Want to Read...

In looking for a book to read, I ran across this one...definitely going to get it asap.   

The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories

by Maggie Stiefvater, Brenna Yovanoff, Tessa Gratton

Published August 1st 2012            

Lerner Publishing Group

 

From Goodreads:

- A vampire locked in a cage in the basement, for good luck.
- Bad guys, clever girls, and the various reasons why the guys have to stop breathing.
- A world where fires never go out (with references to vanilla ice cream).

These are but a few of the curiosities collected in this volume of short stories by three acclaimed practitioners of paranormal fiction.

But The Curiosities is more than the stories. Since 2008, Maggie, Tessa, and Brenna have posted more than 250 works of short fiction to their website merryfates.com. Their goal was simple: create a space for experimentation and improvisation in their writing—all in public and without a backspace key. In that spirit, The Curiosities includes the stories and each author's comments, critiques, and kudos in the margins. Think of it as a guided tour of the creative processes of three acclaimed authors.

So, are you curious now?

 

Book Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar

by Kady Cross
HarlequinTeen, 2012
Received and e-ARC via NetGalley
Published: May 29, 2012

Well, better late than never. I couldn't wait to review The Girl with the Clockwork Collar but of course I couldn't start book 2 in The Steampunk Chronicles series until I read book 1. Book 1 the girl in The Girl in the Steel Corset set the stage for this book very well.

In this series I loved the mystery of mixing modern day mystery and devices with what some would consider archaic scenes. Starting with the cover of this book, I was hooked but I will admit it was a very slow read. In my opinion, it was a little wordy at times with the explanation of things, almost like the reader was incapable of forming an idea of the scenes or situations that it had to be explained in too much detail. The story concept is fantastic and a nail-bitter, I wanted to keep reading just to find out what happens and who really was "evil" and who was "good". Many twist and turns kept my interest, but again the wordiness seemed to take away from the storyline some.

In summary, I would recommend reading this series simply because the story is just too good to miss out on.

S'Mores Anytime!

I love camping and no camping treip would be complete without making S'Mores. But sometimes I crave a S'More with all of it's graham cracker goodness, gooey marshmallow and melted chocolate at home. So for these cravings a family member introduced me to the Microwave S'More's Maker. Here is the rundown this great gadget:

Make up to 2 S'mores in the microwave in 30 seconds or less.

Unique water reservoir ensures even heating all around.

Handy "arms" prevent s'mores from falling over while cooking.

Mix and match to create your own one-of-a-kind treat.

Dishwasher safe

BPA free

Make S'More out of your day!

Waiting on Wednesday! (12)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by:

Jill at Breaking the Spine

This book is from one of my favorite authors, Lisa McMann. I can't wait to start this new series!


CRASH (Visions #1)
by Lisa McMann
Expected Publication Date: 01/08/2013
Publisher: Simon Pulse

From Goodreads:
Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can’t handle is the vision. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode... and nine body bags in the snow.

She has no idea why this is happening to her or if she’s going crazy. It hardly matters, because the visions are everywhere--on billboards, television screens, windows--and she’s the only one who can see them.

But it’s not until the vision starts coming more frequently, and revealing more clues, that Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it's someone she knows. Someone she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.

Waiting on Wednesday! (11)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by:

Jill at Breaking the Spine

I can't wait to get my hands on this book! Cinder was great and I am anticpating the same for Scarlet!

 

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2)

by Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Expected Publication date: 02/05/2013

From Book Buzz on USA Today Books:

Marissa Meyer reimagined Cinderella as a teenage cyborg mechanic in her debut novel Cinder earlier this year, and with her new follow-up Scarlet, Little Red Riding Hood is a firebrand from France.
Due out in early 2013 from Macmillan, Scarlet is the second book in Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles young-adult series. Cinder reappears in the next futuristic tweaking of a familiar fairy tale — as does Prince Kai, the evil lunar ruler Queen Levana, and a heap of intergalactic intrigue.
Debuting in the new book, however, is Scarlet Benoit, a young French woman who enlists the services of a street fighter named Wolf when she finds her grandmother, a former military pilot, gone missing.
Two more fairy-tale fantasies will follow Scarlet, including Cress (2014), Meyer's take on the Rapunzel legend, and the Snow White-inspired conclusion, Winter (2015).

Waiting on Wednesday! (10)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by:

Jill at Breaking the Spine

This book appeals to me beacuse I always love a good zombie story, and this one is mixed with a love story. Can't wait!

Alice in Zombieland
by Gena Showalter

Publisher: Harlequin

Publication date: 9/25/2012

From Barnes & Noble:

She won't rest until she's sent every walking corpse back to its grave.

Forever.

Had anyone told Alice Bell that her entire life would change course between one heartbeat and the next, she would have laughed. From blissful to tragic, innocent to ruined? Please. But that's all it took. One heartbeat. A blink, a breath, a second, and everything she knew and loved was gone.

Her father was right. The monsters are real.

To avenge her family, Ali must learn to fight the undead. To survive, she must learn to trust the baddest of the bad boys, Cole Holland. But Cole has secrets of his own, and if Ali isn't careful, those secrets might just prove to be more dangerous than the zombies.

Beat the Heat...Canine Edition!

This heatwave that has been hitting the USA is not only affecting us but our pets too! I found this nifty gadget at Wal-Mart.com to help your dog beat the heat! It is a cooling pet pad that you submerge in cool water for 1-2 minutes and then it provides hours of heat relief. They come in stardard crate sizes so it is easy to accomodate those pets who are confined during the daytime as well. This is just one option, there are may other models and styles of these types of products, even a cooling vest. Don't let your pet suffer this summer...keep 'em cool!

Waiting on Wednesday! (9)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by:

Jill at Breaking the Spine

 

Origin
by Jessica Khoury

Publisher: Penguin Group

Publication date: 9/4/2012

From Barnes & Noble :

An electrifying action-romance that's as thoughtful as it is tragic

Pia has grown up in a secret laboratory hidden deep in the Amazon rain forest. She was raised by a team of scientists who have created her to be the start of a new immortal race. But on the night of her seventeenth birthday, Pia discovers a hole in the electric fence that surrounds her sterile home—and sneaks outside the compound for the first time in her life.

Free in the jungle, Pia meets Eio, a boy from a nearby village. Together, they embark on a race against time to discover the truth about Pia's origin—a truth with deadly consequences that will change their lives forever.

Origin is a beautifully told, shocking new way to look at an age-old desire: to live forever, no matter the cost. This is a supremely compelling debut novel that blends the awakening romance of Matched with the mystery and jungle conspiracy of Lost.

Giveaway: No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached
Giveaway Hop 

April 17th-22nd, 2012

Thank you to...

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer

for hosting the giveaway!

The Prize

A New Hardcover of the book Purity by Jackson Pearce 

being released 04/24/2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday! (8)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: 

Jill at Breaking the Spine

This book sounds like a great adventure of ups and downs of friendship. Can't wait to get my hands on this. I think it will be a fabulous Summer read.

Reunited
by Hilary Weisman Graham
Release Date: June 12, 2012
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

From Barnes & Noble:

1 concert. 2000 miles. 3 ex-best friends.

Alice, Summer, and Tiernan used to be best friends—as well as the self-proclaimed biggest fans of the band Level3. But when the band broke up, so did their friendship.

Now, four years later, they’ve just graduated from high school. When Level3 announces a one-time reunion show in Texas, Alice impulsively buys tickets and invites her two former friends along for the trip. Reluctant at first, both girls agree to go, each with her own ulterior motive. But old resentments and other roadblocks—from unintended detours to lost concert tickets—keep getting in the girls’ way. Will their friendship get an encore, or is the show really over?

Tea Time!

I found this cute gadget at Cracker Barrel this week. It is a tea infuser that floats in the mug. You just fill the mesh basket with any loose tea of your choice, twist and lock the basket under the Duckie and then place the floating Duckie in a mug with boiled water and brew to taste. There is even a little holder for when you take it out of the tea.

Waiting on Wednesday! (7)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: 

Jill at Breaking the Spine

This story may sound a little simple to some but I love a good book that I can relate to. Can't wait to dig into this one!

Ten Miles Past Normal
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Release Date: 05/22/2012
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

From Barnes & Noble:

Janie Gorman is smart and creative and a little bit funky…but what she really wants to be is normal. Because living on an isolated farm with her modern-hippy parents is decidedly not normal, no matter how delicious the goat cheese. High school gives Janie the chance to prove to her suburban peers that she’s just like them, but before long she realizes normal is completely overrated, and pretty dull.

If she’s going to learn how to live large (and forget the haters), Janie will have to give up the quest and make room in her life for things from the fringe—like jam band, righteous chocolate, small acts of great bravery, and a boy named Monster.

Ten Miles Past Normal is a quirky road map for life—and also a reminder that detours are not about missing out, but about finding a new way home.

Favorite Friday! (7)

I don't know about anyone else but the weather where I live has been beautiful. I attempted to try on some of my Spring clothes and I'll bet you can guess what happened...to my surprise my shorts must have shrunk while in the bottom of my dresser drawers. So this week I am paying homage to my treadmill and acquired a book holder for it. The hope is I will walk and eventually start running more than a minute again all while knocking out books on my Too Be Read list. Wish me luck! ;-)

Here is one from Amazon

Waiting on Wednesday! (6)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: 

Jill at Breaking the Spine

This book was recently added to my TBR list for 3 reasons: 

1. The Storyline

2. The Author is from Virginia

3. The Cover

Fingerprints of You

by Kristen-Paige Madonia

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers

Release Date: August 7, 2012

From Barnes & Noble:

A teen embarks on the road trip of a lifetime in this authentic, beautifully written debut novel.

Lemon grew up with Stella, a single mom who wasn’t exactly maternal. Stella always had a drink in her hand and a new boyfriend every few months, and when things got out of hand, she would whisk Lemon off to a new town for a fresh beginning. Now, just as they are moving yet again, Lemon discovers that she is pregnant from a reckless encounter—with a guy Stella had been flirting with.

On the verge of revisiting her mother’s mistakes, Lemon struggles to cope with the idea of herself as a young unmarried mother, as well as the fact that she’s never met her own father. Determined to have at least one big adventure before she has the baby, Lemon sets off on a cross-country road trip, intending not only to meet her father, but to figure out who she wants to be.

Lyrical and moving prose from an original voice whose writing Judy Blume calls “luminous” deftly depicts the nuanced conflicts of early motherhood and the search for identity.

Book Review: Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter

Title: The Goddess Interrupted

Author: Aimee Carter

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Release Date: March 27, 2012

Format: E-Book

Source: Received from publisher via NetGalley 

From Goodreads:

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.Henry's first wife, Persephone.

The premise of this series intrigued me. I jumped at the chance to review this book in The Goddess Test series.  After reading The Goddess Interrupted I cannot wait for the next installment of Greek mythology brought in to modern times with a twist. 

In my opinion, this book was so unpredictable, which I think is a great thing. Not only is a great example of a love story but also love lost. As far as the action in this book, it was jam-packed with fear, fighting, love and triumph. Kate, the newest member to the Gods is head strong, some would say stubborn. She felt rejected but kept pushing for the man she loves and for their future never giving up. I could sense her feelings and could put myself in her shoes as well as many of the other characters. This series is a must read for anyone and any age looking for a love story with excitement or if you prefer excitement with a love story. A perfect balance of fables and fiction. 

Favorite Friday! (6)

What's your favorite thing about Friday? I am off to ring in this Friday with a movie...I'll bet you can guess what one! Okay, okay you know it's...The Hunger Games. I can't wait till the clock strikes midnight! However, after all the anticipation, excitement, and staying out past my bedtime I will be sleeping in this Friday. So I actually get two favorites in this Friday. Have fun this weekend, I know I will!

Waiting on Wednesday! (5)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week I can't wait to find out what happens next in The Goddess Series. Hopefully this love story will end well.

Goddess Interrupted

by Aimee Carter

Release Date: March 27, 2012

From Barnes & Noble:

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

Gadget Fish

Ever want a pet for your kids that you don't have to take care of when they don't. The the Fincredibles Fish Tank is an electronic goldfish in a fish bowl complete with rock and greenery. You add water and the fish swims realistically and the best part...you don't have to feed it. The bowl even lights up different colors. A great alternative for the real thing. 

Lucky Leprechaun Giveway Hop

 

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop

March 17th-22nd, 2012

Thank you to...

I Am A Reader, Not A Writer, Books Complete Me & Author Cindy Thomas

for hosting the giveaway!

The Prize

$15.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

Giveaway Rules:

Must be at least 13 yrs or older (13-17 must have parents permission)
Open to US addresses only

Contest ends March 22, 2012 11:59PM EST

One Winner will be selected using random.org

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Favorite Friday! (5)

Whoo-Hooo! This week I have found a Green Eco Friendly Gadget. Are you ready for this? How about a solar powered battery charger for your personal electronics. Compatible with cellular phones, mp3 players, tablet PCs (i.e. iPad), portable GPS, PSPs, and most importantly your e-reader.  Does it work? The answer is YES!

Last summer I  set out on a trip with friends to the lake house but when we got there the power was out. We could have packed up and came home but we decided to stick it out for the long haul. This handy dandy gadget allowed us to charge our phones and e-readers without having to drain our car batteries and waste fuel running a generator. I plan to take my solar charger on all my future adventures.

Waiting on Wednesday! (4)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: Jill at Breaking the Spine

This book sounds so interesting and different. It will definitely be purchased as soon as it is available. Wish I could read it NOW! ;-)

Lies Beneath

Debut Novel by
Anne Greenwood Brown

Publication Date: June 12, 2012

From Barnes & Noble:

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother's death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family's homestead on the lake. Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock's daughter, Lily. Easy enough—especially as Calder has lots of practice using his irresistible good looks and charm on unsuspecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily—just as Lily starts to suspect that there's more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.

Safe Keeping!

Keeping valuables safe can be difficult, especially if it is jewelry you wear on a regular basis, credit cards for emergencies, rainy day funds, documents or even family heirlooms. I have heard some folks say to freeze credit cards in a block of ice for safe keeping but I don't think that is really practical. I have found a great solution for anyone, especially book lovers. Today's gadget is a Book Safe, which is great for a multitude of items and keeping them hidden and out of sight. These types of safes can be found online and in your local hardware store and are relatively inexpensive, about $19.99 and up. Not only is it extra security but can also give peace of mind. 

Favorite Friday! (4)

So it's Friday again...YAY! This Friday, I have decided to feature one of my favorite authors. If you follow this blog you know that Sunday I went on a Road Trip with the Provisions and Paperbacks Society to a book signing in Raleigh, N.C. We have been to several book signings and I must admit this one is at the top of my list. Why? Lauren Oliver is awesome, not only does she write great books, she is so personable and gave a wonderful presentation. I have read all but one of her publications and have it on my radar to read. Her works include...Before I Fall, Liesl & Po,  and the dystopian trilogy series of Delirium, Pandemonium and the yet to be released Reqium. If someone didn't love her books already, they would after meeting her.

Below are some pictures from the event at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh. If you want to know more about Lauren Oliver and her books check out her website! 

Waiting On Wednesday! (3)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: Jill at Breaking the Spine

I usually go for paranormal and dystopian YA but this week I found a book that catches my eye for contemporary.

In Honor

by Jessi Kirby

Publication Date: May 8, 2012

From Barnes & Noble:

A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in this novel from the author of Moonglass, whose voice Sarah Dessen says “is fresh and wise, all at once.”

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

As Seen on TV

I am a sucker for As Seen on TV items. My mind even wonders sometimes trying to think of something that would qualify and hasn't been done before. This week I found an item that I normally wouldn't consider. My feet always seem to be cold so I see the potential usefulness in the winter months and in the cool spring evenings for the deck to read and keep warm. It is the Nuddle Blanket...it's the blanket with a foot pocket, an outer hand pouch (for iPods and tissues), and openings for your arms. It is like a snuggle blanket on steroids.

Photo and Information from http://www.nuddleblanket.com/

Hitting the Road

The Provisions and Paperback Society will be hitting the road to see Lauren Oliver, author of Delirium for the release of Pandemonium. We are so excited to be attending this event on March 4th at Quail Ridge Books & Music in Raleigh, NC. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday than on the open road with friends! 

Are we crazy? What's the farthest you have ever traveled to see an author and get your books signed?

Favorite Friday! (3)

I have so many favorite gadgets and books lately, it makes me torn on what to share with everyone. So this week I have decided to share my favorite book gadget. I feel certain, if you are an avid book reader, that you have one of these at home...a magnetic bookmark. The magnetic bookmark is so handy and I don't loose my place when on-the-go with my current read. These are also make cool and useful gifts, especially if you are traveling and can find one from your vacation destination.  

March Random Acts of Kindness

Book Soulmates hosts a wonderful Random Acts of Kindness program. This program is about giving and receiving great books from your fellow bloggers and bookworms. I love making someones day by a random book surprise and having a little something in my mailbox as well.

Here are the rules from Book Soulmates:

Please read carefully & follow all rules! Thank you!

• Please sign-up each month that you can participate (and by participate, it means give as well as receive).
• Show off your participation by grabbing our RAK button (code is in the right sidebar of Book Soulmates.com).
• Create a wish list (on Amazon, Goodreads, or your blog, etc) and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wish list and contact that blogger directly for their information.
• Once you receive a RAK, send us an our new email to [rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com] so that we can update the Google Doc. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU SEND EMAILS TO THIS ADDRESS!
• E-book participation is limited to files being gifted directly to a person from the e-book store. Amazon's Kindle Store is set up to allow this, as well as the Kobo store and we believe Barnes & Noble with Nook as well.
• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K by making a "RAK Wrap-Up" post. This post should include who you SENT gifts to as well who you RECEIVED gifts from :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE including all our International brethren!

Links you will need:

Sign up for March 2012 [HERE]

See who else is participating [HERE]

If you have any questions regarding RAK, please contact Book Soulmates via the following: rakbybooksoulmates @ gmail . com

Waiting on Wednesday! (2)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we can't wait to get our hands on...hosted by: Jill at Breaking the Spine

This week, My selection is a book that cannot wait to read for three reasons:

1. The books storyline sounds astounding. 
2. Found out the Author lives in my area.
3. Look at the cover! :-)

The Selection

by Kiera Cass

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

From Barnes & Noble:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.