on vacation to the Smokey Mountains, North Carolina :)

Why do you like to read there?

Isalys

I like this spot because the couch in my blue living room is so comfortable and that room is so peaceful. Reading is a selfish hobby. I like to be alone and relaxed so that I can devote all my attention to my book. My husband goes to bed earlier than I do, so when he hits the sack, I can have this room all to myself without being distracted which is exactly how I like it :)

I enjoy reading outside because I love sunlight and since my neighborhood is so quiet, I get to enjoy the sounds of the wind rustling the palm trees. **Oh the joys of living in Florida**

Vanessa
It was such a comfortable place to sit, relax, and read! It was freezing outside but there was a fireplace right next to the couch. It was so darn cozy!!

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots?

Isalys

I love to read series and some of my very favorites are:

The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead (YA),
The Soul Screamers Series by Rachel Vincent (YA),
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (YA),
The Lords of the Underworld Series by Gena Showalter (Adult Paranormal Romance),
The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger (historical steampunk).

I also love to read a lot of historical romance.

Vanessa
My top 5 would be (for the moment.... the list tends to change depending on my mood! lol):

The Harry Potter Series by J K Rowling- I LOVE ALL THINGS HARRY POTTER!!
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

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Thank you for joining us girls :o)
Isalys I love your poolside spot...*sigh* I would do anything for a pool in my back yard, and Vanessa I love your spot but I would be I see a fire place I am so a snuggle up by the fire kinda of girl ;o) *double sigh* Love it girls.
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If you would like to take part in my new feature Where We Read please email me

In my Mailbox (7)

2010-08-01T22:11:00.000+01:00

In my Mailbox is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren

So for the double visual ;o)

For Review

Frog by Joffre White

Brought

Poor Little Bitch Girl by Jackie Collins

Graceling by Kristen Cashore

Linger by Maggie Steifvater

Won

Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell from Once Upon a Bookcase

Fallen by Lauren Kate from Book Chick City

Thanks Girls xx

Gift from Celine

ebook

Intertwined by Gena Showalter

(still want a book for my bookcase *sigh* )

Thanks Celine xx

So that's what I got this week. What did you get in your mailbox?

Winner Winner - Sarwat Chadda's Novels

2010-08-01T08:38:00.000+01:00

So I'm sorry for the little delay, Just getting my life in order a little(with the hole moving house stuff :o}).

So without further delay the winner is (picked via random.org)

Nomes (Inkcrush)

Congratulations!!

Email me your address so I can get your yummies out too you.

Book Review - The Secret Hour (Midnighters 1) by Scott Westerfeld

2010-07-31T00:54:00.000+01:00

The Secret Hour - (Midnighters book 1) by Scott Westerfeld
(buy me)

Synopsis
As the new girl at Bixby High School, Jessica Day expected some unwelcome attention. What she didn't expect was to feel an instant connection to a stranger in the corridor ...Who is this boy dressed in black? And why can she feel his eyes following her wherever she goes? The answers will have to wait until the sun goes down, for here in Bixby, midnight is the time for secrets; secrets that Jessica is going to find out, whether she wants to or not.

My Review

The Secret Hour is the first in the series called Midnighter's by Scott Westerfeld. When I first started reading this novel I was a little confused, knowing it was due to Scott lying down the basis of the plot I continued to read and found myself getting more and more addicted with every page.

The Story is told from a split POV amongst the 5 Midnighter's Jessica who is the main of the 5, Jonathan, Dess, Rex and Melissa being the remaining 4. Each character has there own unique 'gift' which activates in the 25th hour, an hour when all time stands still except for the Darklings and The Midnighters.

The Secret Hour concentrates on Jessica (the main of the 5 characters in this book so far) who takes you through The Secret Hour on a journey of discovery as a Midnighter and what her 'gift' is, but along the way we get sneak peaks of the other characters and who and what there 'gifts' are and at many points leaving me confused about how there 'gifts' work. I am also a little disappointed that Scott never highlighted more about the other characters, I felt they where only briefly touched upon so because of this I have left my trust in Scott that there will be more in store later on in the series....I think there is potential there for amazing characters who will remain on the brain but only if the remaining books live up to my expectations.

Scott has wrote a great book that is unique, exhilarating and skillfully written, one that I would recommend to all...Not only did I read this in less then 24 hours but I also had time to sit and ponder over the best parts and what I would like to happen next. I genuinely can not wait to start Touching Darkness lets hope it as good as The Secret Hour! :o)

Happy Weekend xxx

Blog a Little Book Shelf

2010-07-30T20:17:00.000+01:00

So as many of my followers know I am moving house (does a little happy dance) and with the move it means I get a really nice book shelf to go in my reading space.

So in honor of my special space this special bookcase needs some inspiration and here is the place to see it...I will share my love and findings with you every Friday as you all know i love to share ;o)

*Sigh* I am totally in love with the 2nd and 5th one's! What book shelves have you seen that you love the look of...please feel free to share yours, email me and I will feature it next Friday

Hope you all have a happy weekend xxx

Book Review - The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

2010-07-29T11:01:00.000+01:00

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

Synopsis
The Sisterhood always knows best.
The Guardians will protect and serve.
The Unconsecrated will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future-between the one she loves and the one who loves her.
And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

My Review

So when I recieved an email asking me to post my review for this book on my Blog I was like hmmm I love the book but I think it deserves a re-read so that everything is fresh in my mind....but really it was just an excuse to re-read it ;o) The Forest of Hands and Teeth is the first in a series by Carrie Ryan and reading it was the best thing I did.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth is very engaging - always keeping me on the edge of my seat dying to know the secrets of this hidden world, dying to find out what was going to happen next without ever getting bored. Being a fast paced and full of action novel with its nail biting realities mad it a splendid and fascinating read....With the latest paranormal trends lately, I thought it was going to be a long long time before I picked up anything other than wolves and vampires but Carrie takes Zombies to a whole new level in a world that is unique in its own.

The main character Mary takes you on a journey of discovery and what lies behind the fences in The Forest of Hands and Teeth. She is a dreamer and like her mother had a better plan of the world then staying secure and she was willing to risk her life for that vision, losing all her friends and family along the way. It reminded me so much of careless teenage days when we don’t look at the bigger picture and only see one vision ahead doing whatever we can to get there regardless of who we hurt on the way, but without realizing it we hurt ourselves only. Mary was a strong and well written character and even though she was a little selfish at times it suited her role well... she was an adventurer and its die or live and suffering the consequences as she went.

Overall the Forest of Hands and Teeth was a brilliant read, one that once I picked it up I was unable to put down and yet I have read it twice and still it has the same ongoing effect of a well written and engaging novel with no end the adventure. A must read for all my paranormal fans out there...believe me when I say it’s nothing like dawn of the dead ;o)

Also if you’re one of those that have not watched the trailer yet...it will only persuade you more...enjoy

Happy Reading xxx

Wishing on a Wednesday (4)

2010-07-28T18:59:00.000+01:00

This weeks wishing on a Wednesday is for a book I don't think many have heard of but I adore the cover and the book sounds awesome

Dark Heart Forever

Synopsis

Jane Jonas is nearing her 16th birthday and troubled by unsettling recurring dreams where the same mysterious boy her age comes to her, telling Jane that they are each other's destiny. Her mother is increasingly anxious about Jane's disruptive sleepwalking episodes, but for Jane her dream world and reality are about to collide ...When she develops a friendship with an enigmatic stranger in town, the blond, uber-cool Evan, it's exciting, it's new, and Jane wants him more than she's ever wanted anybody - until her mystery dream boy gets in the way. Now Jane is caught between two worlds: one familiar, but tinged with romance and excitement; the other dark and dangerous, where angels, werewolves, the undead, and an irresistible stranger are trying to seduce her ...

Released 7th October 2010

What do you think? Sounds great right!

Book Review - The Physick book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe

2010-07-27T12:50:00.000+01:00

The Physick Book of Deliverence Dane by Katherine Howe

Synopsis

While clearing out her grandmother's cottage for sale, Connie Goodwin finds a hidden parchment inscribed with the name Deliverance Dane. And so begins the hunt to uncover the woman behind the name, a hunt that takes her back to Salem in 1692 ...and the infamous witchcraft trials. But nothing is entirely as it seems and when Connie unearths the existence of Deliverance's spell book, the Physick Book, the situation takes on a menacing edge as interested parties reveal their desperation to find this precious artefact at any cost. What secrets does the Physick Book contain? What magic is scrawled across its parchment pages? Connie must race to answer these questions - and reveal the truth about Salem's women - before an ancient family curse once more fulfils its dark and devastating prophecy ...This title is previously published in the UK as "The Lost Book of Salem".

My Review

When I brought this book it was merely out of 'it was the only thing on the shelves at tesco that looked like it was worth reading' I was not fully prepared for the fact i may get totally indulged in the story that I would do my own research on a topic we never got taught here in history ''The Salem Witch Trials''.

This book journeys through present and past with such passion you are indulged in both worlds without the feeling your getting thrown of track, to learn of how the trial went with Connie's past generations why she undergoes the journey of her own self discovery that she is in fact a witch from a long line of witch's that go as far back as the Salem Witch Trials.

I was truly smitten after the first few chapters and its definitely a must read to anyone who likes reading books with historical fiction mixed with controversial and a little romance mixed between the lines.....a total out of the box read for me and one I devoured it.

Where We Read

2010-07-26T09:25:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Where We Read, the new feature here at The Readings of a Busy Mom.

Its the place to see and share with you where us blogger's and authors enjoy to read.

From sofa's and beds to fancy nook's this is the place we read out books

This week's guest we have been joined by the fabulous and my fellow Brit chick blogger Carolyn from Book Chick City.

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

My name is Carolyn and I'm the chick behind Book Chick City. I review mainly speculative fiction, so lots of Urban Fantasy and Horror etc but I also review Mystery and Romance. I live in England, UK with my hubby. Outside of reading and blogging I love to cycle, go to the gym, travel and generally have a good time with the hubster.

{PHOTO - Me at a Conrad Williams book signing}

Where is your favorite reading spot?

The first is in the bath...with lots of bubbles!

The second is on the sofa with my fluffy blanket

The third is in bed

Why do you like to read there?

I love to read in the bath because it's quiet. I've always read in the bath since I was young, so now it's habit as much as anything - I know that once I'm there I won't be bothered by anyone. In the evening I read on the sofa while the hubster watches tele and of course I read before bed, in bed - it's very comfy ;)

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

Oh wow, this is a toughie - 5 books...*thinks hard*

Ok...

1. Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane - this series has blown me away - I adore each book and can't wait for more (I know you said 'book' but can't choose one)

2. Noughts & Crosses by Malorie Blackman - the most fantastic YA book I've ever read - it's really amazing.

3. Dracula by Bram Stoker - the best 'Dracula' book in my opinion, it's where it all began really and I love this book - I have five different editions on my shelves :)

4. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton - this was the first UF book I ever read and it has a very special place in my heart - I know there's a lot of hoohaa about the later books (which I haven't read yet as only up to book 10), but I love this series.

5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - this is one of my favourite classics, I think it is such a romantic book, albeit a tortured one - I love the tortured relationship and this is one of the best - a must read in my opinion.

-x-x-x-

Yay! Thank you Carolyn for joining us today.....I must admit I love to read in the bath and have done since I was in nappies when my mom brought me my first waterproof book *grinning from ear to ear* and does anyone else think I'm a meanie with the hole only 5 books but trust me its for the best as then we get the best 5 books....hope you all enjoyed today's post and feel free to check out Book Chick City and the books she suggested..where do you like to read?

If you would like to take part in my new feature Where We Read please email me

Book Review - The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

2010-07-25T23:53:00.000+01:00

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Synopsis
After getting dumped by her boyfriend, Mia is looking forward to spending a relaxing summer in the Hamptons with her glamorous cousins. But when she arrives she find her cousins distant, moody, and caught up with a fast crowd. Mia finds herself lonelier than ever, until she meets her next-door-neighbor, Simon Ross. And from the very first time he encourages her to go skinny dipping, she's caught in a current impossible to resist

My Review

When I sat down to read this book I wasn't in my best of moods. I was in that place where I'm tired yet restless and felt that the only cure would be to read and I am grateful I did.... Amanda had me enraptured by her writing....losing myself amongst her words in a story that is sure to mend a few broken hearts with hope and a few souls with passion to be who you are and not what others wish you to be!!! Pure brilliance.

I don't think there are many times I have allowed a book to keep me awake when I'm at the point i feel sleep is over due, but skinny dipping or not i could not bring myself to put it down until i was on the last page. I was enlightened by the characters in The Summer of Skinny Dipping. Mia being the main character had started off annoying and drove me insane with her constant insecurities but this feature made her more realistic and i found myself connecting to her throughout the book and her journey of sun, sea and sand.

I must admit ~~I LOVE IT~~ no scratch that, I'm in love with The Summer of Skinny Dipping,....It is a well written and perfect read on a rainy day( I would say sunny but we have nothing but grey skies here in the UK lately). So I advice you to grab a copy, lounge out and read until you untwine the bindings as I assure you this will be a fabulous read....one I'm sure you will be pining for the Sequel The Summer of Sneaking Out (Summer, #2) (jumps with delight) and if it is anything like the first it will be a true pick me up and eat me typa novel

Happy Reading xxx

In My Mailbox(6)

2010-07-24T21:19:00.000+01:00

IMM is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren

So my IMM is going up a little early this week as I'm majorly rushed of my feet tomorrow as I have just got a new house and need to start the decorating :o)

This week I thought I would do Vlog as well as the normal cover visual. Although it isn't very good and I was really nervous hopefully next weeks one will be better;o)

Tehee seriously it will be better next week, I will totally be more prepared..... and does anyone else like to read the synopsis...I feel like a total judge by the cover type of girl.....synopsis have started to tell the whole story in a few words...not good at all!

So now for the visual

For Review

Strange Angels by Lili St Crow

Betrayals by Lili St Crow

Jealousy by Lili St Crow

Genesis by Bernard Beckett

Season of Storms by Susanna Kearsley

The Prophecy by John Kilgallon

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Books Brought

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz

The Van Allen Legacy by Melissa de la Cruz

Keys to the Repository by Melissa de la Crus

Beastly by Alex Flinn

Unholy Ghost by Stacia Kane

Unholy Magic by Stacia Kane

Other by Karen Kincy

So thats this weeks In My Mailbox...what did you get in your mailbox this week? I would love to see!

Book Review - Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

2010-07-24T17:42:00.000+01:00

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

Synopsis
Jennie’s connection with her twin brother, Toby, grew stronger after he died in 1864. Now Jennie must rely on her ability to communicate with the dead to find out what has happened to her beloved fiance, Will, while he was off at war.

This intriguing combination of historical romance, paranormal thriller, and clever mystery is illustrated by bestselling artist Lisa Brown. The unique visuals originated from real Civil War daguerreotypes that were transformed into eerie mementos for Jennie’s scrapbook.

With the help of a spiritualist photographer, the spirit of her dead fiance, and the clues she discovers and keeps in her scrapbook, Jennie must put together the pieces of this mystery before she loses her home, her fortune, and possibly her life.

My Review

I once commented on a facebook status that asked 'What keeps you reading a story the plot or the characters?' and I replied both but what I fail to realise is that sometimes you have the plot and you have the characters but you just cant connect, that's how I felt with the main character Jennie but i felt as if i connected with the surrounding characters as she was describing her feelings her journey I felt sympathy, anger, sorrow for them but not her even though at times i knew she deserved my emotions.

Adele takes you on a journey of love and sorrow in Picture the Dead one with the feeling of a diary, that is shown through illustrations of a scrapbook (which I occasionally wished where bigger so I could focus on the letters and read whats written without a struggle) it also allows more insight into the descriptions of each page she adds to her scrapbook. I managed to read with delighted eagerness to uncover the mystery behind the lie and only had suspicion's towards the end which surprised me as in the beginning I fell for Adele's trick of a sneaky plot to hide the real one...very clever indeed as I was thrown way off track.

Other then my lack of connection to the main character Jennie and my eagerness to read about her surrounding characters, Picture the Dead is a good read. Adele writes with a clear passion that throws you into the story from the beginning and has non stop action as each page is turned. I think because of all the action and the continuous twists and turns is why I managed to devour the book within hours and I think if it wasn't for the children it would have been considerably less(*sigh the joys of being a busy mom :o}).

I couldn't stick this into one category as feel it genre-binding, but if you are a lover of historical and mystery fiction then have a whizz you will find it a very enjoyable read.

Saturday Series Love

2010-07-24T09:19:00.000+01:00

Saturday Series Love is my feature where you can find out what series are hot....unbeatable.....fantastic....can't stop reading reads.....

They can be read series or wishing to read series either way I am sharing the love

This weeks series is one I haven't read :o( but have just ordered :o) I have heard a lot about it and I am hoping it lives up to my expectations, its The Blood Coven Series by Mari Mancusi

Blood Coven Series by Mari Mancusi

Synopsis

Boys That Bite

After long time of studies, Rayne has gain the right to be turned to a vampire, but on her great day the vampire who is supposed to turn her bites her twin Sunny by mistake. Now Sunny has one week left to find the antidote if she wants to stay human.

Stake That

Not only is Rayne still human but she also has to work for the other side, “Slayer Inc”. She totally does not want to be a slayer since her dream is to become a vampire.She gets a mission to stop the insane Vampire Maverick, who wants to take over the local coven and by doing so, weakens all the other Vamps in line to be the next leader. The coven leader Magnus orders his general Jareth to work together with Rayne to save his coven from losses but Jareth bears a personal hatred towards Slayer Inc. which he transfers on to Rayne. Later in the story Rayne is infected by the virus that has been weakening the Vampires and all humans that are infected die, On her dying day Jareth turns her into a vampire where they become Blood mates and pronounce their love for one another and every one is shocked since the hated each other to begin with. Also she stop writing in her blog around the end and starts writing in a diary since some people make rude comments on it.

Girls That Growl

Now, a vampire but without vampire strength and vampire powers Rayne is still forced to go to school and to work for Slayer Inc. Her new Mission is to infiltrate the cheerleaders and find a missing football player. How could a goth girl which uses every chance to tease the cheerleaders join their ranks?

Bad Blood

Unable to serve as Magnus' co-ruler of the Blood Coven because of her humanity, Sunny is suspicious of the Coven's choice, Jane Johnson. When the Blood Coven travels to Las Vegas for a vampire convention, Sunny and her twin sister, Rayne, tag along so Sunny can learn the truth about Jane.

Don't you think they sound great? To find out more head on over to Mari Mancusi website

Happy Reading All xx

Book Review - Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

2010-07-23T15:17:00.000+01:00

Rich and Mad by William Nicholson

Synopsis
This is a compelling and beautifully written novel about first love, first sex, and everything in between. Maddy Fisher has decided to fall in love. And not just any sort of love: can't-eat can't-sleep crazy in love. Rich Ross is after the same thing. He's set his sights high, and he's going to make it happen. The problem is, in life's messy whirlwind of friends and lies and sex and porn, the real thing can be hard to fine. But there's always a first time for everything...

My Review

As it says on William Nicholson's website, 'this is a book written for girls and guys to show them what girls and guys think about love and sex.' Having read my fair share of YA novels that touch on the subject none of them came close to Rich and Mad, Its honest, genuine and out right ruthless not caring whats written William just gets down and dirty!

I was taken on a journey that not only I related to but that was undeniable truth...nothing comes easy when you are facing this journey in life and reading the trials the characters are put through explores this journey from both sides. Rich and Maddy are both alike.. their innocence and insecurities are visible through out. Navigating from one step of teen life to the next and overcoming all the hurdles in the way....its pure well observed and researched honesty.

Rich and Mad is a book that's fun and interesting read...a total out of the 'norm' novel. I would recommend this to all YA lovers of smut and the odd bit of trash talk......It really does remind me of the younger generation today (expecially the ones I come across) William Nicholson gives you a gripping ride in humour, love, romance, emotions and teen troubles and you wont be disappointed! Beware it is what it says on the label ;o)

Happy Friday xMwahx

Book Review - Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft

2010-07-22T11:12:00.000+01:00

Starting Over by Sue Moorcroft (buy me)

Synopsis
New home, new friends, new love. Can starting over be that simple? Tess Riddell reckons her beloved Freelander is more reliable than any man - especially her ex-fiance, Olly Gray. She's moving on from her old life and into the perfect cottage in the country. Miles Rattenbury's passions - Old cars and new women! Romance - He's into fun rather than commitment. When Tess crashes the Freelander into his breakdown truck, they find that they're nearly neighbours - yet worlds apart. Despite her overprotective parents and a suddenly attentive Olly, she discovers the joys of village life and even forms an unlikely friendship with Miles. Then, just as their relationship develops into something deeper, an old flame comes looking for him ...Is their love strong enough to overcome the past? Or will it take more than either of them is prepared to give?

My Review

Sue Moorcroft has written an outstanding novel that has over powered me with love. Its not very often I pick up Adult Fiction and when I do its not normally Chick Lit. I love my paranormal and historical Fiction, but when it comes to chick lit I'm more for anything YA. So to read something that's so gripping from the start left me dumb struck and in awe. Sue takes us on a journey of love, mistakes and bad relationships...and I found myself engaged from the very first page.

Sue write's the characters with such passion that they vibrate off the page and once you hold on you can't let go! Miles a.k.a Ratty is that 'guy' you know the one that makes the book, he pulled on my heart strings and made it race with his bad boy vibes. While Tess had me constantly rooting for her I formed a unmistakable love for this women, no matter if she was wrong or right she pulled me along with her for the ride.

I would definitely recommend this book as it is an unmissable read and I must admitt I'm eager to start the second book I received for review written by her All That Mullarkey.

Happy Thursday xxx

Book Review - Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson

2010-07-20T22:38:00.000+01:00

Image taken from waterstones

Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson(Pre order me - 5th August)

Synopsis
Hanover Falls hasn't had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. But when people suddenly start dying in Claire Benoit's town, panic spreads fast. At Claire's sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. Claire, however, is more interested in the fact that the gorgeous Matthew Engle keeps chatting and flirting with her as if she's the only girl there. But that night, she discovers something that takes away all sense of normalcy: she's a werewolf. As Claire is initiated into the pack of female werewolves, she must deal not only with her changing identity, but also with a rogue werewolf who is putting everyone she knows in danger. Claire's new life threatens her blossoming romance with Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt. Now burdened with a dark secret and pushing the boundaries of forbidden love, Claire is struggling to feel comfortable in either skin. With her lupine loyalty at odds with her human heart, she will make a choice that will change her forever...

My Review

For Christine Johnson's debut novel I feel she has set her standards high for the sequel. Christine Johnson writes an engaging novel with a good plot although it was a little slow at parts, just never slow enough for you to wanna put it down. I moved from page to page with a feeling of slight disappointment when I thought I figured the plot out not even half way in and when it was revealed , my face lit up in enthusiasm as I was proven wrong (a very rare thing to happen) Christine I applaud you, I believe like many readers I was fooled :o)

The simple characters suited the plot well. Claire's character flourished beautifully, she managed to grasp onto her responsibilities with her head held high and recognized a time for change. Claire's will power, bravery and loyalty kept me mesmerized from page one she never faltered or stopped trying. I do wish Matthew's character had a bigger part in the book, he seems to be a charming young man that is soft hearted and forgiving and deserved to be wrapped into the pages of Claire De Lune. Although I think that this is the starting of a great 1st in a series.

Christine had me hooked from page one and although I felt it was a little slow at times and I wished there was more on the history behind the pack, it didn't take me long to complete it. I'm glad to know that Claire De Lune has a sequel in the making, as it is a great base to start the world in a Claire De Lune frenzy. I recommend to all of my paranormal lovers it truly is a great addition to the bookshelves.

(note to my lovely USA readers - feel free to send me a gift of the USA cover version as that cover is to die for *wink wink*).

Happy Reading xxx

Trailer Tuesday(4)

2010-07-20T11:24:00.000+01:00

Trailer Tuesday is a feature I will be hosting every Tuesday for book trailers I currently adore, it can be a released or due to be released, it can be the original or a fan made trailer....as long as you like it. Feel free to join in and let me know in the comments so I can come and check it out.

Hey all, its that time of week again where I share with you my trailer love. This weeks trailer is for the FAB sounding book The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

I have heard some interesting things about this novel and can not wait to receive my copy that I have just ordered from the Book Depository.

Whats your favourite trailer right now...come on tell me! you never know i may not have seen it yet!!

Book Review - Zelah Green (One more little problem) by Vanessa Curtis

2010-07-19T19:55:00.000+01:00

Zelah Green bk 2 (One more little problem) bu Vanessa Curtis

Synopsis
Warm, winning and real, Zelah Green is back! My name is Zelah Green and I'm a Cleanaholic. It's the summer hols and I'm on major Flirt Alert. I've joined mysortaspace.com and ever since I've been getting emails from loads of boys. Boys are Dirt Alert AND Germ Alert. Don't even talk to me about kissing...The rest of my life's a bit rubbish too. That's because: my dad is moping about the house missing his girlfriend; my ex-best friend still isn't speaking to me; my grumpy weirdo Satanist friend has turned up to stay; my cleaning rituals are are taking up way too much time; and, most importantly, the guy I really like, Sol, has disappeared off the face of the earth...

My Review
If you remember I read and reviewed the first book in the Zelah Green set here and loved it, so when I began the second I was stoked into a world where the old saying 'before things get better they get worse' came into play.

Vanessa writes this book better then her first and it only gets more funky with never ending humour throughout. It explores Zelah in a different light, allowing us to see what makes her OCD worse, and with everything that's going on in her life I don't blame her. I love Zelah's character it reminds me of today's typical teens(without the OCD) stressing about boys, life, family, friends except Zelah is a little more mature in many aspects, she has had to grow up very fast.

Zelah Green is a book series that I would recommend, it highlights many aspects around us. Making those with a problem, want to seek help and those without, to understand that there are many reasons why people out there suffer, they do what they do for a reason. Vanessa Curtis has wrote a truthful book that explores self-harm, depression, and alcoholism, she is never patronising or employing self-improvement trash. A thumbs up from me!

Happy Reading xx

Where We Read - Kristi (The Story Siren)

2010-07-19T07:58:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Where We Read, the new feature here at The Readings of a Busy Mom.

Its the place to see and share with you where us blogger's and authors enjoy to read.

From sofa's and beds to fancy nook's this is the place we read out books

To Start of this week we have been joined by the fabulous Kristi from The Story Siren

Can you tell is a little about yourself?

My name is Kristi! I'm a young adult literature addict. I share that addiction on my blog, The Story Siren. I live in a small town in Indiana with my husband and our rottweiler, Xander. When I'm not reading or blogging, I'm hanging out with my boys!

Where is your favorite reading spot?

My frumpy couch, with my blanket.

Oh I love that couch it looks soft! Why do you like to read there?
I read there because it's comfy! I don't seclude myself when I'm reading a book. Otherwise I'd probably never see my husband, so he is usually there beside me on the couch watching television while I read. I don't have any problems tuning out the television when I'm reading, so it works out nicely for me

Can you tell us your top 5 books so we can enjoy them in our spots.

This is such a loaded question..... only five!

Yeah 5, as if I make you narrow them down they will be the best 5 ;o)
Speak by Laure Halse Anderson (for something serious)

Lover Mine by J.R. Ward (for a steamy romance)

Forget You by Jennifer Echols (for something different)

A Match Made in High School (for something funny)

Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead (for an escape from reality)

Thank you Kristi, don't you all just love that couch you can see why Kristi enjoys to read there it looks all soft and comfy! If you don't know who Kristi is please check out her blog

If you would like to take part in my new feature Where We Read please email me

In My Mailbox(5)

2010-07-17T21:38:00.000+01:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme that explores the contents of one's mailbox. IMM was started by Kristi at The Story Siren

I really wanted to do a vlog for this weeks In my Mailbox, but my little Leela Bug(youngest daughter) hasn't been too well so i will try to do one and add it later today.

I got some FANTASTIC books this week for review, I was also meant to get a parcel from Amazon which hasn't arrived so that will be in next weeks IMM. So lets start with what I got this week

IDRACULA by Bekka Black

A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware

The Poisoned House by Michael Ford

Succubus Shadows by Richelle Mead

Picture the Dead by Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown

The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells

Black Sea Twilight by Domnica Radulescu

The Secret Society of the Pink Crystal Ball by Risa Green

TheWolf Next Door by Lydia Dare

So that's all this week guys, leave me a comment and link me to your In My Mailbox, I would love to see what you got!

Book Review - His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm

2010-07-17T07:56:00.000+01:00

His Last Duchess by Gabrielle Kimm(Pre-order your copy)
Synopsis

When sixteen-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici marries the fifth Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso d'Este, she imagines life with her handsome husband will be idyllic. But little does she know that he is a very complicated man. The marriage is fraught with difficulties from the start, and, as time passes, Lucrezia becomes increasingly alienated. For Alfonso, the pressure mounts as the Vatican threatens to reclaim his title should the couple remain unable to produce an heir. Only his lover Francesca seems able to tame his increasing fury. But Alfonso's growing resentment towards his duchess soon becomes unbearable, and he begins to plot an unthinkable way to escape his problems.

My Review

His last Duchess is Gabrielle Kimm's debut novel which is inspired by the poem 'My Last Duchess by Robert Browing'. The novel has become a fave amongst my shelves and stands proud with its beautiful cover(you know you all agree). Holding it in my hands once received and even smelling the pages for this novel wasn't enough to hold me content, so it rushed to the front of my TBR pile and boy I'm glad I did.

I was immediately seduced by His Last Duchess and grew very fond of the characters Lucrezia with her compassion and innocence, I found myself rooting for her to have a happy ending and was constantly praying for her to escape the vicious lie of a marriage to Alfonso who was a nasty, troubled man (that also needs a good beating ;o}). I was constantly surprised at how Gabrielle worked her magic never allowing the suspense, adventure and danger to leave the page and for it only to get more exciting towards the end.

His Last Duchess is a definite addition to your books shelves - get yourself a little historical fiction to make your mouth water and toes curl with the gripping novel and life like situations explored in breathtaking detail which gives you a great sense of time. I was never a real historical fiction fan but have found myself falling harder then expected. I can not wait for the sequel The Courtesan’s Choice, which will be about one of the minor characters Francesca (Alfonso's lover).

I recommend this to all my readers - why you ask? Because its one bad ass novel in 416 pages ;o)

Happy Weekend xxx

Friday Series Love(2) - The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare

2010-07-16T12:28:00.000+01:00

Friday Series Love is my feature where you can find out what series are hot....unbeatable.....fantastic....can't stop reading reads.....

This week I'm going to share my love for The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, If your love all things paranormal but what something different then these are the books to pick. I loved The Mortal Instruments, from the moment I picked up the first book I was hooked. There was something about the danger, action and love that kept me interested and there wasn't a point I didn't want to read more.

City of Bones | City of Ashes | City of Glass

What's it all about?

They call themselves Shadowhunters.

The Shadowhunters obey the laws set down in the Gray Book, given to them by the angel: their mandate is to protect our world from the interdimensional parasites they call demons, who travel from world to world, razing and destroying everything in their path. Theirs is also the task of keeping the peace among the warring Downworlders: the human-demon crossbreeds we know as warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and faeries.

In their duties they are aided by the mysterious Silent Brothers. Their lips and eyes sewn shut, the Silent Brothers rule over the City of Bones, the necropolis below the streets of Manhattan that holds the dead bodies of slain Shadowhunters. The Silent Brothers keep the archival records of ever Shadowhunter ever born. They also watch over the Mortal Instruments, the three divine objects the Angel Raziel gave to his children. One is a sword. One is a mirror. And the last is a cup.

For a thousand years, the Nephilim have protected the Mortal Instruments. But that was before the Uprising, the civil war that almost tore the Shadowhunters' secret world apart. Though Valentine, the Shadowhunter who started the war, is long dead, the wounds it left behind have never healed.

Fifteen years have passed since the Uprising. It's August in New York; the streets blistering with heat. Rumors run rampant through Downworld that Valentine is back, at the head of an army of Forsaken warriors.

And the Mortal Cup has gone missing...

There are still another 4 books to be released in this series

September 7, 2010: The Clockwork Angel - 1st prequel to The Mortal Instruments

March 11, 2011: City of Fallen Angels - The 4th in The Mortal Istruments Series

September 2011: The Clockwork Princess - 2nd prequel to The Mortal Instruments

September 2012: The Clockwork Prince - 3rd prequel to The Mortal Instruments

If you have not read this series yet then I recommend it as it's GREAT!!

What Series are you loving right now......I would love the suggestions as there is nothing i love more then a good series of books

Happy Friday xxx

Book Hop and Follow My Blog Friday

2010-07-16T06:18:00.000+01:00

Hey all, its that time of week again when we share our love for each others blogs, if you stop by my blog today leave me some love so i can return to your blog and say hello

Don't forget to leave some love<3

UK Cover Revealed - The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan

2010-07-15T20:56:00.000+01:00

I'm so excited for this book, and to finally see the cover makes me feel like the release date is looming nearer(even if it is released in March 2011)

source Carrie's Blog

Don't you think its cool? Its my favourite from the 3 books so far.

The Dark and Hollow Places is the 3rd book in the series The Forest of Hands and Teeth, if you haven't heard of it then I highly recommend it, you will not be disappointed. To find out more check out the author Carrie Ryan's website.

Happy Thursday xxx

Book Review - Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis

2010-07-15T10:46:00.000+01:00

Zelah Green by Vanessa Curtis(buy me)

Synopsis
My Name is Zelah Green and I'm a cleanaholic. I spend most of my life running away from germs, dirt, and people. And I'm just about doing ok and then my stepmother packs me off to some kind of hospital to live with a load of strangers. It's stuck in the middle of nowhere. Great. There's Alice who's anorexic. Caro who cuts herself. Silent Sol who has the cutest smile. And then there's me.

The Review
OK so I haven't read a book that would fall in the category of self discovery and Self Perception because I'm an emotional soul and I know I would be a blubbering mess by the end. I was pleased that this wasn't a book that had me blubbering but had me engaged and curious with the occasional smile and giggle.

Vanessa writes this book with sweet simplicity which explores the subject matter with humour and empathy allowing you to flow from page to page with great understanding. The Queen of Clean is what it is, a simple, clean and quick read, not lingering on one point even though it explores self-harm, anorexia, attempted suicide, depression, cancer and alcoholism, she is never patronising or employing self-improvement trash.

I really have to give credit to Vanessa as she has hit all the right spots with Zelah Green and I am really looking forward to turning the pages in the sequel Zelah Green - One More Little Problem, for anyone who has not read this I would recommend it especially for all teens!

Happy Reading xxx

Book Review - Heaven, Hell and Mademoiselle by Harold Carlton

2010-07-15T00:16:00.000+01:00

A book for my Adult Readers
Heaven, Hell & Mademoiselle by Harold Carlton(buy me)

Synopsis
Four young fashion hopefuls arrive in Paris, 1968, determined to claw their way to the top of the ruthless world of the haute couture. Monique, a seamstress destined to become so much more, watches Chanel's staff spray No 5 perfume in the street outside the famous maison de couture. Can her dreams of success and love come true in this magical place? Christopher, London born and bred, a handsome new designer, determined to make it in a world where sex-appeal and success go hand in hand - and heterosexual men are rare and prized. Samantha, an ultra-spoiled Daddy's girl who always gets her way, has the gift of selling French perfume and fashion with sex, sex and yet more sex. But can a loud, brash American ever conquer the sophisticated ladies of Paris? And hauntingly beautiful Sophie, the top model who becomes Chanel's 'Face' on a million billboards and magazine covers, yet has a terrible secret in her past that refuses to stay buried. Four young lives collide and entangle in the secretive world of French fashion as Harold Carlton weaves a spellbinding tale of passionate love, ambitious rivalry and exquisite clothes.

My Review

My Grandma never left me alone when I told her I had a Harold Carlton book for review 'oh I love him....my favourite book of his is Labels...oh once I picked it up I couldn't put it down' she went on and as my nan has never been wrong about a great author I trusted her word and waited until the girls where away so I could start reading!

Harold Carlton manages to combine his inside knowledge of fashion with the brilliantly described main characters at the same time as throwing in humour and atmosphere which perfectly evokes Paris at the time.The story is set in the late sixties going in to the seventies. It is a stunning portrayal of what life in retro, post-war, pre-seventies hippie must be like. I was amazed with this unexpected read which felt like a tribute to the legendary Mademoiselle Chanel. It left me comparing notes with the history of her, although some facts are changed the basic idea of how Chanel must be like, and how a fashion house operates are convincingly real.

Overall I agree with my Grandma Harold is a great writer but this novel wasn't for me I felt it was a little too long even though I enjoyed the characters and the plot there where many parts I found myself skimming across. I do recommend this book to anyone with a love for Sex and the City and The Devil Wears Prada it is a 'Fashionista read'(and believe me when I say I'm no fashionista I just LOVE The Devil Wears Prada).

Happy Reading xxx

Wednesday Wishlist(3)

2010-07-14T12:53:00.000+01:00

This weeks wishlist are due to be released in September/October and I intend to pre-order all of them, and if the fact they sound great doesn't appeal to you then you will love the covers

Crossing Over by Anna Kendall (Hardcover - 14 Oct 2010)

Blood on Silk: An Awakened by Blood Novel by Marie Treanor (Paperback - 7 Sep 2010)

Immortal Beloved by Cate Tiernan (Hardcover - 7 Sep 2010)

Ascendant by Diana Peterfreund (Hardcover - 28 Sep 2010)

Empty by Suzanne Weyn (Hardcover - Oct 2010)

End of Days (Night Runner Novels) by Max Turner (Paperback - 28 Sep 2010)

Banished by Sophie Littlefield (Hardcover - 12 Oct 2010)

Nightshade by Andrea R. Cremer (Hardcover - 19 Oct 2010)

Enchanted Ivy by Sarah Beth Durst (Hardcover - 12 Oct 2010)

I'm in love with these covers Blood on Silk is my favourite whats your favourite from the above?

Happy Reading xxx

Book Review - The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

2010-07-13T12:20:00.000+01:00

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain(buy me)

Synopsis
A prodigal son. A dangerous love. Haunted yearning...Grace Divine, daughter of the local pastor, always knew something terrible happened the night Daniel Kalbi disappeared and her brother Jude came home covered in his own blood. Now that Daniel's returned, Grace must choose between her growing attraction to him and her loyalty to her brother. As Grace gets closer to Daniel, she learns the truth about that mysterious night and how to save the ones she loves, but it might cost her the one thing she cherishes most: her soul.

My Review

OK guys I'm real sorry for this but it needs to be said 'this book is so freakin brilliant' Id heard so many great reviews around the web and had to order a copy and when I also received a copy for review I was over the moon I mean talk about a sign that this book HAD to be read.

From the moment I turned the first page I knew it wouldn't take me long to indulge in The Dark Divine, weaving through the pages after not reading the 'spoiler reviews' with the question lingering on my tongue 'What is Daniel?' and I was so grateful the mystery continued...when I finally found out, I was hanging on the edge of my beanbag with what would unravel next *sigh* Bree Despain I heart you!

For a debut novel Bree Despain knocked my socks off and hit a high note with my list of favourite Authors. The Dark Divine is engaging with its brilliant plot and faultless mystery keeping you wanting more and more until the very end and although its not a cliff hanger it leaves the option open for a sequel which I'm hoping there is as I'm not ready to let go of the characters just yet. If you haven't already read The Dark Divine then I highly recommend it.

*I will be doing a giveaway for my purchased copy later this week along side an author interview with the awesome Bree Despain herself..... so follow the blog and check back for the details and your chance to win*