Ali's Bookshelf

Both of these vids I'm about to share I found on Facebook. The first one is a bit long but trust me you will love it as much as I do! I can't stop watching it!!!

The second one is a really neat little vid, its a lot shorter but its so cute I just had to share it!!!

So what did you think?? Do you have a vid that I would love, please link me below in the comments!

I hope you all had a great Weekend and I hope you have a great Sunday!

Cover Crazy: Harper Teen Edition

2012-02-26T10:18:00.000-05:00

The purpose of Cover Crazy is to feature a cover each week for us to admire its beauty. I really like this idea since there are so many great covers out there! Cover Crazy is a meme that was started by The Book Worms.

I'm going to share two covers with you this week. Since I haven't done a Cover Crazy in a long time I figured two covers might help! I have two covers from Harper Teen for you today. Both these books come out very soon and they look amazing. I'm so excited to read both. So, lets see what you think about these two covers.

Alright so here is why I love both of these covers. Yes they are very different from each other, but I love them both!

Unraveling: I love this cover for obvious reason, The color just pops. But I also love that all the people in the background are her again and again and some guy. I love the font of the title and the words below the title are so eye catching. Its Perfect!!!

Hemlock: Again I love the color on this cover. But what really caught my eyes is the vines and swirls around the title. The girls dress also caught my eyes and I really want to know why she looks so sad. The Font for the title is an older looking font but it fits this cover perfectly.

I will be buying both these books when they come out! I love both these covers, what do you all think about them? Do you like the Font's of both titles?

Book Vs. Movie... The Nanny Diaries

2012-02-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

Book Vs. Movie is a feature that I started here on Ali's Bookshelf. I hope you all enjoy it!...

Book Vs. Movie: The Nanny Diaries Edition

First off let me start by saying, I enjoyed reading this book and watching this movie. But, yes I said but, I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book! Shocking isn't it. Don't get me wrong I enjoyed the book, but to me it was a bit long winded and I thought the nanny could have handled things a lot differently!

Title: The Nanny Diaries

Author: Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Date Published: March 18th 2003

Pages: 306 pages

ISBN #: 0312291639

Buy This: Amazon

Wanted:
One young woman to take care of four-year-old boy. Must be cheerful, enthusiastic and selfless—bordering on masochistic. Must relish sixteen-hour shifts with a deliberately nap-deprived preschooler. Must love getting thrown up on, literally and figuratively, by everyone in his family. Must enjoy the delicious anticipation of ridiculously erratic pay. Mostly, must love being treated like fungus found growing out of employers Hermès bag. Those who take it personally need not apply.

Who wouldn’t want this job? Struggling to graduate from NYU and afford her microscopic studio apartment, Nanny takes a position caring for the only son of the wealthy X family. She rapidly learns the insane amount of juggling involved to ensure that a Park Avenue wife who doesn’t work, cook, clean, or raise her own child has a smooth day.

When the Xs marriage begins to disintegrate, Nanny ends up involved way beyond the bounds of human decency or good taste. Her tenure with the X family becomes a nearly impossible mission to maintain the mental health of their four-year-old, her own integrity and, most importantly, her sense of humor. Over nine tense months, Mrs. X and Nanny perform the age-old dance of decorum and power as they test the limits of modern-day servitude.

Review: The Book

The book to me seemed a bit long winded and like I said above I really was pulling for the Nanny to step up and do what she seriously should have done in the beginning. But when she didn't that was a total let down for me. I enjoyed reading this book, don't get me wrong, but there was just to much going on in the book and it took you away from the plot sometimes. It felt like there should have been some parts that could have been cut out and it would have been better!

I read this book for a book club I am part of and it wasn't a bad read, but not what I thought it would be. I really did enjoy the writing of this story, it is very descriptive and at times very funny. I think my favorite part of this book would have to be the Halloween party at Mr. X's work. It is a funny chapter.

All in all it wasn't a bad read, but it just didn't hit it out of the park for me.

Review: The Movie

As for the movie, I really enjoyed watching the movie. Scarlet Johansson is a great actress and she portrayed the Nanny perfectly. And so did the actress that played Mrs. X! Would I watch this movie again...YES I probably would. They picked the perfect scenes from the book and put them in the movie. It is a bit different though. My Favorite part in the book is changed a bit in the movie, but it still works.

My Rating:

Book rating:

Plot: 18/20

Characters: 16/20

Writing: 15/20

Creativity: 17/20

Ending: 6/10

Cover: 10/10

Movie Rating:

I can't believe I'm really saying this but I really enjoyed the Movie more than the book. There I said it!

If you've read The Nanny Diaries or seen the movie, feel free to chime in here, leave me a comment and tell me what you think. Did I give the book the right rating? I would love to hear from you on the subject of The Nanny Diaries Book vs Movie.

Follow Friday #9

2012-02-24T08:43:00.001-05:00

This meme is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

This Weeks Featured blogs are:

Oh! For the LOVE of BOOKS!

Ezine of A Random Girl

This Weeks Question:

Q: Activity!!! Take a picture or describe where you love to read the most…

I love this question/activity!! I love to read in my comfy chair with my purple fleece blanket!!! Some where Soft and Cozy is a perfect place to read! Plus my chair is right next to one of my favorite book shelf's!!! Its filled with books I've read!!! (pst and the chair has a massage function that is awesome as well lol)

This was a fun question this week! Love it!!! So where do you like to read? If you have a link for your follow Friday you would like to share please do so in the comments and I will gladly hop over to your blog and follow if I haven't' and leave you a comment as well!!!

Thanks for reading and Happy Friday!!!

Guest Post: A Book is Born by Rashad Freeman

2012-02-23T09:01:00.000-05:00

A Book is born by Rashad Freeman

Hello my name is Rashad Freeman and in case you haven’t heard (not that you should have) I’m the author of Creature Kid. Volume I: The Teenage Chronicles is my first offering of what’s to be a five or possibly six book series. The story follows a teenage boy who some very peculiar and life altering things happen to, which like the ripple affect end up changing the entire world.

In a number of interviews I’ve been asked how I came up with the idea for Creature Kid, so I decided I’d expand upon my answer in this post. The short version is simple, I’ve got issues. I hope I’m not the only one but I’ve always wished I had some sort of super power. Like perhaps some aliens would snag me and inject me with supercharged alien blood, or I’d find a meteor that made me invincible. Unfortunately to date I’ve had no such encounter and will seemingly live out my days as a mere mortal.

Well, that’s how I started with the idea for the book. So I began to write it and planned on having a light and cheery story about some clumsy kid with super powers. But when I write books I try to let them write themselves and this book went in a totally different direction. The more I wrote the more I wanted to make the book about struggle and have a darker spin on the super hero idea. I wanted the characters to grow and face adversity and not always win.

A multi book series seemed perfect as it gave me the opportunity to create many dimensions and tell the story over several books. I can show a wide range of growth and changes with all the characters in the story and the reader really gets to see how situations have affected each of them individually. Another thing I love about a multi book series is the chance to grow the story. What I mean by that is the first book is a short read and intended for middle/high schoolers. As the story progresses the books get longer and the content is more mature.

So while the book began as an extension of my strange desires to become some sort of mutant. It’s morphed into a tale of struggle, adventure and a bit of romance. It’s like the worst case scenario when you find out you’ve got super powers. Things aren’t always as happy go lucky as the movies make them out to be.

About the Author:

Biography

Rashad Freeman is a Florida native and avid water sports enthusiast. When he's not chasing his 3 boys around or working hard for his real job he writes young adult action adventure and paranormal novels and adult mystery/thrillers. His first title "Creature Kid Volume I" debuted January 1, 2012 and is the first in a long string of action packed stories floating recklessly around in his head.

*This Guest Post is for a blog tour for Hollow Tours and Rashad's book Creature Kid*

A New Add to My Bookshelf

2012-02-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

Title: The Underside of Joy

Author: Sere' Prince Halverson

Publisher: Dutton

Pub. date: January 12th 2012
Pages: 303 Pages
Find it: Amazon

Set against the backdrop of redwood forests and shimmering vineyards, Seré Prince Halverson's compelling debut tells the story of two women, bound by an unspeakable loss, who each claims to be the mother of the same two children.

To Ella Beene, happiness means living in the northern California river town of Elbow with her husband, Joe, and his two young children. Yet one summer day Joe breaks his own rule--never turn your back on the ocean--and a sleeper wave strikes him down, drowning not only the man but his many secrets.

For three years, Ella has been the only mother the kids have known and has believed that their biological mother, Paige, abandoned them. But when Paige shows up at the funeral, intent on reclaiming the children, Ella soon realizes there may be more to Paige and Joe's story. "Ella's the best thing that's happened to this family," say her Italian-American in-laws, for generations the proprietors of a local market. But their devotion quickly falters when the custody fight between mother and stepmother urgently and powerfully collides with Ella's quest for truth.

The Underside of Joy is not a fairy-tale version of stepmotherhood pitting good Ella against evil Paige, but an exploration of the complex relationship of two mothers. Their conflict uncovers a map of scars--both physical and emotional--to the families' deeply buried tragedies, including Italian internment camps during World War II and postpartum psychosis.

Weaving a rich fictional tapestry abundantly alive with the natural beauty of the novel's setting, Halverson is a captivating guide through the flora and fauna of human emotions.

WHERE I HEARD ABOUT THIS ONE!!!

I heard about this book from a great friend of mine. Thanks Aimee!!

WHY I'M ADDING IT!!!

This is a book that I was asked to read for a blog tour. The Blog tour will be next month actually my day to post is March 9th.

Plus when I read over the synopsis I knew I would love this book!

WHEN I'LL BE READING THIS BOOK!!!

I'm going to be reading this book this weekend possibly, if I can get this other book finished. If not I will be reading it next week! But I'm hoping to read it this weekend. Or I could start this one tonight and read both of them at the same time?

I already took a peek at this book and can't wait to start it!!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Should I stay on the track I am now and finish the book I've been reading since last week or should I start this one and read them at the same time?

Do you think this will be a book that should be moved up my bookshelf to read?

Let me know what you think I should do!!!

Review: Don't Breath a Word by Holly Cupala

2012-02-22T15:24:00.000-05:00

Review: Don't Breath A Word by Holly Cupala

IN A GLANCE: Stunning...loved this story. I haven't read a YA contemporary novel in a long time and this one was a perfect choice for my first one.

Title: Don't Breath A Word
Author: Holly Cupala
Published by: Harper Teen
Format: Ebook
ISBN #: 0061766690
Buy This: Amazon * Barnes and Noble*

Joy Delamere is suffocating...

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

Review:

Don't Breath A Word is a realistic glimpse into a girls life, a girl who is always being smothered and protected by her family and even friends at times. She feels so smothered that she makes it seem as if she has been kidnapped and she runs away.

Not only does she have asthma, but she fell for a guy who gets very possessive and even blackmails her to get what he wants. So many things make Joy leave, but an easier answer to her problems would have been to tell her family what was happening, right? Well Joy doesn't see it that way. Joy feels as if she has no other choice other than leave everyone behind and start new, but the only thing is Joy has no idea how hard life is on the streets.

Don't Breath A Word is a fantastic story about love, trust, family and not letting yourself fall under control of someone that is so possessive. I loved reading Joy's journey into really finding her voice and finding out that she can be loved without being smothered. Holly Cupula did a fantastic job weaving a very believable story, one that was so real that I could see Joy walking around the streets and having no where to go. I loved reading every single word of this book.

I also fell in love with its cover! The colors pop and when I first looked at this book I knew I had to have it. I loved how the colors of the cover all revolve around the girl on the cover!

My Recommendation:

Don't Breath A Word is a perfect contemporary young adult book for teenage girls and even adults to read. I loved the topics of this great book, I really think teenage girls will get a lot out of reading this story.

My Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Cover: 10/10

Ending: 7/10

97 out of 100 = 4 Puppy Rating

The reason I gave it a 7 out of 10 for the ending isn't because I didn't like the ending, no mainly the reason is because I wanted to know if it all worked out in the end. If her family left her alone more and didn't smother her so much. Mainly I needed more of the story, I didn't want it to end!!!

*This was my first book read for the Contemporary YA Challenge that I am doing this year! For the first one this was a perfect pick!!!*

Waiting on Wednesday...

2012-02-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where she spotlights upcoming releases.

This week I'm waiting on this amazing sounding book...

Title: Something Strange and Deadly
Author: Susan Dennard
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date: July 24th 2012

There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

Healing the Faith Giveaway: Winner's Announced!!!

2012-02-22T10:24:00.001-05:00

Its time to announce the winners of the Healing the Faith Giveaway!!! YAY!!! Thanks to everyone who entered.

So lets get to it, the winner of the Ecopy of Healing the Faith and a signed bookmark is:

Jennifer Illnbert Garcia

And the winner of the signed bookmark is:

Melvina Anthony

Ladies, as soon as you respond to the email I'm about to send you, I will email your info to the author Michele Richard. She will contact you about getting your book or bookmark to you! Thanks again for entering. Oh and you need to get back to me within 48 hours or I will pick another winner.

Thanks again!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ali's Book Club

2012-02-21T08:58:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this, I am starting a book club!!! YAY!!! We are going to be meeting once a week and discuss a few chapters of a book. I am working on a list of books that I would like to read together and then we all can decide what to read.

If you would like to join in the fun, please click the Ali's Book Club button on my menu and it will take you to the new forum, make sure you join! I also started a FB group for it as well.

I hope you all will join in and read with us! There will be another post soon on here about the book club. I was just so excited about it that I had to post about it!

Teaser Tuesday

2012-02-21T08:21:00.001-05:00

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

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading Several books, but I want to give you a teaser from one that I am totally loving right now.

A solitary figure stood gazing outward, at the edge of the crenellations ringing the circumference of the great tower soaring up from the top of the massive, mountain-citadel. Shrouded with a regal, proud air, The Unifier, the Lord of far more than Avanor, regarded the heart of His worldly dominion with an invigorating feeling of growing mastery.

So its your turn, leave me a little tease of the book your reading in the comment section below! I love knowing what others are reading. Have a great day everyone!!!

Its Monday...What Are You Reading??

2012-02-20T15:11:00.001-05:00

Guess what...Its Monday! What are you reading this week? This is a weekly event to list the books completed last week, the books currently being reading, and the books to be finish this week. It is hosted by Book Journey.

What I Read Last Week...

I didn't get any books finished last week, omg can you believe it. I started a really long one though and Im trying really hard to finish it this week!!!

Reviews Posted Last Week...

Life is More Than Candy Hearts

Changes of the Heart (Life is More Than Candy Hearts story)

Smoky Rooms ( Life is More Than Candy Hearts story)

Lifes Unexpected Gifts ( Life is More Than Candy Hearts story)

Thank You For Flying Air Zoe

What I'm Reading Today...

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit.
As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?
Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew.

What I Plan To Read This Week...

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

In Catching Fire, the second novel of the Hunger Games trilogy, Suzanne Collins continues the story of Katniss Everdeen, testing her more than ever before... and surprising readers at every turn.

Crown of Vengeance by Stephen Zimmer

On a night that begins no different from any other, strange mists engulf Janus Roland, Erika Laesig, Mershad Shahab, and several others going about their lives in a quiet midwestern town. When the mist dissipates, they all find themselves looking up into the bright skies of a new, incredible world.

Without explanation of why it has happened, or any notion of where they are, they embark upon a grand adventure within the fantastical world of Ave. Some find themselves in the lands of the Saxan Kingdom, while others have emerged within the lands of the Onan, one of the tribes in the Five Realms confederation.

Storms of war loom over both Saxany and the Five Realms, as invasion forces mass under the inspiration of The Unifier, a mysterious, captivating figure whose influence has swept across the surface of Ave ever since His rise to power in the Gallean duchy of Avanor. It is a war that will be fought in the skies, upon the seas, on land, and even in places non-physical in nature.

A majestic, epic fantasy that begins many adventures and journeys across a diverse and enthralling world, filled with races and creatures both familiar and new, Crown of Vengeance lights the flame of the Fires in Eden series, bringing to life a bold, far-ranging, and grand new venture within the realms of fantasy literature.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith ( I have half this one left to read)

Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?

Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.

Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.

Since Your Here...

Enter to Win Healing the Faith Giveaway ( this is the last day to enter)

Thanks so much for stopping by, if you link me to your What are you reading post I will be along and visit you as well!!! Thanks

Its Time to Announce A Winner!!!

2012-02-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

Its time to announce a winner!!! YAY! Another of my giveaways has ended and I have the winner to announce...so lets get to it. (Well I had picked the first winner of this amazing book, but she had already won her copy off of another site that was giving it away. She asked that I choose another winner, so here we go!!!)

The winner of a copy of Julia's Child a Novel is....

Erica Haspiel Szlosek

YAY!!! Congrats. Thanks so much for entering this giveaway everyone. Lilian you have to reply to my email I just sent you within 48 hours. If you don't I will have to pick another winner!

And the Winner Is....

2012-02-20T10:38:00.000-05:00

Alright its time to announce the winner of the Bookmark pack Giveaway!!!

And the winner is.... Miss Vain!!!!!

Congrats Miss Vain, you have till tomorrow the 21st at 12 PM EST to reply to my email so I can send you these great bookmarks!!!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered.

Review: Thank You For Flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell

2012-02-19T23:00:00.000-05:00

Review: Thank You For Flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell

IN A GLANCE: A near death experience could change everything. An exceptional read that defiantly gets you thinking.

   Title: Thank You For Flying Air Zoe
   Author: Erik Atwell
   Publisher: Booktrope
   ISBN #: 978-1-935961-178
   Format: Paperback
   Pages: 257
   Buy This: Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fasten Seat Belt sign has been turned on, but feel free to ignore it, because sometimes life is best lived on its dizzy edges. Your cruising altitude today will be sky high, and you will be flying at staggering speeds as you travel alongside Zoe Tisdale, former Valley Girl and rock star turned bored butter saleswoman.On the heels of a brush with mortality, Zoe concludes that she's been letting time pass her by. Realizing she needs to awaken her life's tired refrains, Zoe vows to recapture the one chapter of her life that truly mattered to her - her days as drummer for The Flip-Flops, a spirited, sassy all-girl garage band that almost hit the big time back in 1987. But reuniting the band won't be easy. The girls who were once the whiz kid guitarist, the prom queen bass player, and the hippie lead singer grew up and became women who are now a reclusive dog trainer, a wealthy socialite, and a sociopathic environmentalist. Will Zoe bring the band back together and give The Flip-Flops a second chance at stardom? Is it possible to fully reclaim the urgent energy of youth?As you follow this wild flight path, please know that your destination could be anywhere at all, complimentary oxygen is provided upon request, and baggage flies free. We hope you enjoy the ride, and Thank You For Flying Air Zoe.

Review:

A near death experience is all it took for Zoe to see that she hadn't accomplished enough in life just yet.

She tries to get her band back together, the Flip Flops was a girl band back in 1987. She tries to reclaim her past and make another go at it. But will it work? Will she get what she wants and accomplish something? (I'm not going to tell you and ruin the story for you! You will have to read it and find out.)

I really enjoyed reading this entertaining book, even though I was born in the 80's and don't remember much about it. Thank You For Flying Air Zoe is a great story, with great characters. I also wanted to make sure you all read the Goodreads synopsis for this great story, I loved it and it fit the book perfectly.

Thank You for Flying Air Zoe is 257 pages full of a fantastic story that is well written and thought out. I also have to say this one last thing, this story is written by a man!!! Yes that's right a man wrote this incredible story that is in a females POV. I love that!! Its what made me want to read this book in the first place. Erik Atwell captured the characters perfectly. He defiantly did the Chic lit world proud!!!

My Recommendation:

Thank You For Flying Air Zoe is defiantly for the adult females out there!!!

My Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 19/20

Writing: 19/20

Creativity: 20/20

Ending: 10/10

Cover: 6/10

Thank You For Flying Air Zoe Tour

2012-02-19T22:37:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone, I'm posting this a bit late, sorry! But my weekend was a bit crazy, had to rush my little one to the hospital but he's doing good now! So its time to start my posting of the Thank You For Flying Air Zoe Tour!

Here is a bit of information about this great author of this Chic Lit book! Guess what its a man!!!! Yes a male wrote a amazing chic lit book!!!

Erik Atwell started his writing career in grammar school, when a one page history class assignment ballooned into a forty page fictional account of a politically controversial silversmith in Boston circa 1776. From there, he wrote short stories while living in New Hampshire, screenplays upon moving to Los Angeles, then finally novels when he ultimately landed in Seattle. He now lives in Seattle with his rock star wife and his six-month-old son, whose only musical claim to fame thus far is sleeping through an entire Go-Go's concert. But in his defense, he was three weeks old, and the stage was a quarter-mile away. "Thank You For Flying Air Zoe" is his first novel, and he hopes to write a second novel before the little guy treks off to college.

Link to paperback on Amazon:

Link to Kindle on Amazon:

Link to paperback and Nook on Barnes & Noble:

Author's Blog:

Facebook Author Page:

Follow Erik on Twitter:

Review Copy Cleanup

2012-02-17T14:18:00.000-05:00

I really want to participate in the Review Copy Cleanup, I'm actually really excited about it. I have a pile of review books to read and that is what I will be doing in March! Reading review books!!! I figured since I'll be doing this it would be fun to enter the challenges and giveaways as well! So starting March 1st, that is what I will be doing.
If you would like more information on this challenge check this post out!
I will be posting a list of books that I really want to read for this month long challenge on March 1st as well!!!

Feature and Follow Friday #8

2012-02-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

This meme is hosted by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read

This Weeks Featured blogs are:

Beefcake and Babes

and

Le' Grande Codex

THIS WEEKS QUESTION:

Q: BeefcakeandBabes Asks: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What’s the most unique character name you’ve come across?

Hmm...this is a tough one for me but I think the most unique character name I've come across was Pug! It was in a fantasy series called The Riftwar Saga by Raymond E. Feist. Yes this was a human's Name!!! But those books are some of my favorite. I always remember a character when they have a weird name lol.

Thanks to everyone that follows me today!! I'm trying really hard to get to 300 so I can announce my 500 Follower Giveaway, I'm very excited I have a pile of books to give away!!! Even some signed by the authors. So thanks!!!!

Guest Post fromTarah Dunn

2012-02-16T09:13:00.000-05:00

WHAT’S ON MY BOOK SHELF RIGHT NOW

For weeks, I’ve been surrounded by death. Now, granted, it’s fictional: no one close to me has passed. But when a character in the novel I’m reading meets a grisly end, there’s a little part of me that experiences that death as though it were real. Like any devoted reader, I live in the universe that a book creates. When that universe is full of bad, scary and evil events, your view of the world temporarily darkens.

In certain procedurals, there comes a moment when the police enter the killer’s lair, only to discover that he reads as much about violence as he commits it. These days my lair (aka my office) is becoming more serial killer-esque by the day. I swear I’m not a demented maniac—I’m just writing a book about one.

As I look around, it’s clear that the books have taken control. They’re not staying on the bookshelves where they belong. Instead, I’ve got stacks left, right and center. On one side sits a stack of classic psychological thrillers. Ira Levin’s Rosemary’s Baby, The Boys from Brazil, Sliver and The Stepford Wives mingle with Shirley Jackson’s The House on Haunted Hill and We Have Always Lived in The Castle.

On another side are the YA thrillers and horror novels. Lois Duncan, Margaret Peterson Haddix and Kendare Blake are all represented. Next to the YA are their adult equivalents, by authors such as Laura Lippman, Lionel Shriver, and Carol O’Connell.

Finally, there’s the non-fiction that explores the presence of evil in the stories of real life monsters like Rose West, Darlie Routier, and the Green River Killer.

And those are just the physical editions. On Kindle, I’ve got a whole roster of similar ebooks. I’m not giving numbers, because the instant gratification of Kindle has led me to splurge on more books than I’d care to admit to. Whole new subgenres have opened up to me. I’ve discovered Nordic noir, and read dozens of amazing mysteries by authors whose names I can’t even pronounce, like Arnaldur Indriðason and Yrsa Sigurdardóttir.

I’d like say I regret my ebook binges, but in truth, I love being able to follow a trail of book crumbs, downloading an author’s entire body of work, novel after novel, or following the Amazon recommendations for related books down the rabbit hole for hours.

But why am I immersing myself in so many works of mystery, terror and death? There are two answers: the reader’s, and the writer’s. I’m trying to enter the world of horror, because I’m writing a YA paranormal thriller with a truly evil villain. As a writer, I try to imagine myself inside a character, and reading is the best way to do it. I’m also writing in a genre that’s new for me, so I’m educating myself about thrillers and the paranormal through reading great examples.

Reading about killers, both real and fictional, hasn’t answered the question of why people are evil. But it has given me insight into the mind of someone who wantonly hurts others. Of course, there are also the hours of creepy thrills that I’ve gained through my recent genre obsession.

As a reader, I’m just plain having fun. There’s nothing better than settling into my bed at night, tucked under a down comforter, and experiencing the second-hand thrills of psychological terror. It’s a little like reading about winter while lying on a towel at the beach: you can enjoy imagining the cold in a way that doesn’t quite have the same pleasure after you dig your car out from under two feet of snow in the middle of January. If I were a police detective, or constantly exposed in some other way to the evil that humans are capable of in real life, I’m sure my reading list would be very different.

Soon, the books that surround me will be placed back on the shelves, to make room for newer obsessions. I owe these books for the information and pleasure they’ve given me, but also for the way they mark a moment. While reading for information and pleasure, I’ve also created dozens of time machines, able to transport me back to the winter when I read every variation on horror, thrills, the paranormal and evil I could get my hands on. Whenever I glance at the spine of The Stepford Wives or The House on Haunted Hill, I’ll briefly return to this time when I wallowed in (fictional) evil.

All across the world, passionate readers have their own portals stowed on their bookshelves. Every book represents a memory of a time and place that we can access at will. Readers live in a thousand worlds, and we get to choose a new one every day.

Thanks so much Tarah Dunn for stopping by and letting the reads know what is on your bookshelf!!! Make sure you check out Tarah's blog!!

Review: Life is More Than Candy Hearts by Michele Richard, Laura Braley and Lisa Bilbrey

2012-02-15T09:02:00.001-05:00

Review: Life is More Than Candy Hearts by Michele Richard, Laura Braley and Lisa Bilbrey

IN A GLANCE: A stupendous book, filled with three great love stories that tells the tale of three amazing couples as they fall for each other.

Title: Life is More Than Candy Hearts
Authors: Lisa Bilbrey, Laura Braley and Michele Richard
Publisher: Renaissance Romance Publishing
Format: Ebook
Buy This: Amazon * Smashwords

Life is More Than Candy Hearts

A Valentine's Day collection of short stories by Michele Richard, Lisa Bilbrey, And Laura Braley

Changes of the Heart:

When you're left with nothing at all, all you have left is to rebuild. Can losing everything bring two people together to make a new family?

Gabe Lost his family on 9/11 and himself in the process. Juliette was left homeless with a small child after the child's father abandoned them.

Will an icy collision bring these two to a happily ever after or are they too broken?

Life's Unexpected Gifts:

With the recent loss of her father, Emma Dawson struggled to get through each day. When she starts receiving gifts from a secret admirer, she’s forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew.

Will she be able to open her heart to the mystery man of her dreams, or will a blast from the past sweep her off her feet? Could they be one in the same?

Smoky Rooms:

Chance Lassiter is a former rock star on the verge of a new start, after he let the excesses of the music industry lure him into ruin the first time around.

Lindsay Brandon is a former actress trying to rediscover the person she once was before a change of circumstances forced her to make a decision that destroyed her spirit.

A series of mistakes and bad choices have brought their lives to where they are. Can a chance meeting filled with introspection, one lonely night in a smoke-filled corner bar, help them accept the mistakes from their pasts and move toward the future together?

Review:

Alright, I've reviewed each separate story of this wonderful book, now I'm going to review the book as a whole.

Life is More Than Candy Hearts is a marvelous collection of three love stories. Stories that are so different from each other. One Story is about a stripper and a singer, the next is about a farmer and a woman that crashes into his fence, then the third is about a secret admirer and a women trying to get over her father's death. So very different, but still revolving around one thing...

Love!

I loved reading all three of these stories and can't wait to read more from these talented authors!

Recommendation:

Young adult (teen) to adults will love this book!

Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 19/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Endings: 10/10

Cover: 9/10

98 out of 100 = 5 Puppy Rating

This is a great book that I loved reading. You definitely should get your ecopy and read it. when you do, come back and let me know what you thing!!!

Review: Changes of the Heart by Michele Richard (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)

2012-02-15T00:10:00.001-05:00

Review: Changes of the Heart by Michele Richard

IN A GLANCE: Even thought Changes of the Heart is a short story, this one blew me away. With very realistic main characters and a very creative plot, Changes of the Heart is a fantastic Romance for the Romance lovers.

Title: Changes of the Heart (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)
Author: Michele Richard
Publisher: Renaissance Romance Publishing
Format: Ebook
Buy This: Amazon * Smashwords

When you're left with nothing at all, all you have left is to rebuild. Can losing everything bring two people together to make a new family?

Gabe Lost his family on 9/11 and himself in the process. Juliette was left homeless with a small child after the child's father abandoned them.

Will an icy collision bring these two to a happily ever after or are they too broken?

Review:

Michele Richard is an amazing author who even when writing a short story can bring her readers realistic characters we all fall in love with. Characters that are so well developed you feel as if you have known them for years.

Changes of the Heart is a compelling story that will have you all wrapped up in the characters lives. In this touching story you get to meet Juliette and learn all about her rough life. Then after some crazy circumstances she ends up in a field stuck in her car with her son in the snow. Lucky for her and her son the owner of the land she crashed on, is someone that takes her in till the snow settles down. Even though he is snarky about it every chance he gets.

Juliette does end up falling in love in this story, but she falls for a man who himself has a lot of demons to get through. I loved reading how she could get to him and get under his skin. I loved reading this story, its very creative (loved the candy hearts jar idea) and well thought out! It's a perfect ending to a amazing book!

Recommendation:

A great romantic story for anyone who believes in second changes at love!

My Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Ending: 10/10

Cover: 9/10

Review: Smoky Rooms by Laura Braley (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)

2012-02-14T22:57:00.000-05:00

Review: Smoky Rooms by Laura Braley

IN A GLANCE: Girl meets boy in a bar, but Smoky Rooms isn't your every day Fairy Tale. Each of them have a troubled past. Will they both be able to move beyond their pain and love again?

Title: Smoky Rooms (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)
Author: Laura Braley
Publisher: Renaissance Romance Publishing
Format: Ebook
Buy This: Amazon * Smashwords *

Chance Lassiter is a former rock star on the verge of a new start, after he let the excesses of the music industry lure him into ruin the first time around.

Lindsay Brandon is a former actress trying to rediscover the person she once was before a change of circumstances forced her to make a decision that destroyed her spirit.

A series of mistakes and bad choices have brought their lives to where they are. Can a chance meeting filled with introspection, one lonely night in a smoke-filled corner bar, help them accept the mistakes from their pasts and move toward the future together?

Review:

Smoky Rooms is the second story in Life is More Than Candy Hearts. This great story is written by a wonderful author by the name of Laura Braley. Her great characters pull you in with their back stories, each of them are filled with hurt, pain, and mistakes.

I enjoyed reading about these characters and rooting for it all to work out. The only thing I didn't like about this short story is that its way to short, I needed to see their love grow. This story mainly happens over a few months, but they only talk one night and fall in love. I would have really enjoyed seeing their love grow and see what happened after that one night in the bar. It just seemed a bit rushed, but that's because it is a short story. Other than that I really enjoyed reading this story!

Recommendation:

Great story for anyone who has struggled to overcome their past.

Rating:

Plot: 19/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 19/20

Ending: 9/10

Cover: 9/10

96 out of 100 = 4 1/2 Puppy Rating

Review: Lifes Unexpected Gifts by Lisa Bilbrey (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)

2012-02-14T13:37:00.000-05:00

Review: Life's Unexpected Gifts by Lisa Bilbrey (Life is More Than Candy Hearts)

IN A GLANCE: Splendid... Sweet story of falling in love with someone that has been right in front of your face the whole time.

Title: Life is More Than Candy Hearts: Life's Unexpected Gifts
Author: Lisa Bibrey
Publisher: Renaissance Romance Publishing
Format: Ebook
Buy This: Amazon * Smashwords

With the recent loss of her father, Emma Dawson struggled to get through each day. When she starts receiving gifts from a secret admirer, she’s forced to reevaluate everything she thought she knew.

Will she be able to open her heart to the mystery man of her dreams, or will a blast from the past sweep her off her feet? Could they be one in the same?

Review:

I wanted to review this whole book, but I also wanted to review each little story so that's what I'm going to do. The first story in the book is Life's Unexpected Gifts by Lisa Bilbrey. Lisa is a very talented author that brings us a story about a woman that is still drowning in her lose of her father. So lost that she can't really see whats right in front of her eyes, a man that is so in love with her. But the man isn't sure how to tell her. So he pretty much becomes her secret admirer and starts sending her these amazing and thoughtful gifts. Gifts that she has no idea how anyone knew about them. He brings back memories that she didn't know anyone knew.

I loved this story from the beginning to the end. At the end I wanted and needed more of these two characters. Even though the story is short, the characters are well developed and I ended up rooting for him to win her heart.

Lisa wrote this story in such a way that I couldn't tell who the secret admirer really was till it was revealed. I was definitely rooting for the one it was, but I wasn't so sure.

I found myself waiting with the character just to see what the next gift would be and so anxious to see where it would come from. I enjoyed reading about their love and I really enjoyed how everything came together.

My Recommendation:

This is a great love story! I would definitely recommend this book for anyone that loves romance!

Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Ending: 10/10

Cover: 9/10

99 out of 100 = 5 Puppy Rating!!

Now, its time to check out more of these stories, My next review for this book is for the story Smoky Rooms by Laura Braley...so make sure you stick around

Teaser Tuesday

2012-02-14T09:24:00.002-05:00

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

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading Several books, but I want to give you a teaser from one that I am totally loving right now.

Bram regarded me with soft eyes. He took a deep chest-expanding breath, and when the air came out, he said, "I'm dead, Nora." I slowly reached up and touched his bottom lip. He didn't fight it as I traced his lips, his chin, the top half of his throat. He kissed my satin-robed wrist, over the glove's buttoned opening, and dropped my hand. In the moment, I found him fully, absolutely beautiful.

Oops that was a bit more than two sentences, but I couldn't help it. I love this part of the book! I am so excited reading this one.

So its your turn, leave me a little tease of the book your reading in the comment section below! I love knowing what others are reading. Have a great day everyone!!!

It's Monday...What are You Reading

2012-02-13T09:09:00.000-05:00

What I Read Last Week...

Julia's Child by Sarah Pinneo

Don't Breath A Word by Holly Cupala

Thank You For Flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell

Life is More Than Candy Hearts by Lisa Bilbrey , Laura Braley , Michele Richard

Reviews Posted Last Week...

Julia's Child a Novel by Sarah Pinneo

Healing the Faith by Michele Richard

What I'm Reading Today...

Title: The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

What I Plan on Reading or Starting this Week...

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Crown of Vengeance by Stephen Zimmer

While Your Here...Please Check out These Posts

Enter to win some giveaways:

Candy Hearts Giveaway

Bookmark Pack Giveaway

Healing the Faith Giveaway

Julia's Child a Novel Giveaway

What to Know what I'm Reading this Month?

My TBR List for February

Interviews

Healing the Faith Character Interviews

Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you like the new blog design! What is are you reading this week??

On My Wishlist # 7

2012-02-11T22:28:00.001-05:00

On My Wishlist is a Meme hosted by Book Chick City.

On My Wishlist is a weekly meme that allows us to share the books we haven't bought yet but are waiting to be bought and devoured. If you are anything like me then your wishlist is getting longer by the day! If you would like to take part and have your own 'On My Wishlist' post then you can find more info here. (This post was inspired by the fab In My Mailbox by Kristi at The Story Siren)

My On My Wishlist includes books that are older and already out and ones that are brand new or not even out yet! So lets get to it. Today I bring you 5 books that I am dying to get my hands on! I will be updating these when I get any of these books...

Title: Destiny's Fire

Author: Trisha Wolfe

Genre: Young Adult
Publisher: Omnific Publishing

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

“Destiny's Fire is addictive! Trisha Wolfe knows how to create a compelling cast of fearless young characters who breathe life into a fresh and imaginative fantasy world. Trisha is a new star on the horizon of Young Adult fiction!” ~Jordan Dane, Critically Acclaimed Author of On A Dark Wing, Harlequin Teen

Title: Bewitching

Author: Alex Flinn

Publisher: HarperTeen

Audience: Young Adult

Bewitching can be a beast. . . .

Once, I put a curse on a beastly and arrogant high school boy. That one turned out all right. Others didn’t.

I go to a new school now—one where no one knows that I should have graduated long ago. I’m not still here because I’m stupid; I just don’t age.

You see, I’m immortal. And I pretty much know everything after hundreds of years—except for when to take my powers and butt out.

I want to help, but things just go awry in ways I could never predict. Like when I tried to free some children from a gingerbread house and ended up being hanged. After I came back from the dead (immortal, remember?), I tried to play matchmaker for a French prince and ended up banished from France forever. And that little mermaid I found in the Titanic lifeboat? I don’t even want to think about it.

Now a girl named Emma needs me. I probably shouldn’t get involved, but her gorgeous stepsister is conniving to the core. I think I have just the thing to fix that girl—and it isn’t an enchanted pumpkin. Although you never know what will happen when I start . . . bewitching.

"It is the story of Kendra and her first 300 or so years of life. In Bewitching, Kendra ponders whether to help out a modern day plain-looking stepsister, while also reflecting on her experiences in the 1666 British plague, the court of Louis XV, and on the Titanic." (Source: author's Facebook intro)

Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Publisher: Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers

Audience: Young Adult

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind

Title: The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Author: Carrie Ryan

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Audience: Young Adult

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

Title: Hourglass

Author: Myra McEntire

Publisher: Egmont USA

Audience: Young Adult

One hour to rewrite the past . . .

For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back.

So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past.
Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened?

Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut.

Alright, so there is my wishlist for this week! What 5 books are on your wishlist right now??

Julia's Child Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

2012-02-10T10:40:00.001-05:00

Review: Julia's Child A Novel by Sarah Pinneo

IN A GLANCE: A inspiring story about a woman's courage and standing up for what she believes in and wants. A story about juggling career and family.

Title: Julia's Child a Novel

Author: Sarah Pinneo

Authors Website: http://www.sarahpinneo.com/

Publisher: Plume

Pages: 279

ISBN #: 978-0-452-29731-9

Buy This: Amazon * Barnes and Noble

A delectable comedy for every woman who's ever wondered if buying that six-dollar box of organic crackers makes her a hero or a sucker. Julia Bailey is a mompreneur with too many principles and too little time. Her fledgling company, Julia's Child, makes organic toddler meals like Gentle Lentil and Give Peas a Chance. But turning a profit while saving the world proves tricky as Julia must face a ninety-two-pound TV diva, an ill-timed protest rally, and a room full of one hundred lactating breasts. Will she get her big break before her family reaches the breaking point? In the end, it is a story about motherhood's choices: organic versus local, paper versus plastic, staying at home versus risking it all. A cookbook author's hilarious fiction debut, "Julia's Child" will have foodies and all-natural mamas alike laughing, cheering, and asking for more.

Review:

I love stories like this one, stories about a strong woman that tries so hard to hold everything together. A woman who tries to and does an amazing job of juggling her own business and her family at the same time, even with its really tough not seeing her family all the time.

Julia's Child is a book that will surprise you though. Inside its pages you will not only find an incredible story, but also some great recipe's.

Julia is a very inspiring character. Like I said above she stands up for what she believes in, which is feeding kids nutritious food with making it taste good. She not only does that but she also goes full throttle to get to her goals. I loved reading about her time with her kids and her husband. My favorite play time with her kids would have to be her time in the homemade tent. (not going to give it away, so you will have to read the book and find out why I love that part.)

Julia's husband is another great character in this story, he's strong for her and lets her go for her dreams. Now that is a real man!!! I also love her kids in this book. They are so smart. They can tell mommy is working really hard to get what they need.

I loved all the characters in this Julia's Child, they were well developed and very personable. I love reading characters that I can see something of myself in.

All in all Julia's Child is a great read and a very inspiring story for people to read when they feel like giving up. This book could give them some hope.

My Recommendation:

I think this book would be great for any adult mother or any adult women. A definite 18 and up story. There isn't anything bad in it though.

My Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Creativity: 17/20

Writing: 20/20

Cover: 10/10

Ending: 7/10

94 out of 100 = 4 puppies

I gave the ending a 7 out of 10 mainly because I wanted to know what happened to them after everything happened, I needed to know more.

Author Information:

Sarah Pinneo worked in finance for more than a decade before making the transition from breadwinner to bread slicer. Her first book was published by Clarkson Potter / Random House in 2007. She holds a degree in economics from Yale University. Sarah has lived in Grand Rapids, MI, New York City, Ludlow, VT and now Hanover, NH where the occasional moose or black bear is spotted in her back yard.

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Now it's Time for you to have a chance to win a copy of Sarah Pinneo's Book Julia's Child. Just fill out the rafflecopter below for your chances.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Vs. Movie... A New Feature here on the blog!

2012-02-09T14:00:00.000-05:00

The above picture is why I wanted to do this feature, you can never judge a book by its movie. I want to start doing reviews that are for books that are turned into Movies and I will review both of them. It think it will be a new and fun feature here on Ali's Bookshelf. I'm working on a few reviews already so make sure you watch out for those to come!!!

I hope you all will enjoy these reviews.

Thanks

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-02-08T08:06:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where she spotlights upcoming releases.

This week I'm waiting on this amazing sounding book...

Title:The Catastrophic History of You and Me

Author:Jess Rothenberg

Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group

Brie's life ends at sixteen: Her boyfriend tells her he doesn't love her, and the news breaks her heart - "literally." But now that she's in heaven, Brie is about to discover that love is way more complicated than she ever imagined. Back in Half Moon Bay, her family has begun to unravel. Her best friend knows a secret about Jacob, the boy she loved and lost - and the truth behind his shattering betrayal. And then there's Patrick, Brie's mysterious new guide and resident Lost Soul who's been D&G (dead and gone) much longer than she? and who just might hold the key to her forever after. With Patrick's help, Brie will have to pass through the five stages of grief before she's ready to move on? but how do you begin again, when your heart is still in pieces?

I am dying for this book! I can't wait till the 21st of this month when it comes out!!!

So what book are you waiting for???

Thanks Goes out to Michele Richards

2012-02-06T17:28:00.002-05:00

A huge Thanks goes out to Michele Richard's for being here today with us and for sharing her amazing books with us. I'm so happy to have the chance to know you and to read your stupendous books.

I hope everyone that reads all the posts from today will head over and preorder Healing the Faith and I hope you all have a great day!!!

Thanks again!!!

Healing the Faith blog Tour: Giveaway!!!

2012-02-06T17:25:00.002-05:00

Its time for a giveaway!!! Michele Richard has been amazing and has offered up a Ecopy of Healing the Faith and two signed bookmarks as well. So We will have two winners.

One winner will win a Ebook of Healing the Faith and a Bookmark then the other winner will just win the bookmark.

All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter below. This is for US residents only!!!!

Healing the Faith Blog Tour: Character Interview

2012-02-06T17:13:00.002-05:00

Its time for a great interview!!!

First of all I want to thank these two incredible charactersfor being here with us today. Thanks foragreeing to answer some questions for me. Would everyone please Welcome Alexia and Justin!

Hello everyone. Thanks for letting pop by. *Justin sits, pulling Alexia to sit next to him* Thisis our first interview together. Alexia is a little nervous.” *she giggles tohim* “So shoot away.”

· The First questionis for Alexia. Alexia, how would youexplain the way you and Justin became a little family to an outsider of yourfaith?

“Welltruthfully?” * she blushes* “Our parent’s arranged our marriage. Please don’toff on the whole ‘that’s just wrong’ spiel. It’s not wrong to us. In our faithit’s how we’ve done it for centuries. I love my husband. Granted in thebeginning it wasn’t perfect, but with time he’s showed me how to love him andto let him love me.

· Justin, how couldyou choose to go find Mark and not realize how devastated your wife was whenyou agreed to go?

“I buggered itup.” *he huffs* “I let getting pisser--forthose who don’t know-- getting drunk, and my need to punish Mark, overtake mybrain.” *rakes his hand through his hair* “I should have done more to make herfeel secure and loved, but like a prat, I assumed she’d understand.”

· Justin, you couldhave lost so much more than you already had going to find Mark. How could you choose that over your family?Why was it so important to you when you could have lost all you had beensearching for, including the girl with the green eyes you love so much?

“Those eyes”*smiling, he shakes his head before setting his sights on his wife* “I do lovethose emerald eyes. More for who they belong to than the color.” *turning backto me, regret flashes in his eyes* “I had to stop him ever hurting us again. Somany fell victim to that nutter. I wanted to keep everyone safe from him. Myfamily needed me whole and unless I did, I wouldn’t be.”

· Alexia, Describeyour love for Justin in five words.

“The light inmy darkness.”

· Justin, SameQuestion. Describe your love for Alexiain five words.

“The owner of myheart.”

· Justin, do you thinkthe things in our past, the ones that haunt us, ever go away?

*His focus dropsto his fidgeting hands* No. They make us who we are and hopefully we learn fromthem. We can move on, but we take them with us.

· Alexia, if you had achance to change one thing in your life what would it be?

*A tear slipsdown her cheek* “The loss of my son, Kaiden. But I think all parents who haveloss a child would agree.”

· Justin, Samequestion, if you had a chance to change one thing in your life what would itbe?

*He wipes awayher tear, taking her hand into his* I agree with my wife on this one.

· Alexia, if you hadspent more time with Justin before your wedding do you think the events thathave happened, your depression and Justin drinking for example, would havehappened? Could getting to know each other better before your wedding, couldthat have made all the difference?

*She looks at Justinbefore answering* I do. If we’d had the time to build our bond, to trust eachother more, I don’t think it would have spiraled as it did. Trust needs to bebuilt and earned.

· Justin, withoutgiving any spoilers away, could you describe how scared you were for Alexia?

*He strokes hercheek* Frantic. At first I didn’t know, but once I found out, I was ready toquit and go home to her. If she needed me I’d go back to being the outcast Ionce was.

· Alexia and Justin,this question is for both of you. Wheredo you see your life’s going from here?

*Justin bellylaughs* Now, Ali, that would ruin the surprise. Michele is being nice enough tofinish writing our story all the way to end. But I can tell you this. We arefar from done. We still have a lot of things to get through before our story iscomplete. Affirming the Faith will take you to the very end of our loves andlives.

· This question isalso for both of you. Are you Happy?

*As they grin ateach all dreamy eyed, the truth is clear* Yes, we are. *they agree in unison*

Is there anything else either of you wantto say?

*Justin decides to answer thisone* Our story is less about the faith we cherish, and more about the lovestory behind it. In our gated communities we thrive. We know that a maledominated society is considered outdated or old fashion, but it is how we live.

Thanks again for joining us today and I know I can't wait to read more of your story!

Reveiw: Healing the Faith by Michele Richard

2012-02-06T15:54:00.002-05:00

Review: Healing the Faith by Michele Richard

IN A GLANCE: Michele Richard does it again! Healing the Faith is a touching and powerful story about overcoming fear, your past, and the feelings of inadequacy. Healing the Faith is a must read of 2012!

Title: Mocked By Faith Healing the Faith
Author: Michele Richard
Publisher: TWCS Publishing
Pages:
ISBN #: 978-1-61213-072-9
Format: ARC Copy
Publication date: Feb 9, 2012
Pre-OrderThis: TWCS Publishing

Just saying “I do” was only the beginning for Alexia and Justin McNear. Now when their lives, loves, and faith are left in turmoil, they will have to fight even harder to heal themselves and their faith. Can two people already struggling help heal the communities they call home? How do you rebuild after the loss of a child? After suffering a tragedy, are these two lost to each other forever? With all the church’s money missing, the hunt for the tyrant will take Mark, an exminister, Justin, and his twin cousins away from their secluded, gated community and into the real world while leaving their wives behind to pick up the pieces. Can Justin survive it again? Or will returning to the retreat that once abused him be his end? Alexia, Madison, and Ginger will need to be strong and independent with their men gone. Left to raise their child alone, Alexia will make decisions that will affect their marriage and lives. Will they be the right ones? Raised in a community where the men run everything, these three families will have to fight to survive the coming changes. The temptations run high in this sequel to Mocked by Faith, but hope is not lost, and they will learn how to heal their faith.

My Review:

Healing the Faith is a magnificent installment for the next phase in this incredible series. The characters are well developed through their experiences and their lives. The turmoil throughout this book carried a duality of emotion that makes you want to cry one second and laugh the next. There needs to be more books like this one, a book that makes you embrace their hardships and root for the characters to succeed in their journey to better themselves. Michele Richard is an amazing author who brings these immense illustrations to life and delivers the story in book form to us!

The reader should be able to relate to these characters in Healing the Faith, making the book come to life before your eyes. This is one reason I keep coming back to Richard’s books. One major topic in this book that most of us can relate to is the feeling of inadequacy! Sometimes this feeling creeps up on us and it is hard to shake that feeling that we are not good enough… This is one primary concern between the two main characters and their journey to cope with this issue.

Time and time again, Alexia gets her poor heartbroken... In Healing the Faith it’s not any different; her heart is shredded to pieces when her husband takes off to fight one of his own dark demons. She should of course support her husband’s need to battle for the churches’ money. But, instead she starts to feel like she is inadequate, this emotion makes her believe that she is not enough to keep her husband (Justin) at home and remain in love with her.

Justin fights against his haunting past and the curse of human nature in this tremendous book. He goes off to search for this ‘minister’ who stole all the churches money and who is responsible for Justin hurtful and horrifying past. Justin’s voyage is something he feels that he must do, so he goes off, leaving his wife and son at home to pick up the pieces.

In the first book Mocked by Faith Justin and Alexia get married and start their lives. Now in Healing the Faith, it is about them taking the next steps in life, but we all misstep right? I love how in this book you see them both fight to keep it all together! The books that show flawed characters are the best, because nobody is perfect and these two main characters are no exception to the rule.

I loved this book for how different it is; it was not all about their love, it was about each of them growing as people themselves, letting themselves love the other, and trusting themselves to be good enough for the other.

It’s one of those books that from cover to cover you will be immersed in the characters lives and you will not want the book to end. I read Healing the Faith in about four hours, I could not stop reading and I know you all will feel the same way about it when you read Alexia’s and Justin’s journey through Healing the Faith!

My Recommendation:

I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who has read Mocked by Faith. Its a perfect second book to this story. As for age recommendation I would say anyone 18 and up for this great book! It's an adult contemporary book so I agree with the authors age recommendation on this one.

My Rating:

Do you really have to ask... I give Healing the Faith a definite...

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Ending: 10/10

Cover: 10/10

100 out of 100 = 5 Puppies

I cannot wait for more of this series and these great characters. Michele Richard’s is a top notch author in my book and this spectacular book is already at the top of my best books of 2012 list!

Healing the Faith Tour: Special Announcement!!!

2012-02-06T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am so excited about this and I just had to show this part now lol. I wanted to wait till after my review was posted, but now is the time to let you in on a little secret. I can't wait any longer to share this news with all of you!!!!

Isn't that so cool!!! Alright so next will be the post with my review for Michele's book. Make sure you head over and pre-order your copy of her amazing book!!!!

To Preorder Healing the Faith

Go... hurry up and pre-order your copy!!!

Blog Tour: Healing the Faith Book and Author Info

2012-02-06T09:52:00.000-05:00

About the Book:

Just saying “I do” was only the beginning for Alexia and Justin McNear. Now when their lives, loves, and faith are left in turmoil, they will have to fight even harder to heal themselves and their faith. Can two people already struggling help heal the communities they call home?How do you rebuild after the loss of a child? After suffering a tragedy, are these two lost to each other forever?

With all the church’s money missing, the hunt for the tyrant will take Mark, an exminister, Justin, and his twin cousins away from their secluded, gated community and into the real world while leaving their wives behind to pick up the pieces. Can Justin survive it again?

Or will returning to the retreat that once abused him be his end?

Alexia, Madison, and Ginger will need to be strong and independent with their men gone. Left to raise their child alone, Alexia will make decisions that will affect their marriage and lives. Will they be the right ones?

Raised in a community where the men run everything, these three families will have to fight to survive the coming changes.The temptations run high in this sequel to Mocked by Faith, but hope is not lost, and they will learn how to heal their faith.

Author Info:

Michele Richard is the proud mother of 2 daughters. Married since 1997 to a wonderful husband, who for 25 years has been her best friend and supporter. Being an overly creative and caring person, she has been a volunteer co-leader for the Girl Scout Troop for five years. She takes great pride in teaching and guiding our future generations.

Her desire to continue her education drove her to attend night classes at Waltham High School. She refuse to just let life be. There is too much to learn than to stand by and watch it go by. Though she is not fluent yet in either, she has learned to speak French and Spanish in school. One day her dream is to be fluent in both.

”I supposed that makes me a lover of languages. Never stop learning is my motto.”

Travel is one of her great passions. Having seen the beaches of the Bahama’s, Aruba and Mexico to the deserts of Utah and Arizona, her personal favorite was bicycling down Mount Vail and standing on top of the Intercontinental Divide, followed closely by the Grand Canyon.

“America is truly a beautiful place to see. I recommend seeing as much of it as you can.”

You can find Michele in so many different sites. Here are a few of them!!!

Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Publisher’s Website

Blog Tour: Healing the Faith

2012-02-06T07:43:00.000-05:00

Today is going to be a great day! Today here on the blog we have a blog tour for the amazing book Healing the Faith (Mocked by Faith) by Michele Richard. This is going to be a whole day event here on Ali's Bookshelf.

I have several posts to share with you, a character interview with both Justin and Alexia from this incredible story, I have a special announcement about this book, I have my review to post and some information about the author as well, then finally we have a giveaway where you will have a chance to win a e-copy of Healing the Faith and 2 bookmarks (signed).

I'm going to go ahead real fast and Thank Michele Richard for being with us today and for allowing me to read/review her amazing book. Also a huge thanks goes out to Justin and Alexia for joining us as well!!!

So lets sit back and get ready for this exciting day here on Ali's Bookshelf!!!

Candy Hearts Giveaway!!!

2012-02-05T21:15:00.001-05:00

So I wanted to do a special giveaway for Valentines day so here it is!!! I am giving away a copy of:

You will win this and a copy of Life is More than Candy Hearts by Michele Richard, Lisa Bilbrey and Laura Braley (ebook)

So yeah the rules for this giveaway are pretty simple...

Rules:

This giveaway is for US residents only.
Starts on the 6th at 12:01 AM and Ends on the 14th at 9:00 PM
I will draw the winner on the 15th and announce it as soon as I know the winner!
The winner needs to get a hold of me asap! So I can get this shipped out on the 16th!
Fill out the Raffle Copter to enter to win. The first entry is free!!!

Good Luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In MY Mailbox #18

2012-02-05T20:50:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren

SO this week, I got a lot of books, so my vid is really really long. But if you watch all of it you will get to see my upcoming giveaway!!!

So there you have it, that's what was in my mailbox, what was in yours??? Link me!!!

January Wrap Up and RAK Wrap Up!

2012-02-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

Can you believe its already February??? OMG I can't, its already going so fast. But anyway, its time to say goodbye to January and say Hello to February! (I know I'm a few days late but yeah lol)

Books I Read in January...

Torment by Lauren Kate

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Redheart by Jackie Gamber

I was involved in a great tour:

Incarnate Tour

I got to go to two great events and Meet two amazing authors...

Alecia Whitaker
Erin morgenstern

I had some great authors on the blog in January as well...

Nicki J Markus
Stephen Zimmer
Stan Morris

January RAK WRAP UP!

I got nothing this past month but I did send out a book to someone!

I sent Masks Rise of Hero's to Roofbeam Reader!! I hope he enjoyed this book!!!!

Now lets talk about February!

TBR List for February!!!

I have a lot scheduled for Feb so make sure you keep an eye out for everything!!!

What's On Ali's Kindle #1

2012-02-03T12:22:00.000-05:00

I know there is probably some other versions of this on other blogs, and I in no way mean to take your idea, but I thought it would be fun to post whats on my new Kindle for everyone. (if you have a blog and do this let me know and I will gladly give you credit for it!!!)

This will be a weekly or biweekly feature (trying to figure that out) here on the blog. I want to feature the books I get on my Kindle!!! So here we go.

Thanks so much for watching! :)

Books on this Vid...

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

The Cinderella Pact bySarah Strohmeyer

To Be Read List for Feb. 2012

2012-02-03T11:55:00.004-05:00

(I got this beautiful picture from We Heart It...go check out all the amazing pics)

Its that time again, time to show off what I'm going to read in Feb. This list is a bit long so sorry! But if you watch it and comment I have 10 bookmarks to giveaway to the first 10 commenters! That's right the first 10 people that comment will get a bookmark!

But anyway, if you watch this you will also get a sneak peak at a giveaway I'm getting ready to post on Monday. You wont want to miss this one!!!

Books on my TBR List:

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
~~Julia's Child by Sarah Pinneo~~
~~Thank You For Flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell~~
~~Life is More Than Candy Hearts (added)~~
Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel
The Queen of Kentucky by Alecia Whitaker
Alice in Verse by J.T. Holden
The Dragonfly Prophecy by Jacquelyn Castle
A wedding Invitation by Alice J. Wisler
AngelKiller by H. David Blalock

On My Kindle:

~~Don't Breathe a Word by Holly Cupala~~
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
~~Fifty Shades of Grey (added later)~~

Extra just in case I can't get through these lol...

Delirium by Lauren Oliver
The international Kissing Club by Ivy Adams

Now as for the Challenges I mentioned:

TBR Challenge
YA Contemporary Challenge

So anyway, whats on your TBR list for this month???

Feature and Follow Friday #7

2012-02-03T08:50:00.001-05:00

Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read

This weeks Featured blog are:

Progress and Procrastination

Omnon Books

RULES

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say “hi” in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn’t have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don’t just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don’t say “HI”
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers
If you’re new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

This week's Question is:

Q: Define what characteristics your favorite books share. Do they all have a kick ass heroine or is the hot love interest the Alpha Male?

All the books I read have both of those things, or they are filled with other worlds. I love books that take me to other places! That's what most of my books are like. Yes, I love an amazing female character and male characters of course I love those *snickers*.

So what about you??? Link me to your follow Friday and I'll make sure to head over to your blog and comment (if I can, Google hates me sometimes, if not Ill tweet you!!! Thanks)

Review: Fifty Shades Of Grey by E.L. James

2012-02-02T12:10:00.003-05:00

Review: Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

IN A GLANCE: In a few words, Fifty Shades of Grey is TANTALIZING, MESMERIZING, AND JUST STUNNING! Its descriptions and plot are exceptional! E.L. James is an Stupendous Author and I need more of her wonderful story.

Title: Fifty Shades of Grey
Author: E.L. James
Publisher: TWCS Publishing
Pages: 380
ISBN #: 978-1-61213-029-3
Format: Ebook
Buy This: TWCS Pub * Amazon * Barnes and Noble

SYNOPSIS: Summary Nominated for Best Romance in the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms. Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny. Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds? Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

Review:

Fifty Shades of Grey is like a gravitational pull, it sucks you in and never lets you go! Once you read this book it sticks with you and you will never forget the fifty shades of Christian Grey!

Christian Grey is a powerful, rich and very controlling CEO. He is a man who has it all, but even though he could have anything he wants, he is haunted and tortured by a past he just can't seem to get past.

Anastasia Steele is a literary college student. Who likes books and even though you would think she knows things and how the world turns, well she isn't as knowledgeable as one would think.

When she is drafted into interviewing Christian for her friend Kate, all it takes is one trip into his office and Christian Grey is smitten with Anastasia. He tries hard to stay away from her, but its like a moth drawn to a flame, he just can't stay away. Will she be caught up in his controlling ways or will Christian be able to fight against who he is and his past and truly fall in love with Anastasia Steele?

I loved this book, its very different from what I've been reading so it was a great break away from the YA fiction. I love the Characters and the plot, I will say this though, I hated where it ended. Not really hate "hate" per-say, no I just needed more of the story and I was screaming at my computer for more. I could never hate this book its too incredible.

I loved that Christian seems so strong but underneath his mask he is damaged and not as strong as he tries so hard to be. I love how Anastasia wants to love Christian, but she isn't sure she is good enough for him or if she can be what he wants. It just shows that no on is perfect!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series and will as soon as I get it to read. The descriptions in this book are amazing. I could watch this book in my head as I read, like a movie playing out in my mind! I love love love Fifty Shades of Grey. E.L. James is an incredibly Wonderful Author!!

My Recommendation:

Due to the content in this book and the topics discussed, I will defiantly say this is for ages 18 and up. Strong sexual content is involved in Fifty Shades of Grey so 18 and up is the perfect age for reading it.

My Rating:

Plot: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Writing: 20/20

Creativity: 20/20

Ending: 10/10 (even though it about killed me lol)

Cover: 10/10

100 out of 100 = 5 Puppies

I highly recommend this book to anyone who needs a little fifty shades in their life's.

Review: Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

2012-02-01T18:34:00.001-05:00

IN A GLANCE: This has to be one of the saddest book's I've read in a while, but it took my breath away with it's amazing plot and totally loveable and believable characters!"

Title: Wherever You Go

Author: Heather Davis

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

Date Published: 11-14-11

Pages: 320

Format: Paperback

Age Rec: 12 and Up

ISBN#: 978-0-547-50151-2

Buy This: Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Goodreads Synopsis:

Wherever You Go View a preview of this book online Wherever You Go by Heather Davis (Goodreads Author) 3.97 of 5 stars 3.97 · rating details · 264 ratings · 113 reviews Seventeen-year-old Holly Mullen has felt lost and lonely ever since her boyfriend, Rob, died in a tragic accident. The fact that she has to spend most of her free time caring for her little sister and Alzheimer’s-stricken grandfather doesn’t help. But Holly has no idea that as she goes about her days, Rob’s ghost is watching over her. He isn’t happy when he sees his best friend, Jason, reach out to help Holly with her grandfather—but as a ghost, he can do nothing to stop it. Is his best friend really falling for his girlfriend? As Holly wonders whether to open her heart to Jason, the past comes back to haunt her. Her grandfather claims to be communicating with the ghost of Rob. Could the messages he has for Holly be real? And if so, how can the loved ones Rob left behind help his tortured soul make it to the other side? Told from the perspectives of Holly, Jason, and Rob,Wherever You Go is is a poignant story about making peace with the past, opening your heart to love, and finding the courage to move forward into the light.

Review:

First I want to say I really enjoyed reading this book. Second I have to say I used up a whole box of tissues reading this emotion packed book.

Each of the characters in Wherever You Go touched my heart in one way or another. Holly, is the sad, broken hearted and heavily burdened girl. The one I wanted to reach out and hug throughout this book! Rob, the boy who is dead and Holly morns. I wanted so much to jump in the book and try to help Rob cross over! Then we have Jason, Oh My...Jason is the sweetheart that tries to help Holly in so many ways throughout this book. But instead he ends up hurting her in the long run and he doesn't even realize it till its too late.

The story plot of Wherever You Go, feels so real when you are reading it, that you feel as if you are a ghost right next to Rob and trying your best to help Holly, Robs family and his friends. Its as if you are watching all of it unfold around you, but you can't do anything to help any of them!

I will say this as well, the ending of this story surprised me!!! I didn't see that one coming.

All in all, Wherever You Go is a great contemporary Young Adult book. Just bring tissues when you read it!

My Recommendation:

Becuase of the topic's in this book, I don't agree with the age rec for this book set up by the publishers! I would push it back a year or two to 13 or 14 and up!

My Rating:

Plot: 17/20

Characters: 17/20

Creativity: 16/20

Writing: 18/20

Ending: 10/10

Cover: 10/10

88 out of 100 = 4 puppies!

Wherever You Go is definitely a tear jerker. A great read, with plenty of emotion and great characters!

Guest Post with Gwen Perkins the author of The Universal Mirror

2012-02-01T17:18:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone... I want you all to give a huge welcome to Gwen Perkins, the author of TheUniversal Mirror. She is with us today to talk about what she think makes a Great book!! I want to thank Gwen for being with us here on Ali's Bookshelf as well!!!

What makes a good book?

I read. I read a lot. It doesn't matter what I read most of thetime, to be honest. Reading's just asmuch a compulsion for me as it is any other kind of addict. Once as a child, I stayed with people whoowned no books. I spent the time readingthe backs of cereal boxes to learn about the content.

Clearly, I have a problem.

When I sat down to think about what makes a good book and how tocommunicate that in words, I realized that it wasn't as simple as I'd initiallythought. What am I enjoying rightnow? A lot of books by small pressauthors—Kody Boye, Leigh M. Lane, Pete Giglio, Linda Wulf, to name a few—but also a lot of books onmedieval Byzantium. Would I have enjoyedthese books five years ago? Fifteen? Probably not.

There are certain things that I think all readers can agree make a goodstory—a believable plot, strong characterization, witty dialogue (and all thesethings are just as true of nonfiction as fiction, whether or not we think ofthat at the time). That's thinking of itfrom a logical standpoint, however, when much of what we truly enjoy comes fromthe heart.

A good book is the one that tells you something that you need to hearat that moment in time.

My favorite heroine in literature when I was younger (and this hasn't reallychanged) was Jo in Little Women. Jo was a tomboy who cut her hair short,whistled, and ran up to her attic to write constantly—she was someone that Icould look up to and that I could see myself in. Jo's story also ended happily butrealistically. She ended up writingbooks and running a school—whenever I wanted to think about what I was going tobe when I grew up, that was where I retreated.

As I grew older, entering high school and feeling confused about myplace in the world—and particularly my looks (I was as shallow as any girl everwas, even if I was too shy to own this)—I fell into science fiction andfantasy. Why was that? A little story called "The Burning ofthe Brain" by Cordwainer Smith was the first tale I read. One of the characters in it was a woman whorefused to change what she looked like and undergo youth treatments in spite ofthe society around her increasingly altering their own appearances. She did this in order to be sure that her husbandloved her for who she truly was, even though she was unable to believe itbecause of her own intellectual ability to do so. In the end (though it is tragic), she comesto see the truth of his love. In fact,that very theme runs through my own novel, TheUniversal Mirror, in which a husband is in love with a wife who cannotbelieve that he loves her because of her appearance.

Reading stories like "Burning" teaches me about the world Ilive in. Whether the lesson is that Ineed to understand that others perceive me in a different light than I perceivemyself or that it is important to live out my dreams, the stories that connectare those that allow me to understand something. Often, what I understand from them ispersonal.

In other cases, stories teach me about other people, not only thecharacters in the novel but the author as well. I often find books more interesting if I read a bit about the personwriting them. Knowing that Edgar AllenPoe was writing poetry like "The Raven" as his wife, Virginia, wasdying of consumption changes the flavor and the meaning of the poem forme. There are times in my own life whereI may reach out for a work written by an author during a difficult time, simplybecause I want to find comfort in knowing that I am not alone. Likewise, there are times when all I want isa quick, breezy escape from the humdrum tasks of everyday life.

Like the world that I live in, I change a little every day and so do mytastes as a reader. The books that Ilove most are those that remain with me because they contain some universaltruth but also because they speak to not only the person that I am but the onethat I'd like to be. Is that true foryou as well? It all depends on whatyou're reaching out for when you take a book off your shelf.

Gwen Perkins is the author of The Universal Mirror, a fantasy novel published in 2012 by Hydra Publications. Read more about this book and her upcoming projects at theUniversalMirror.com.

You can buy Gwen's book The Universal Mirror, by clicking the link below:

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Waiting on Wednesday

2012-02-01T10:53:00.003-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine where she spotlights upcoming releases.

This week I am waiting on....

Title: Sweet Evil

Author: Wendy Higgins

Publisher: HarperTeen

What if there were teens whose lives literally depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.

Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.

A cross-country trip forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. Forced to face her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?

I am dying for this book! I can't wait till May when it comes out!!!

So what book are you waiting for???

Teaser Tuesday

2012-01-31T10:24:00.001-05:00

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

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading Several books, but I want to give you a teaser from one that I am totally loving right now. Its for a tour, next week actually.

"Me! I've always wanted to say that. Now that I have a farm, I can say it whenever I want to."Luck smiled. "Okay, honey. But you don't exactly have a farm. You have a very nice barn, a pretty meadow, and a patch of dirt, where you hope that two college dropouts will figure out how to grow some better vegetables."

This book is a great book so far. I love the recipes in it and its a mother trying really hard to make it at something that she took a chance on. Something that she truly believes in! I love stories like this one.

So what are you reading, link me to your teaser if you posted one, or tease me in your comment! I love knowing what others are reading.

So excited!!! Life is More Than Candy Hearts

2012-01-30T22:47:00.000-05:00

I have been dying to show this new book off since I first heard about it.

Life is More Than Candy Hearts is a book with three amazing stories in it. These stories are wrote by three Fantastic authors that I love love love!!! I have the honor to call these three my friends and they are three fabulous ladies with so much talent!!!

I will be reviewing this book on my blog very soon, I want to thank them for sending me a review copy and for letting me read it!!! I also want to thank them for being my friends. Lisa, Laura, Michele I love you three ladies so much. I can't wait to read more from you. Lots of love and great wishes of good luck are being sent to you from me! I'm so proud of you all for doing what you love and going for your dreams!! You three inspire me so much.

Life is More Than Candy Hearts is being released tomorrow on Smashwords and then Amazon as well. Make sure you get your copy as soon as its released trust me!!! You wont regret it.

Update: I now have the links for this great book!!!!

Amazon * Smashwords

Hurry up now, click the link and go get this book!!!!

Please pardon the black boxes...

2012-01-30T22:16:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone, I'm not sure what's going on with blogger right now but for some reason I have these black boxes on my blog, please ignore them till I can figure out what they are tomorrow!!!

Thanks so much

Ali

It's Monday...What Are You Reading???

2012-01-30T10:55:00.003-05:00

Read Last Week:

Wherever You Go by Heather Davis

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

This Week I Plan to Read:

Thank You For Flying Air Zoe by Erik Atwell
Julia's Child a Novel by Sarah Pinneo

If I get those Finished I will Read:

Pretty Crooked by Elisa Ludwig

What about you, what are you reading??

In My Mailbox #17

2012-01-30T09:44:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi @ The Story Siren

Alright its time for my IMM this week, I know its a day late sorry! But anyway, this will also have a giveaway at the bottom of this post. So make sure you check this out. You have to watch the vid to answer one of the questions on the giveaway. (its worth 5 entry's so its worth it lol)

Mini Me Corner Reviews now is on its own blog! Please check it out. Mini Me Corner

The winner will be announced very soon!!!!

Review: The Hobbit Dramatized

2012-01-27T20:44:00.003-05:00

Review: The Hobbit (Dramatized)

IN A GLANCE: I Loved listening to this book. The performers were amazing and the story stupendous. J.R.R Tolkien always amazes me with his characters and words!

Title: The Hobbit Dramatized

Author: J.R.R Tolkien

Format: Audio Book

Buy this: Amazon * Audible

Written for J.R.R. Tolkiens own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when first published more than sixty years ago. Now recognized as a timeless classic with sales of more than 40 million copies worldwide, this introduction to Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Wizard, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth tells of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent.

My Review:

I adored listening to The Hobbit. The performance of this audio book was amazingly fantastic.

The story of The Hobbit is full of adventure and great fantasy creatures! I loved all the dwarfs in this story and all their names had me cracking up as they are so close together in sound. I also love the courage of each and everyone of the dwarfs. Also Bilbo's courage in this story is amazing!

Bilbo is fantastic in this story. I loved The Lord of the Rings and getting to hear where that story started was great. Listening to The Hobbit, I got to hear exactly how Bilbo got the ring in the first place. I loved that. We also get to hear about all the adventures Bilbo went through. His first adventure was great!!! I also love Gandalf in this story just as much as I did in The Lord of the Rings. He is hilarious!

My Recommendation:

This book is great for any fantasy lover! If you loved The Lord of the Rings you will defiantly love this book. I would say age range would have to be YA 12 and up!!!

My Rating:

Audio: 20/20

Characters: 20/20

Creativity: 17/20

Plot: 20/20

Ending: 10/10

Performance: 10/10

97 out of 100 = 5 puppy rating!!!

Tolkien created a fabulous world that I love so much. I love reading/listenign to all the details in his books! His words and characters are fabulous! I loved The Hobbit!

Follow Friday #6

2012-01-27T10:21:00.001-05:00

The Feature & Follow is hosted by TWO hosts, Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read.

This weeks Featured blogs are:

book'd out

Fiction Fervor

This Weeks Question:

Q: Which book genre do you avoid at all costs and why?

The main genre I do avoid at all costs is nonfiction Memiors, I do not like to read them so I try really hard not to even think about them. There is only one that I actually enjoyed reading and that was Shirley Temples and that's only because I love her life story. But yeah that's the genre I stay away from. What about you??

Link me to your Follow Friday and I will follow and comment if I can!!! (Google hates me sometimes and I can't comment!!! ) If I follow your blog that means I read it and Can't comment back. I will let you know somehow though, it probably will be through twitter!!!

Enchantment Tour: Guest Post

2012-01-26T22:22:00.003-05:00

Guest Post with Lawna

ENCHANTMENT is my first bookand very near and dear to my heart. The heroine, Meeka, starts off as a youngwoman dealing with the heartaches of parents who have been alcoholics all herlife. Her escape is falling into daydreams where she fantasizes fairy tales canbe real. After a fall into the water by a magical beaver dam she is transportedto the world of Enchantment where she eventually realizes fairy tales doexist…with some big differences.

This world has talkingbeavers and magic abound, such as an automatic bath brush that looks like arabbit. While Meeka has always dreamed of a knight in shining armor, she didn’texpect him to end up being a dragon!

Kerrigan has a hard timecontrolling the beast within him especially where Meeka is concerned. With justa mere touch from her, his eyes change to an eerie reptilian shape and color.His fingernails disappear, replaced by claws.

Of course I couldn’t leaveMeeka plain and simple. She is actually a sorceress and her powers grow dailywhile on Enchantment. With power comes danger and evil. Meeka is the target.

There is another character inthis novel that I’m absolutely in love with…well, actually a couple. Threeo, isa Hippo-Dog-Burrowing Owl. In my novel he is called a Hipodogwl. What does thatmean?

About five years ago I had abizarre dream. In that dream I somehow managed to create the Hippo-Dog-BurrowingOwl. He is part hippopotamus, part dog, and part burrowing owl…go figure!Chocolate and Milk at bedtime does it to me every time. Here is a photo ofThreeo I hope you’ll like him.

ENCHANTMENT is due to releaseany day from Muse It Up Publishing. I hope you’ll enjoy the read, and send mesome comments about the critters I’ve invented. Happy reading everyone!

QUINN’S CHRISTMAS WISH –December 1, 2011 available through Amazon and Smashwords. http://amzn.to/AforX1

IMPOSSIBLE TO HOLD – December19, 2011 released through Liquid Silver Books http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com

ENCHANTMENT – January 13,2012 released through Muse It Up Publishing http://museituppublishing.com