Waiting on Wednesday (2) - Splendor (Luxe #4) by Anna Godbersen

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

I want:

   

Title: Splendor (Luxe #4)
Author: Anna Godbersen
Release Date: October 27, 2009

Description: It’s a new year, and Manhattan’s favorite socialites are stirring up brand-new drama: Elizabeth uncovers a dangerous secret from her past; Diana has an opportunity to follow her heart—and claim her future, Lina discovers money can buy happiness…for a time, and Penelope finds that life without Henry brings unexpected pleasures. In this dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Luxe series, old ties are broken, fresh bonds are formed, and every decision comes at a cost.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

Description:  Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place-he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians' time as well as their timely ghostly teachings-like the ability to Fade.
Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? And then there are things like ghouls that aren't really one thing or the other.
This chilling tale is Neil Gaiman's first full-length novel for middle-grade readers since the internationally bestselling and universally acclaimed Coraline. Like Coraline, this book is sure to enchant and surprise young readers as well as Neil Gaiman's legion of adult fans.

I really enjoyed this book.  The concept of a child being raised by those in the graveyard was well thought out and in the context of the story seemed perfectly normal.  I loved that everyone there helped raise the child even though he had "specific" parents and a guardian who could move about the human world.  I thought the story started out a bit gruesome for a middle school book, but it played out well.  The story spans a number of years but highlighting specific events that occur throughout the child's life.  At first this kind of annoyed me, but I realized each part read more like a short story and each "story" played a role in the ending.  I'd would love to see a future book about Bod's life outside the graveyard.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (2)

“It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” is hosted by J. Kaye

Read Last Week:

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak


• A Circle of Souls by Preetham  Grandhi


• Zelda’s Cut by Philippa Gregory


• Rumors by Anna Godbersen


• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Currently Reading

• Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

Hope to Read This Week

• Rough Country by John Sandford


• Envy by Anna Godbersen


• The Various Haunts of Men by Susan Hill

In My Mailbox (3)

First off, In My Box is hosted by Kristi and she was inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie!

 For Review:

  ROUGH COUNTRY BY JOHN SANDFORD

Virgil’s always been known for having a somewhat active, er, social life, but he’s probably not going to be getting too many opportunities for that during his new case. While competing in a fishing tournament in a remote area of northern Minnesota, he gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. The resort is for women only, a place to relax, get fit, recover from plastic surgery, commune with nature, and while it didn’t start out to be a place mostly for those with Sapphic inclinations, that’s pretty much what it is today.
Which makes things all the more complicated for Virgil, because as he begins investigating, he finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim, and some local women, notably a talented country singer. The more he digs, the more he discovers the arrows of suspicion that point in many directions, encompassing a multitude of motivations: jealousy, blackmail, greed, anger, fear. Then he finds that this is not the first murder, that there was a second, seemingly unrelated one, the year before. And that there’s about to be a third, definitely related one, any time now. And as for the fourth . . . well, Virgil better hope he can catch the killer before that happens. Because it could be his own.

From Paperback Swap:

 

  BRIAR ROSE BY JANE YOLEN

A powerful retelling of Sleeping Beauty that is "heartbreaking and heartwarming."An American Library Association "100 Best Books for Teens"An American Library Association "Best Books for Young Adults"     Ever since she was a child, Rebecca has been enchanted by her grandmother Gemma's stories about Briar Rose. But a promise Rebecca makes to her dying grandmother will lead her on a remarkable journey to uncover the truth of Gemma's astonishing claim: I am Briar Rose. A journey that will lead her to unspeakable brutality and horror. But also to redemption and hope.

Rumors (Luxe #2) by Anna Godbersen

I Give This Book 4 Stars

Description: After bidding good-bye to New York's brightest star, Elizabeth Holland, rumors continue to fly about her untimely demise.
All eyes are on those closest to the dearly departed: her mischievous sister, Diana, now the family's only hope for redemption; New York's most notorious cad, Henry Schoonmaker, the flame Elizabeth never extinguished; the seductive Penelope Hayes, poised to claim all that her best friend left behind—including Henry; even Elizabeth's scheming former maid, Lina Broud, who discovers that while money matters and breeding counts, gossip is the new currency.
As old friends become rivals, Manhattan's most dazzling socialites find their futures threatened by whispers from the past. In this delicious sequel to The Luxe, nothing is more dangerous than a scandal . . . or more precious than a secret.

I'm still drawn to the covers of these books.  The dresses featured are gorgeous!   I rated this 4 stars but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first.  This seems to be common for me.  The second in the series tends to be my least favorite.  Still, there's plenty of gossip, scandal, and surprises in this one.   I hoping Penelope redeems herself at some point in the series because she's currently winning for biggest b****.   I was shocked at the ending.   I have Envy in store for next week.  I've read in a couple places in its the best in the series so far. 

Zelda's Cut by Philippa Gregory

I give this book 2.5 Stars!

Description: Isobel Latimer, a writer known for her moral tales, is trapped by the confines of her puritan image. Not a sarcastic word can pass her lips in public. Not a single dress can show off the faintest traces of her figure. With a literary reputation to uphold and massive, increasing debts to keep secret, Isobel is about to crack-everyone wants a cut of her talent, her time or her money, but only she knows there's nothing left to give. At wit's end, Isobel and her agent, Troy, conspire to create a new Isobel, only this one is a taboo-breaking, uninhibited bombshell of an author named Zelda. An alter ego, Zelda can do everything Isobel cannot: Zelda can speak the unspeakable, explode social norms and unleash her desires. As a new, champagne-fuelled celebrity, she embraces freedom with fervor. Troy revels in the stir she has created, but Isobel senses menace behind her beautiful, new mask, and longs for the stability of her former life. But when she returns, Isobel realizes she has been gone too long: the familiar is now strange. An account of suppressed desires come to fruition, this novel of shifting identity will leave the reader questioning the nature of his own.

I knew before starting this wasn't your typical Philippa Gregory that we have come to love.  But, I needed a Z title for my alphabet challenge and lets face it, there's not a lot to choose from. This book was a little bizarre and little racy. You have the author/housewife and her alter ego having an affair with her agent while they are both dressed in the alter ego's clothes. Add that to the disabled husband who suddenly improves while hanging out with the pool man.   Plus, you have the constant discussions of money.  It seems like everybody needs some (and by some I really mean large quantaties).  What you get in the end is a twist of events that leave you slightly disturbed and thinking WTF? I couldn't stop reading it though.  You can see the end coming but you can't stop yourself from watching everybody fall in the process.

A Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

Description: The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identy. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.

I liked this book overall and felt it was a good and fast read. I especially enjoyed the psychological/paranormal aspects of the story.  It's something that is so rarely done in this genre. It made me really connect with Naya and I liked Dr. Gram. I was happy to see he took her dreams seriously, and even more so with the detective Leia Bines does as well.  There are times the story felt very simple to me, maybe I've read to many mysteries. I was hoping for more of a twist in the ending, but I knew who the killer was about half way through the book (I did doubt it for a bit though.)  Still very pleased I read it.   I could see Dr. Gram and Detective Bines being used in a series.

* I would like to thank the author Preetham Grandhi for the chance to review this book!

Waiting on Wednesday - U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My can't wait to read is



Title: U is for Undertow                                                                                          
Author: Sue Grafton
Release Date: December 1, 2009

Description: It's April, 1988, a month before Kinsey Millhone's thirty-eighth birthday, and she's alone in her office doing paperwork when a young man arrives unannounced. He has a preppy air about him and looks as if he'd be carded if he tried to buy booze, but Michael Sutton is twenty-seven, an unemployed college dropout. Twenty-one years earlier, a four-year-old girl disappeared. A recent reference to her kidnapping has triggered a flood of memories. Sutton now believes he stumbled on her lonely burial when he was six years old. He wants Kinsey's help in locating the child's remains and finding the men who killed her. It's a long shot but he's willing to pay cash up front, and Kinsey agrees to give him one day. As her investigation unfolds, she discovers Michael Sutton has an uneasy relationship with the truth. In essence, he's the boy who cried wolf. Is his current story true or simply one more in a long line of fabrications?

I'm a big fan of the Kinsey Millhone Alphabet series.  I can't wait for this one to come out.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I Give This Book 4 Stars!

Description: Death, a sardonic and articulate character who is afraid of humans, narrates this WWII coming-of-age story about faith, love, hope amidst tragedy.
Zusak has created a work that deserves the attention of sophisticated teen and adult readers. Death himself narrates the World War II-era story of Liesel Meminger from the time she is taken, at age nine, to live in Molching, Germany, with a foster family in a working-class neighborhood of tough kids, acid-tongued mothers, and loving fathers who earn their living by the work of their hands.
The child arrives having just stolen her first book –- although she has not yet learned how to read -– and her foster father uses it, The Gravediggers Handbook, to lull her to sleep when she's roused by regular nightmares about her younger brother's death. Across the ensuing years of the late 1930s and into the 1940s, Liesel collects more stolen books as well as a peculiar set of friends: the boy Rudy, the Jewish refugee Max, the mayor's reclusive wife (who has a whole library from which she allows Liesel to steal), and especially her foster parents.
Zusak not only creates a mesmerizing and original story but also writes with poetic syntax, causing readers to deliberate over phrases and lines, even as the action impels them forward. Death is not a sentimental storyteller, but he does attend to an array of satisfying details, giving Liesel's story all the nuances of chance, folly, and fulfilled expectation that it deserves. An extraordinary narrative.

I had a really hard time getting into this story at first. It wasn't that it was a bad book, just a little slow. As it progressed, I started to enjoy it more. But, it never felt like that 4 or 5 star review that you so often see for this title. But, then I got to the last 100 pages or so. All of a sudden I couldn't put it down. It gripped me until the end. I even cried. All of a sudden a book that was close to being a 3 maybe 3.5 star book became a 4. I'd like to give it more, but the beginning brings it down. The end was completely worth the 400 or so pages it took to get there. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

First off, "It's Monday! What Are You Reading?" is hosted by J. Kaye over at http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com.

Read Last Week:

•  Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.  I enjoyed it but there were a few things that were off for me. 


• The Man Who Loved Book Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett.  I really enjoyed this book even though it was non fiction!

Reading Right Now

• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.   I think I was expecting something better.  It's taking me awhile to get through it.

Hope To Read This Week

• A Circle of Souls by Preetham  Grandhi.  The author was kind enough to supply me with an ARC so I need to get it reviewed


• Zelda's Cut by Philippa Gregory.  Getting to this one will finish off my Alphabet Challenge!


• Rumors by Anna Godbersen.  This will be my for me read.  No challenge to fulfill (except of course my 100 books challenge) and no review needed!

In My Mailbox (2)

First off, In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren, who was inspired by Alexa of Pop Culture Junkie

 

So it was a calm week for me.  I didn't buy anything, nor did I recieve anything in the mailbox.  Until I made a trip to Costco today and scored the following

    

The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins!!

These two books were hiding from me.  I love finding books at Costco because they're almost always cheaper than anywhere else.  I've already read The Hunger Games, but I wanted to own it.  I'm so excited to read Catching Fire!!

Hush, Hush Winner!

We have a winner from the book Hush, Hush by Becca Fitpatrick!  Winner was chosen using random.org for anyone curious.   The winner has 48 hours to contact me with their mailing information.  And without further ado., the winner is....

Bev over at http://www.merryweatherbookblog.com/

Congratulations!!!

My Thoughts And Dreams

Hopefully this week you’ve been visiting a bunch of new book blogs and maybe noticing some things about them you’d like to try yourself.  Or maybe you’ve just had some ideas for improvements to your blog you’d like to put into place or new ideas for content.  But there’s also probably something you really love about your blog, too, something you’re really proud of.  It’s time to show off!  Tell us and this is really important, in 50 words or less what you love best about your blog!  And then in 50 words or less where you want your blog to be by the next BBAW!  Ready?  GO!

I started this blog mostly for myself and hopefully to connect with others who love to read.  I love that I'm getting comments which means I'm getting visitors!  I obviously hope to continue that!

For the next year, I want to work on networking more.  I didn't realize before this week how large the book blogging community was.  I also want to work on my content.  It's getting there, but no were near were I would like to be!

I want to thank those who work behind the scenes for book blogger appreciation week.  It's helped open my eyes a little and realize I'm part of something bigger than myself!

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Barlett

I give this book 4 Stars!

Description: John Charles Gilkey is an obsessed, unrepentant book thief who has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of rare books from book fairs, stories, and libraries around the country. Ken Sanders is the self-appointed "bibliodick" (book dealer with a penchant for detective work) driven to catch him.
Journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett befriended both eccentric characters and found herself caught in the middle of efforts to recover hidden treasure. With a mixture of suspense, insight, and humor, she not only reveals exactly how Gilkey pulled off his dirtiest crimes and how Sanders ultimately caught him, but also explores the romance of books, the lure to collect them, and the temptation to steal them.
Immersing the reader in a rich, wide world of literary obsession, Bartlett looks at the history of book passion, collection, and theft through the ages, to examine the craving that makes some people willing to stop at nothing to possess the books they love.

I wasn't sure I would like this book at first for a couple reasons. First, I don't normally read nonfiction. Second, it read kind of like a paper for school at first. But, it didn't take me long to get wrapped up in the world of rare books and book theft.
I've never given much thought to rare books. Sure, I collect books but that's about it. I was completely amazed at some of the books and the stores/dealers that carry them in this story. In fact I might make a trip to Salt Lake City to see Ken Sanders store sometime in the future (it's only 2 1/2 hours from me so why not!). It actually made me want to find out more information on rare book (not that I plan on collecting lol!)
I've also never thought about book theft. I know about the destruction of books throughout history. But, people actually going out of their way to steal one...wow. I was enthralled with how Gilkey would research out a book and then go about adding it to his "collection". I was even more amazed at how he never felt remorse or that what was doing was wrong. If anything he almost felt it was the dealers fault for putting his beloved books out of reach.
The only thing that bothered me was at times I wasn't sure whose side the author was on. She does mention taking to lawyers about legal responsibility in reporting Gilkey, but I never felt like it really bothered her. And I'm pretty sure she should have reported when he admitted he was violating his parole.
Overall, it was an interesting and enlightening read!

*I want to thank Lydia Hirt from G.P. Putnam's Sons / Riverhead for the chance to review this book.

What book did you first discover on a blog?

Let’s talk about that book you know, the one you discovered only because you read about it on a book blog and then you realized you couldn’t live without it!  And then you read it and you loved it!

    

   For me, that book was The Hunger Games.  How this book managed to escape my attention is beyond me.  I'm sure I first saw it over at Debbie's World of Book.  I didn't pay much attention to it then.  But, it kept showing up on almost every blog I found.   So, I looked it up on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.  I immediately noticed the fantastic reviews it received.  So it went on my TBR list.  But, I didn't jump out and buy it.  I was browsing the library one day and found it on the shelf.  I picked up and haven't looked back since!  I loved it!!!  I haven't read Catching Fire yet, but intend on buying copies of both.  I know I'll read them again, so I would rather own them!  Now, I'm sure I would have discovered this series eventually.  But, I'm so glad I was introduced to it through the book blogging community!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick Giveaway #BBAW (CLOSED)

My Review of the book is here

In honor of Book Blogger Appreciation Week, I'm giving away a used ARC of Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick.  Contest is open to US residents only and will end September 19 at 11:59 pm (PT).  To enter please leave a comment below with contact information.  For extra entries ...

                  + 1 entry if you become a follower through Twitter (+2 for those who already are)
                  + 1 entry if you post about this on your blog (please supply the link)

Thanks for entering and Happy Book Blogger Appreciation Week!

 

Book Blogger Meme - You And Your Reading Habits

Do you snack while you read? Very rarely. 

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of
writing in books horrify you?  I've never written in a book (except a text book).  It's crossed my mind when I come across a passage I like.

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears?
Laying the book flat open?  Usually I just remember what page I'm on, sometimes a bookmark or the jacket flap.  I will lay the book upside down if I'm stopping for a moment.  I never dog-ear or lay it open flat.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?  Mostly fiction

Hard copy or audiobooks? Hard copy

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you
able to put a book down at any point? usually until the end of the chapter

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?No.  I can usually figure out the meaning

What are you currently reading?  The Man Who Love Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett

What is the last book you bought?  I think it was Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can
you read more than one at a time?  I prefer one book at a time

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?  I love to take a hot bath and read at the end of the day

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?  I would have said stand alone, but lately I've been reading a lot of series books.

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?  The Harry Potter Series and The Twilight Saga

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)  All books by the same author are always grouped together, as for the rest there's really no organization just how they fit onto the shelves the best.

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

I give this book 4 stars!

Description: 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.

     First off, I want to give congrats to who ever designed this cover!  What a way to draw somebody in.  The book itself, I have conflicting emotions about.   While I'm sure every girl is at some point drawn to the "bad" boy, I would think someone who actually frightens you might be on a whole other spectrum.    But, there's something about Patch that both invites and frightens.  Maybe it's because you never know which one it's going to be that draws you into this book.  You're creeped out that he might be the bad guy, but part of you hope he isn't.   But, then I never felt like he was the only "bad" boy in this story. 
     Two things did bother me about this story.  First biology class....now I remember 10 grade biology pretty well.  And I don't remember it ever being as the author describes in the book.  Second, I'm not sure I understand what Patch's intentions really were when he made his presence known to Nora.  Were they the same as what he intended in the first place and changed as he got to know her?  Did they change when the deal was offered?  Or did they change in the split second he made the decision to take the deal?  I hope that made sense for those reading.  I don't want to give away too much of the plot!  Since the book seems to be wide open for a sequel, I hope my questions will be answered.

Heart of the Sea (Gallaghers of Ardmore / Irish trilogy #3) by Nora Roberts

I Give this book 3 Stars!

Description: Darcy Gallagher has always believed in the pull of fate, the magic of legend...and the importance of money. She longs to find a rich man who will sweep her away -- into a world filled with glamour and adventure, and the exotic life that is her destiny...
A wealthy businessman with Irish blood, Trevor Magee has come to Ardmore to build a theater -- and uncover the secrets hidden in his family's past. He thought he had given up on love long ago, but Darcy Gallagher tempts him like no woman ever has.   She's gorgeous, intelligent, and she knows what she wants -- and he's more than willing to give it to her. But as their mutual attraction flares into passion, they look into their hearts -- and find out what happens when you truly believe...

While it wasn't a bad way to wrap up the series, I just didn't like this one as much.  I would have liked to seen more of Darcy's softer side.  It's there, but it seems the story focuses on how shallow and selfish Darcy can be.  I liked Trevor (who wouldn't like a handsome rich man who comes and sweeps you off your feet!)  But, I didn't feel their romance was as believable as the ones in the first two stories.   I also wish there was more focus on Carrick and Lady Gwen when the spell was broken.  The legend is so woven into the story and then all you get at the end is their riding away on a winged horse.

Book Blogger Appreciation Week - My Appreciation!

It's the start of the 2nd annual Book Blogger Appreciation Week.  First off, I want to give a shout out to Amy at My Friend Amy for putting this whole thing together.  I can only image the scope of this project!   I'm just beginning to understand how big the book blogging community it.  This lets me see a few more blogs that I would never known existed!

First off I want to thank Debbie over at Debbie's World of Books.  Her blog was the reason I got started on this project.  I watched her blog for 3 or 4 months before I decided to give it a try.  Her blog is also the reason I have a new found love for young adult books and why I'm constantly adding to my TBR list!

Now I know this blog is shortlisted, but I want to give a shout-out to J. Kaye over at J. Kaye's Book Blog.  She left me my very first comment!  Plus, I was able to add my info to her list that she passes to anyone who contacts her about books she is unable to review.  I'm very thankful for that.  And her blog is awesome!!

Last I would like to thank MizB over at Should Be Reading.  There are some great weekly book meme's there.  Participating in these has brought some new readers to my blog.  I love seeing the visit counts getting a little higher everyday!  I hope those that visit continue to come back!

Now, I know that's not very many, but I've just tipped the surface of the book blogging community that I didn't know existed until very recently.  I can't wait to discover more!  

 

In My Mailbox

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi at Story Siren

It's been a light week in the book department.  I haven't bought any new ones (although I've seen ones I would like).  I did receive a few though.

 

  Circle of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

     The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identy. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder.

  The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett

     John Charles Gilkey is an obsessed, unrepentant book thief who has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of rare books from book fairs, stories, and libraries around the country. Ken Sanders is the self-appointed "bibliodick" (book dealer with a penchant for detective work) driven to catch him.
Journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett befriended both eccentric characters and found herself caught in the middle of efforts to recover hidden treasure. With a mixture of suspense, insight, and humor, she not only reveals exactly how Gilkey pulled off his dirtiest crimes and how Sanders ultimately caught him, but also explores the romance of books, the lure to collect them, and the temptation to steal them.
Immersing the reader in a rich, wide world of literary obsession, Bartlett looks at the history of book passion, collection, and theft through the ages, to examine the craving that makes some people willing to stop at nothing to possess the books they love.

  Defining Twilight by Brian Leaf

The Defining Twilight vocabulary workbook takes a bite out of tedious studying with a thrilling new way to master your vocabulary skills for the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT exams. You'll use this workbook side-by-side with your own copy of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight. Each chapter of the workbook gives you eight words taken from Twilight, with page references for you to read the words in the context of your favorite novel. You'll attempt to define the words on your own before turning back to the workbook for their actual definitions. Once you have a grip on the words and their meanings, you'll learn their word parts and some useful synonyms. Plus, you'll get memorization tools so you're sure to retain what you've learned. At the end of each section you'll take SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT drills to test and integrate your new vocabulary skills. Why use a boring, dated workbook when you can use this workbook and improve your vocabulary skills with Twilight <li>Learn synonyms, word parts, and memorization tools <li>Get drills and quizzes to review and integrate what you've learned.  Whether you're on Team Edward or Team Jacob, any Twilight fan can turn to Defining Twilight to master vocabulary for the SAT, ACT, GED, and SSAT exams.      

*I have no need to study for any of the exams, but the author contacted me about this book.  It intrigues me, so I accepted!

  Wake by Lisa McMann

     Ever since she was eight years old, high school student Janie Hannagan has been uncontrollably drawn into other people's dreams, but it is not until she befriends an elderly nursing home patient and becomes involved with an enigmatic fellow-student that she discovers her true power.

Tears of the Moon (Gallaghers of Ardmore / Irish trilogy #2) by Nora Roberts

I Give This Book 3.5 Stars!

Description: Pretty tomboy Brenna O'Toole and absentminded Shawn Gallagher have known each other all their lives, and since she was a teenager, Brenna has secretly burned for Shawn. To her dismay, the musically inclined dreamer has never shown and equal interest in her.
But now, she's ready to make him take notice. Under the guise of helping him with his musical compositions, she further insinuates herself into his life - and maybe his heart - with a little help from Carrick, the faerie prince.
Shawn is resistant to the change in his relationship with Brenna. He likes his life just the way it is. He has no desire to marry or to test the waters of a career in composing, but Brenna pushes and the mystical Carrick prods, he finds he must reevaluate his choices in life.

I liked this one a little more than the first.  Brenna is an interesting lead female because she isn't your typical female.  It made for an interesting romance.  I also liked the changes the Gallagher family goes through in this one.   While there is a continuation from the first book, it picks up a couple months after the ending.  It ends basically the same way as the first.  You want the next story, but you're not left hanging.

Friday Finds

The weekly FRIDAY FINDS event asks you to share with other bloggers about the new-to-you books you found during the week — books you either want to add to your TBR (to be read) list, or that you just heard about that sounded interesting.  This event is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading.

My finds this week are  (a couple of them aren't out yet but I've added them to my to read list so I can look for them later)

  Spell Hunter (Fairy Rebels #1) by R.J. Anderson

     As the Faery Queen's appointed Hunter, Knife alone has the courage and skill to fight the crows and other predators who threaten the Oakenfolk's survival. Yet neither she nor the Queen can do anything to stop a mysterious magical disease from claiming the faeries of the Oak one by one.
     But there are humans at the bottom of the garden, and a glimpse inside their House convinces Knife that they have powers and knowledge that could help her people. Still, if the human world has so much to offer, why is the Queen determined to keep the faeries away from it? Is there a connection between the House and the Oakenfolk's loss of magic? And why is Knife so drawn to the young Paul McCormick — that strangest of creatures, a human male?
      Knife determines to learn the truth about the Oakenfolk's relationship to humanity, no matter what the Queen might do to prevent her — a quest which threatens the growing friendship between herself and Paul, puts both their lives in jeopardy, and challenges everything Knife has ever believed about humans, faeries, and her own heart's desire. And when at last Knife discovers the secret the Faery Queen has been hiding, she is forced to make an agonizing choice between love and freedom that will change her life, and the lives of her people, forever.

    Anastasia's Secret by Suzanne Emily Dunlap 

     The youngest grand duchess of the imperial family comes of age during the revolution. Her family is imprisoned, conditions become worse and worse.
     But Anastasia has a secret that she keeps from her family, a love that endures through the horrors of war and the privation of imprisonment and deprivation.
     Will her love save her from the fate her family seems destined for? Or is she a creation of a rarefied atmosphere, unable to survive without her loved ones?

  Dreaming Anastasia: A Novel of Love, Magic, and the Power of Dreams by Joy Preble

      Sixteen year old Anne thinks her life is pretty ordinary – until she smacks into handsome, mysterious, and okay, annoying Ethan on her way to chemistry class. Now Anne has powers she doesn’t understand, a history altering mission she may not want, and a growing attraction to this blue-eyed stranger. And Ethan- who at eighteen made some choices he’s starting to regret – realizes that Anne is the girl for whom he’s been searching – for a very, very long time. Stir in doomed Russian Grand Duchess Anastasia – who is definitely not quite as dead as the history books say – and Baba Yaga, the legendary witch from Russian folklore, and you’ve got DREAMING ANASTASIA, a contemporary YA fantasy that alternates between the voices of Anne, Ethan, and Anastasia as Anne and Ethan join forces to battle the bad guys and save Anastasia. Only problem is – no one’s quite sure who’s really bad and who’s good. And everyone has some secrets.
   The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

     Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her “power” to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world . . . and the imprints that attach to their killers.
     Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he’s claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.
     Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay’s intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she’s falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer . . . and becoming his prey herself.

  Magyk (Septimus Heap #1) by Angie Sage

     The seventh son of the seventh son, aptly named Septimus Heap, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who pronounces him dead. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across a bundle in the snow containing a new born girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take this helpless newborn into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son Septimus?
     The first book in this enthralling new series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and magykal charms, potions, and spells. Magyk is an original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart.

Jewels of the Sun (Gallaghers of Ardmore / Irish trilogy #1) by Nora Roberts

I give this Book 3.5 stars!

Description: With her life in turmoil after a failed marriage and growing disappointment over her career, Jude Murray sets off on a journey to Ireland. To her grandmother's cottage on a faerie hill in Ardmore. There she hopes she will be able to find herself again.
But the mystic charm of Ardmore grows on Jude - as does the handsome and kind pub owner, Aidan Gallagher. She soon finds herself caught up in the charm and fantasy of the land and people around her, challenging her beliefs and all that she thought she wanted out of life.

I don't read romance that often.  It's not that I don't like them, it's just that I usually enjoy other books more.  I love the series "In Death" published under J.D. Robb, so every once in a while, I'll pick up a Nora Roberts book.  I always enjoy them, I just don't usually seek them out.  This was no exception.  It was a really good for a romance book.  I  loved the Irish parts of it.  Now some people I'm sure hate the Irish cliches, but in a book like this I think it's wonderful.  I love the setting, the folklore, and the people.  And the romance part wasn't to over the top for me.  It's part of a series, but I think it works as a stand alone book as well.  While the main characters in #1 are still in #2, they are no longer the focus.  And I assume the same for #3.  

Contest for Ruined by Paula Morris

Amber over at Must & Lust for Books  is having a awesome giveaway for Ruined by Paula Morris.   Ends Sept 21, so head over and enter!

http://mustandlustforbooks.blogspot.com/2009/09/ruined-contest_04.html

Teaser Tuesday's from Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

•  Grab your current read


• Open to a random page


• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page


• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)


• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser:  "While he slept, Jude dreamed of Carrick, astride a white winged horse, skimming over sky and land and water.  And as he flew he was gathering jewels from the sun, tears from the moon, and the heart of the sea.

From Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your 2 ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

 

Destiny's Dowry by Rosemary Gard

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

Description:  In the lovely Croatian countryside of the late 1800’s, a baby near death is taken away. Miraculously the baby survives. Sixteen years later Katya’s dangerous journey takes her where she really belongs.

I have to be honest in saying I probably would never have purchased this book.  But the description was enough to grab my interest in a giveaway contest on www.goodreads.com.  I won!   I've put off reading it because I was afraid I might not like it.   When I finally picked it up to read, it grabbed my attention right from the start.  The story is full of interesting characters and events.  The chapters in the beginning are a little choppy and the story flow is a little weird once in awhile.   But, it's not hard to follow.  Some chapters do skip from present to past (and once in awhile future), but it fills in all the details nicely.  The above reasons are why I give it 3.5 instead of 4 Stars.  Overall, I'm very glad I won this book because it was a wonderful read.
Oh...and I was thrilled that the book I won was a signed copy from the author!

Twitter

So I fully admit that I don't always know what I'm doing when it comes to this whole blog thing!  I sign up for Twitter hoping to have a way for people to follow my blog.  Only I don't use the user name I should have.  I get all those codes and post them on my blog and get a couple followers!  Well, I realize what I did wrong on Twitter and fixed it.  Some how in the process, I lost my followers.  Plus, the link on my blog doesn't work.  
Well, I've realized my mistake.  It's fixed now!   So if you were following before and realize you aren't getting my Twitter updates, you might have to click the link again.  And for those who tried to click the link and got an error message, try again now.  
Thanks for your patience!  As you can see...I'm new!
Here is the proper link http://twitter.com/onebooktime

Cry Wolf (Alpha and Omega #1) by Patricia Briggs

I give this book 3.5 Stars!

Description: Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she'd learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member, and as his mate.

I never been much on fantasy/sci-fi books.  But I liked Harry Potter, The Twilight series, and recently the Sookie Stackhouse series.  And technically speaking those could all fall under that category.  I decide to branch out a bit and see what else I might like.  Patricia Briggs seems to be a popular author in that category, so I added a few of her books to my to read list.  I happened to notice this one in the library last week and picked it up.  I was pleasantly surprised by it.  The story line was a lot like those by my favorite authors, it just so happens the main characters are werewolves and the antagonist is a witch!    The only reason it's 3.5 instead of 4 stars is I kind of felt like I should have read the Mercy Thompson books first.  It's the start of a new series, but it seemed like there were things that the author assumes you know because you've read the other series already.  But overall, I enjoyed it.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I give this book 5 Stars!!!

Description:  Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

Walk..wait maybe you should run...to the bookstore, library or wherever you gets book and pick up a copy of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I've read many wonderful things about this book.   And if you look at ratings on Barnes and Noble or maybe Amazon, you can see it gets overall fantastic reviews.   This made me hesitant, because I don't want to be disappointed.  It's why I put off reading the Twilight and Harry Potter series for so long. But, I'm glad I didn't wait for this one (or least wait too long).  Tthis book was everything I hoped and was looking for in a new series. I've read a lot of books this year, and only one other has captured my attention the way this one did. I borrowed this from the library, but you can bet I will be buying my own copy now.   I have to warn you though, its part of a supposed trilogy.  Apparently there were quite a few people who were upset by this (some people don't like books in a series while others didn't realize and were disappointed by abrupt ending).  The sequal "Catching Fire" just came out on September 1st.  

The Hours by Michael Cunningham

I give this book 3 stars!

Description: The Hours is both an homage to Virginia Woolf and very much its own creature. Even as Michael Cunningham brings his literary idol back to life, he intertwines her story with those of two more contemporary women. One gray suburban London morning in 1923, Woolf awakens from a dream that will soon lead to Mrs. Dalloway. In the present, on a beautiful June day in Greenwich Village, 52-year-old Clarissa Vaughan is planning a party for her oldest love, a poet dying of AIDS. And in Los Angeles in 1949, Laura Brown, pregnant and unsettled, does her best to prepare for her husband's birthday, but can't seem to stop reading Woolf. These women's lives are linked both by the 1925 novel and by the few precious moments of possibility each keeps returning to.

This book is part of my Pulitzer challenge.  The writing is great to the point that it is just too much.  You have long flowing paragraphs filled with description after description.  None of it's really necessary.  The story was intriguing, and the last 40 pages or so kept me reading until the end.  But take away the fluff, and what you have is a completely mediocre book.