Tuesday, January 19

In My Mailbox

Meme brought to us by Story Siren. I recieved some awesome books this week

the iron king

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Book Description:

MEGHAN CHASE HAS A SECRET DESTINY— ONE SHE COULD NEVER HAVE IMAGINED…

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

before I fall

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Book Description:

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High—from the best table in the parking lot to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

 

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Review: Wish by Alexandra Bullen

wish

Title: Wish

By: Alexandra Bullen

Release Date: January 12, 2010

Publisher: Scholastic Books

Reading Level: Young Adult

BookWhisperer Rating:

                                  three stars

Book Description:

Nothing can change the fact the Olivia Larsen’s twin sister, Violet, is gone… Until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn’t look magical- it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

Olivia’s wish will be granted.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses and two more wishes left.

reviews plate copyI enjoyed reading this book, but felt that it lacks the punch of many other new releases I have been reading. I found this book to be a quick read; even though it lacked the intensity that I desire. Wish’s innocence and care free feeling is better for the younger reading generation.

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Monday, January 18

Happy Birthday To Me!


Today is my birthday, Happy Birthday to me..... Don't know what this year holds in store for me, but it appears to be getting better and better. Can't wait to see what the future holds. If you are wondering I am 28 years old, and these are going to be my best years.

Friday, January 15

Review: The Mark by Jen Nadol


Title: The Mark
By: Jen Nadol
Reading Level: Young Adult
Review Book from Bloomsbury Books
Date of Release: January 19th, 2010
BookWhisperer Rating:


Book Description:
Sixteen-year old Cassie Renfield has seen the mark since forever: a glow around certain people as if a candle were held behind their back.

The one time she pointed it out taught her not to do it again, so Cassie has kept quiet, considering its rare appearances odd, but insignificant. Until the day she watches a man die. Mining her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person's imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Cassie searches her past, her philosophy lessons, even her new boyfriend for answers, always careful to hide her secret. How does the mark work? Why her?

Most importantly, if you know today is someone's last, should you tell?


What would you do if you had that ability to know when someone's life would end? Would you feel responsible to tell them, or would you feel it is better to not tell someone that their life could be ending? Cassandra is a very unqiue girl with the ability to determine when ones life will be ending. Although, she finds herself struggling with what responsibility she holds with such a gift or curse? Cassandra is very philosophical, and I found this to be a very intrigueing concept in this story. Philosophy runs throughout the story adding a very intellectual feel to this book. Cassandra appears to be a very well round character that was entertaining to follow. Although, I was not very impressed by the other characters of this book. Lucas was intended to begin a likeable character that turns unattractive, but I felt that this character was shady from square one. I was not impressed by the character or the turn out of his personality. I also was a slightly discouraged that the picture perfect image of Nan was blemished in the end. I understand making choices trying to protect your family, but I was altogether impressed by the turn out. This is a simple and entertaining read with highlights, but ultimately I feel that it had room for improvment.


Wednesday, January 13

Hugh In My Mailbox

Meme brought to us by Story Siren. I am back girls and I have a big stack of books to go through, so bare with the length.

milestones

Milestones by Samira Armin Hodges

Review Book from Hungry Goat Press

Book Description:

One day. That’s how long it took for fourteen year-old Faye Martin’s ordinary life to take a dramatic and unexpected turn. First, she gets struck by lightning. Second, Benjamin Parker, the object of her obsession, witnessed her near-death experience. Finally, her parents force her to leave her hometown of Seattle to attend a summer camp, aptly named ‘Camp Milestone’.


Only, Camp Milestone is no ordinary camp. Before she knows it, Faye finds herself caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty, torture, calamine lotion and romance….All in the name of summer camp. But as the summer unfolds, she realizes there is much more to Camp Milestone than meets the eye. Will she be able to unravel the mystery that surrounds this unusual camp? And more importantly, will she be able to survive the madness long enough to put the pieces together.

 

tainted

Tainted by Brooke Morgan

Review Book from Avon Books

Book Description:

In a dazzling tour de force of suspenseful storytelling, first-time novelist Brooke Morgan ingeniously peels away layers of artifice and deception to reveal the fears and uncertainties that live in the hearts of us all.

Holly Barrett first saw Jack Dane early one morning—tall, tan, and so heartbreakingly handsome he took her breath away. He also seemed like the last person to disrupt her quiet, uneventful days with her sensitive daughter, Katy. But the charming, enigmatic Englishman has blown into her small Cape Cod town like a brisk summer wind off the bay.

He sweeps Holly off her feet, and is soon touching the lives of everyone she deeply cares about. But is Jack the considerate, concerned gentleman he appears to be—or is there a very different creature lurking below the surface? Has a monster entered her life . . . and how far will Holly have to go to save the person she loves more than anyone else in the world?

 

everything beautiful

Everything Beautiful by Simmone Howell

Review Book from Bloomsbury Books

Book Description:

Riley Rose, atheist and bad girl, has been tricked into attending Spirit Ranch, a Christian camp. There she meets Dylan Kier, alumni camper and recent paraplegic, who arrives with a chip on his shoulder and a determination to perfect all of his bad habits. United in their personal suffering and in their irritation at their fellow campers, they turn the camp inside out as they question the meaning of belief systems, test their faith in each other, and ultimately settle a debate of the heart.

 

lily dale discovering

Lily Dale Discovering by Wendy Corsi Staub

Review Book from Walker Books

Book Description:

Now in Lily Dale #4: Discovering, young Calla finally knows the “who” behind her mother’s death but she still doesn’t understand the “why.” Could it involve the half sibling her mother kept secret for decades? Unwilling to share her recent discovery with anyone, including her father who just moved to town, Calla must call on the spirit world once again for help in finding her missing sibling and the final clues behind her mother’s death. Will Calla’s journey bring the closure she seeks?

(This is book four in the series. Make sure to check out Lily Dale Series for the previous books)

 

the dead tossed waves

The Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

Review Book from Delacorte Press

Book Description:

Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known, and all she needs for happiness.
But life after the Return is never safe, and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back.
Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling.
One night beyond the Barrier...
One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery...
One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned.
Gabry knows only one thing: if she is to have any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

 

very lefreak

Very Lefreak by Rachel Cohn

Review Book from Knopf Books

Book Description:

Very LeFreak has a problem: she’s a crazed technology addict. Very can’t get enough of her iPhone, laptop, IMs, text messages, whatever. If there’s any chance the incoming message, call, text, or photo might be from her supersecret online crush, she’s going to answer, no matter what. Nothing is too important: sleep, friends in mid-conversation, class, a meeting with the dean about academic probation. Soon enough, though, this obsession costs Very everything and everyone. Can she learn to block out the noise so she can finally hear her heart?

 

token of darkness

Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater Rhodes

Review Book from Delacorte Press

Book Description:

Cooper Blake has everything going for him—until he wakes from a car accident with his football career in ruins and a mysterious, attractive girl by his side. Cooper doesn’t know how Samantha got there or why he can see her; all he knows is that she’s a ghost, and the shadows that surround her seem intent on destroying her.

No one from Cooper’s old life would understand what he can barely grasp himself. . . . But Delilah, the captain of the cheerleading squad, has secrets of her own, like her ability to see beyond the physical world, and her tangled history with Brent, a loner from a neighboring school who can hear strangers’ most intimate thoughts. Delilah and Brent know that Cooper is in more trouble than he realizes, and that Samantha may not be as innocent as she has led Cooper to believe. But the only way to figure out where Samantha came from will put them all in more danger than they ever dreamed possible.

 

Almost Perfect by Brian Katcheralmost perfect

Review Book from Delacorte Press

Book Description:

Logan Whitherspoon recently discovered that his girlfriend of three years cheated on him. Since then–much to his friends’ dismay–he has been despressed, pessimistic, and obessed with this ex, Brenda.

But things start to look up for Logan when a new student breezes through the halls of his small-town high school. Tall, unconventionally pretty, and a bit awkward, Sage Hendricks somehow appeals to Logan even at a time when he trusts no one. As Logan learns more about Sage, he realizes that she needs a friend as much as he does, if not more. She has been homeschooled for several years, and her parents have forbidden her to date, but she won’t tell Logan why. The mystery of Sage’s past and the oddities of her personality intrigue Logan, and one day, he acts on his growing attraction and kisses her. Moments later, however, he wishes he hadn’t. Sage finally discloses her big secret: she’s actually a boy.

 

reincarnation  Reincarnation by Suzanne Weyn

Review Book from Scholastic Books

Book Description:

It starts in prehistory. A young man and a young woman fight over a precious jewel. Their time together is short, but the reverberations are lasting.

Years pass. Generations pass. Centuries pass. But fate keeps drawing them together. Whenever their paths cross, there is that strange attraction. That unexplainable affinity.  That feeling that they’ve been together before.

Theirs is a love haunted by history. From Egyptian slavery to Greek society. From Massachusetts witch trails to Civil War battlefields. From Paris in the 1930s to the present day. Circumstances will fight them… but a greater force will reunite them. Because some people are meant for each other- no matter how long it takes.

 

the clearing

The Clearing by Heather Davis

Review Book from Graphia Books

Book Description:

Amy, a sixteen-year-old recovering from an abusive relationship, moves to the country to start a new life with her aunt–all she wants is for everything to be different. In the clearing at the back of Aunt Mae’s property, she makes an amazing discovery—Henry, a boy stuck in the endless summer of 1944. Henry and his world become Amy’s refuge and she begins to learn that some moments are worth savoring. But when the past and present come crashing together, both of them must find the courage to face what is meant to be, even if it means losing each other forever.

 

Thank you so much to all of the publisher for sending me all of these AWESOME BOOKS!

I will be pushing out reviews soon. Almost finished with Mark be looking for my review!

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Wish by Alexandra Bullen Giveaway


In highlight of yesterday's release of Wish by Alexandra Bullen, I have been gracious given the chance to host a giveaway for the publisher. So don't miss your chance here to win a brand new copy of Wish.

Book Description from Amazon:
For broken-hearted Olivia Larsen, nothing can change the fact that her twin sister, Violet, is gone... until a mysterious, beautiful gown arrives on her doorstep. The dress doesn't just look magical; it is magical. It has the power to grant her one wish, and the only thing Olivia wants is her sister back.

With Violet again by her side, both girls get a second chance at life. And as the sisters soon discover, they have two more dresses-and two more wishes left. But magic can't solve everything, and Olivia is forced to confront her ghosts to learn how to laugh, love, and live again.

In a breathtaking debut from Alexandra Bullen, WISH asks the question: If you could have anything, what would you wish for?

Rules:
*Must be US or Canadian resident
*Must leave me a way to contact you
*Contest open through January 27th, 2010
*Book will be shipped from the publishers
*Must complete form to be entered into this contest

Keep your eyes open for my author interview and review over the next week.





Breaking Free


I am breaking FREE!!!!!
Moping and crying is not for me... I have loved and lost and now find myself picking up the pieces. I have two wonderful children, books, and a love for myself that I have not known in the past. I am grasping those things and diving into uncharted area to find my place in the world. Like they always so "if you love it let it go, if it comes back to you it was meant to be." If it doesn't than I know their is a greater plan for me in the future. I have found a deep love for the LORD over the past year, and the devil will not detour my path. He may be reaching me through my husband, but I am strong and I will overcome. I pray and hope that someday, I can reach him and bring him back as well. Life is a cluster of learning lesson, and this one will leave its mark as have many others. Although I know what I love and desire, and I will continue my path long after this lesson.

So no more moping for Jackie, here I am and I am diving back into my books, kids, and faith. Expect a marathon of book listing in the near future. I have one hell of a In my Mailbox to post with some AWESOME books. I am going to hit the books hard and whip out some reviews for everyone. I also need to send out giveaway books this week, so if you are waiting on books from me. I AM SO SO SO SO SO SORRY FOR THE DELAY. Expect them shortly.


I also want to add that I have been so very grateful for all of the support that I have recieved from everyone... ESPECIALLY THAT ONE FRIEND THAT EVEN THOUGH WE MAY NEVER MEET YOU ARE DEAR TO MY HEART. I will know what is best for me, and I will be keeping in contact with you. I hope that your situation pans out in the future as well. I will be praying for you and your son.


Tuesday, January 5

Look at me 200 Followers

Look at me I am at 200 followers…. Sorry about the hiatus lately. Personal drama my husband has decided our life is no longer worth it, so my appearances may be very sporadic for awhile.  Trying to chug along, but it is seeming to be quite the struggle.

I will come up with an awesome contest, but I am not able to put all the attention that is needed to this at the moment. Sorry!

I plan on trying to finish Mark starting today. Love all of my followers, and please bare with me for a short time. I promise I will get back into the swing.

crying_woman__by_monnaie

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Friday, January 1

100 Followers Giveaway

Today is the completion of the 100 Followers Giveaway..... Now that I am 10 followers away from 200, go figure....
Guess what that means.
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MY 200 FOLLOWER GIVEAWAY.

Now for the winner of the 100 Follower Contest:
Stacy at Wicked Walker

I will be emailing you shortly to find out where to send your awesome books!

Happy New Years


Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone  a wonderful New Years, and I hope 2010 is an awesome year for you all!