Raven Stole the Moon by Garth Stein

Two years ago, Jenna Rosen’s son, Bobby, drowned while on vacation in Alaska. To her dismay, his body was never found and she had to return home with her loss and grief. While Robert, Jenna's husband has gotten over his grief, Jenna has found nothing that can help her get over or forget the loss of her son, putting strain on their marriage and making them act more like strangers than a husband and wife.

One night Jenna just can't take it anymore and decides she needs to leave, while in the middle of one of Robert's business parties, she just gets in the car and drives off. She eventually finds herself in Wrangell, Alaska, where her Native American grandmother lived - and just a few miles away from where Bobby drowned. There Jenna meets a shaman who tells her of the legends of the Tlingits and their beliefs as to a person's soul.

As a big fan of Garth Stein and, of course, Enzo's, when I was contacted to review Raven Stole the Moon, I was like.... "ooh, ooh, me!" And although it seems this is one of Mr. Stein's previous works (maybe even his first), I was surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this story. It is definitely nothing like The Art of Racing in the Rain, this is more of a thriller, and at more than one point, it even felt creepy along the lines of a horror story. As a mother, you can't help but to feel Jenna's pain. The overwhelming loss of a child - trying anything and everything to overcome that grief and to eventually find a path to healing... it really is heartbreaking. This is her journey to not only save herself but also to save her son's soul.

I really found it interesting to read of the Kushtakas (a/k/a shape-shifting soul stealers). I liked the mystery and even the fright that came with their myths and legends. Mr. Stein really has a way with words. I love the voice that he uses to narrate his stories. It was the same way with The Art of Racing in the Rain. I don't know if I can explain it right, but it's soft and soothing... even though there was a time or two where my hairs were standing on end... I found his writing calming.

This is a heartwrenching story about grief, loss and healing that it is expertly intertwined with Native American folklore making it a fascinating read. I truly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it.

This book was provided for review Terra Communications.

GIVEAWAY: I have 1 copy up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Sarah at Terra Communications.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. Winners will be drawn Saturday, March 27.

a bit under the weather

[via Flicker]

How's it going lovelies? Sorry I've been lost for almost a week now - I've been sick with a cold, making plans for a Disney cruise in May and (hrmph) working. So needless to say, I've had to put blogging, reading and surfing the net (my fave things to do) on hold for a bit.

Luckily for me, my boss has left on vacay for the rest of the week and I finally have some time for catching up. I promise to have a couple of reviews up within the next day or so as well as post giveaway winners, new giveaways, etc.

Hope you are all doing well.

Saturday Sayings [16]

[via On a High Note]

i heart

[via ClaraClips]

Don't know about you guys, but looking at these just make me happy.

Harry Potter Nerd and proud of it! :p

For those of you wondering if I made these, sadly I am not that talented.

Eyes Like Stars by Lisa Mantchev

Enter Stage Right

All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every place ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

Lisa Mantchev has written a debut novel that is dramatic, romantic, and witty, with an irresistible and irreverent cast of characters who are sure to enchant the audience.

Open Curtain

First things first, I fell in love with the cover of this book. I saw it and it was love at first glance. So immediately I picked it up and was completely enraptured by the thrilling idea of a girl living in a theatre where all the characters of every play you have ever read, seen or heard of, are real. Where sound effects, lighting, and scene changes occur depending on the mood. Thus is life at the Théâtre Illuminata for Bertie.

Bertie, with her bright cobalt blue hair, was this amazing character. She is a strong, smart, witty and really funny girl. I loved that she lived in the moment and had such zest and passion towards anything she set her mind to. Her sidekick fairies (the one's from Midsummer Night's Dream) were a hoot and utterly insane - I loved them and will do anything for my own!

Bertie's story is one of grand adventure as she tries to not only find her roots, but also find a home. Oh, and did I mention that there is also a love triangle... I swoon for love triangles. To be quite honest I'm not sure how Ms. Mantchev is going to get herself out of that tight spot. Both men are handsome and hold their own ground. I can't wait to see how that all plays out - which will Bertie choose?

On a side note, I was also fascinated with all the snippets we get of Shakespeare, not just a quote here or there, but the characters, from Lady Macbeth's bloodied hands to Ophelia's constant need to drown herself every few scenes... just thinking about it still brings a smile to my face.

This book is one that you will feel as if you dove into the story headfirst and when it's done you'll almost feel dizzy over it's awesomeness and the sad reality that it is over. Not to mention, you'll be longing for the next installment, because even though this book answers many a question and it does have a definite ending, you know there is still much more to this story. Lucky for me, Perchance to Dream (the second in the series) will be out in a couple of months). I can't wait!

All in all, Eyes Like Stars, guarantees great fun to be had by all who read it... my final say in the matter: "Standing Ovation" and a big "Whoop"!

Giveaway: Apologize, Apologize!

Apologize, Apologize! takes us into the perversely charmed world of the Flanagans and their son, Collie (His parents named him after their favorite breed of dog.) Collie comes of age on Martha's Vineyard, trying to make sense of his wildly wealthy, hyper-articulate, resolutely crazy family members: a philandering father, incorrigible brother, pigeon-racing uncle, radical activist mother, and a domineering media mogul grandfather (accused of being a murderer by Collie's mother). As Collie searches for his place in the world, he suffers insurmountable loss and grapples for bravery as he struggles to cope with people he has no choice but to love.


GIVEAWAY: I have 3 copies up for grabs - thanks to the lovely Valerie at HBG.

As always, leave a comment for one entry. If you'd like extra entries just say so in your comment or separate comments (extra entries for followers, Twitter, sidebars, Facebook, etc.) ; and for putting my spiffy little button on your blog. Make sure to leave an e-mail address, especially if you are leaving a comment under Anonymous.

Rules: This contest is open to U.S. & Canada residents only. No P.O. Boxes. Winners will be drawn Saturday, March 27.