Friday, March 30, 2012

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



Wednesday, March 28, 2012

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: 

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.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

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. 



Thursday, March 22, 2012

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!


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

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.

Monday, March 19, 2012

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. 


Friday, March 16, 2012

Lucky Leprechaun Giveway Hop

 

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop
March 17th-22nd, 2012
Thank you to...
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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

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.

Monday, March 12, 2012

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. 


Friday, March 9, 2012

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




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

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?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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/

Saturday, March 3, 2012

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?

Friday, March 2, 2012

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.  


Thursday, March 1, 2012

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