BOOK LOVERS PARADISE

2012-03-09T07:26:00.001-05:00

Do you know who Joseph Kony is? are you aware about what the MAKE HIM FAMOUS project is? Here's what you need to know:

"JOSEPH KONY IS THE WORST LIVING CRIMINAL.

He has abducted over 30,000 children and forced them to be Child Soldiers in central Africa. He remains at large because he is invisible to the world. Few know his name, even fewer know his crimes. This year we are making Joseph Kony Famous. Because when he is, The World will unite for justice and demand his arrest."

Inform Youself

To know more about this watch this whole video on Youtube, it has all the information on what this man is doing, but most importantly What YOU can do to stop him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5S...

Spread the Word

Print out the posters, spread the word, make blog posts, use Facebook, Twitter, tell your friends!

This is very important guys, it is a new way of fighting for what it's right. We know about what's on People Magazine or on Vogue, but what about the bad guys? How can we know who they are and what they have done if no one bothers to show them to us and we don't bother to look for them? It's time to start. Spread the word. Show the video. Let the world know.

Take Action April 20th.

***I am not a political activist and I do not usually use my blogspace for anything other than books, but the crimes of this man were brought to my attention by a group of Middle Grade Students concerned about children in Africa. Yes, folks, middle grade students who are concerned about other kids being taken hostage by this evil man. I had never heard of him. After they made me aware of his crimes I decided to watch the you tube video. I was horrified that he is still at large. Please watch the video and spread the word. PLEASE, WATCH THE VIDEO AND SPREAD THE WORD. EVERY CHILD ABDUCTED BY THIS HORRIBLE MAN IS SOMEONE'S BABY. MADE THE WORLD AWARE OF THIS EVIL MAN AND HIS CRIMES.

2012-03-07T21:50:00.002-05:00

CROSS MY HEART

SASHA GOULD

received from NetGalley for review

published by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

available March 13,2012

Venice, 1585.

When 16-year-old Laura della Scala learns that her older sister, Beatrice, has drowned, she is given no time to grieve. Instead, Laura's father removes her from the convent where he forcibly sent her years earlier and orders her to marry Beatrice's fiancé, a repulsive old merchant named Vincenzo. Panicked, Laura betrays a powerful man to earn her way into the Segreta, a shadowy society of women who deal in only one currency—secrets. The Segreta seems like the answer to Laura's prayers. The day after she joins their ranks, Vincenzo is publicly humiliated and conveniently exiled. Soon, however, Laura begins to suspect that her sister's death was not a tragic accident but a cold-blooded murder—one that might involve the Segreta and the women she has come to trust.

MyREVIEW

1585 Venice, secret societies, a drowning that may have been murder rather than an accident. Sounds as if this book has everything one could wish in a historical thriller.

I love Italy, especially Venice and it's history. It's my love of Venice that initially drew me to this book.

The characters are not quite believable. Everyone is a bit too dramatic and over the top. Laura, the main character, is naive and child like, although she spent many years in a convent, perhaps her childlike personality it intentional.

This is a good historical fiction book. A bit slow, but still a good story. I think this book could have been so much more than it was, however, I did enjoy reading it and I would recommend this book to others who enjoy historical fiction.

2012-03-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

SPEAR OF SETH

RENE DANIEL

received from author for an honest review

Book Description (Amazon)

Publication Date: June 16, 2011

Alex Khyan, the protagonist of “Spear of Seth”, is very level-headed person, with both feet firmly planted on the ground. Or is he? What will he do when he faces a world he thought existed only in dreams of an ancient civilization? Alex is quite comfortable in his skin. He is a premed student of the Van Senmut College, so he has to be a serious young man, has he not? He now needs a summer job, and gets one. It is not what he is used to, since he will work as a translator at an archeological dig at the island of Elephantine in the Upper Egypt. Alex does not exactly care about history, but, since his mother is from Lebanon, he speaks Arabic, which gives him an edge. Little does he know what he is getting himself into. Enter Heather Van Senmut and her father, John Van Senmut, a grandson of the founder of the college and the archeologist in charge of the excavations. The dig is not just some dig; it is the ruins of the Temple of Osiris, which stands at the mythical place where Nile emerges from the Egyptian Underworld. The Temple attracts a lot of attention, some of which come from people, who would be more at home in Salem, Massachusetts, shall we say, about three hundred years ago. When John Van Senmut, falls ill and physicians give up on him, his daughter decides to search the Temple for the cause of the disease and possibly a cure. Her quest leads her, and her unwilling helper Alex, into the Netherworld, which survived the Egyptian civilization by two thousand years. They negotiate its dangers, as well as dangers, which come from their contemporaries. They do have only one guide – the Book of Gates, which decorates the sarcophagus of the pharaoh Seti. Are the demons, which are pictured there, only a product of the painter’s imagination? Will the Alex’s attitude be helpful, or will he have to change in order to survive? Will Heather realize that there is a difference between being determined and being ruthless? What did alchemists of medieval Europe know about the Underworld? Why Heather needs to find out?

MY REVIEW

Wonderfully fresh and unique. If you like Indiana Jones, you will love Spear of Seth. A fabulous lesson in Egyptian mythology, the gods come to life (literally) in this fantastic book.

The story is told from the viewpoint of two college students, Alex and Heather. They are seeking the Spear of Seth. Characters in this book are engaging. One thing I can guarantee, you don't really know who is a 'good guy' and who is a 'bad guy' while you are reading.

Alex ends up in the Egyptian Underworld, in the presence of the Egyptian pantheon, a very dangerous place to be. We learn about the gods/goddesses as the story progresses.

This book is not just a well researched mythology lesson. You want action and adventure? Remember, I said this book is like Indiana Jones, that means action packed! I'm not kidding--from the very beginning until the end this book is chock full of action.

If you like mythology, action and adventure, you should love Rene Daniel's new story.

2012-03-05T03:21:00.005-05:00

Jesus and His World

The Archaeological Evidence

Craig A. Evans

published by Westminster John Knox

available March 2012

received by NetGalley for review

synopsis (Amazon.com)

Publication Date: March 16, 2012

In this provocative work, world-renowned scholar Craig A. Evans presents the most important archaeological discoveries that shed light on the world of Jesus of Nazareth. Evans takes on many sensational claims that have been proposed in recent books and peddled in the media, and uses actual archaeological findings to uncover the truth about several key pieces of Jesus' world. For example, what was the village of Nazareth actually like in the time of Jesus? Did synagogues really exist, as the Gospels say? What does archaeology tell us about the ruling priests who condemned Jesus to death? Has the tomb of Jesus really been found, as has been claimed? Evans's engaging prose enables readers to understand and critique the latest theories--both the sober and the sensational--about who Jesus was and what he lived and died for. Questions are included at the end of each chapter, making this book ideal for group or individual study,

MY REVIEW

This book is timed perfectly for an around Easter release.

A clear, concise view of biblical archaeology by scholar Craig Evans.
I am not a biblical scholar, and I had no difficulty understanding Evans work. It is a highly readable accoung of the archaeological discoveries related to and from the time of Jesus of Nazareth.

The book consists of 5 chapters delving into various aspects of Jesus's home, time in history and teachings.

Evans easily explains several elements of Jewish law, burial practices and general Jewish lifestyles.

He presents this information in an unbiased manner. I learned quite a lot from this book and will purchase other books by Mr. Evans.

4 stars

2012-03-03T09:13:00.001-05:00

Starters

by Lissa Price

published by Random House Children's Books

available March 13, 2012

synopsis (from Goodreads)

HER WORLD IS CHANGED FOREVER

Callie lost her parents when the Spore Wars wiped out everyone between the ages of twenty and sixty. She and her little brother, Tyler, go on the run, living as squatters with their friend Michael and fighting off renegades who would kill them for a cookie. Callie's only hope is Prime Destinations, a disturbing place in Beverly Hills run by a mysterious figure known as the Old Man.

He hires teens to rent their bodies to Enders—seniors who want to be young again. Callie, desperate for the money that will keep her, Tyler, and Michael alive, agrees to be a donor. But the neurochip they place in Callie's head malfunctions and she wakes up in the life of her renter, living in her mansion, driving her cars, and going out with a senator's grandson. It feels almost like a fairy tale, until Callie discovers that her renter intends to do more than party—and that Prime Destinations' plans are more evil than Callie could ever have imagined. .

MY REVIEW

Amazing! This book is hard to describe, is it dystopian? Yes. Is it a thriller? Yes. Is it YA? Yes. It's a combo of everything.

Callie is the main protagonist of the story. A 16 year old Starter. What's a starter? Well, the US has been a victim of the Spore Wars, a biological weapon killed everyone between the ages of 20-60. The very young and old were the only citizens vaccinated against the spores. Callie's parents are dead. She is looking after her young brother Tyler while trying to survive in a strange new world.

Those over the age of 60 who lived are called the Enders, as in End of Lifers.

Callie is introduced to a buisness named Prime Directive. They 'rent' the bodies of Starters to Enders who wish to be young again. Yuck! It is done through a computer chip allowing the Ender to gain control of the young persons body. Callie sees this as the only way to protect her brother.

Well, of course things don't go as planned.

Callie is an incredible character. She is both strong and vulnerable. She is doing everything she can to protect her younger brother in a hostile world.

Some of the other characters are equally spectacular. I think the readers will like Helena and Lauren as well as Michael and Blake. Of course, there are also 'bad guys' in the book. Very bad guys, downright evil in fact.

I did enjoy the humorous reference to the border wall built between the US and Mexico to prevent infected Americans from entering Mexico- this was a laugh out loud moment for me. (not a spoiler, just a quick reference to a funny part of the book)

The book itself was a very quick read. I didn't want to put it down. When I finished, and boy what a jaw dropping finish, I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.

There is a part 2 about the Enders due in the winter of 2012.

Starters by Lissa Price

2012-03-03T09:13:00.000-05:00

2012-03-02T09:34:00.004-05:00

Michelangelo

Michael Hirst

Yale University Press

received by NetGalley

This remarkable book is the first of two volumes in what will be the definitive modern biography of Michelangelo. An illuminating study of Michelangelo's extraordinary career, it follows the artist from his apprenticeship in Ghirlandaio's workshop to his final move to Rome in 1534, when, at the age of 59, he left behind his native Florence, never to return. During these years he created such outstanding works as the marble Pietà, the giant marble David, commissioned for the cathedral in Florence, the Sistine Ceiling frescoes, and the new sacristy and library for the Medici family at San Lorenzo. He began the monumental tomb for Pope Julius II in Rome, and he became one of the most sought-after artists of the early 16th century.

Written by the leading Michelangelo scholar, this prodigiously informative account benefits from recent archival discoveries and restorations, and is enriched by material from the long-awaited editions of the artist's correspondence and artistic contracts. The wealth of new information enables light to be shed on the genesis of Michelangelo's works in sculpture, painting, and architecture, and on his complex psychological relations with his family, friends, and powerful patrons.

MY REVIEW

Michael Hirst is professor emeritus in the history of art at the Courtauld Institute of Art, London.

I have long been a fan of Michelangelo. I've read Vasari's review of his life and Irving Stone's Agony and Ecstacy. I've read Buonoratti's letters and admired his work.

This is an amazing biograpy of a portion of the artist's life. The author has done an immense amount of research, that much is obvious. He has presented the information in an informative and objective manner.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I am grateful for the opportunity to read more about my favorite artist.

2012-03-01T17:49:00.001-05:00

THE UNBIDDEN SERIES

MARILEE BROTHERS

I could not put this book down (Shadow Moon). The entire series of books- amazing doesn't begin to describe them. The only bad part about this book is that it ended! I'm literally left hanging....What happens to Allie? I have a thousand different visions of how this is resolved in my head. I know Marilee Brothers is such an amazing author, none of my visions will be correct. She will come up with something unique and exciting!

This is the most current book in an incredible series. A truly unique series of paranormal beings. A believable heroine, full of teenage doubts and, at times, questionable self esteem. Allie 'finds herself' in these books. We see her grow and mature throughout the series. She begins with "Can I do this?" and by book 4 she's thinking "Bring it on"! She meets all sorts of people from all walks of life. She has friendships with close buddies and experiences a few boy/girl relationships along the way.

As I said, a marvelous series. Each book is better than the one before it. I would recommend you read in the order written, to get the full impact of these amazing stories.

Just think, a series with magic, fairies, half demons, Trimarks, Star Seekers.... it just gets better with each book!

2012-03-01T00:52:00.001-05:00

White Witch

by Trish Milburn

published by Bell Bridge Books

available 3/1/12

received from NetGalley for review

synopsis (Goodreads)

Witchcraft Is Her Family’s Business.No One Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. “Jax” Pherson has power, enough power to know her future will end in service to the dark coven her father controls. Unless she can stay hidden in a small community in the mountains of North Carolina. She must find a way to live without magic and deny the darkness she feels welling up inside her—the same dark power that fuels the covens around the world. All she wants is a normal life. A boyfriend. Friends. Some place to belong, but all too soon Jax’s barely begun new life hangs in the balance when she discovers that the boy she’s attracted to is sworn to kill her kind. He’s a hunter with good reason to kill everything that goes bump in the night. Even the most fleeting use of her power is tantamount to signing her death warrant and will bring both hunter and coven down on her. But can she walk away when her friends are threatened by an old evil? Something created by the magic of witches? Jax’s only hope of survival is to convince the boy she loves to forget everything he’s ever been taught and help her find a way to fight the covens. To believe there is some good in her

MY REVIEW

This is the story of Jax. She is a witch who belongs with a coven of dark witches. They are intent on revenge for the witch hunts of the past. Jax doesn't agree with their thinking and leaves the coven, incidentally, this is a punishable offense (death).

Jax moves to a small town intent on starting a new life, a quiet life, a normal life- no magic. Well, guess what? It's not going to happen. She has inadvertently started her new life in an area full of supernatural activities.

This is a very fast paced novel. Too fast at times, my head was spinning with all the information the author wanted to give the reader. Plot development was as expected, nothing dramatically different from other YA books. UNTIL the end--WOW..didn't see that coming! Leaves us open for a sequel.

2012-02-27T21:35:00.006-05:00

Today we welcome Kate Hawkings, author of THE SPHINX PROJECT

Kate has dropped by to tell us about her new book and will answer my question, "Why do you write?"

Kate: Why I write.

The question of why I write has been swirling around my mind for some time. I mean, I know I enjoy it, but what exactly is it I like so much? The first thing that came to mind was that it just feels right, but that's not exactly the sort of answer you guys want now, is it? After a bit of thinking I realized it wasn't actually a hard question: I joke about the answers all the time!

1. The voices in my head tell me to. I'm serious! For as long as I can remember I've been a bit of a daydreamer. When I was younger I had quite an over-active imagination- we set traps for the bogeyman up a Norfolk pine in our yard and I was certain I was a Sailor Moon...I just didn't know it--and in my teens if I wasn't reading a book, I was thinking of my own storylines. I used to create scenarios in my mind, where I was the badass heroine, and of course I always got the guy. Now I'm putting those voices to good use, but now I'm giving someone else the starring role while I tell them what to do.

2. I'm a huge chicken, I'm not going to deny it, but that doesn't mean I'm not curious. As a writer, I can live vicariously through my characters and make them do all of the crazy stunts I'd never dream of attempting. No matter how cool it seems, I would never be trying my hand at base-jumping. That doesn't stop me wondering how it would feel though, from jumping off the cliff, until you released the chute and landed safely at the bottom...minus the complete and utter terror of course. On a smaller scale, I can also make my characters say things I could only dream of. I might like to think I'm a badass, but I don't have the guts to say most of the rubbish I come up with myself.

3. Writing makes me feel like I can achieve something. There's something exhilarating about typing "The End" at the bottom of seventy or eighty thousand words. Most people wouldn't dream of doing something like that for fun. And lets face it, in the long run a lot who do don't make it to the end anyway...it certainly surprised me the first time I did.

4. Lastly, and most importantly, I want to entertain people. I know I'm not perfect when it comes to the technical aspects of writing (thank goodness for my amazing editor,) but I'm hoping my stories are enough to make people happy. Books have always been a huge part of my life, and the idea that one day I might be able to recreate the feelings they've provided me in someone else drives me onward.

Thank you very much for allowing me to visit your blog, Donna. I hope you enjoy reading THE SPHINX PROJECT!

DONNA: Thank you Kate for visiting. I can't wait to read the novel! It looks great. I'll post a review when I finish. Good luck with the blog tour!

Book Title:

The Sphinx Project, The Chimaera Chronicles #1

Release Date:

Tuesday, February 28th 2012

Author Bio:

Kate's just a Kiwi girl, making her way in the big old world. She pushes doors that say pull, tells people it's a long story when it's not, and is completely addicted to chocolate. Her début novel The Sphinx Project about a genetically engineered teen hits digital shelves February 28th, 2012.

Tag line:

A lifetime as a lab rat, or forever on the run? For Michaela it's not a hard decision.

Book Description:

Not many people can say their entire existence has been one big lab experiment: poked and prodded by scientists, genetically modified to be the best and endure the worst, subjected to daily tests and trials that would kill a normal human. All Michaela wants is her own life, to be able to go to school, flirt with boys, maybe eat ice cream now and then. So when the chance to escape finally comes, Michaela and her sister grab it, taking their friends with them.   But they weren't the only ones to find their way out of those labs. Following close behind are another breed of creature, one that doesn't know the difference between right and wrong, who exist only to feed their own hunger. The appearance of a strange boy who seems too much like them to be a coincidence makes things even more confusing. But as the world begins to literally fall apart around them, Michaela must accept his help, especially when she could lose the very thing she holds dearest: her sister.

Buying links:

Available in paperback and ebook at Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and other sellers.

Contact information:

Email: k.c.hawkings@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/kchawkings
Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KCHawkings
Personal Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002666290394
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3319171.Kate_Hawkings
Book Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12486526-the-sphinx-project
Blog: http://katherinehawkings.blogspot.com/
Tumblr: http://whoneedsneverland.tumblr.com/

2012-02-27T00:07:00.004-05:00

MOON RISE

BOOK TWO IN THE

UNBIDDEN MAGIC

SERIES

MARILEE BROTHERS

synopsis (Goodreads)

Her mom's still dating losers. Her boyfriend's gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn't told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson--aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy--is that her powers have taken a hike. She can't read minds anymore. She can't move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Tri-marks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she's helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage. Dear Diary: I'm a little worried. My new BF is a demon. Welcome again to Allie Emerson's funny, scary, amazing, and always unpredictable life, as the girl voted least likely to save the world from evil. REVIEWS: "This book has it all: danger, mystery, unexpected plot twists. The events of the book brought forward many unanswered questions and complications, and really made me look forward to the next book. I can't wait." -- Unmainstream Mom Reads Blog "Ms. Brothers does a wonderful job of expanding the world she's created and adding interesting new characters to the mix."

MY REVIEW

A fabulous continuation of Allie's story.

She has lost her telekinetic abilities. Kizzy engages the help of a young man named Beck Bradford to help Allie out of her slump. Junior is in Mexico and it is uncertain if he will return. Allie and Beck become close. He is not at all put off by Allie's abilities. Beck has demons of his own, literally.

The Trimarks are back, chasing Allie to get the Moonstone. They are still horrible, evil and rotten.

Faye has straightened out somewhat, she has a job and a steady boyfriend.

Rather than read like a sequel, this book picks up right where the first finishes. It is a perfect continuation of the story. Allie has grown a bit, she's more mature but still frightened of her power.

With the help of Beck and his twin Nicole she continues to learn to use the power of the Moonstone, it's power is awesome, far more than first thought...

Now, I'm off to read the third book!

2012-02-26T03:56:00.004-05:00

REVEALING EDEN

SAVE THE PEARLS PART ONE

VICTORIA FOYT

Eden Newman must mate before her 18th birthday in six months or she'll be left outside to die in a burning world. But who will pick up her mate-option when she's cursed with white skin and a tragically low mate-rate of 15%? In a post-apocalyptic, totalitarian, underground world where class and beauty are defined by resistance to an overheated environment, Eden's coloring brands her as a member of the lowest class, a weak and ugly Pearl. If only she can mate with a dark-skinned Coal from the ruling class, she'll be safe. Just maybe one Coal sees the Real Eden and will be her salvation her co-worker Jamal has begun secretly dating her. But when Eden unwittingly compromises her father's secret biological experiment, she finds herself in the eye of a storm and thrown into the last area of rainforest, a strange and dangerous land. Eden must fight to save her father, who may be humanity's last hope, while standing up to a powerful beast-man she believes is her enemy, despite her overwhelming attraction. Eden must change to survive but only if she can redefine her ideas of beauty and of love, along with a little help from her "adopted aunt" Emily Dickinson

MY REVIEW

I love post-apocalyptic novels, especially ones with a unique twist.

A racist world where the "Pearls" (light skinned people) are the bottom of the pile, the minority. The darker skinned 'coals' are the benchmark for beauty, the individuals with prestige and honor. They even have their own post apocalyptic KKK, called the FFP.

An interesting story full of societal issues that plague us today.

The author weaved very realistic descriptions throughout the novel. The first few chapters were slow, but the groundwork for the rest of the book, the rest of the series, was being set.

I think this is an ok book, not great but not bad.

3 stars

2012-02-24T20:31:00.001-05:00

MOONSTONE

MARILEE BROTHERS

book one of

UNHIDDEN MAGIC

synopsis (goodreads)

MOONSTONE A Fictionwise Fantasy bestseller Young Adult

A sickly mom. A tiny house trailer. High school bullies and snarky drama queens. Bad-guy dudes with charming smiles. Allie has problems. And then there's that whole thing about fulfilling a magical prophecy and saving the world from evil. Geez. Welcome to the sad, funny, sometimes-scary world of fifteen-year-old Allie Emerson, who's struggling to keep her and her mom's act together in the small-town world of Peacock Flats, Washington. An electrical zap from a TV antenna sets off Allie's weird psychic powers. The next thing she knows she's being visited by a hippy-dippy guardian angel, and then her mysterious neighbor, the town "witch," gives her an incredible moonstone pendant that has powers only a good-hearted "Star Seeker" is meant to command. "Who, me?" is Allie's first reaction. But as sinister events begin to unfold, Allie realizes she's got a destiny to live up to. If she can just survive everyday life, in the meantime.

MY REVIEW

What a fabulous book! I absolutely loved the characters. Allie isn't some rich, spoiled bratty kid who comes into supernatural powers. She and her mom live in a trailer in the backyard owned by a step uncle. Allie has a wonderful friend named Kizzy who helps with her newfound 'abilities'. What are her abilities? Well, she discovers, quite by accident, that she has telekinetic power. WOW...this is a unique book. Very different from the many of the other paranormal books I've read.

Aliie becomes a member of an elite group who are sworn to protect the world from the evil enemy. She has a small star on her palm and a moonstone necklace given to her by 'the Guardian', aka, Kizzy.

Her life is turned upside down because of these bizarre changes.

Wonderful book, wonderful characters. They are rich and engaging.

I can't wait to read the second book in the series.

2012-02-23T16:31:00.001-05:00

2/24
today's featured author is Terri Guiliano Long

author of

In Leah's Wake

please go

here

to read about this wonderful author.

2012-02-21T08:38:00.003-05:00

If you are interested in the Random Acts of Kindness blog hop

CLICK HERE

to be taken to that page

2012-02-21T05:06:00.000-05:00

FRESHMAN YEAR AND OTHER UNNATURAL DISASTERS
BY MEREDITH ZEITLIN

received from author for review

5 stars

synopsis (from Amazon.com)

Laugh-out-loud funny high school drama - perfect for fans of Lauren Myracle and Meg Cabot

Let's say you're fourteen and live in New York City. You'd think your life would be like a glamorous TV show, right? And yet . . . You don't have a checking account, much less a personal Black American Express card. You've never been to a club, and the only couture in your closet is a Halloween costume your mom made from an old laundry bag.

In other words? You're Kelsey Finkelstein - fourteen and frustrated. Every time she tries to live up to her awesome potential, her plans are foiled. Kelsey wants to rebrand herself for high school to make the kind of mark she knows is her destiny. But just because Kelsey has a plan for greatness . . . it doesn't mean the rest of the world is in on it.

Kelsey's hilarious commentary and sardonic narration of her freshman year will have readers laughing out loud - while being thankful that they're not in her shoes, of course.

MY REVIEW

What a fresh, fun and hilarious book. Kelsey Finkelstein, I wish I went to hight school with you! You made me laugh, yell, roll my eyes, and snicker at your antics and your dry wit. I know teenagers can be self centered, but sometimes you are a little over the top, nevertheless, I loved your story. You are a frustrating character- I loved you one minute and wanted to slap you the next!
As a reader, I was able to identify with bits and pieces of each character. Meredith Zeitlin does an amazing job with the story. It's been quite a while since I was reading a book and yelling at the characters!
Honestly, I hated high school. I have to say, it's been many, many years since I went through that unpleasant chapter of my life, but I think I may have enjoyed it if I'd had a buddy like Kelsey.
This is a quick, easy read. I hope to read more about Kelsey and her trials and tribulations as she goes through life.

2012-02-20T16:52:00.000-05:00

We are Tuesday's stop on the blog tour of

CRATER LAKE: BATTLE FOR WIZARD ISLAND

STEVE WESTOVER

published by Cedar Fort Books

synopsis

Wailing and thrashing for escape, Allie’s dad disappeared first, the dirt covering the crown of his head. Ethan and Jordan’s parents followed, gasping for breath before the dirt covered their faces and muffled their screams. Mercifully, they descended faster than Allie’s mom. She had been the appetizer, and the other three adults were the main course.

While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan’s world collapses when all the adults disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of the lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he’s captured too and their imprisonment becomes permanent.

Steve Westover expertly combines fun with suspense in this thrilling adventure you’ll want to read again and again.

We received this book courtesy of Cedar Fort and NetGalley.

Strange things are happening at Crater Lake, people are being swallowed into the ground. No, it's not like quicksand. It is a bizarre, unusual occcurance. The ground has 'devoured' everyone over the age of 16. Sounds like it might be a kids dream, but it turns into a nightmare.

Sound like fun? This is an incredible book. Would have been great as a stand alone book but it's even better knowing it's the beginning of a series and there are more like this to come!

The characters are rich and engaging. Their interactions are full of life and believable. Typical brother-sister relationship between Jordan and Ethan. There are 5 kids total who must 'save the day'.

This is a wild ride that will be loved by all. It should be particularly engaging to middle grade age students, both boys and girls. I think they will follow along and root for the kids to save their parents!

This was really an enjoyable book. Perfect for Middle Grade student. Suspenseful and fun.

2012-02-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

Priestess of the Nile

By Veronica Scott

Blurb:

Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.

Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.

Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?

WANT TO READ THE FIRST CHAPTER?

free excerpt

Priestess of the Nile excerpt:

Chapter One

The old abandoned temple remained one of his favorite spots along the Nile, overlooking the river from a small bluff, with a deserted beach below. Bek stood gazing across the sparkling water at bronze- and black-spotted crocodiles sunbathing in the final rays of the setting sun. A breathtaking mix of colors stained the sky as the Goddess Nuit spread her cloak across the heavens, sprinkling the black velvet with stars.

A beautiful soprano voice rose from the beach below the bluff. Bek recognized the words of a familiar old song, given new meaning by the hypnotizing, alluring voice. I must see this songbird. She’s cast some kind of spell over me.

He strolled along the path from the ruins toward the beach. Taking the last turn on the trail, he walked out on the sand and found the woman. She waded in the water, casting a small fishing net and retrieving it, every once in a while picking out a wriggling silver fish and throwing it into a waiting basket on the beach.

Her ample breasts flashed into view when she leaned over. She had kilted her skirt to her thighs, revealing shapely legs. Long ebony hair was caught behind her ears with combs in the shape of seashells.

Wouldn’t I like to take those combs out and see her hair tumble down—she’s as beautiful as her voice. He must have made some sound. She stopped singing and wheeled, taking an involuntary step deeper into the river at the sight of him, a stranger. Her face paled under her tan and her eyes opened wide as she staggered, caught by an eddy of the current.

“Don’t be frightened, please. I mean you no harm.” He held his hands up, palms out, and smiled. “I heard your singing and it drew me here. I only wanted to give my thanks for the concert.”

She laid one hand on her graceful throat, toying with an amulet on a thong. “You startled me.” Poised to bolt, the girl appeared wary, probably planning an attempt to run past him.

“I apologize.” He kicked off his sandals and waded into the water at an angle from her. The net drifted lazily in a whirlpool; he reached out and caught it, lifting the tangled strands from the river.

“Oh, don’t! You’ll ruin your fine kilt, sir.” She came to him hastily and took the net from his hands. “The river runs muddy at this time of the year. Your servants will labor in vain to get the stains out.”

He glanced at his waist. Oh yes, I did choose to wear the pleated white kilt of a nobleman. He followed her to the shore as she splashed through tiny waves with her net. “Fortunately, I have no servants to worry with such things.”

While putting his sandals on, Bek frowned at the Nile crocodiles lying deceptively immobile on the opposite bank, then glanced at her. “You take great risks, walking into the river with those beasts nearby.”

One of the animals twitched. Bek glared at it. The creature met his eyes for a second, then settled onto the sand.

“Oh, I’m not afraid. I’m protected.” She was busy folding the net and packing it into a compartment in the lid of her fish creel. She didn’t even spare a moment to consider the predators across the water.

He coughed to cover his instinctive laugh. “Protected? And exactly how are you warded against attack?”

She stood briskly, raised her chin and tugged an amulet free of her dress to show him. It was a small green stone crocodile hanging on a frayed black leather thong. “My great-grandmother was the last priestess of the temple on the bluff above.”

He indicated the amulet. “May I see it?”

The girl unlooped the cord from her neck and handed the necklace over. “Great-Grandmother told me the amulet was blessed by the Crocodile God himself and would protect me from his creatures.” Bek chuckled, holding the tiny figurine in his large meaty hand. “Mighty protection indeed.” He momentarily closed the pendant in his fist, then tossed it to her with a slight bow.

“Nonetheless, you shouldn’t take such chances. Crocodiles are crafty and fierce.”

When she refastened the amulet the stone pendant fell between her shapely breasts. She unkilted her skirts and the simple dress fell to her ankles. As she bent to lift her basket of fish Bek put his hand atop hers on the handle. She gave him a wide-eyed glance but stepped aside to let him lift her burden.

“Thank you, sir. I’m going to sit in the shade and eat my dinner now.” She pointed at the nearby grove of palms. “Would you care to join me?”

“I’m not hungry, but I’ll sit if you don’t object. An hour of good conversation is a pleasant way to end the day.”

She peeked sideways at him while she walked. Eventually she smiled shyly. “I’m grateful for the company. My name is Merys.” She stood nearly as tall as him, unusual in a woman, but he found it distinctly attractive. Her face was lovely, oval and browned by the sun, which set off her sparkling black eyes. She was all lush curves and smooth skin—his cock stirred with lust but he restrained his arousal.

She seems to be an innocent maiden, of good family by her educated speech, not a woman to be lightly trifled with for an afternoon. He realized he was standing rooted to one spot, lost in admiration of her beauty. Shaking his head, he started walking again. “Call me Bek.”

“A propitious name for this place, if your naming was in tribute to the Crocodile God.” Merys slanted a look at him sideways and chuckled. “Are you a merchant? Is your ship anchored somewhere nearby?” Not waiting for an answer, she sank bonelessly under the tallest palm. Lifting a shawl that lay draped there across some wicker hampers, she pulled out a hard roll filled with dried meat.

Bek set the stinking fish creel on the sand well away from where he planned to sit, but safely in the shade. He lowered himself into a cross-legged position and leaned against the tree, hands clasped behind his neck. “I travel along the Nile quite often, yes.”

She blinked and raised her eyebrows. He hadn’t precisely answered either of her questions but she didn’t press the matter. “Did you come to see the temple ruins?”

He nodded. The truth, as far as it goes.

About Veronica Scott:

Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library full of books as its heart, and when she ran out of things to read, she started writing her own stories. Married young to her high school sweetheart then widowed, Veronica has two grown daughters, one young grandson and cats.

Veronica's life has taken many twists and turns, but she always makes time to keep reading and writing. Everything is good source material for the next novel or the one after that anyway, right? She's been through earthquakes, tornadoes and near death experiences, although nothing is as stressful as meeting a book deadline. Always more stories to tell, new adventures to experience--Veronica's personal motto is, "Never boring."

Web & Social Media:

http://veronicascott.wordpress.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/vscotttheauthor

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Veronica-Scott/177217415659637

http://www.amazon.com/Veronica-Scott/e/B006CUCJ92/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

http://community.harlequin.com/blogs/veronica-scott

Kids'n'books: MISFORTUNE COOKIEBY Sara LintonI received this f...

2012-02-19T07:22:00.000-05:00

Kids'n'books:
MISFORTUNE COOKIEBY Sara Linton
I received this f...: MISFORTUNE COOKIE BY Sara Linton I received this from author for an honest review Paperback: 252 pages Publisher: Create...

2012-02-17T20:42:00.002-05:00

2/18 Saturday's featured author is STEPHANIE ABBOTT

click here

to learn about Stephanie's newest book and watch the trailer.

2012-02-16T16:11:00.002-05:00

Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop

The Mail Still Runs - Teaser Trailer

2012-02-12T21:50:00.001-05:00

THE MAIL STILL RUNS
by Jeffrey David Payne
(part 2 of the Far from the War series)

The second installment of the Far From The War series shows how the war effects Esther's family back at home on Orcas Island. Told through the eyes of her sister Charlotte, this volume shows the family's anguish as they wait for Esther's return and how desperate neighbors disrupt their idyllic life on the island.

2012-02-11T09:34:00.002-05:00

Book one

MY SOUL TO TAKE

synopsis (from Goodreads)

She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next

MY REVIEW:

If this is an example of Rachel Vincent's writing...Bring on the rest of the series!!! I was familiar with the Banshee but don't ever recall reading a book about one. I've been looking at this book for a while, but the Soul Screamers reading challenge encouraged me to get reading!!

I love the character of Kaylee. Her friendship with Emma is the kind we all want to have.

I can't wait to continue with the books!

2012-02-11T09:17:00.001-05:00

Speaking of The Banshee....

I've joined the SOUL SCREAMERS READING CHALLENGE

hosted by Fiktshun.com

We plan to read all of Rachel Vincent's wonderful books over the coming months.

All in anticipation of the upcoming release of the 6th book in the series:

for more information:

go here

2012-02-11T08:51:00.001-05:00

Time for another mythology blurb.
Today it's Celtic lore. ( info obtained from Wikipedia)
The Banshee....
is a feminine spirit. She represents an omen of death and a
messenger from the Otherworld.

A banshee is a fairy who wails when someone is about to die.
The Banshee have been describes as women dressed in gray and having long hair. (From Wikipedia) The women are often seen brushing their hair with a silver comb. According to Irish legend, if you see a comb on the ground--NEVER pick it up, or the banshee will lure you away to the Otherworld.
I found these images of the Banshee online.

Fans of Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers books will recognize the banshee as a main character in her books. For more information about the Soul Screamers, go here

2012-02-08T18:39:00.001-05:00

DRAGONSWOOD

JANET LEE CAREY

published by

Dial Books (Penguin USA)

received this book from publisher and

Destination Elsewhere giveaway

synopsis (Goodreads)

Wilde Island is not at peace. The kingdom mourns the dead Pendragon king and awaits the return of his heir; the uneasy pact between dragons, fairies, and humans is strained; and the regent is funding a bloodthirsty witch hunt, hoping to rid the island of half-fey maidens.

Tess, daughter of a blacksmith, has visions of the future, but she still doesn't expect to be accused of witchcraft, forced to flee with her two best friends, or offered shelter by the handsome and enigmatic Garth Huntsman, a warden for Dragonswood. But Garth is the younger prince in disguise and Tess soon learns that her true father was fey, making them the center of an exciting, romantic adventure, and an ancient prophecy that will bring about peace between all three races - dragon, human, and fairy.

MY REVIEW

WOW, wonderful, fantabulous, unique and amazing. Get the idea? The was a fantastic book. It contained dragons (always a favorite of mine) Fey (fairies) and humans. Not just any humans but descendants of Arthur Pendragon...remember him? King Arthur? Witchhunts, crusades and wonderful characters made this a compelling book to read. I couldn't wait to finish to find out what happens to Tess, but it was bittersweet when I turned the last page. I realized I didn't want it to end.

Back to Tess, she is the main character. A young girl accused of witchcraft, arrested and tortured. Throughout the book we are introduced to many other amazing characters. Tess's two friends, Poppy and Meg are understandably angry when they find out she mentioned their names while being tortured and they escape and run with her.

I don't want to give anymore of the book away. It flows in a natural progression.

The characters were rich and full of life. I wasn't too impressed with the fey or their way of life, but we cannot all be the same. The dragons were more majestic than I could have imagined. The descriptions were rich and colorful.

Overall, a very well written and enjoyable book!

5 stars!

for more information about Destination Elsewhere

go here http://destination-elsewhere.ning.com/

2012-02-05T18:39:00.004-05:00

FREE Two Days Only: A Vampire Novel with Actual Bite!

As the modern world establishes itself and pushes the supernatural into the shadows, the supernatural fights back.

The Darkening Dream is a chilling new dark fantasy novel by Andy Gavin, creator of Crash Bandicoot and Jak & Daxter, that has received rave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads and is FREE for two days only on Amazon Kindle (February 7th to 8th)! Download your FREE copy here: http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

Long-time readers of dark historical fantasy (Tim Powers, Guy Gavriel Kay, Katherine Kurtz) will appreciate the weaving together of mythology, occult, and religion, while younger readers and fans of HBO dramas (True Blood, Carnivàle) or urban fantasy (Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Jim Butcher) will be drawn to the twisted imagination, graphic action, and romantic tension.

About The Darkening Dream

Even as the modern world pushes the supernatural aside in favor of science and steel, the old ways remain. God, demon, monster, and sorcerer alike plot to regain what was theirs.

1913, Salem, Massachusetts – Sarah Engelmann’s life is full of friends, books, and avoiding the pressure to choose a husband, until an ominous vision and the haunting call of an otherworldly trumpet shake her. When she stumbles across a gruesome corpse, she fears that her vision was more of a premonition. And when she sees the murdered boy moving through the crowd at an amusement park, Sarah is thrust into a dark battle she does not understand.

With the help of Alex, an attractive Greek immigrant who knows a startling amount about the undead, Sarah sets out to uncover the truth. Their quest takes them to the factory mills of Salem, on a midnight boat ride to spy on an eerie coastal lair, and back, unexpectedly, to their own homes. What can Alex’s elderly, vampire-hunting grandfather and Sarah’s own rabbi father tell them? And what do Sarah’s continuing visions reveal?

No less than Gabriel’s Trumpet, the tool that will announce the End of Days, is at stake, and the forces that have banded to recover it include a 900 year-old vampire, a trio of disgruntled Egyptian gods, and a demon-loving Puritan minister. At the center of this swirling cast is Sarah, who must fight a millennia-old battle against unspeakable forces, knowing the ultimate prize might be her very soul.

The Reviews Are In

"A vampire novel with actual bite." ~The Kirkus Reviews

"Mr. Gavin has brought something refreshingly new to a genre now suffused with poorly-concealed bodice-rippers which have more in common with Fabio than Bram Stoker: depth. His big baddies are scary, not romantic interests, and the added religious lore is complex and engaging. Don't expect another Twilight -- the story can get downright creepy, so be prepared for a return to the old horror sensibilities of supernatural fiction." ~Amazon Review

"With Mr. Gavin's video-game pedigree, I was expecting something aimed squarely at the 18-25 year old fanboy contingent; what I got in The Darkening Dream was something wholly unexpected: A period novel with a female protagonist, a crash-course on Judaism in the colonial years, and multi-layered series of plot arcs featuring a crazy cast of natural and supernatural characters populating 18th Century Colonial America." ~Amazon Review

"…A perfect blend of mystery, magic and myth. A grown-up Grimm's fairy tale...emphasis on grim." ~Amazon Review

Read the first two sample chapters here >> http://bit.ly/xXVxXS

Get your FREE copy of The Darkening Dream for two days only on Amazon here. http://amzn.to/yTvZPG

No eReader or Kindle? No problem. Get free apps for your Web Browser, PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, or Android Phone.

Cover links can be found at:

http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/the-darkening-dream/cover
and
http://all-things-andy-gavin.com/the-darkening-dream/cover-small

2012-02-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

Would you like your books to be available on facebook, to let your friends buy/gift them.

Store - Buy/Gift Books

Check: http://apps.facebook.com/ebooksapp/
its now easy to buy/gift books to your friends.

Backend - submit books

ItiBooks AuthorConnect is a self publishing platform to publish books.
We accept eBooks in PDF, ePUB format
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Simultaneous royalty payment, with purchase of book
Adobe DRM Support available
visit: http://author.itibooks.com/

eBooks
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2012-02-04T11:08:00.001-05:00

We are Sunday's stop on

Rebecca H. Jamison's blog tour of

Persuasion: a latter day tale.

published by Cedar Fort Books

synopsis (from Goodreads)

When Anne broke off her engagement seven years ago, she thought she'd never see Neil Wentworth again. But when Neil's brother buys the house she grew up in, it seems fate has other plans in store, and Anne is woefully unprepared for the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies Neil's return. Fans of Persuasion will love this fast-paced, modern retelling of Jane Austen's most romantic novel.

My Review

A perfect book for Valentine's Day. A story of love lost and lives renewed, and of forgiveness.

I think as a stand alone book, this was a great story. When compared to Jane Austen (my hero) it is a close second. The author was able to convey similar themes and ideas. Jane Austen would have been proud to have been such an influence.

Anne and Neil were great characters. Well rounded and full of life. Anne's dysfunctional family drove me crazy- but they were true to life characters.

If you are a fan of Jane Austen you will like this story.

For more information about Rebecca, go to her blogsite

http://www.rebeccahjamison.com/2012/02/rolling-with-blog-tour.html

If you go to Rebecca's blog page, you will be in for a treat:

her recipe for Cinnamon Rolls!

Yum, Yum..don't they look delicious!!!

"like" Rebecca's facebook page

www.facebook.com/RebeccaHJamison?sk=wall

for a chance to win a copy of her book

2012-02-03T18:47:00.003-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS

to Tanya

for winning an ecopy of

Ciara Knight's

CURSE OF GREMDON

an email has been sent to

Tanya so she can claim her prize!

Thank you for entering!

2012-02-03T09:02:00.003-05:00

received from NetGalley and Hay House Publishing for review

UNBINDING THE HEART

AGAPI

STASSINOPOULOS

synopsis (from Goodreads)

In Unbinding the Heart, author, speaker, and Huffington Post regular Agapi Stassinopoulos invites readers on an inspiring journey of inner exploration to reconnect with their true selves.Born in Greece, a country that celebrates life, Agapi learned the essential truths of happiness through the examples of wisdom, caring, playfulness, and generosity she saw all around her, starting with her own mother. She came to realize that everyone is born with an open heart, but that we quickly learn to put conditions on our happiness—comparing ourselves to others, casting judgment, doubting ourselves, allowing fear or entitlement or self-righteousness to take hold—and slowly our hearts begin to close. We isolate ourselves, feeling alone, disconnected, and unheard; and in doing so we immobilize our spirit, stifle our authentic expression, and cut off our joy.As she went on, Agapi, like so many of us, came under the soul-constricting influences of the larger world. In her struggle to find her place and her voice, trying to balance the acting career she dreamed of with the spiritual life she longed for, she discovered a path that was uniquely hers. Unbinding the Heart shows how she found her way home to herself.In 32 personal, heartfelt stories full of insight and humor, Agapi takes us from her mother’s bountiful kitchen, where the seeds of fearless living were planted, to the London classical stage, to an epiphany on a New York City bus—and inspires readers with the confidence to let go of the beliefs that bind them and come to a deeper understanding of life and love.

MY REVIEW

What a wonderful, thought provoking book. I completely enjoyed this novel. As other readers have expressed, I couldn't put it down. I lost myself while reading.

Unbinding the Heart is a perfect title. We could all use a little unbinding at times.

This is the book you should give to friends as a gift. Everyone has stress in their lives, especially with today's economy and problems. We can all learn from Agapi's

words and experiences.

Be good to yourself, while getting this for friends, don't forget to get a copy for yourself. Sit down with a cup of tea and read the Greek wisdom within these pages!

Even if you are not a fan of 'spiritual/self help' books, you WILL enjoy this book and take something away with you.

THIS BOOK HAS MAD THE ENTRY

INTO OUR 'BEYOND 5 STARS' CLUB,

A SELECT FEW BOOKS THAT EXCEED THE 5 STAR LIMIT.

Go here to review our prestigious list of books.

2012-02-02T20:57:00.003-05:00

Halflings

by Heather Burch

published by Zondervan

available 2/1/12

synopsis (from Goodreads)

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with.

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world

MY REVIEW

The idea behind this book is very promising. Three half god/half man Halflings who are sent to this 'realm' to protect humans from 'the enemy'.

The book has a fascinating beginning with main character Nikki, a 17 year old girl, running for her life from 4 hell hounds. Yes, 4 hellhounds. The halflings jump in at just the right time to save her.

I think there is far more to this teenage girl than meets the eye. Why would four hellhounds chase after a teenage girl?

The character of Nikki was ok. I wouldn't consider her to be one of the more memorable female characters from today's YA books.

The halfling boys, now they are another story. The interaction between Mace, Raven and Vine is just too entertaining for words. They act like real brothers. They annoy each other constantly, but you know they will watch each others backs, no matter what.

Throughout this book, I kept expecting Sam and Dean Winchester of TV's Supernatural to jump into the room and save the day. It didn't happen.

Like a tv show, there really wasn't much resolved in this book.

Hopefully book two will be able to answer many of my questions.

I give this book 3/5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of angel stories.

2012-02-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

To cheer on my favorite home team in

we are offering a

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

JEWELRY

GIVEAWAY

COURTESY OF

CLICK here to enter the site and see other awesome pieces of jewelry.

If you are a fan of New England teams, Kim has all sorts of great stuff!

these are the earrings up for grabs.

We have one pair of earrings!

Thank you Kim for your generosity!!!

Leave a comment with your email address and I will choose a winner the morning after

the

Superbowl!!!

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!

Astraea Press: Happy Birthday, Astraea Press!

2012-02-01T12:17:00.000-05:00

Astraea Press: Happy Birthday, Astraea Press!: Astraea Press is celebrating and you get the gifts. Every day during the month of February you can get an Astraea Press title for free. Yes...

The Curse of Gremdon book trailer

2012-02-01T08:01:00.000-05:00

2012-02-01T07:57:00.002-05:00

Today we are featuring

CIARA KNIGHT

and her book

THE CURSE OF GREMDON

The Curse of Gremdon

By Ciara Knight

Blurb:

In a world where marriage is forbidden, sex is only granted to male warriors, and the outer realm is full of murderous creatures, Arianna fights to protect the life of her only living relative, her brother.

Tardon, an elite warrior, is granted anything he desires by the Elders, but finds little joy in the voluptuous women presented to him. Born for the bloodlust found only in battle, complicated emotions emerge when he discovers his equal in the alluring warrior, Arianna.

Charged by the Elders with saving the castle from attack, Tardon and Arianna risk the curse when they traverse the vast outer realm to retrieve serum from the Tree of Life. If successful, the Elders have promised Tardon the right to marry and Arianna the cure for her brother's death fever. Will their love carry them through or will the discovery of a great deception be their ultimate demise?

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1Fg8B_du8U

HERE IS A SHORT EXCERPT FROM THE BOOK:

Three guards pinned Tardon to the floor. He clawed at the damp stone but with so little space in the dungeon hall he could not free himself.

Tardon’s heart nearly burst from his chest at the sound of Arianna’s voice. Ten men wouldn’t be enough to keep him away.

A guard lashed him with his whip but Tardon continued to fight.

“Restrain yourself or the whip will be taken to Arianna’s cell.” The man in the Elder’s cape stepped in the direction he had heard Arianna’s voice.

Tardon’s back stiffened with concern. Yes, the whip stung and caused him to stumble, but the thought of it touching Arianna’s soft skin brought him to his knees. “I will obey.”

Screams rang from a nearby room and he instinctively tensed. Staring at the wall, he wondered what sort of torture occurred on the other side. And if, perhaps, a similar fate awaited him. Or Arianna

One of the guards cracked the whip in the air to regain Tardon’s undivided attention. “He is being punished for unspeakable crimes, so have no pity for the wailing of a madman when he brought it upon himself.”

He stopped fighting and allowed the guards, each holding one of his arms, to pull him down the hall.

“I am Saldor, an Elder advisor. On my honor, I assure you, there is no reason for you to worry. She will confess, and you will be free to return to your prior status.”

Tardon shouldered the guards in each of their ribs, sending both into the stone walls. Dirt and dust grew thick in the air.

Even if he had been chained like a beast he still could have snapped their worthless necks. Fire erupted inside him as he stood, his nose almost touching the man who had threatened Arianna, yet Saldor did not flinch.

The guards hit him from behind and he fell to his knees again. Heavy walls closed in on him. Iron cuffs snapped around his wrists.

“I see this does not please you. Every warrior wishes to maintain his status. You would risk your honor for mere pleasure?”

Tardon’s blood boiled. “She is not pleasure granted by the Elders—”

“You are right. She was a warrior that bewitched you.”

He shook off the swirling in his head and tried to stand, but the guards kept him on his knees.

“No magic,” Tardon said. “I am to blame for what the Elders thought they witnessed—”

“Thought? They found her almost naked in your chamber, yet you speak of no pleasure?” Saldor motioned for the guards to drag Tardon into a cell.

They dropped him on his side and the door clanked shut. He rose to his feet, smacking his head on a wooden beam. Still, he charged the iron bars and pressed his throbbing head against the cool metal.

Saldor still watched him, his lined face unreadable. “The Elders will not accept your explanation—”

“We are innocent.”

“You are not innocent.”

Tardon’s mind raced at Saldor’s accusations. He had done nothing to betray the laws he fought to protect. Yes, he had come close to breaking the law, but he had not committed the act. “You make false accusations about a warrior. You could be put to death for such lies. I have broken no laws!”

“You still profess your innocence?” Saldor’s brows lowered.

“Yes.”

“Here is the Elder’s proof.” Saldor summoned a guard; he took a large object from the man then tossed it at Tardon’s feet.

Tardon swallowed, staring in horror at the old book he’d hidden so carefully all these seasons.

The book, his grandfather’s book, the book of dreams, rested on the dirty ground as proof he had betrayed the Elders. Tardon fell to his knees and stroked the fading cover. The Elders would never listen to the truth now.

“Tell them I forced her.” He could barely choke the words out. He quivered inside at the notion of harming Arianna. Still, a confession would release her from a place no woman should find herself. If she stayed in the dungeon, it wouldn’t be long before one of the guards disobeyed and forced themselves on her. He swallowed down the rise of bile and impending doom. At least destroying his honor to save her life would allow him to die with purpose.

“You seal not only your own fate, but all of your family with a confession of such disgrace.”

“I have no family.” Arianna’s delicate features played in his mind. “I confess, I—”

Saldor clutched the hilt of his sword and studied Tardon for a moment. “The Elders will never allow this. People of the castle will demand the woman be put to death and the true male warrior returned to his calling.”

“I will confess in front of all the inhabitants. Take me now. No reason to prolong my fate or Arianna’s suffering.”

Saldor stroked his chin. “I will take this to the Elders if you answer a question for me.”

Tardon nodded.

“Do you love her?” Saldor’s words hung in the air for a long, breathless moment.

“Love is forbidden.” Tardon shifted his weight between his knees.

“No, sex and marriage with a female warrior are forbidden. That is all the written law states.”

Tardon’s mind reeled, wondering what possible tricks this man played, but nothing fit. Saldor spoke the truth.

“Yes, I love her.” Tardon cleared his throat and spoke with pride. “Yes, I love her, and if that is a crime it will be one more reason to throw me to the fires and spare the true warrior, Arianna.”

“Not when she loves you, too.” Saldor turned and walked up the steps to the castle, suddenly leaving Tardon to his writhing emotions.

The man spoke falsehoods. Arianna knew nothing of love or marriage. She’d only caught a glimpse of his book, and her parents died seasons ago when she was still a child. He dragged his fingers through his matted hair, trying to steady his mind. Chain links clanked as he sat on the hard floor, resting his arms on his lap. Dirt and dry blood covered his hands, the same hands that had caressed every inch of Arianna’s body mere hours before.

Light from the low morning sun seeped through the bar-covered hole at the top of the cell wall. Merchants’ slippered feet brushed the pavement outside, scurrying to open their shops.

Head hung low, he closed his eyes to better envision Arianna’s soft, auburn hair. He remembered the smell of mint mixed with warrior blood and sweat, and he longed to have her in his arms again. She was like no other, a fierce competitor with a gentle touch. Maybe the fires would be the only way to keep Arianna safe from him. Never had he wanted someone before with such intensity. Just to taste her lips one more time…

Boots thudded against the stairs, and Saldor appeared in front of his cell. “The Elders have spoken. A public trial and the people will decide.”

*Tardon choked down his grief. To stand as a criminal before the people he once protected was the only way to save Arianna. The people worshiped him, maybe even more than the Elders did.

Saldor narrowed his gaze. “I have assured the Elders that you will not make a spectacle. You will come without incident or Arianna will suffer the consequences.”

Tardon pushed from the floor. Once out of the cell, he straightened and stretched the stiffness from his back. Maybe death would bring peace. As he shuffled to the courtyard above he knew the transition to the next life would be painful, but the afterlife did not frighten him.

They exited the tunnels and, even with the overcast skies, he still shielded his eyes from the sun, the brightness a stark contrast to the darkness of the dungeon.

Voices echoed down the cobblestone path that led to center court. When he reached the opening, all the inhabitants of the kingdom’s eyes were on him.

Many chanted his name. A dirty-faced woman tried to touch him.

Shouts erupted.

“Burn the woman!”

“She’s a witch!”

Hatred spread faster than death fever through the crowd. How quickly the people betrayed a woman who had protected their families from evil beyond the walls.

Shouts continued from the nameless, faceless crowd. Guards guided Tardon through the mass of people and he stepped onto the center block where most sentences were carried out. He opened his mouth and the crowd fell silent in respect. As he stood there, needing to speak, burning to speak, no words flowed.

The inhabitants of the castle looked at him, waiting for his declaration of Arianna’s magical seduction. Arianna needs you. With a cough, he cleared his throat and raised his chin. “I speak to you today to clarify events, to answer the charges against myself and my fellow warrior, Arianna.”

“Send her to the fires!”

“She must burn!”

Tardon raised his bound hands to quiet the crowd, and he noticed fellow warriors lining the back wall. They stood with hard, blank stares as well-trained warriors should. His biceps strained as he pulled at the chains between his wrists. “I pray you, listen to my words. Arianna is a warrior and possesses no skills as a witch.”

“He lies,” a man’s voice carried from deep within the crowd.

“She still has him under her spell,” a woman shrieked.

“No! It was not Arianna who betrayed the Elders’ laws, but me.”

A hushed mumbling overtook the peasants, shopkeepers, and warriors. The ones Tardon had protected now stood in judgment over him.

“I…I confess to forcing myself on the innocent warrior Arianna.” Tardon choked on her name. The chains rattled but he steadied his shaking hands despite his longing to end this farce. Never had he witnessed so many faces contort in disgust at him. He’d been a person that others desired and idolized. Now he stood as a traitor to his people and a monstrous enemy to women.

“Burn him!”

Tardon sucked a welcome breath into his stale lungs. It worked. They believed him, Arianna would be spared.

“Burn them both!”

“Yes, burn them both! Neither is innocent.”

“Bring the woman out!” one voice rang loud. Then the words spread like fleas on a donkey, and the crowd chanted, “Burn them both! Burn them both!”

His gut twisted with grief. “No! I am to blame. Why do you not listen?” The chains clanked as he pushed toward the crowd.

Arianna appeared at the edge of the court in torn and dirty clothes, but at least they’d clothed her decently in a peasant dress. The Enforcer that had discovered them grabbed her now short hair and dragged her to the front. Tardon spotted raw, red swelling on her cheek and temple. Someone had struck her.

A desire to kill whoever had hurt her burned to the surface of his skin. Cracks sounded as he strained against the iron shackles. The guard next to him stepped back to summon reinforcements.

“Burn ’em both! Burn the warriors! They take our food and live like Gods while we starve!”

“More food fer us,” a tangle-haired woman called from below.

Tardon’s shoulder burned as he continued to fight against the shackles. “Warriors, take notice. These are the people we die protecting.”

Warriors stepped forward in defense against flying insults, but the Elders stood on the tower, motioning the fighters to remain at their positions. Tardon observed the other warriors’ disgust, but all he cared about was Arianna being pushed and shoved like a disobedient servant.

Arianna smiled at him as she stumbled up the wooden steps. No time for remorse at defying the Elders’ laws, the people called for blood, and they would both burn in the fires now.

Tardon shuffled to Arianna, knocking a guard out of the way.

Arianna lifted her bound wrists over him and let the chains fall down his back. “If we are to burn, let us give them a reason.” Her eyebrows rose, and a soft smile curved her lips before she opened them and pressed herself against him, her sweet mouth opening against his.

Screams of shock rang out from below, but Tardon ceased to worry about being branded a traitor and gave in to his passion, hoping it would follow him to the next life. The world spun and the screams diminished into a distant lull, while the sweet, berry taste of Arianna urged the passion inside him. Every hair on his body stood to attention. His hands roamed down her hips and squeezed them close to his. Their heartbeat became one pounding rhythm, echoing through their souls.

Hands wrapped around his bicep and throat to rip him away. Her chains pulled hair from his scalp as they raked across his head.

“Burn ’em, burn ’em now!” The chanting shattered his dream state as they were dragged from the town square to the inner fires.

He fought as they maneuvered the tiny cobblestone walkways, leaving a line of disabled guards in his wake. Warriors were ordered by the Elders to subdue him.

The group rounded the corner, bringing the wooden post of the Fire Pit into view. At least Arianna and I will die together. Warriors, his former friends, bound him to the wood.

“May the Elders forgive you in the next life.” The mumble came from his comrades while they removed his chains and tied his wrists together behind him.

Arianna’s soft hand found his and they interlaced their fingers.

An Apprentice shouted from the tower, “May this be a lesson to all who defy the Elders.”

Tardon’s pulse thudded and he squeezed his sweaty palm against Arianna’s. Fear threatened to take hold as he imagined Arianna suffering. Desperate, he addressed the crowd one last time. “She is innocent. Her blood will be on your hands if you do this.”

A guard approached with torch in hand and held it in the air, waiting for the Apprentice to give the order. Heat radiated from the orange flames dancing at the end of the stick.

Tardon held his breath, hoping the Elders would spare Arianna, but the Apprentice’s arm lowered and the guard stepped up to light the fire.

Smoke attacked Tardon’s lungs. Unable to shout his protests any longer, he tried to turn his head to see Arianna behind him. Even over the smoldering debris, he detected her unique scent. “I am sorry I brought this upon you. Die knowing this was not of your doing.” His lungs seized with a cough as the debris below the wood smoked, and his head dropped to his chest. “I failed you.”

The orange and yellow glow spread and crept out from below the wood. Arianna moaned from behind, and he stomped his feet rapidly to find relief from the burning.

His mind reeled, searching for a way to save her. As the flames grew and danced against the wood, he realized he was unable to save the most important person in his life.

Today, they would both die.

WANT TO READ SOME GREAT REVIEWS OF THE BOOK?

go here

to read reviews or purchase the book

leave a comment with your name and email address and be entered into a drawing for a free ebook copy of THE CURSE OF GREMDON

AND NOW,

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ciara Knight always had a passion for storytelling. At an early age, she wrote several short stories and poems, and in college she started work on her first novel. It wasn’t until late 2008 that she returned to her true passion of writing. Over the past few years she has penned five novels and joined several professional writing organizations to better her craft.

When not writing, she enjoys reading all types of fiction. Some great literary influences in her life include Edgar Allen Poe, Shakespeare, Francine Rivers and J K Rowling.

Ciara is happily married and enjoys family time. She has learned to embrace chaos, which is a requirement when raising three boys, and utilizes the insanity to create stories not of this world including, Fantasy, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Young Adult Dystopian.

Her first love, besides her family, reading, and writing, is travel. She’s backpacked through Europe, visited orphanages in China, and landed in a helicopter on a glacier in Alaska.

Website: www.ciaraknight.com  Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/Ciaraknightwrites 

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ciaratknight

Kids'n'books: Alibi's Ghosts!by L.S. Hullingerreceived from au...

2012-01-31T11:40:00.000-05:00

Kids'n'books:
Alibi's Ghosts!by L.S. Hullinger
received from au...: Alibi's Ghosts! by L.S. Hullinger received from author for honest review synopsis (from Amazon.com) Alexandra ‘Alibi...

2012-01-30T15:31:00.001-05:00

WELCOME JANIERA ELDRIDGE,

AUTHOR OF

HAVING FUN WHILE SAVING MONEY

JANIERA IS OUR FEATURED AUTHOR

YOU CAN READ ABOUT HER AND HER

SPECTACULAR BOOK

HERE

2012-01-29T07:18:00.005-05:00

OTHERWORLD CHRONICLES

THE INVISIBLE TOWER

NILS JOHNSON-SHELTON

received from NetGalley for review

published by HarperCollins

reviewed by Mom

age level 10+

synopsis (from Amazon)

Part of the spell has already been broken.

The first stones have begun to crumble.

In Artie Kingfisher’s world, wizards named Merlin, fire-breathing dragons, and swords called Excalibur exist only in legends and lore—until the day his video game Otherworld springs to life.

You are special, Arthur,

Says the mysterious message in his game.

In one week’s time you will come to me at the it.

Cryptic clues lead Artie to a strange place called the Invisible Tower, where he discovers that nothing in his life is as it seems. Artie is none other than King Arthur, brought to life in the twenty-first century. Artie has won the battle in the virtual Otherworld—now the key to saving the real Otherworld lies in his hands as well.

Green dragons, hungry wolves, powerful sorcerers—suddenly Artie must battle them all as he wields Excalibur and embarks on a quest worthy of the Knights of the Round Table. With his sister, Kay, by his side, Artie steps into the Otherworld—straight toward his destiny.

my review

Amazing story. I've always been a fan of Arthurian legends.

This is a wonderful book to share with an 8-12 yr old. Both boys

and girls may love this story.

The characters are fun to read about,

Artie (Arthur) is a somewhat weak, simplistic character and is a

perfect foil to his more independent sister Kay. The relationship they

share with Dad Kynder was close and warm.

This is a light hearted story appropriate for young Middle Graders.

The adventurous storyline will hold their attention. I think the

ending, or lack of ending, may be troublesome but after all, this is the first

book in a series.

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Custom Creations #3

2012-01-27T09:04:00.000-05:00

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Custom Creations #3: Hello and welcome to my series, Custom Creations. This is part three. Here I will post pictures and information about my custom LEGO creati...

Fierce Reading Virtual Book Tours: Book Swag Bag Giveaway!

2012-01-25T17:59:00.000-05:00

Fierce Reading Virtual Book Tours: Book Swag Bag Giveaway!: To say thank you for being a Fierce Reading Virtual Book Tour Host I'm giving away a bag of book swag which includes: A signed bookm...

2012-01-25T07:24:00.001-05:00

JEFF HORTON IS OUR FEATURED
AUTHOR,
THE DARK AGE IS HIS NEWEST BOOK RELEASE

go here for information about
Jeff and the book. It's certain to be a winner!

Don't forget, leave a comment with your email address to win an epub copy of Jeff's book. I will use random.org to pick the winner.

2012-01-24T15:24:00.003-05:00

Under the Never Sky

by Veronica Rossi

published by HarperCollins

synopsis (from Goodreads)

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers

I am always on the lookout for unique and interesting books. This book was both. An incredible story about a 'Dweller" named Aria. She was born and raised in a 'pod' safe from the outside elements. A place where life is not quite real. The inhabitants of these pods live life through virtual reality 'realms'. They don't experience real fear, or love or pain. Most of the things that actually make us who we are are absent from the inhabitants of these pods.

Aria is blamed for a terrible accident that killed several people and she is banished from the pod. Sent to the outside world. A world where she believes everything is desolate and everything dies. She is aided by an 'outsider' A man named Peregrine who was born and raised in a tribe. Even among his people he is special, different. He has two super senses, sight at night and the ability to 'feel' or 'read' peoples emotions. The two initially cannot stand the sight of each other. Perry actually makes reference to the fact that Aria's dweller stench is making him sick.

Well, circumstances have placed these two together. Over time, a lot of time, they learn to get along.

This is an amazing book. The characters are unique and dynamic. Perry and Aria are a perfect couple. They bicker, fight and slowly learn to get along. Other characters are equally incredible. Roar, a friend of Perry's, is a lot of fun. A buddy who is quick to point out all his friends flaws. Cinder is an interesting character. A young boy who possesses the strength of the Aether, or storms of the outside.

The book is well written and great fun to read. I couldn't put it down and can't wait for the next installment. Enough was left open, or unfinished that another book could be coming. We need to find out what happened to Cinder and Roar. What happened to Perry's sister Liv. Also, do Aria and Perry get together?

A wonderful 5 star book. I recommend this book to lovers of dystopian, fantasy, YA or just good fiction.

2012-01-24T15:05:00.001-05:00

Today we feature author KAREN POKRAS TOZ
author of NATE ROCKS THE WORLD

First, about Karen:

websitehttp://www.karentoz.com

twitter usernamekarentoz

genre Children's Books

About this author

Karen Pokras Toz is a writer, wife and mom. Karen grew up in the small town of Orange, Connecticut and graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Finance. She also attended the University of Richmond, where she studied law and business, receiving both a JD and an MBA. Karen has spent the last several years working as a tax accountant, writing in numbers. She recently discovered a passion for writing with words. She is the 2011 honoree and spokesperson for the Eastern Pennsylvania Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell 5K Run. Karen enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with her husband and three children.

NOW,
about the book:

Ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge cannot catch a break. After all, life as a fourth-grader can be hazardous what with science projects to deal with and recess football games to avoid. Everyone, including his best friend Tommy, seems to have bad luck when hanging around Nathan. Throw in an older sister who is a royal pain, a dad who is stuck in the past, and a mom who keeps trying to poison him with her awful cooking, and poor Nathan’s life as a fourth grader appears to be completely doomed. Armed only with his sketchpad, his imagination, and his wits, Nathan Rockledge navigates the perils of the fourth grade in style, to emerge heroic, as Nate Rocks, proving that even a ten-year-old can accomplish great things. Follow the quirky and imaginative adventures of ten-year-old Nathan Rockledge as his cartoons come to life. www.karentoz.com

Go here for Lucas' 5 ice cream cone review of Nate Rocks the World

2012-01-22T12:29:00.001-05:00

Today's inductee into our mythology realm is

BRANWEN

celtic mythology

Branwen means 'white raven'. She is the daughter of Llyr and Penarddun. (King and Queen of all Britons)

Rather than retell the story, I have found a wonderful UK site the does an amazing job of telling Branwen's tale. Go

here

to read about the legend of Branwen.

2012-01-21T13:42:00.001-05:00

SUNDAY 1/22
TODAY'S FEATURED AUTHOR IS STEPHANIE ABBOTT

author of

GO HERE

to read her guest post

2012-01-21T11:54:00.001-05:00

IN HONOR OF MY FAVORITE HOME TEAM,

AND THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF
KT CRYSTALS,

visit KTCrystals here

we are hosting a giveaway of
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT'S EARRINGS

just enter in the rafflecopter form below, and remember to visit

KT CRYSTALS website for unique handmade jewelry

(YES FOLKS, SOMETHING IS ACTUALLY

MADE IN U.S.A.)

contest is from 1/21/12-1/23/12

must be over 13 to enter,

contest open to USA and Canada only

click on 'read more' below to get to rafflecopter form

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2012-01-20T17:23:00.001-05:00

PART TWO OF OUR MYTHOLOGY

TODAY'S GODDESS

BASTET

EGYPTIAN DIETY

Bastet (Bast)

Symbols: cat, lioness, sistrum, Udjat (Eye of Horus)

Cult Center: Bubastis

Links: The Name of Bast

The goddess Bastet was usually represented as a woman with the head of a domesticated cat. However, up until 1000 BC she was portrayed as a lioness. Bastet was the daughter of Re, the sun god. It may have been through him that she acquired her feline characteristics. When Re destroyed his enemy Apep, he was usually depicted as a cat. As portrayed as a cat, she was connected with the moon (her son Khonsu was the god of the moon). When shown as a lioness, she is associated with sunlight.

Bastet was the goddess of fire, cats, of the home and pregnant women. According to one myth, she was the personification of the soul of Isis. She was also called the "Lady of the East". As such, her counterpart as "Lady of the West" was Sekhmet.

Bastet seemed to have two sides to her personality, docile and aggressive. Her docile and gentle side was displayed in her duties as a protector of the home, and pregnant women. Her aggressive and vicious nature was exposed in the accounts of battles in which the pharaoh was said to have slaughtered the enemy as Bastet slaughtered her victims.

Her center of worship was in Bubastis (Per-Bast, Pa-Bast, Pibeseth, Tell-Basta), in the eastern Delta. Her chief festivals were celebrated in April and May. Herodotus, the famous Greek historian, provides the following description of one of the festivals:

"When the Egyptians travel to Bubastis, they do so in this manner: men and women sail together, and in each boat there are many persons of both sexes. Some of the women shake their rattles and some of the men blow their pipes during the whole journey, while others sing and clap their hands. If they pass a town on the way, some of the women land and shout and jeer at the local women, while others dance and create a disturbance. They do this at every town on the Nile. When they arrive at Bubastis, they begin the festival with great sacrifices, and on this occasion, more wine is consumed than during the whole of the rest of the year."

*** information obtained from http://www.egyptianmyths.net/bastet.htm

2012-01-20T07:56:00.002-05:00

HOW TO MAKE A GOLEM AND TERRIFY PEOPLE

ALETTE J. WILLIS

received from NetGalley for an honest review

available January 23,2012

synopsis (Goodreads)

"You think you're a fairy godmother or something?" I asked. "Or something," Michael agreed. Edda is tired of her nickname, 'Mouse', and wants to be braver. But when her house is burgled on her twelfth birthday, Edda is more afraid than ever. That is until new boy Michael Scot starts school. There's something peculiar -- and very annoying -- about know-it-all Michael. He claims to be a great alchemist who can help Edda overcome her fears by teaching her to build a golem. But surely they can't bring a giant mud monster to life? Can they? Winner of the Kelpies Prize 2011.

MY REVIEW

Prior to reading this book, I had no idea what a Golem was. I'd only heard of Pokemon Golems. I've since learned about Golems and folklore.

Edda is an easy kid with whom others can identify. Her nickname is 'mouse' and for good reason, she's practically afraid of her own shadow.

She experiences pure terror after her house is broken in to and her birthday students stolen. It's after this episode she meets an odd, eerie boy named Michael. "THE MICHAEL SCOT" only one "T". named after the famous alchemist from the 12th century. This michael is a very bizarre character, obsessed with alchemy and old world magic. He convinces Edda to face her fears by creating a Golem, a large 'earth man' who will protect her and her house from outside influence. She soon regrets her actions and the story ensues.

The characters of this book are incredibly likable. Despite her issues, Edda is a wonderful character. Kids who are small or bullied will relate to her. Euon is the bully who does a complete about face, his story is interesting and bullies and bullied alike will come to like, or at least understand him. Lucy is a great friend to Edda and sticks by her despite what she believes to be Edda's crazy beliefs.

This story is a great middle grade childrens book. Kids will love the Golem. Some scenes involve dead animals and may be a bit much for the tender of heart, but all in all, this is a great book. I give it 5/5 stars. Love the cover of the book. The monochromatic picture just adds to the mystery of the story

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Pokemon Pics!

2012-01-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Pokemon Pics!: Darkrai Deoxys Torterra Pokemon Pics. Just for fun ;)

2012-01-19T07:24:00.001-05:00

THE DEVIL'S LEGACY

TOM JACKSON

synopsis from Goodreads

The opening of Pandora’s Box creates pandemonium in the office of the British Prime Minister. A team is assembled to solve a two hundred year old conspiracy in order to prevent the Box’s incredible secrets from being revealed to the world and plunging British society into chaos. Will the search for truth be successful? And will it result in the restoration of a country’s stolen heritage?

What is the bizarre umbilical cord that links the 200-year old theft of the Parthenon Marbles to the Turkish Governor of Athens, Jack the Ripper, Winston Churchill, the Titanic, Napoleon Bonaparte, the British Royal family, an obscure nineteenth century Italian artist and a Koala bear?

The British government’s decision to return the Parthenon Marbles to Greece triggers the opening of Pandora’s Box, covertly held for over 100 years in the vaults of the British Museum. And thus the first appalling secret is revealed--the Parthenon Marbles are counterfeit.

A team comprising archaeological experts and secret service agents is assembled under the leadership of a young female lawyer and Parthenon expert. The team’s mission is to find the real Marbles, and ensure their return to Greece within a six-month deadline.

Success must be achieved against an intensifying background of treason, competition from an American billionaire collector, and the intervention of the Greek mafia.

Failure would threaten the very fabric of British society.

The clock is ticking!

ebook

Published October 27th 2011 by Smashwords

ISBN139781466012820

edition languageEnglish

original titleThe Devil's Legacy

url http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/99678

charactersNatalie Sinclair, David King, Johnnie Walker, William Eastern, Charles Fox ...more

settingAthens (Greece)

London, England (United Kingdom)

Paris (France)

New York (United States)

Istanbul /Κωσταντινούπολη (Turkey)

MY REVIEW:

A wonderful story! This book is full of 'what ifs' and 'maybes'. Imagine what would happen today if the Elgin Marbles are discovered to be fakes? The real marbles having been stolen over 200 yrs ago. A "Pandora's Box" exists with information about the true marbles and the theft. Everyone is involved from the monarchy to the Prime Minister and museum director.

This books goes back and forth between multiple times in history to explain the story of the marbles. The book involves a colorful cast of characters from Napoleon to Winston Churchill to Queen Victoria.

A fantastic exciting debut from author Tom Jackson

2012-01-18T07:17:00.004-05:00

for information go here

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Custom Creations #2

2012-01-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

Pokemon, Bricks, and Trains. Oh My!: Custom Creations #2: Hello and welcome to my new series, Custom Creations. This is part two. Here I will post pictures and information about my custom LEGO crea...

2012-01-16T08:05:00.001-05:00

NEW PHENOMENON

CHRIS RAABE

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

Every teenager wants to fit in, and Christian Pearson is no different. He is a phenomenon on the athletic field and in the classroom, but a terrifying accident on a fishing trip with his grandfather changes Christian's life forever. As he enters his freshman year of high school, Christian hides a secret that he plans to take to his grave. When the Pearson family moved from the city to the sleepy town of Red Oak, Iowa, before his freshman year of high school, Christian hoped for a smooth transition to small town life. Being the new kid in school has been a blessing and a curse. Most of the boys in Christian's class view him as a threat, so Christian struggles to fit it, but as an outcast, his secret is safe. When three freshmen, all from the same family, start school a week late, Christian senses something different about these new students. He reaches out to "The Three" seeking some semblance of friendship in his new hometown. When "The Three" confront Christian about the secret he hides, Christian is faced with a huge problem. Will this secret cost Christian his friends, his family, his freedom, and even his life?

MY REVIEW:

Amazing! This book literally started with a bang, or a tornado, and just kept getting better. Yes, it begins with a tornado chasing after the main character. He has just finished a fishing trip with a cousin and his grandpa. A tornado destroys the truck they are in. Christian ends up at the bottom of a lake inside the truck and guess what, he can breathe under water... This all happens in New Mexico, yup, the land of UFO's. This is not a story about UFO's but rather about phenomenon children. Confused? Don't be, just sit back, read and enjoy the ride.

Chris Raabe does a great job with character development. Christian is a down to earth kid, not a smart mouth or a jerk. His friends are equally pleasant. Don't get me wrong, they are normal kids. There is a deep family connection in this book. I am looking forward to the sequel that is sure to come.

Genre: middle school age kids

2012-01-15T07:33:00.003-05:00

If you've noticed, I'm taking part in a Mythology Reading Challenge this year. I thought it might be fun to introduce a God/Goddess each week. This week, my favorite goddess of the Greek Pantheon

ARTEMIS,

Artemis was one of the most widely venerated of the Ancient Greek deities. Her Roman equivalent is Diana. Some scholars[1] believe that the name and indeed the goddess herself was originally pre-Greek.[2] Homer refers to her as Artemis Agrotera, Potnia Theron: "Artemis of the wildland, Mistress of Animals".[3] In the classical period of Greek mythology, Artemis (Greek: (nominative) Ἄρτεμις, (genitive) Ἀρτέμιδος) was often described as the daughter of Zeus and Leto, and the twin sister of Apollo. She was the Hellenic goddess of the hunt, wild animals, wilderness, childbirth, virginity and young girls, bringing and relieving disease in women; she often was depicted as a huntress carrying a bow and arrows.[4] The deer and the cypress were sacred to her. In later Hellenistic times, she even assumed the ancient role of Eileithyia in aiding childbirth.

Artemis, the goddess of forests and hills, was worshipped throughout ancient Greece.[26] Her best known cults were on the island of Delos (her birthplace); in Attica at Brauron and Mounikhia (near Piraeus); in Sparta. She was often depicted in paintings and statues in a forest setting, carrying a bow and arrows, and accompanied by a deer.

The ancient Spartans used to sacrifice to her as one of their patron goddesses before starting a new military campaign.

Athenian festivals in honor of Artemis included Elaphebolia, Mounikhia, Kharisteria, and Brauronia. The festival of Artemis Orthia was observed in Sparta.

Pre-pubescent and adolescent Athenian girls were sent to the sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron to serve the Goddess for one year. During this time, the girls were known as arktoi, or little she-bears. A myth explaining this servitude states that a bear had formed the habit of regularly visiting the town of Brauron, and the people there fed it, so that, over time, the bear became tame. A girl teased the bear, and, in some versions of the myth, it killed her, while, in other versions, it clawed out her eyes. Either way, the girl's brothers killed the bear, and Artemis was enraged. She demanded that young girls "act the bear" at her sanctuary in atonement for the bear's death.

Virginal Artemis was worshipped as a fertility/childbirth goddess in some places, assimilating Ilithyia, since, according to some myths, she assisted her mother in the delivery of her twin. During the Classical period in Athens, she was identified with Hecate. Artemis also assimilated Caryatis (Carya).

Festivals

Sanctuary of Artemis at Brauron

Artemis was born at the sixth day, the reason why it was sacred for her.

Festival of Artemis in Brauron, where girls aged not more than 10 and not less than 5 dressed in saffron robes played the bear to appease the goddess after the plagued she sent when her bear was killed.

Festival of Amarysia is a celebration to worship Artemis Amarysia in Attica. In 2007, a team of Swiss and Greek archaeologists found the ruin of Artemis Amarysia Temple, at Euboea, Greece.[31]

Festival of Artemis Saronia, a festival to celebrate Artemis in Trozeinos, a town in Argolis. A king named Saron built a sanctuary for the goddess after the goddess saved his life when he went on hunting and swept by the wave and held a festival for her.[32]

At the 16 of Metageitnio (second month on Athenian calendar), people sacrifice to Artemis and Hecate at deme of Erchia.[33]

Kharisteria Festival on 6 of Boidromion (third month) to celebrate the victory of Marathon and also known as the Athenian "Thanksgiving".[34]

Day six of Elaphobolia (ninth month) festival of Artemis the Deer Huntress where she was offered cakes shaped like stags, made from dough, honey and sesame-seeds.[35]

Day 6 of 16 of Mounikhion (tenth month) a celebration of her as the goddess of nature and animal. A goat was being sacrificed to her.[36]

Day 6 of Thargelion (eleventh month) the 'birthday' of the goddess, while the seventh was Apollo's.[37]

A festival for Artemis Diktynna (of the net) in Hypsous.

Laphria, a festival for Artemis in Patrai. The procession started by setting the logs of wood around the altar, each of them sixteen cubits long. On the altar, within the circle, is placed the driest of their wood. Just before the time of the festival, they construct a smooth ascent to the altar, piling earth upon the altar steps. The festival begins with a most splendid procession in honor of Artemis, and the maiden officiating as priestess rides last in the procession upon a chariot yoked to four deer, Artemis' traditional mode of transportation (see below). It is, however, not until the next day that the sacrifice is offered.

In Orchomenus, a sanctuary was built for Artemis Hymnia where her festival was celebrated every year.

Information taken from Wikipedia

the free online encyclopedia.

2012-01-13T16:36:00.000-05:00

Today we welcome author Molly Snow.
She has written a couple of amazing books:
BESWITCHED AND
BESWITCHED WITCH

synopsis (from Amazon)

Product Description

When a magical black cat, Surla, runs away from her bombastic witch, she has no idea she will soon be living the life of shy teenage girl, Cathy Phillips-- confronting the mean girls and cute guys of Washington High.

Cathy’s peers notice a dramatic change when she starts standing up for herself, dressing differently, snagging dates and picking up feline habits. Meanwhile, Surla’s witch is a flaming red-haired fury, awkwardly trying to fit into society, so she can find her familiar and perform magic once again.

The “curse” of being BeSwitched may just be the most purr-fect secret these new best friends could ever have!

and

synopsis (from Amazon)

Product Description

Idis, a hot-tempered witch, was pronounced dead Halloween night. Her runaway cat, Surla, has a horrific premonition-come-true, when Idis escapes the morgue and then a mental hospital. These two enemies unexpectedly cross paths in the woods, triggering the curse of being BeSwitched.

A powerful opportunity comes with Surla switching bodies with her witch. She can dominate the now little black furball, giving her an education, teaching her patience and taking the shrew to the salon for a fun makeover.

The two go to high school together, when Surla passes as a teenage girl with a little help from magic. When Surla is magnetically drawn to the curious new guy, Jax Morreau, she is infatuated. Could ravens, coffins or a cursed ring keep Surla away from her invitation to the Morreau Family Reunion at Lake Sequoia? An ancient mystery will be revealed, but at what cost?

Molly is here today with a guest post.

BLP: Thank you Molly, for visiting and offering
this guest post.
Molly: Thank you, Donna, for inviting me to your blog for the BeSwitched Blog Tour! I've brought a guest with me you may know- IDIS. I wanted to let her share some thoughts with your readers.
Love, Molly Snow

Take it away, Idis!

5 Clever Comebacks from Idis

Hi, everyone, in the Bloggersphere. My name is Idis, star of BeSwitched and BeSwitched Witch. Okay, okay, I am a supporting character, but that's besides the point! I'm here to give some practical advice on how to deal with a bully. Let’s say you have a bully at school and you aren’t sure what to do; you are completely pathetic, always getting wedgies and thrown into lockers. Take some of my advice from someone who was a bully for over 300 years.

1. If you can’t think of anything else to say, “Dingbat” will work. Even a witch like myself can get tongue-tied. This word is fool proof. Try it! Dingbat!
2. Learn to cackle. To be extra dramatic, let your head fall back as you cackle. Laughing alone will show your bully you are superior.
3. Be creative. You can’t use overused words, like “Whatever.” That's what every teen says. Instead respond with, “Well, Twiddle-dee-dee!” That will throw your bully off, giving you a moment for another comeback.
4. Call them words like “Sweetie” as you pass them some brownies filled with itch cream. They will think you are desperately wanting to be allies, and (trust me) a bully never refuses food.
5. If they don’t stop, just tell them I’m coming for them. This should scare them away. Not only am a witch, who can cast a spell on their behind, I have died and come back to life, like all great villains. Add to that the fact that I have been consigned to a couple funny farms in the past, and they will change schools to get away from you.

Okay, I have more important things to do right now, like clip my toenails. Adios.

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY:

MOLLY HAS GENEROUSLY OFFERED AN AWESOME GIVEAWAY OF A KINDLE TOUCH WI-FI AND/OR AN AUTOGRAPHED COPY OF BeSWITCHED AND BeSWITCHED WITCH

FOLLOW THIS LINK: http://mollysnowfiction.blogspot.com/
to enter into the giveaway

Thank you Molly and Idis for the visit and the guest post!

2012-01-13T16:15:00.002-05:00

I would like to announce a new blogsite started by Lucas (my 10 yr old- I oversee the site) He wants to invite anyone who may be interested to check out and view his site HERE The site is called
POKEMON, BRICKS AND TRAINS, OH MY!
He will showcase his custom made Lego trains and other creations.

2012-01-11T11:37:00.000-05:00

We welcome Mayra Calvini

author of

Dark Lullaby

By Mayra Calvani

Blurb:

At a trendy Turkish tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated by her beauty as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. Soon, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her–her skin’s abnormally high temperature, her obsession with milk products, her child-like and bizarre behavior as she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience.  The young woman, Kamilah, invites him to Rize, Turkey, where she claims her family owns a cottage in the woods. In spite of his heavy workload and the disturbing visions and nightmares about his sister’s baby that is due to be born soon, Gabriel agrees to go with her.  But nothing, not even the stunning splendor of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of her nature. In a place where death dwells and illusion and reality seem as one, Gabriel must now come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister’s unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul…  *Dream Realm Awards Finalist!  What readers are saying…  “Mayra Calvani is a masterful storyteller… Dark Lullaby is complex and compelling…” –Habitual Reader  “Dark Lullaby is an atmospheric paranormal horror that grips you from page one and refuses to let go until you’ve raced, breathless, to the end.” –ePinions  “Dark Lullaby is a page-turner. A horror story from the top shelf! You’ll love it.” –5 stars from Euro-Reviews  “This is a terrific horror…” –Harriet Klausner  “Dark Lullaby will capture you with its rich descriptions, its exotic location, and the need to uncover the dark secrets hidden within its pages.” –Cheryl Malandrinos, The Book Connection

Author bio:

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. A reviewer for over a decade, she now offers online reviewing workshops. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family.

Visit her website at www.MayraCalvani.com. Join her mailing list and receive the first two lessons of her book reviewing workshop, as well as her free ebook, Reviewers Talk About Their Craft.

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/mcalvani

Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888

TO PURCHASE DARK LULLABY:

Dark Lullaby

The book will be $.99 on Kindle until January 15th. Then it will go up to $2.99.

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Lullaby-ebook/dp/B005UI7FOG

and now, courtesty of Mayra and Bewitching tours we are proud to offer an excerpt and a GIVEAWAY

go here for the ebook giveaway of Mayra's book The Cat Cellar

excerpt:

Dark Lullaby Excerpt 1

After Gabriel paid the bill, they walked outside.

The night had a shimmering, liquid quality to it. A warm summer breeze caressed his face and tousled his hair. He lifted his eyes to the sky. Perfectly clear, the sky looked like a black velvet curtain embedded with Swarovski crystals.

“I don’t have a car,” Kamilah said.

“Mine is that way.” He pointed to the end of the street.

The breeze played with the soft layers of her short hair. He had a hard time tearing his eyes from her face. Her hazel eyes were so luminous they seemed to possess a life of their own.

She held his hand, entwining her fingers with his. Once again, he was startled by the temperature of her skin. So hot.

They reached his red Porsche and he opened the door for her.

On the way to his apartment, Kamilah asked him many questions about his profession, about his work at the Institute. He found himself talking a lot about himself, not because he enjoyed it but because she seemed insatiable. He loved his profession, he told her. Yet, his present job was routine and he wished for something more challenging. He wanted research. This was his passion, but he needed a doctorate degree. His plan was to work one more year at the Institute, then give himself full time to graduate school. It meant living off scholarships and student loans. In other words: no more expensive Spanish paellas or bottles of Belgian beer. He would be the romantic poor scientist.

“Where are you from, originally?” she asked.

“I was born in Puerto Rico, though my parents’ family came originally from the south of Spain. I lived in San Juan until my last year of high school. Then I won a scholarship from the University of Arizona, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree. Later I moved here to do my Master’s at Johns Hopkins, and I have been here ever since.”

“Do you visit Puerto Rico often?”

“Not really.” He paused. “Actually, I haven’t been there since I left the year of my high school graduation.”

“When did you decide you wanted to become an astrophysicist?”

“I made the decision when I was in my last year of high school, but I’ve always been in love with the stars, ever since I was a little boy.”

How could he explain to her what looking at the stars had meant to him, when, as a terrified and miserable little boy, he had wished for the vast darkness of the sky to swallow him? At the age of seven, gazing at the constellations from the quiet darkness of his room, he had experienced a grand realization. Even lost in the endless void of space, he would be safer there than at home. How to explain to anybody that the sky and stars had been more than a simple escape? They had been his salvation. Only his sister understood.

All this rushed through his mind in a second. Kamilah sat very still. But he could feel her gaze gnawing at him. Electricity permeated the air. He resisted looking at her, his eyes on the road.

“What about your family?” she asked.

But at that moment, he made a sharp turn into the curving driveway of his apartment complex.

“Here we are,” he said, giving her a smile. Good timing. He hardly ever talked about his family with friends, much less with strangers. To distract her, Gabriel started giving her general information about the complex, its good location and facilities.

Did she really want to look at his telescope? This is what he really wanted to think about as they stepped into the elevator and he pressed for the fifth floor. One minute later, they were inside his apartment.

Luckily, he had cleaned up two days ago, so the place wasn’t a complete disaster. But it was muggy. He turned on the air conditioning.

“I love your apartment,” she said, looking round her. “It’s very warm—the feel of it, I mean.”

Books, books, books. Floor-to-ceiling shelves filled with books covered one large wall. More shelves on the opposite wall displayed a medium-sized TV and stereo system. The coffee table consisted of a large rectangular slab of glass supported by four pillars of books instead of legs. The burgundy sofa looked worn and battered, but the leather was still beautiful. His apartment consisted of a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Propped against the shelves were several canvases, some unfinished.

“You paint?” she asked him.

“When I find the time. Helps combat the stress. But I haven’t done it in months.” He gestured to the sofa. “Sit down. Do you want something to drink? Are you hungry?”

She shook her head.

“Do you like bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon?”

“What?”

“Delicious. My favorite meal. I’m always hungry for them.”

She smiled. “Bagels and salmon?”

“Sure. You’ll love it.”

Gabriel went into the kitchen to prepare the food. A few minutes later he came back carrying a food tray, two crystal goblets and a bottle of red Spanish wine. He placed them on the glass coffee table.

She readily accepted the wine, murmuring thanks without taking her eyes off him. In spite of her insistent stare, she didn’t seem like the aggressive type. On the contrary. She radiated vulnerability, like a lost child in need of protection. The intense glow in her eyes startled him. He could clearly distinguish the little yellow and green specks round the irises.

Gabriel sank into the sofa next to her. “You don’t look Turkish,” he told her, leaning forward to offer her a bagel.

“I’m from the north-eastern coast of Turkey, almost at the border with what used to be the Soviet Union, on the Black Sea. You can find many blond people over there. Many green and hazel eyes…Mmm…This is good. I’ve never eaten this before.”

He looked pleased. “I used to have them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.”

“How impetuous. Do you love like that, too—all the way?”

His face felt flushed. “Kamilah,” he scolded gently. “You’re embarrassing me.” He lifted his goblet of wine in toast. “To the purity and nobility of the soul.”

“To those special souls out there.”

They clinked glasses and drank. The wine caressed his throat, felt far too pleasant. With all the drinking he’d had at the tavern, he was more than light-headed by now. He felt hypnotized by the luster of her golden-brown hair, by perfectly unblemished skin.

“So…Where’s your telescope?”

“In my bedroom.”

Her eyes abruptly shifted to an ornate silver framed photograph on the side table.

“My sister,” he said.

Her eyes darkened as she gazed at it with deep concentration. “She’s beautiful,” she whispered.

Gabriel reached for the picture and showed it to her. “She’s my only sister.”

“What’s her name?”

“Elena. She lives in Belgium.”

“Belgium…” For a moment there was a dream-like quality to her as she studied his sister’s face. “You must miss her a lot, having her so far away. Do you go and visit her sometimes?”

He nodded. “Of course. As a matter of fact, I’m planning on going there soon. She’s going to have a baby.” He stiffened as the image of the empty pram flashed through his mind.

There was a silence.

Kamilah seemed to be examining his face. Gently she took the picture from him. It was a close-up of Elena’s face. Corn silk blond hair, bob-styled, enclosed a pair of mellow brown eyes, a small nose, and a gentle half smile. Her eyes were smiling more than her lips.

“Does she have other children?”

“No, this will be the first. She had a baby girl three years ago, but she died a couple of hours after delivery.”

“How awful…” Kamilah murmured, as if the fact hurt her deeply. “Why is she living in Belgium?”

“Her husband is working at NATO. They’ll be there for one more year, then they’ll go back to Boston.”

“What about your parents?”

Gabriel took the picture from Kamilah and placed it back on the side table. Tilting back his head, he downed the rest of his wine. “My parents are dead,” he said.

“Oh. I’m sorry. Maybe we should change the conversation.”

“No, it’s okay. I just…I don’t like talking…”

“You don’t like talking about them with a stranger.”

“I didn’t mean it like that,” he said gently. But she was right. Some things were better forgotten or ignored. In this case, he couldn’t forget. He could only try to pretend that his childhood had never taken place; a sort of willful amnesia, a defense mechanism.

He ate the rest of his bagel and poured himself more wine. Kamilah was silently eating her bagel. Without asking, he refilled her goblet. “Well, do you want to see the telescope?” he said, rising to his feet. “Wait here a second.”

Gabriel walked into the dark bedroom to get the Meade telescope—a portable, computer-controlled Schmidt-Cassegrain, one of his little investments. It stood on its tripod by the window, the lens directed toward the heavens. He hesitated. Should he bring it into the living room or simply tell Kamilah to come here?

He felt a strong presence behind him and swung around.

Kamilah stood in the doorframe.

For an eerie second his surroundings seemed to shift. The dark bedroom, the soft light coming from the living room, Kamilah’s dark silhouette at the threshold—all seemed to acquire a surreal quality. Her face was in shadow, a black mask. He was perspiring from the beer, the raki, the wine. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d gotten like this. He didn’t want to deal with any damned telescope. Instead, he wanted to crush Kamilah against his chest and squeeze all oxygen out of her lungs.

He took in all the curves of her shape. The full round breasts, the snug waist, the feminine voluptuousness of her hips, her perfectly shaped legs, her…

He stood, paralyzed with shock.

Panicked, he fumbled for the night lamp next to him and switched it on.

A dim yellow light flooded the room.

He stared down at her feet, but everything looked normal now.

“What’s wrong?” Kamilah asked, alarmed.

He blinked, swallowing hard, his eyes moving down to her feet, up to her face, down to her feet again.

“What is it, Gabriel?”

His heart had given a skip nearly big enough to kill him. Relieved, he burst out laughing. He sat down at the edge of the bed and laughed some more.

“Jesus,” he muttered. “I’m fine. It’s nothing. I just thought I saw—nothing.” The semi darkness, the alcohol in his brain had played a trick on his vision.

Kamilah studied her own feet, her brows furrowed.

“There’s nothing wrong with you, Kamilah. There it is, the famous telescope,” he said, making a dramatic gesture with his hand.

The distress on her face faded and a reassured smile curved her lips.

She went across the room and stood next to it. Then she touched it and, looking at him and smiling, trailed the length of it with her fingers. If she was in any way aware of the suggestiveness of her deed, he couldn’t tell. Her face was the embodiment of virtuousness. But he would never look at a telescope the same way again.

The window was closed and the curtains drawn.

She leaned over and peered into the eyepiece.

“Darkness,” she whispered.

“That’s the universe, Kamilah. Ninety percent darkness, empty voids. With only billions of tiny clusters of galaxies containing billions of tiny stars. Of course, it might help to uncap the lens,” he mocked gently, getting up from the bed and lifting the cover.

She giggled. “Oh. Sorry.”

“And to turn off the lights.” As he leaned over to switch off the night lamp, he shot a sideways glance to her feet. Enclosed in beige sandals, the toenails shiny with pink polish, feminine and pretty.

“Show me Jupiter!” she demanded with childlike enthusiasm.

“You can’t see Jupiter now. It practically rises and sets with the sun. It’s stunning during the winter months, though.”

“Oh…” She seemed disappointed.

“Kamilah?”

Something about his voice must have sounded different, because she suddenly turned to him with a serious expression. Their bodies were very close.

“How did you overhear our conversation amid all that noise? In the tavern, I mean.”

For a moment she was silent. “I have telepathic powers,” she finally said.

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.” She smiled, enchanting him again, displaying her sharp, perfect little teeth. “Show me the rings of Saturn,” she insisted.

In such proximity he could feel her breath, sweet, clean.

“I’m afraid Saturn is also a winter planet. But don’t look so sad. There’s much more to see at this time of the year. Mars is quite impressive. The Andromeda Galaxy, the Northern Cross, Vega, as well as several star clusters.” He cleared his throat, which had abruptly turned parched. “I’ll show you many things, but not from here. The window and balcony are looking to the north. Eastern and southern skies are the best. We’ll go to the roof. There we’ll have the whole scope. It’s quite spectacular.”

“Now?”

He glanced at the digital clock on the night table. “It’s almost two thirty. I guess it is a bit late for exploring the universe?” His voice sounded alien, husky.

She remained motionless, her eyes never leaving his.

“Tomorrow night,” he said. “I promise you. On the roof.”

“The glint in your eye…it’s perverse…for such a pure and noble soul.” She leaned her head on his chest.

“You will corrupt me,” Gabriel whispered next to her ear, while his hands firmly pulled her to him.

She gave a soft gasp, her arms instantly around his neck. “Yes, Gabriel…” she said breathlessly. “But for now you’re still the angel.”

He lost himself in her.

Then, for a split second, what he had seen previously struck him like an explosion: the sight of her legs without feet. Oh, her feet had been there all right, attached to her ankles, but they were facing the opposite way.

Her feet had been backwards.

AND NOW THE GIVEAWAY:

The giveaway is for Mayra's collection of stories

THE CAT CELLAR

http://www.amazon.com/Cat-Cellar-Other-Stories-ebook/dp/B005TGKEOW

giveaway is international

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2012-01-10T14:27:00.001-05:00

cover reveal

SWEET SHADOWS

BY TERA LYNN CHILDS

2012-01-09T21:25:00.001-05:00

WANT TO TRY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN IPAD 2 OR KINDLE FIRE, COURTESY OF RAFFLECOPTER?a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kids'n'books: EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHRIEKSby Robert Gra...

2012-01-09T20:53:00.000-05:00

Kids'n'books:
EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHRIEKS
by Robert Gra...: EVE HALLOWS AND THE BOOK OF SHRIEKS by Robert Gray synopsis (from Amazon) For fourteen-year-old Eve Hallows, life can be ...

2012-01-09T10:18:00.001-05:00

I am taking part in this years Mythology Challenge.

HERE for information.

My first mythology book this year (my goal is 10) is Destined by Jessie Harrell.

What an incredible book!

It is a retelling of the Psyche/Eros love story.

Jessie does an amazing job creating truly wonderful characters. At first, I did not like Eros but, I came to love him as the story progressed. His love for Psyche was true and complete. Mom Aphrodite is a bit too much to take, but even she ended up being a great character. Comic relief was provided by Hermes, his character was amusing and fun.

The star of the book is Psyche herself. She is a character you will just fall in love with! She starts as a somewhat spoiled young daughter but ends up as an immortal.

If you like Greek Mythology, and love a great story, do yourself a favor and read this book!

2012-01-09T10:04:00.002-05:00

Replication

by Jill Williamson

published by Zondervan

received from NetGalley for an honest review

synopsis (from Goodreads)

When Your Life Is Not Your Own

Martyr---otherwise known as Jason 3:3---is one of hundreds of clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that he has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to 'expire' in less than a month. To see the sky.

Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars.

As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures---the one for which he was produced and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known.

MY REVIEW

Excellent book!! Made me think about genetic experimentation- is it right or wrong? Are we attempting to play God? This book addresses issues that were once science fiction but are rapidly becoming reality.

Clones are created by a 'mad' scientist named Dr. Kane (Cain perhaps?) The clones are clones he created from his own genetic makeup. He experiments on these clones. These poor 'less than human' creations don't even have names. They are addressed by their 'batch' number. Is it acceptable to utilize these clones for research and warlike endeavors?

God is addressed by Abby's unyielding faith. (Abby is the daughter of another scientist). Religion in this book is not overwhelming or suffocating, it is perfect in context with the story.

My review consists of more questions than answers because this book encourages questions. Questions of faith, questions about what is right or wrong.

The story itself is suspenseful and perfect for a young audience. The book is well written and thought provoking.

2012-01-07T13:22:00.002-05:00

I've decided to repost some reviews for books available this month.

Enjoy!

2012-01-07T13:18:00.002-05:00

Incarnate

by Jodie Meadows

Published by HarperCollins

Available January 31,2012

synopsis (from Goodreads)

NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL

Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART

Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life

MY REVIEW

What happens when everyone you know has been reincarnated over and over and retains memories of their previous lives? Now imagine that you are a 'new soul', a person who's soul is a new life. You haven't lived before. You have millenia of 'catchup' to do. This happens to Ana, the main character of INCARNATE. She is born into the family of Li and Menhem. She was supposed to be the reincarnation of Ciana but something went wrong and Ciana is no more, instead Ana is alive.

The character of Ana took some getting used to, she was cynical, defensive and very angry. When you read the book and understand her upbringing, you'll understand her anger. I, myself, was angry with not only her mother, Li, but everyone in the city of Heart who gave her a difficult time about being a 'new soul'.

The relatioship between Ana and Sam was somewhat difficult to accept. I kept thinking of Sam as a patient, much older, teacher, rather than a romantic interest.

Now onto the fun stuff, DRAGONS, SYLPH (creatures who can burn you with a mere touch). So many fantasy creatures! How wonderful.

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not certain I would want to live in a society where all my foibles and fears are known by everyone. All my mistakes are remembered from life to life. Works ok for Sam and the others in the book.

I am anxiouslly awaiting the next installment of this series.

2012-01-07T13:16:00.002-05:00

The Way We Fall

by Megan Crewe

publisher Disney-Hyperion

Publication date: January 24,2012

synopsis (from Goodreads)

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.

MY REVIEW

Depressing, morbid, and oddly fascinating. I had a difficult time with this book.

The story is told in journal form written by Kaelyn, a 16 year old girl. She is writing to her estranged friend Leo. The setting is an island off coast of Canada.

Kae is attempting to turn around her life, she is a shy girl trying to become more outgoing. Then disaster strikes. In the form of a virulent plague/virus. The book follows Kae and her family through the epidemic. We see people dying left and right. Not just nameless, faceless people, but people close to Kae. Friends, and family. She herself gets the virus but is one of a very few spared death. We come to know Kae very well via her writings in her journal. We see the raw emotion as she watches the horror around her. The death, destruction and lawlessness that erupts in the aftermath of the virus. A bright shining star in all this is her friend Gav. A fellow student who tirelessly works to aid others during the epidemic.

The story is well written and easy to follow. I was able to 'feel' the emotions as Kae felt them. The characters had depth and strength, especially Kae's parents. The ending was unfulfilling, but I hope the author will clear things up in a second book. So much was left unsaid, so many of my questions left unanswered. How could an entire community rebuild after such a devastating loss? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

2012-01-07T13:13:00.000-05:00

EVERNEATH

by Brodi Ashton

Published by HarperCollins

publication date Jan24, 2012

egalley provided by NetGalley for honest review

synopsis (from Goodreads)

Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

MY REVIEW

I love books with a mythological flair to them. This novel by debut author Brodi Ashton was no exception. She seamlessly integrated many aspects of mythology with modern day existence.

Becks is a 17 year old girl who is in a relationship with Jack. Things go sour and she escapes to the 'underworld' with Cole, an Everliving. She spends roughly a century in hibernation with Cole. A century in the underworld is about 6 months on the surface. After she awakens from this hibernation she decides to return to the surface, remembering nothing of her life except the face of a boy she cannot forget. Sounds like the makings of a great Greek tragedy right? Well, it only gets better.

Becks wasn't supposed to survive her hibernation with Cole. He follows her to the surface to find out why she survived and if she is 'the one'..The next Persephone. Queen of the Underworld. Like Persephone, she must return to the underworld, but will she return as servant or Queen?

Jack doesn't want her to leave at all. He was devastated when she left the first time. Everyone thinks she was in a rehab facility overcoming an addiction to drugs. Only Jack finds the truth about her situation.

Brodi Ashton wrote an amazing novel. This is the first of a trilogy. The start of the book was somewhat slow, it took me several chapters before I was able to fully comprehend the events that occurred in the Everneath. The characters have a depth of emotion that is intensely real. While reading this novel, I felt an entire range of emotions, from anger and sympathy to excitement and laughter. It takes an amazing author to ellicit such emotions from the reader. I cannot wait for the second installement in this series. Brodi left us with quite a cliffhanger. I didn't see it coming until the last chapters!

I give this book 5/5 stars and would recommend it to anyone who likes mythology and YA novels.

COVER FACTOR: WOW!!! 5 star cover!

2012-01-06T16:54:00.001-05:00

The Apocalypse Gene

By Suki Michelle and Carlyle Clark

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Global pandemic is raging. Olivya Wright-Ono's once loving home has been converted to a hospice for the dying. Her ability to see auras forces her to witness, with agonizing detail, the vibrant colors of life consumed by malignancy.

The beautiful and troubled, Mikah, is an elite Empath in the ancient Kindred clan, led by the brooding, ever-morphing, monster named Prime. Mikah has learned a terrible truth .

. . the plague is linked to Kindred origins. When Olivya sees evidence of disease creeping into her mother's aura, she has no one to turn to but Mikah. Can he unearth the Kindred secrets and find a cure? Can she trust this boy whose power allows him to manipulate her very emotions?

With her mother's life, and that of the world, in the balance, Olivya and Mikah embark on a quest to stop the Pandemic, only to discover it is far, far more than a mere disease . . .

Website: http://www.TheApocalypseGene.com

Blog: http://www.TheApocalypseGene.com/cy-chi

Facebook FanPage:

http://www.facebook.com/TheApocalypseGene

Goodreads Amazon

About the Authors:

Suki Michelle is a life-long Chicagoan, happily divorced and still good friends with her Ex. She lives and writes with her soul-mate, Carlyle Clark. She has one beautiful daughter, Bree, who is the first reader and critic of The Apocalypse Gene, and without her input, it wouldn't be nearly as cool! Suki's other children are of the four-legged type, Dahlia, the German shepherd; Kilala the lazy calico chub-cat; and Koney, the tortoise-shell demon cat from the Seventh Ring.

Carlyle is a burly dude from San Diego. He can look menacing at a glance, but as soon as he opens his mouth, pure intellectual. They are eternally grateful for the day they met at an on-line writer's workshop. They've been together for four years. On the outside. Suki and Carlyle are totally disparate. On the inside, they are the REAL Neo-Twins. You'll have to read The Apocalypse Gene to find out who the Neo-Twins are, but here's a hint: They are twisted devils with mirror-melded auras.

As writers, Suki and Carlyle have complementary skill sets. Lyle is plot master and edgy dialoguer. He is a huge fan of Japanese anime, and he draws upon this to choreograph fight scenes. Suki enjoys painting a character's emotional landscape and writing vivid descriptions. They both have wild imagination.

Suki and Carlyle treasure every opportunity to share their work.

Twitter: @Suki_Michelle

brought to you by

BEWITCHING BOOK TOURS

Stuck In Books: YA Fantasy Giveaway Hop

2012-01-06T15:51:00.000-05:00

Stuck In Books: YA Fantasy Giveaway Hop: I couldn't pass up being a part of this hop since this is my favorite genre! I have picked 3 hot January releases for this giveaway. He...

2012-01-06T15:25:00.003-05:00

Interested in possibly winning a Nook Tablet? or $275 cash? It's the Tablet Time Giveaway
Go HERE for information.

2012-01-04T07:23:00.002-05:00

Skyfall by Michael Dahl is a middle grade fantasy novel. It is the first of a trilogy about troll hunters.

I received this book as an egalley from NetGalley.com.

I love children's stories, especially middle grade chapter books.

I think kids will love this book, it has just the right amount of creep factor and suspense to engage young children. It was a quick, easy, fun read. My only problem is that it ended too soon. Frankly, I'm getting somewhat annoyed with these trilogies, we have to wait so long for the next installment to be released.

This book will hold the interest of children from beginning to end. The author has an uncanny knack for inserting creepiness in the right spots. Imagine having trolls try to take over your town. Four kids have to save the town from these evil trolls.

The story is well writte, the writing is perfect for the target age group. I look forward to the next book in the series, just hope we don't have to wait too long!

Just found out the next 3 books in the series are available at

http://www.capstonepub.com/product/9781434238054

Thank you so much!

2012-01-02T07:01:00.003-05:00

received from NetGalley for Review

thank you to both NetGalley and Thomas Nelson

for the pleasure of reading this wonderful book.

synopsis (from Goodreads)

A beautiful devotional, brimming with the wit and wisdom of Jane Austen and the timeless truths of Scripture.

The works of Jane Austen can transport a reader to a world that exudes beauty, peace, wisdom, wit, and love. Captivating audiences for 200 years, the works of Jane Austen continue to capture today's readers in droves.

This daily devotional includes short excerpts from the Austen classics, and a devotional thought and Scripture that meaningfully translates to women's daily lives. Offering temporary transport to a simple and peaceful place, women will love taking a moment to revel in the beauty and truth of a Scripture paired with excerpts from Northanger Abbey, Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, Mansfield Park, and Emma.

MY REVIEW

A Jane Austen Devotional

published by Thomas Nelson

available January 10, 2012

A must have if you are a lover of Jane Austen and Jesus Christ. This book is a wonderful blend of tidbits from Jane's books and Biblical passages. The lessons put forth are related to Ms. Austen's characters with a perfect blending of her writings and those from the scriptures.

I received this book as a NetGalley egalley, but I will purchase as soon as available, this is one I want to keep with me at all times.

2011-12-30T20:44:00.001-05:00

We are proud to be part of the virtual book tour

for

Damian's Oracle

Lizzy Ford

Damian’s Oracle

By Lizzy Ford

Genre: sweet paranormal romance

Inspired by Slavic mythology, Damian’s Oracle is the entree into the ongoing battle between good and evil over the fate of humanity. The White God, Damian, and his Guardians protect the world from the Black God and his monsters while rescuing Naturals – humans with extraordinary paranormal gifts – from the Black God, who would kill or convert them.

Caught in the middle is cool-headed Sofia, a Natural whose gift will tip the scales in the war. Sofia begins her transformation from human into oracle, the first in thousands of years. Damian rescues her from the Black God in time to complete a ceremony that will bind her to him for eternity. Sofia struggles with her new world and her role as an oracle and Damian’s mate while haunted by a mysterious man from Damian’s past who’s supposed to be dead. Unbeknownst to her, her link to the dead man may be all that saves Damian, his Guardians, and the fate of humanity.

While he wants nothing more than for the petite beauty to take her place at his side like the oracles of legend did his White God forefathers, Damian can’t quite rationalize having to win her over instead of command her. Further complicating his life is the sobering realization that there are spies in his organization who are helping the Black God take out his Guardians. Damian must help Sofia reach her potential fast, especially when a threat from his past returns.

Damian’s Oracle links:

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/damians-oracle-lizzy-ford/1029664032

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/damians-oracle/id416014301?mt=11

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10183211-damian-s-oracle

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Damians-Oracle-War-Gods-ebook/dp/B004JN0KHM/

Excerpt:

Sofia froze as the scene straight out of her vision—the little boy, Cody, spread-eagled in the street near the storm drain—materialized before her. They boy’s mother was hysterical, screaming at once at the driver and her dead son. Coldness seeped through Sofia as she watched the familiar scene before her. In the distance, she heard her cell phone ring. It ceased and began to ring again. As if in a dream, she pulled it free and answered.

“Ms. Fast?” The deep baritone voice pierced her thoughts. “This is Damian Bylun. You left a message with my receptionist?”

Her world was beginning to spin as she realized her vision had come true. Her legs felt weak, and she sat heavily on the curb, struggling to control her breathing so she didn’t pass out.

God, what’s wrong with me? I saw him die …

“Pardon?”

Realizing she clenched the phone in her hand, she locked the screen and sat staring at the asphalt. Someone touched her, and visions flared across her mind. A pretty brunette, mugged in a back alley, raped and killed.

“Hey, are you all right?” someone else asked. As the man took her arm to help her stand, his haggard face appeared in yet another vision. An older man with dementia left to rot and finally die in an old folks’ home.

“Get away from me!” she cried, tearing her arm away. She fled, staggering as she bumped into more people and more visions flashed. She ran until the cold air burned her lungs and the people were far behind her. She retreated to her apartment, breathing raggedly, with cold tears stiffening her cheeks.

She closed and locked the door behind her. She froze when she saw the disaster that was her apartment. Everything was overturned or shredded, from the furniture to the bookshelves to the TV lying on its face. The windows were open and the apartment cold.

Her headache was now a migraine, and she shielded her eyes against the light from the street that filtered past her honeycomb blinds. She all but staggered into her bathroom. She wrenched open the medicine cabinet for the most powerful of the drugs Dr. Mallard prescribed for her and slammed the cabinet shut.

Her eyes were fully silver, swirling and glowing in the dark bathroom. Whatever she was, she wasn’t a normal human.

“What is wrong with me?” she screamed, slamming her fists against the mirror.

Her blood spattered on the wall, and buzzing filled her ears. She sank to the floor. Her phone began to ring again as she slid into a dead faint.

About the author:

Lizzy Ford is the hyper-prolific author of the "Rhyn Trilogy" and "War of Gods" series, both launched in 2011, as well as multiple single title young adult fantasy and paranormal romances. Lizzy's books have reached into the bestseller lists on both Amazon US and Amazon UK in multiple categories. Through her unconventional online marketing strategies, Lizzy has gone from selling 20 books in January 2011 to around 5000 books in September 2011 and from over 7,000 free downloads of her work in January 2011 to over 40,000 downloads in September 2011.

The Lizzy Ford team consists of: Matt, IT and search engine optimization expert; Christine LePorte, freelance book editor; Dafeenah, graphics artist; and Toni, English-Spanish translator.

Lizzy is considered by most to be the ultimate writing freak of nature for her ability to write and epublish a new book every 30-45 days. She is also a regular contributor for the Curiosity Quills website and is an active member of a small guild of nine passionate, talented writers, the Indie Eclective. Lizzy's books are available from Amazon, BN, Smashwords, iBooks/iTunes, and all other eReader libraries.

Lizzy’s links:

FB: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks

Website: http://www.guerrillawordfare.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010

GR: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4558309.Lizzy_Ford

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Lizzy-Ford/e/B004XTTYOC/

MY QUICK REVIEW

WOW- what an amazing book. You have got to read this book!
Great characters, well written plot and just FUN to read. I love going to other worlds through the eyes of a great writer. Lizzy Ford is just such a writer. I liked watching Sofia change into the Oracle. Watch for Part 2 of the series, Damian's Assassin.

2011-12-30T19:56:00.004-05:00

The Unwilling Bride

Candy Ann Little

given by the author for an honest review

Don't you just love the cover?

synopsis (from Goodreads)

Beautiful and high-spirited Caitlin Gallagher has no desire to be married. When she’s forced into an arranged marriage, she vows to loathe the man. Her anger is kindled even more when she finds out he was born in England. Her family was forced to flee Ireland and move to America because of the war with England. Now this Englishman is stripping her freedom away. Dillon Cade is her enemy twice!

Gentle Dillon Cade has lived a quiet life for thirteen years in Norfolk, Virginia. When he agrees to marry a young maiden so she can stay in America while her parents are deported back to Ireland, he gets more than he bargains for. As he uses his newspaper to fight President Adams’ sedition acts and help Thomas Jefferson get elected, he must also deal with an unwilling bride, who now disturbs his peaceful life.

Can Caitlin work through her anger, finding faith in God and love in Dillon’s arms? Can Dillon tolerate her behavior long enough to win her trust?

MY REVIEW

Christian Romances are not my usual genre, however, I have to keep my eyes open for more books by Candy-Ann Little.

This novel is very well written, the spirituality is not overwhelming. This book will be enjoyed by both Christians and non-christians alike. If you like a good romance, and be honest- we all need a little romance in our lives, read this book.

I really liked the strong female lead, Caitlin Gallagher. She is sassy and funny without behaving too much like a shrew. As for Dillon Cade, you are going to love him! I guarantee it!

The book has a wonderful historical aspect to it. I give it 5 stars and look forward to reading more from Candy-Ann Little

2011-12-29T19:25:00.002-05:00

synopsis (from Goodreads)

For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices.

To hold on…

To let go..

To forget…

To forgive…

Which road will you take?

For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows—her twins, Mia and Zach—are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.

Jude does everything to keep her kids safe and on track for college. It has always been easy-- until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.

On a hot summer’s night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

NIGHT ROAD is vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, identity, love, and forgiveness. It is a luminous, heartbreaking novel that captures both the exquisite pain of loss and the stunning power of hope. This is Kristin Hannah at her very best, telling an unforgettable story about the longing for family, the resilience of the human heart, and the courage it takes to forgive the people we love.

MY REVIEW

It's been a long time since I've read a book that made me teary, or a book I couldn't put down. The author does an amazing job of pulling the heartstrings of the reader. I think she takes the neurotic personality of

the mother, Jude, a bit too far. I wanted to slap Jude over the head a few times. Several of the other characters left a lot to be desired. Mia and Zach are twins. Zach is the leader of the two, with Mia trailing behind as the weaker of the two. Mia is portrayed as a somewhat childish teenager who is a social outcast. Her brother, on the other hand, is the handsome jock loved by all. The character of Lexi, now there was the star of this book. She's the daughter of a drug addict who spent time in jail. Lexi's mom dies and Lexi spends years in foster care. A relative is located and Lexi moves in with her (Aunt Eva). The three become inseparable, until one night when tragedy strikes. Lexi bears the brunt of a horrific accident. An accident that is the result of poor judgement from all three kids, Lexi, Zach and Mia. Zach shows nothing but weakness by allowing Lexi to take the blame. This single act ruined his character for me. No matter what happened after in the book, I saw him as weak. Yes, he did stand up and speak on Lexi's behalf, but he didn't fight for her. The tragic result of an unfortunate accident pulled a family apart. I found the end very unrealistic. This is not a bad book, it tugged at my heart. It made me cry. I just think it could have been so much better. The characters could have been so much stronger. I would have liked to see Zach and Miles stand up to Jude. The only advice I can offer, read the book yourself, and decide for yourself. No matter what you think of the book, it WILL make you feel raw emotion.

I originally gave this book three starts, but after thinking about it, I changed my rating to 4 stars based on the emotion I felt after reading.

2011-12-27T08:18:00.002-05:00

Today we are featuring Fran Orenstein

you can read about our featured author

HERE