Looky what I found!

Here's a sneak peak at the first couple of seconds of the New Moon trailer. Do you think they might be leaking these things purposely so that all the twilight freaks are going crazy with anticipation for opening day? I think this might be the case.

When the Time Comes by Paula Span

Quick Synopsis: What will you do when you get the call that a loved one has had a heart attack or a stroke? Or when you realise that a family member is too frail to live alone, but too healthy for a nursing home?

Journalist Paula Span shares the resonant narratives of several families who faced these questions. Each family contemplates the alternatives in elder care (from assisted living to multigenerational living to home care, nursing care and, at the end, hospice care) and chooses the right path for its needs. Span writes about the families' emotional challenges, their practical discoveries and the good news that some of them find a situation that has worked for them and their loved ones. And many find joy in the duty of caring for an older loved one.

There are 45 million Americans caring for family members currently, and as the 77 million boomers continue to age, this number will only go up.

Thanks to Anna at HBG, I have 5 copies to giveaway!

So here are the rules: Leave a comment for one entry. If you follow this blog or already are following leave me an extra comment for your second entry. Follow me on Twitter, another entry. (you guys know the drill)

PLEASE make sure to leave an e-mail address - if not, I have no way of getting in touch with you if you do win.Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available for residents of the US and Canada and no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn 6/19/09.

Good luck.

Cozy Mystery Challenge 2009 Wrap-Up

I'm not much of a mystery reader so I thought this would be an interesting challenge for me. I did finish in time and it opened my eyes to a new genre. Here is my final list for the challenge:

1 Shoot the Moon - Billie Letts (completed 4/04/09)
2 One Deadly Sin - Annie Solomon (completed 4/16/09)
3 The Late, Lamented Molly Marx - Sally Koslow (completed 4/22/09)
4 The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton (completed 4/30/09)
5 The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (completed 4/09/09)
6 The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley (completed 5/28/09)

Giveaway Results: Latino Book Month, Mothers Day and Asian Heritage Giveaways

Winners were chosen this morning for the huge giveaways for Latino Book Month, Mothers Day and Asian Heritage Month. I'm so excited y'all. Without further ado, the winners are (drumroll please):

Latino Book Month Giveaway winners:

1- scottsgal

2- ♔ jessica.marie

3- Reva Skie

4- Debs Desk

5- Carlene

Mothers Day Givewaway winners:

1- bettycd

2- Alexa

3- Anita (Anonymous)

4- Heather

5- yadgirl

Asian Heritage Month Giveaway winners:

1- Sandra

2- Gwendolyn B.

3- Melissa Fritts (Anonymous)

4- Cookie

5- Belinda M

Winners were chosen using random.org. I will be e-mailing each of you and/or leaving you a comment. You have until Wednesday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Wednesday, a new winner will be chosen.

If you're interested in more giveaways, you're still in time for A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore (ends May 30); The G-Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck (ends 6/05/09); Mating Rituals of the North American WASP by Lauren Lipton (ends 6/06/09); Smart Mama's Green Guide, If Your Kid Eats this Book, Everything Will Still Be Okay, the Man's Book and Obama's Blackberry (ends 6/13/09). I'll also have a new giveaway posted this afternoon.

Congrats to all the winners.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley

Our story begins with Flavia de Luce tied up, blindfolded, and stowed away in a closet by her mean older sisters. Isn’t that how all great detectives start their story?

Set in England during the 1950's, Flavia de Luce, 11 years old, lover of all things chemistry and deadly poisonous concoctions is quite the sleuth in this tale. It all starts with a dead bird, a stamp, a missing piece of pie, and then there’s that mysterious body that turns up dead in the cucumber patch out back. We also meet her eccentric family, sisters Ophelia (17 - mostly found in the vicinity of a mirror), Daphne (13 - usually found with her nose in a book), and father Colonel de Luce (quite the recluse). When Flavia’s father is arrested for murder - who better than her to find the clues to solve this case and save her father from prison. No one suspects anything of an 11 year old girl, so her questions are easily answered by her neighbors and townsfolk. That and her vast knowledge of chemistry and science help guide her way through suspect lists, long-forgotten events and eventually land her right smack in the middle of all the danger.

This was such a unique story. Flavia is not your average child - she is quite brilliant and does not act or think like any 11 year old I know. Notwithstanding that, having an 11 year old as your main character actually brightened this dark mystery. She was funny, clever and feisty. I loved the scenes where she is arguing with her sisters. She is not someone you want to mess with or she’ll definitely tamper with your lipstick and cause unimaginable discomfort. From what I read of Mr. Bradley’s biography, it seems Flavia will have a recurring role in his next book. This story is charming and a great old-fashioned mystery that kept me guessing with its many twists and turns. Flavia is my hero!

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good 'ol mystery.

Mating Rituals of the North American WASP by Lauren Lipton

What happens in Vegas - stays in Vegas!?!

That isn’t the case for Peggy Adams. Peggy is in Sin City celebrating a bachelorette party for a friend who is getting hitched. The morning that she is scheduled to depart from Vegas and head back home to New York, she awakens in a strange beg lying next to an unrecognizable stranger. She carefully picks up her belongings and catches her plane home. No harm, no foul - or so she thinks. She returns home to make up with her live-in boyfriend (they fought prior to the trip because he has commitment issues), returned to work at her store and her average life. Until she receives a call from a man named Luke who claims that they were married over the weekend in Vegas. Annulment anyone? That is easier said then done, especially since Luke’s great aunt Abby makes them an offer that they just can’t refuse.

This was such a fun story. It’s the boy and girl meet in Vegas while being absolutely inebriated, tying the knot and then dealing with the consequences of their wild night (which obviously they can’t remember). Peggy was a very witty, likeable and relatable character. Luke was as uptight and cold as you could expect from a WASP - but he was definitely an appealing character. I loved their love/hate relationship. All the problems that ensue could have easily been resolved had they just sat down and spoken to one another - but what fun would there be in that.

Overall, Mating Rituals of the North American WASP was a very entertaining and enjoyable read. So grab it the next time you want just a fun story or you’re heading to the beach - you won’t be disappointed. Plus who can resist that cover?

If you like more info on author Lauren Lipton you can check out her website, blog or become a fan on facebook.

GIVEAWAY: Thanks to Miriam at HBG I have 1 copy of MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP by Lauren Lipton to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, and so forth.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn June 6.

Here is a list of all the parcipants of the blog tour:

http://thereviewfromhere.wordpress.com/

http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/

http://hiddenplace.wordpress.com/

http://kylees2009.blogspot.com/

http://www.devourerofbooks.com/

http://burtonreview.blogspot.com/

http://bookopolis.blogspot.com/

http://carolsnotebook.wordpress.com/

http://www.foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://www.xanga.com/bravehsgirl

http://books-movies-chinesefood.blogspot.com/

http://inbedwithbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.bookconfessions.com/

http://peekingbetweenthepages.blogspot.com/

http://www.readingwithmonie.com/

http://www.sheistoofondofbooks.com/

http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/

http://www.squidoo.com/bookbin

http://www.acircleofbooks.com/

http://www.myspace.com/darbyscloset

http://www.thisbookforfree.com/

http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/

http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/

http://lastexilewords.blogspot.com/

http://unmainstreammomreads.blogspot.com/

http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/

http://www.bermudaonion.wordpress.com/

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com/

http://abookbloggersdiary.blogspot.com/

http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/

http://bookslovejessicmarie.blogspot.com/

http://www.thenovelbookworm.com/

http://proudbookworm.blogspot.com/

http://kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/

http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/

http://epicrat.blogspot.com/

http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/

http://purplg8r-somanybooks.blogspot.com/

http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/

http://www.thebookzombie.com/

http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/

http://www.myfriendamysblog.com/

http://www.linussblanket.com/

http://donnasbookreviews.blogspot.com/

http://www.skrishnasbooks.com/

http://www.morbid-romantic.net/

http://www.writeforareader.blogspot.com/

http://www.brimfulcuriosities.com/

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/

http://diaryofaneccentric.blogspot.com/

http://savvyverseandwit.blogspot.com/

http://danys-san.blogspot.com/

http://www.iheartmonster.com/

http://debbiesworld.wordpress.com/

http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/

http://ebogie.blogspot.com/

The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley

Ian Mackenzie is known throughout the ton as being a madman. There are rumors that he spent most of his life in an asylum, and everyone is in agreement that he is rather odd. Beth Ackerley, is a widow who has recently come into fortune. From the moment Ian sets his sights on her he decides that he must save her from her engagement and marry her himself. Beth has decided that she will never remarry and instead wants to live her life as a widow traveling and taking up hobbies - no drama. Little does she know that Ian has different plans for her.

Considering that I hadn’t read a good historical in quite some time, I read two in one week. This was fantastic and not your average story. Firstly, Ian Mackenzie seems to be suffering from Asperger's Syndrome. He has difficulty looking at someone in the eye, can’t seem to focus while in crowds, he’s a bit on the obsessive compulsive side, can go long periods of time without speaking, etc. Yet through all this Beth loves him - that love actually brought tears to my eyes. Secondly, the story has plenty of action, steamy romance and wonderful characters. I actually read this in a couple of hours - yes, it was that good.

This is the first book in the Highland Pleasures series. Ian has three brothers and a half-brother and from what it seems they will all get their own books. So although this is my first Jennifer Ashley book, it definitely will not be the last.

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

Talk about getting stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Sophie, the Duchess of Calton, is devastated when she is informed that her husband Garrett has perished at the Battle of Waterloo. Tristan, both Sophie and Garrett's childhood friend, is the one who helps her through her grief, pregnancy and eventually the one to help her overcome the loss of her first love and learn to find love once again in his arms. Eight years after the dreadful news of Garrett's death, Sophie and Tristan are happilly married raising their two children (Sophie & Garrett's daughter Miranda, and Gary - Tristan's son from his first marriage). She has moved on and although she still remebers Garrett - she has found love and passion with her new husband. That is, until the night that Garrett returns demanding his title, his land, and, more importantly, his wife back.

Sophie is quite the heroine. I liked her a lot - she's definitely not the average heronie you find in most historical romances. She's strong and will do absolutely anything for her family. Tristan and Garrett were both endearing in their own ways. Where Tristan was romantic and kind - Garrett was strong and hard. It was definitely a tough choice for me and I found myself just as torn as Sophie was as to whom she loved.

The story itself was great, with plenty of action and steamy romance that at no point fizzled out. I was intrigued as to who Sophie would eventually stay with (making the pages fly by) and was pleased with the outcome of the story. I also am happy to hear that the man whom Sophie eventually does turn away will have his own story come April 2010 so I'll definitely have my eye out for that. This is Ms. Haymore's first novel and I must say it was a grand success! This is a refreshing take on historical romance that was quite a treat and one that is a definite must-read.

GIVEAWAY: I have 5 copies of A HINT OF WICKED by Jennifer Haymore to giveaway.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. Second entry if you follow, third if you follow on Twitter, and so forth.

Rules: Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available to residents of the US and Canada. No P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn this Saturday, May 30.

Here is a list of all the participants of this blog tour:

http://www.foreigncircuslibrary.blogspot.com/ - May 19 review

http://bookinwithbingo.blogspot.com - May 19 intro; May 21 review; May 23 Q&A; June 6 announce winners of giveaway

http://ajourneyofbooks.blogspot.com - May 21 Q&A

http://chicbookreviews.blogspot.com/ - May 22 review and giveaway

http://www.findthetimetoread.blogspot.com - May 26 review and giveaway

http://www.ReadingWithMonie.com - May 26 giveaway

http://zensanity.blogspot.com/ - May 26 Q&A

http://booksoulmates.blogspot.com/ - May 27 giveaway

http://yankeeromancereviewers.blogspot.com/ - May 28 giveaway

http://www.myspace.com/darbyscloset - May 28 review

http://confessionsofaromancebookaddict.wordpress.com/ - June 1 to 4 Q&A, review, and giveaway

http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com - June 1 giveaway

www.morbid-romantic.net - June 2 review, giveaway, Q&A

http://mindingspot.blogspot.com/ - June 3 review and giveaway

http://kayespenguinposts.blogspot.com/ - June 3 giveaway

http://thereviewfromhere.wordpress.com/ - June 4 review

www.thebookgirl.net - June 5 review and giveaway

http://yougottareadreviews.blogspot.com/ - June 6 review and giveaway

http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/ - June 8

http://www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/ - May 25 review and giveaway

www.alphaheroes.blogspot.com - review

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 5/25/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:
- 20 Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler [review]
- A Hint of Wicked - Jennifer Haymore [review]
- Mating Rituals of the North American WASP - Lauren Lipton [review]

I also reviewd the following:
- The Book Thief - Markus Zusak [review]
- Burning Wild - Christine Feehan [review]

What are you reading this week?

For Sh*ts and Giggles

Cam Gigandet vs. Twilight Fans from Cam Gigandet

Giveaway: For the Mamas and the Papas

I have a few books to giveaway and I thought why not consolidate some of these giveaway posts. Yes I'm trying to go as green as I can and saving on blog posts is one way ;)

So I have two wonderful books for the Mamas out there:

Smart Mama's Green Guide synopsis: Parents often feel overwhelmed and defenseless against a never-ending recall list of toys and baby products. Deciphering unpronounceable chemicals they encounter every day can be daunting if not impossible. With environmental exposures being closely linked to 70 percent of birth defects, new parents faced with the overwhelming responsibility for their babies' health frequently turn to organic products. But they quickly find they don't have the time to practice a completely green or natural lifestyle.

THE SMART MAMA'S GREEN GUIDE delivers the information busy parents want and the tools to make informed, individual choices without the demand to go all-out green. Packed with practical tips on eliminating or reducing the hidden dangers of toxic chemicals that lurk everywhere, this book will empower readers to control what comes into their homes and make informed decisions instead of relying on government regulation of harmful chemicals.

If Your Kid Eats This Book synopsis: As an Emergency Room pediatrician, Dr. Lara Zibners has seen it all. She's cared for a portion of the 25 million children in the country who are taken to the ER each year-and she knows that more than 50% of these visits may be unnecessary. IF YOUR KID EATS THIS BOOK, EVERYTHING WILL STILL BE OKAY shows parents when they may need to take action, and when they might be able to just go back to bed and call their doctor in the morning. With sections such as "In the Diaper" and "His Noggin and the Nervous System," Dr. Zibners covers every part of the body and offers sound advice (for example, did you know that oil is the best remedy for dissolving superglue between body parts?), all while maintaining a lively and often hilarious tone. To the question, "What if she chokes on her vomit?" Zibners answers, "A healthy child will not choke on her own vomit, unless she is drunk or high on Grandma's sleeping pills."

Finally, no more frantic late-night searches through the "why to buy,""how to diaper," or "what to feed him" sections found in other childcare books to find out if little Franny needs to go to the ER. This book focuses on the truly important questions, like how to keep her from electrocuting herself in the first place. Not every child has a pediatrician with specialized emergency room experience living in her home. But this book just might be the next best thing.

Now for you Mama's that want to get something nice for those Papas out there (psssst Father's Day), I have these two:

the Man's book synopsis: Being modern and manly in today's world isn't always easy. Do you know how to tie a bow-tie, mix a martini, or make a potato gun?Do you know when to get married and how to break up, or the difference between a bock beer and a bitter?Do you know which urinal to choose or how to start a fire with a Coke can?

The answers to every man's burning questions are within these pages, from the morning wet shave to the whiskey night-cap, from hunting deer with a .30-06 to wooing women like 007. At a time when the sexes are muddled and masculinity is marginalized, THE MAN'S BOOKunabashedlycelebrates maleness. Organized by subject in a man-logical way, it's the go-to guide for anyone with a Y chromosome.

Obama's Blackberry synopsis: When Obama stated that if elected, he would keep his Blackberry, debate echoed through Washington and among the ranks of the Secret Service. What would it be like to have a president who could Twitter, send text messages, and navigate the web with ease? What would it be like to receive a text message from inside the Oval Office and, most importantly, what would it say?

Now, for the first time, We The People are privy to our new leader's epistolary back-and-forths on his wily hand-held device. We're about to discover that his emails (and the replies, from his wife and daughters, Biden, Palen, Rush, Hannity, the new first puppy, and even Bush) are so tuned in to the language of electronic correspondence they come hilariously close to the brink of legibility.

I HAVE 5 COPIES OF EACH BOOK!

RULES: Leave a comment for one entry. If you follow this blog or already are following leave me an extra comment for your second entry. Follow me on Twitter, another entry, etc. (you guys know the drill)

PLEASE make sure to leave an e-mail address - if not, I have no way of getting in touch with you if you do win.Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available for residents of the US and Canada and no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn 6/13/09.

ALSO since there are four books to giveaway - please specify in your comment which you'd like to win preferrably in order of "must have" to "eh, okay, I'll read it". And just in case you were wondering, you have the opportunity of winning all 4.

Good luck.

Giveaway Results: Testimony

Winners were chosen! (drumroll please)

1- sharon54220

2- Victoria

3- Michelle

4- Wanda

5- MarionG

Have all won! -- Using random.org - the fab 5 were selected. I will be e-mailing each of you and/or leaving you a comment. You have until Monday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Monday, a new winner will be chosen on Tuesday. So get to it ladies, I would really hate for one of you to miss out on such a great book.

If you're interested in more giveaways, you're still in time for the huge giveaways held for Mothers Day, Latino Book Month and Asian Heritage Month (all end 29); The G-Free Diet (ends 6/05/09). Plus new giveways will be posted this afternoon and Monday so keep an eye out for those.

20 Boy Summer by Sarah Ockler

Anna, Frankie and Matt (Frankie’s older brother) have been best friends since they can remember. They are next door neighbors, their parents are best friends and they do everything together. On Anna’s 15th birthday Matt kisses her - making Anna’s lifelong dream come true. Anna has been crushing on Matt since she started liking boys. After several weeks of secret rendezvous’ in their backyard and chaste kisses in the shadows, Matt tells Anna that he is waiting for the appropriate time to break the news of their budding love to Frankie and asks her to please not tell Frankie about them until he does. Due to unforseen circumstances, Matt dies and the secret is never told. A year after Matt’s death, Frankie’s parents decide that they should resume their yearly vacations at Zanzibar Bay on the west coast and invite Anna to go along. The girls see it as a vacation from their grief, a place where they can be whomever they want to be and won’t be seen as Matt’s sister or Matt’s best friend. They devise a plan the "20 Boy Summer". They have to meet 20 boys while on their 20 days of vacation - and make it the ABSE (absolute best summer ever) and hopefully the possible ditching of the A.A. - Anna's Albatross (a/k/a her virginity).

This was such a beautiful and poignant story about the powers of friendships, loss, summer romances, healing and believing in oneself. Once I started I could not put it down. The characters were so real - you can’t help but to laugh, cry, and eventually fall in love with them. Ms. Ockler wins you with her imagery and you long to be there laying out on the beach with the girls. I loved this and I highly recommend it.

20 Boy Summer will be on sale on June 1. My thanks to FSB Associates for providing me with a copy.

Chunkster Challenge 2009 Wrap-Up

I completed the Chunkster Challenge. Although I don't really read ginormous books - most of them stay within the 250 - 300 page limit, this was a fun challenge which I quickly completed. Here is my final list:

1- Outlander - Diana Gabaldon (completed 2/19/09)

2- The Host - Stephanie Meyer (completed 3/11/09)

3- Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/17/09)

4- Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/28/09)
5- Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah (completed 4/01/09)

6- The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton (completed 4/30/09)
7- Mother of the Believers - Kamran Pasha (completed 5/10/09)
8- The Book Thief - Markus Zusak (completed 5/16/09)

Burning Wild by Christine Feehan

As you all should know by now, I have been a Christine Feehan fan for at least 10 years, if not longer. I’ve read everything the woman has written and I plan to keep doing the same.

With that said, Burning Wild, was how can I say... HOT. This book is part of her Leopard Series or more like an introduction really - since the first two stories in the series were short stories in books that she shares with other authors. Jake Bannaconni is a cold, revenge driven man who likes to take action to make sure things are done his way. He has everything money can buy and will definitely use his money to make sure that doesn’t change. Due to unforseen circumstances, Emma Reynolds loses everything short of her life, she ends up having to rely on Jake for help. Little does she know, that Jake’s plans are for a complete takeover.

Jake was extremely unbalanced emotionally through most of the book, but by the end I felt that we got our hero. He was controlling and moody, and the intimate scenes (which were very long and detailed) were raw (maybe a bit violent for my tastes) and displayed the darker side of the leopard people. We are also introduced to additional leopards which probably means more books in the series should be expected.

I don't believe Ms. Feehan made mistakes with this book, but that depends on how you view the book altogether. I definitely don’t recommend this one as your introduction to her books though. The Dark Series or Drake Sisters Series would be a much better start.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Death is the narrator of our tale - and as narrator’s go, I actually thought he was quite interesting. He’s not as depressing or as loathsome as you might think Death would be. He doesn’t wear a cloak or carry a scythe - although he does like that image of himself. And I found it quite beautiful when he describes how he would come for a dying person’s soul.

Our story takes place during World War II, Germany - where Death first encounters Liesel at 9 years of age, as he comes to collect the soul of her little brother. He becomes captivated by her, watching as she steals her first book. Liesel is on her way to meet the new couple who will be her foster parents and eventually her new family and home. I fell in love with Liesel and willed her to survive from chapter to chapter, and cheered on her relationships with her accordion playing Papa, a potty-mouthed Mama, a fist fighting Jew hidden in her basement, a boy with hair the color of lemons, a spitting neighbor, a depressed mayors wife, bonfires, air raids, drawing, reading, stolen books and the power of words.

Mr. Zusak has used a teenager as the voice for the struggling German people. When we think of Nazi Germany - we think of concentration camps, the millions of deaths, and a society that just went nuts. But this gives us a view of the German people and how they were affected by a leader who knew how to use words as his weapon - making them believe that his way was the only way for their country to prosper and be great. Liesel’s story focuses on what the situation really was like for normal-everyday German citizens.

I really can’t say I loved this story. Don’t take me wrong, I found it very interesting and I really did fall in love with the characters, but I found that I wasn’t fully engrossed by it. It was a bit difficult to get through the first couple of chapters and even took me a bit to accept that Death was our narrator. I also didn’t like that there was so much foreshadowing - meaning by mid-book I already knew what the outcome of most of our characters would be. When Death is your narrator - you sorta know what the outcome is. I also felt that the epilogue was a bit rushed, I would have liked more details - so it really didn’t leave me as fulfilled as I would have liked. But all in all, it is a book that I would still recommend. The story line, the details and the characters are well worth it.

So purrrrty!

The New Moon "official" poster has been released.
Just wanted to share.

I also found this puppy:

Love it!

Giveaway: The G-Free Diet by Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Quick Synopsis: For years, Elisabeth Hasselbeck couldn't figure out what was making her sick. She asked doctors and consulted nutritionists, but no one seemed to have any answers. It wasn't until spending time in the Australian Outback, living off the land on the grueling Survivor TV show, that, ironically, her symptoms vanished. Returning home, she pinpointed the food that made her sick -- gluten, the binding element in wheat. By simply eliminating it from her diet, she was able to enjoy a completely normal, healthy life. But that wasn't all. Hasselbeck discovered the myriad benefits that anyone can enjoy from a gluten-free diet: from weight loss and increased energy to even the alleviation of the conditions of autism.

In this all-inclusive book, Hasselbeck shares her hard-earned wisdom on living life without gluten and loving it. She gives you everything you need to know to start living a gluten-free life, from defining gluten - where to find it, how to read food labels - to targeting gluten-free products, creating G-Free shopping lists, sharing recipes, and managing G-Free living with family and friends.

Thanks to Anna at HBG, I have 5 copies to giveaway!

So here are the rules: Leave a comment for one entry. If you follow this blog or already are following leave me an extra comment for your second entry. Follow me on Twitter, another entry. (you guys know the drill)

PLEASE make sure to leave an e-mail address - if not, I have no way of getting in touch with you if you do win.

Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available for residents of the US and Canada and no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn 6/05/09. Good luck.

Giveaway Results: Made in the U.S.A.

Winners were chosen - and yes, our excitement is overflowing.

I was a couple of days late on this one. Sorry you guys, believe it or not, I have a day job and kids, and hubby, and well, you know what I mean.... I was busy. But I am here now and I finally was able to chose the winners for Made in the U.S.A. by Billie Letts... So (insert drumroll) here is the list of the 5 winners.

1 BellsForStacy
2 stateofdenmark2

3 cpullum

4 Lady Roxi

5 sharon54220

Winners were chosen using random.org. I will be e-mailing each of you and/or leaving you a comment. You have until Wednesday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you by Wednesday, a new winner will be chosen.

If you're interested in more giveaways, you're still in time for Testimony by Anita Shreve (ends May 22); and the huge giveaways held for Mothers Day, Latino Book Month and Asian Heritage Month (all end 29). Plus, I'll have a new giveaway posted this afternoon.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 5/18/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris [review]

- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak [review]

- Burning Wild by Christine Feehan [review]

I also reviewed the following:

- The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox [review]

- Mother of the Believers by Kamran Pasha [review]

What are you reading?

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

Sookie is back! In Dead and Gone the shifters have come out of the closet - they are taking the vampire’s lead and have decided to also go public with their “special talents”. The town seems to be taking it quite nicely until someone gets killed.

I have to say that this might be the most violent book in the series - with a cruxification, a shooting, poisoning, torture, and on the brink of a Faery war. But I also believe it is one of my favorites. For one, Sookie seems to have grown and matured. I liked that she sought protection by pulling in favors owed to her from her Vamp and Were friends - not trying to take charge and handle everything, and possibly getting killed in the process, like she always does. I also noticed the changes in Jason - could he finally be maturing and becoming a man? And then there’s Eric... she now knows that he remembers his days with her...but is their bond strong because of attraction or simply the blood exchanges?

There are still a lot of loose ends - especially when it comes to Sookie’s love life. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am a shameless Eric fan and I’m rooting for him all the way. And, just what exactly did Niall mean at the end??? Which vamp was he talking about???

My only complaint is that it is now over and I’ll have to wait another year or so for the next installment.

Mother of the Believers by Kamran Pasha

Mother of the Believers is the story of Aisha bint Abi Bakr - the youngest and most beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammed. When the story commences Aisha is in her deathbed and is recounting this epic tale to her nephew. As Aisha reflects on her life we learn of her cursed birth, her marriage to Muhammed at the age of nine, his other wives and their feuding harem, as well as his death and how she eventually grows to become a teacher, political leader and warrior. Set in seventh century Arabia this story takes you on a journey through hot deserts, epic battles and the understanding of what becoming a believer entailed.

Mr. Pasha's story is purely fictional, but it is one of those stories that you can’t help but devour in big, heaping gulps. I was a little hesitant to read it at first (a- it's 560 pages long) and (b- it's not a topic I would normally read about), but I was drawn in from the start and read the whole thing in just a couple of sittings. Mr. Pasha has a vivid and fluid style of writing that I really enjoyed and his imagery lights up the pages of his book. This was my first exposure to the Muslim culture/religion and I found it to be a very enlightening experience.

This is a beautiful tale - one that I highly recommend to believers and non-believers alike.

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox

Lizzie is back in this sequel and it seems she has chosen to embrace her calling and truly become a full-time demon slayer. As the story commences, Lizzie is in quite a bind - firstly, she is fined by the DIP (Department of Intramagical Procedures) for all the ruckus that the first book entailed (The Accidental Demon Slayer). And secondly, she is informed that her uncle has "shacked up" with none other than a demon in Las Vegas. On a permit (no license - since she failed her demon-slaying test at the DIP) she makes her way to Vegas with her tatooed-biker witch grandmother and her Red Skulls biker coven as well as her shape-shifting griffin boyfriend Dimitri with no idea that Sin City was being taken over by soul-stealing succubi.

Although I never actually read Ms. Fox’s first book, The Accidental Demon Slayer, her second book The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, was very entertaining. It was a hoot actually! Her main character Lizzie - is very funny and witty and I absolutely loved her. The eccentric biker witch grandma and her cronies were downright hilarious. Lizzie’s talking dog, Pirate, and the scorching hot griffin boyfriend were the icing on the cake.

This was such a fun read - with wacky characters that abound, a fun plot line and lots of action where you don’t realize just how quickly the pages are turning. It’s a different take from the paranormal books I’m used to reading - but it definitely caught my attention. This is one crazy ride you won’t to miss out on.

What are you Reading on Mondays? (Week 5/11/09)

For everyone elses responses, please visit J. Kaye at J. Kaye's Book Blog. What am I reading this week?

Last week I read the following:

- The Simplest of Acts and Other Short Stories by Melanie Haney [review]

- The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox [review]

- Mother of the Believers by Karan Pasha[review]

I also reviewed the following:

- The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau [review]

- My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff [review]

This week I plan on reading some of my personal books - no ARC's just good books that I've been meaning to read.

What are you reading this week?

Wishing you all a...

The Simplest of Acts and Other Short Stories by Melanie Haney

Although I am not a big fan of short stories - Melanie Haney’s The Simplest of Acts and Other Short Stories was quite a treat.

The book holds a total of 11 stories and it is 102 pages short - so it was a quick read for me. Each story draws you in and you become immersed to the point where you feel each characters, love, loss, woe, pain, despair, happiness and hope. The stories were beautifully written and although there is an underlying thread of loss it was not something that I felt overwhelmed with, instead I felt a spark of hope as each story neared its end. All these stories underscore how humans can adapt to their situation and learn to survive. Good things can happen. But don't count on that to be the norm.

If I had to choose a favorite, I would choose An Ordinary Evening. This poignant story gripped me to where long after I put down the book I was still thinking about it. It’s so heartfelt, emotional, raw. It was beautiful. Some other favorites where Only in Bellington, The Simplest of Acts and Milk. Although the other stories were just as enjoyable.

I loved Ms. Haney’s prose - her ability to create feelings and imagery made me feel as if I was there taking a glimpse into her characters lives. Her stories moved me to tears at times, yet through it all, I felt that though my time with each story was ending, their journey was just beginning. An excellent first book for Melanie Haney. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Giveaway Results: The Girl Who Stopped Swimming

Winners are in! (drumroll please)

1 Annell

2 3m

3 Pamela (Anonymous)

4 Nhertel85

5 Liyana

Have all won! -- Using random.org - the fab 5 were selected. I will be e-mailing each of you and/or leaving you a comment. You have until Monday to provide me with your mailing addresses. If I haven't heard from you before Monday, a new winner will be chosen. So get to it ladies, I would really hate for one of you to miss out on such a great book.

If you're interested in more giveaways, you're still in time for Made in the USA by Billie Letts (ends May 15); Testimony by Anita Shreve (ends May 22); and the huge giveaways held for Mothers Day, Latino Book Month and Asian Heritage Month (all end 29).

Just for the Love of It Reading Challenge 2009 Wrap-Up

This was such a fun (no headache) challenge for me. It was just read something... and read I did. Originally I agreed to six books for this and obviously added a whole lot more. Here is my final list.

My List:
1 Life of Pi - Yann Martel (completed 1/23/09)
2 M is for Magic - Neil Gaiman (completed 2/25/09)
3 Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/17/09)
4 Playing with the Grown-Ups - Sophie Dahl (completed 2/24/09)
5 Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro (completed 2/01/09)
6 The Little Giant of Aberdeen County - Tiffany Baker (completed 1/26/09)
7 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (completed 1/19/09)
8 Ms. Hempel Chronicles - Sarah Shun-lien Bynum (completed 1/27/09)
9 The Thief Lord - Cornelia Funke (completed 1/29/09)
10 Confessions of a Shopoholic - Sophie Kinsella (completed 2/02/09)
11 No Rest for the Wicked - Kresley Cole (completed 2/05/09)
12 One Fifth Avenue - Candace Bushnell (completed 2/09/09)
13 Upon the Midnight Clear - Sherrilyn Kenyon (completed 2/10/09)
14 One Silent Night - Sherrilyn Kenyon (competed 2/12/09)
15 Outlander - Diana Gabaldon (completed 2/19/09)
16 Confessions of a Former Child - Daniel J. Tomasulo (completed 2/22/09)
17 The Mistress's Daughter - A.M. Homes (completed 3/03/09)
18 He's Just Not That Into You - Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo (completed 3/06/09)
19 The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne (completed 3/07/09)
20 The Host - Stephanie Meyer (completed 3/11/09)
21 Dirty Little Angels - Chris Tusa (completed 3/14/09)
22 The Side-Yard Superhero - Rick D. Niece (completed 3/19/09)
23 Stardust - Neil Gaiman (completed 3/22/09)
24 Matrimony - Joshua Henkin (completed 3/24/09)
25 Nineteen Minutes - Jodi Picoult (completed 3/28/09)
26 Laura Rider's Masterpiece - Jane Hamilton (completed 3/29/09)
27 Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah (completed 4/01/09)
28 Shoot the Moon - Billie Letts (completed 4/04/09)
29 I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti - Giulia Melucci (completed 4/06/09)
30 The Lake that Stole Children: A Fable - Douglas Glenn Clark (completed 4/06/09)
31 The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe (completed 4/09/09)
32 Girls in Trucks - Katie Crouch (completed 4/12/09)
33 The City of Ember - Jeanne DuPrau (completed 4/13/09)
34 The People of Sparks - Jeanne DuPrau (completed 4/14/09)
35 One Deadly Sin - Annie Solomon (completed 4/16/09)
36 Jantsen's Gift - Pam Cope & Aimee Molloy (completed 4/20/09)
37 The Late, Lamented Molly Marx - Sally Koslow (completed 4/22/09)
38 The Blue Notebook - James A. Levine (completed 4/26/09)
39 The Forgotten Garden - Kate Morton (completed 4/30/09)

Thursday Thunks (5/07/09)

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Berleen & Kimber via Skype, the color cranberry (is that a color?) and the number 1,999,784,926,901.


1. Why the heck did you come back this week to do this meme? I never have anything to post on Thursdays (LoL).

2. Ever whiten your teeth? Nope - I actually don't drink or smoke so they're in pretty good shape.

3. Do you drive the speed limit? No - and don't remind me (I have gotten a speeding ticket or three).

4. Did the dog eat your homework? I used this excuse at least once every school year. The funny thing about that, I didn't actually have a dog.

5. How many bites does it take to get to the center of a watermelon? I don't do watermelon - so I wouldn't know, but I'm sure a ton.

6. Did you eat paint chips as a child? Quite possibly. My mom caught me eating snails (what? escargot) right out the tree in backyard. Oh, don't even go there. I'm sure you've paid at least once in your life to eat escargot, I was getting them for free.

7. If someone rang your doorbell/knocked on your door at 1am, would you answer it? Yea, but only if I actually heard it. I'm a bit difficult to wake up in the middle of the night (or so I've heard from the husband).

8. "Amazingly Smooth" makes you think of what? something gooey or someone cool.

9. What was the last stupid thing someone said to you? (not counting this meme's questions) Can't remember - but I'm sure it came from my husband :D

10. Would you eat a stick of butter for $100? Ewwww.

11. Find the nearest fabric tab, not counting your clothing you are wearing. What does it say the object is made of and where was it made? Actually I'm at work - if I accost the nearest person to me for this they might punch me. So this is a N/A answer.

12. What is the strangest name you've ever heard someone name their child (or a person you met... however you want to answer it)? I'm still stuck on the whole Apple thing. Why? is all I have to say about that.

13. Why is some toilet paper really soft and others are really hard? Because the person who bought it is cheap. Yes, I like to buy expensive toilet paper... only the best for my a$s.

My Little Red Book by Rachel Kauder Nalebuff

My Little Red Book is a collection of stories about first periods from women throughout the world. This anthology includes positive, negative and indifferent experiences from ordinary women and girls, in addition to well known authors and high profile feminists.

This book is riddled with stories of girls thinking they were dying upon getting it, or those that looked forward to getting it for years and when they finally got it, how it took them by surprise, those who were looking forward to becoming a woman, or getting the curse. It was very interesting to read the stories of women from different religions and cultures and what their customs were. I also liked reading the stories of the women who dealt with belts?? to be honest I had never heard of that. Sadly, I am one of those girls that never read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret. I had no idea Judy Blume’s books were most girls introduction to periods back in that time. So many of the stories mention the book - that I think I might read it now.

My Little Red Book is a must for all women who have ever felt shamed or awkward about their period and also for every girl’s first period kit. This is the type of book you want to have around when you have “that” conversation.

Rachel Kauder Nalebuff is 18 years old - (she has a great first period story herself) - yes, someone that young came up with such an excellent idea. All the proceeds of her book are going to women’s health organizations that help and provide women with information and supplies for their periods. You can find out more about this book and even share your own first period story at MyLittleRedBook.net.

The Prophet of Yonwood by Jeanne DuPrau

This is the Third Book of Ember and this story takes place about 50 years before The City of Ember is actually built. The main character is Nickie - who travels with her aunt to the town of Yonwood, NC in order to clear out her great-grandfather’s home after his death. The world is in great turmoil and on the brink of war. Upon her arrival, she is told that one of the town’s citizens has had a terrible vision of fire and destruction in the world. They now call this woman the Prophet of Yonwood - but the prophet is in some type of shock and has not told anyone of her prophecy. Instead she repeats several words over and over - but they are too garbled to be properly understood. One of her neighbors, Ms. Beeson, has taken it upon herself to translate these words and the town is taking these translations as prophetic instruction on how to avoid the coming disaster.

As the people of Yonwood struggle to not sin and follow the prophets translated instructions, Nickie explores the odd town and its residents. She begins to investigate her great-grandfather’s home and peculiar belongings, as well as meet some of her neighbors - particularly a reclusive neighbor who studies the heavens and a boy who is obsessed with snakes - and all this, while trying to reach her goals (i.e. living permanently in Yonwood, falling in love and finding a way to help the world).

Sadly, I really couldn’t get into this book. I would advise not reading this book directly after The People of Sparks, the feel is so different that it will probably not hold you in the same way. Only the epilogue really ties to the ember saga itself. Probably a good book overall, but I was disappointed since I expected a stronger connection to Ember. I'm glad I read it because of the last few pages, but overall, it was disappointing. I will read the fourth book (The Diamond of Darkhold) but only because I still have that spark of hope for this series.

Mother's Day and Asian Heritage Month Giveaways

These are the last giveaway's for the month of May. And they are really good one's. In honor of mother's (mine - who rocks; and me, of course), I am hosting the:


This giveaway includes the following titles:

Miracles of Motherhood

Odd Mom Out By Jane Porter

Mommy Grace By Sheila Schuller Coleman

Beginner's Greek By James Collins

The Road Home By Rose Tremain

This giveaway includes the following titles:

Free Food for Millionaires By Min Jin Lee
Trail of Crumbs By Kim Sunée
The Fortune Cookie Chronicles By Jennifer Lee
Transparency By Frances Hwang
Strangers from a Different Shore By Ronald Takaki

I have 5 of each giveaway available - once again thanks to my new hero Valerie at HBG. If you leave a comment and only want to be signed up for one of the giveaway's - please say so in your comment. If not, each comment will enter you for the chance to win either one.

So here are the rules:
Leave a comment for one entry. If you follow this blog or already are following leave me an extra comment for your second entry. Follow me on Twitter, another entry. (you guys know the drill)

PLEASE make sure to leave an E-mail address if you are not familiar to me. If not, I have no way of getting in touch with you if you do win.

Books will be delivered directly from Publisher so giveaway is only available for residents of the US and Canada and no P.O. Boxes please. Winners will be drawn May 29.