Have You Noticed What's Going on In Europe Lately? Maybe it's Time You Did.

When I started my blog in the latter part of 2009, my purpose was a comprehensive one. I planned to cover the world of books, writing and life issues. As the title indicates, my purpose in writing this blog was and is to be a blessing to others. Eventually, the blog evolved into a book and review blog more than anything else and that's cool, but I'm taking note of some world developments that I want to pass on to the followers of this blog and to those casual passers-by.
Every so often, as I feel the need, I'm going to post on thought-provoking issues that are occurring overseas. I think I'm going to call it The European Update. My goal is to prick your conciousness and give you food for thought, give you something to contemplate. Make of these posts what you will. Your thoughts and beliefs are entirely your own. My mission is simply to state the facts. How you interpret them will be up to you. So, let us begin, shall we...

There's a crisis occurring in Europe that is impacting the countries that make up the European Union. The European Union consists of 27 countries. Of these 27 countries, 17 make up a monetary union called the Eurozone. These Eurozone countries use a single currency: the euro.

A number of the countries have spent more money than they bring in and are in tremendous debt. We're going to focus on Greece. The leaders of the Eurozone created a bailout package that Greece was expected to accept. If you were following the news developments, you saw that the Prime Minister of Greece, George Papandreou infuriated the eurozone leaders by his decision to put the bailout package before the people of Greece for a vote. He quickly reneged and resigned his position as Prime Minister two days later. Note this. All this drama because he had the "gall" to want the people to vote to accept or reject an economic package that was going to have a severe impact on their future.

I don't want to get too technical, but suffice it to say, ultimately, the people didn't vote and a new leader was installed as Prime Minister. The people didn't vote for a new leader, one was installed in the position. Think about that. That's not the democratic way. What do you think that is? Think about it. And start paying attention to what's going on in Europe.

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane.

Waiting on Wednesday is a great way to learn about new books coming out. It was started by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This week I'm looking forward to reading On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane. Check out what it's about...


The choices I had made led to the moment when fate took over.
I would learn a lesson I wasn't prepared for.
And Death would be my willing teacher. 

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother's life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death--by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky--she would never be normal again.

Now she's the target of Death's Ravens and an innocent boy's life is on the line. When Nate Holden--Abbey's secret crush--starts to climb Alaska's Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

The cover of this book caught my attention right away. It has a stark, Gothic quality. "A boy made of clouds and sky"...I love the use of language...The tale has an odd, other worldly sensibility to it. At least I don't have to wait. It's out now!

On a Dark Wing released December 20, 2011 by Harlequin Teen.

Toodles!

Switched: A Trylle novel by Amanda Hocking: A Success Story.

Book One

Amanda Hocking is a self-published success story. So much so, that a major publisher, St. Martin's Press took notice and decided to offer her a deal. Nothing beats a proven success. Check out the new version of her trilogy, the Trylle series. The first book, Switched will be published 1/3/12! As a gift to readers, the book includes a never-before-published bonus story. This is what the book is about...

SWITCHED… at birth:

When Wendy Everly was six years old, her mother was convinced she was a monster and tried to kill her. Eleven years later, Wendy discovers her mother might have been right.  She’s not the person she’s always believed herself to be, and her whole life begins to unravel—all because of Finn Holmes.

Finn is a mysterious guy who always seems to be watching her.  Every encounter leaves her deeply shaken…though it has more to do with her fierce attraction to him than she’d ever admit.  But it isn’t long before he reveals the truth:  Wendy is a changeling who was switched at birth—and he’s come to take her home.   

Now Wendy’s about to journey to a magical world she never knew existed, one that’s both beautiful and frightening.  And where she must leave her old life behind to discover who she’s meant to become...

I absolutely love the house in the book trailer below--LOVE IT, I tell you! Lol...

And the Winner of Daughter of Smoke and Bone is...

My goodness. I have never taken so long to select a winner for one of my giveaways. This was madness. Life has a way of interfering with the best laid plans...Well, someone will get this great book as a Christmas present! I did give a copy to a friend who's a voracious reader and I know she and my winner today will enjoy it. So, without further ado, the winner of the awesome Daughter of Smoke and Bone is...

Chey!!!

Congrats! Please email me with your address, so I may get your unexpected Christmas present to you!

Happy holidays, everyone!

Toodles...

Somebody Killed My Baby!!!

I can't believe I have to write this, but I do. Some murderous, psycho, idiot, killed my beautiful Sweetie. My husband found her lying on the ground outside the back door yesterday morning. She usually sits atop the stair railing, meowing loudly when she wants to come in. I wasn't home and when my husband got up at about 6 AM, he looked out the back window as usual to look for her, but didn't see her in her usual spot. When he opened the door to call for her, there she was, lying on the ground. He called me and told me she had a heart attack. He figured it must have happened while she was on the railing and she collapsed.

Sweetie being beautiful

That didn't sound right because we had just had the greatest time with her the night before, laughing, playing and feeding her her favorite meal of fresh crab legs...those crab legs would make Sweetie talk! *sigh*...My cat was not sick! I just posted shots of her on this blog a few weeks ago at her annual vet visit! I told him to examine her more closely. Sure enough, he called me back and told me she had been shot. He found a bullet wound in her back and it went out through her leg. We assume she went out the gate, came into the path of some demon who shot her and she managed to make her way home before dying.                                                                                                  

My husband made a casket for her and made a little cushion out of some of his shirts. He went into my drawer and placed a pair of my socks on her feet. I'm crying so hard now I can barely see, but I'm pressing on...He wanted a little piece of us to go with her. He buried her in the front of the yard where she waited for him everyday to come in from work. My husband cried so hard. He kept saying over and over how she slept on his chest from the time she was a baby. We had her from the time she was born. She would have been 13 years old in April. I always suspected her mothers unexpected death a little over a year and a half ago very suspicious too, but we didn't find any conclusive evidence.

This is so hard for me. Honestly, I thought I was going to go a little crazy. I really loved that cat. She was my baby, I'm telling you. She was such a gentle, timid cat to have died so violently...So, now once again, I have to say good-bye to another one of the sweetest girls, ever, my beautiful Sweetie. We love you so much, my girl and just like your mother, you'll never be forgotten and will remain forever in our hearts...

I'm going to end with the words of God which is the only thing helping me keep it together right now...

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away--Revelation 21:4

 

 

 

Sweetie's last photo with her mom, Boozie 2 weeks before Boozie's death, 4/21/10

Amen.

Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga. Just a few words...

Of course I had to go see Breaking Dawn. I've only read the first Twilight book. I think I read half of New Moon, but I'm not sure. I saw the movie and keep getting what I saw on film and the book mixed up! I'll probably have to start the book again.

I went to Barnes and Noble to get the movie edition of Breaking Dawn. I like that the movie-connected versions of the books are smaller and take up less space. I enjoyed the movie, but did find it a bit depressing and somber. Considering the subject matter, that makes sense. Still, it's one of the better movies in the series. I like that they emphasized the couples sexuality and didn't hold back on it. I didn't read the book yet, so I don't how that plays out there, but I think the movie was a realistic depiction and tastefully done.

What happened to Edward's hair?!...lol..I miss that thick mop he used to have. You can definitely see everyone is getting older. Robert Pattinson remarked in an interview a couple of years ago that they better hurry up and shoot these films because he wouldn't remain looking like 17 for too long. I chuckled looking at the film because a couple of cast members have put on a few pounds. Carlisle, papa Cullen isn't looking as lean and predatory as he did in 2008 and brother Emmett is looking a bit stockier...lol..Even my husband remarked on Bella, asking me how old she was. She has matured, most definitely. He noted how Twilight really put Kristin Stewart on the map--and this is from a man who gets all his updates about pop culture from me! He could care less, otherwise. I make it my business to ensure he stays in the Twilight loop! Lol...

The first Twilight will always be my favorite, though. Even though the make-up was pretty bad, the magic of that first introduction is hard to beat :-)

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: Surrender by Lee Nichols

It's been a while since I participated in WoW. Life gets in the way...lol...But I'm back! At least this week...hee hee hee. Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. I've learned about so many books, this way. This week, I'm looking forward to finishing the last book of a series I've been reading. Surrender is the last book of a YA paranormal trilogy. Read the final description...

After a devastating battle at headquarters in New York, the ghostkeeping world is in shambles. When Emma and Bennett return home, they are determined to defeat the wraithmaster, Neos, forever. But it's not going to be easy. Bennett's parents kick him out when they realize he is still using drugs to enhance his powers. Emma is convinced her aunt has come back from the dead to warn her of a new threat. And worst of all, Neos is using wraiths to possess the students at Thatcher Academy. If the ghosts manage to take over the entire school, even Emma won't be strong enough to stop them. But if either she or Bennett sacrifice his or her powers, they might be able to save the ghostkeeping world once and for all-and break the "ghostkeepers lose their powers when they fall in love" curse. The question is: who will be the one to surrender all power?

Fast-paced and romantic, this conclusion to the Haunting Emma trilogy will thrill readers as it brings the ghostly mystery to a close.

The romantic element was weaker in the second book. If you visit here with any regularity, you know I am all about the romance. I'm hoping it comes back in a big way in this final book in the series. We'll see...

Anyone else reading this series?

Surrender: A Haunting Emma Novel releases December 6, 2011 by Bloomsbury.

Toodles!

Book One

Book Two

                                                                                                           

Book Review: The Demon Lover (Fairwick Chronicles #1) by Juliet Dark aka Carol Goodman

The Demon Lover is different than what I usually read. There was something about the cover that fascinated me, totally pulled me in. I had to read it. It looked Gothic and mysterious. Here's an excerpt and description...

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn't draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie's lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature - which is why she finds herself at Fairwick's renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover - an incubus - and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He's not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult - banishing this demon lover from her heart.
 
Now, while there are erotic elements, they're sparse and tastefully done. The language is rather poetic and literary in it's sensibility. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It really takes the reader to another place, another world. The author excels at world building. The reader is encompassed in this magical, mysterious and sometimes, scary place. The demon lover/incubus was scary, sexy, pitiful, sad...all the above. There were a number of supernatural creatures embedded in the story. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, but I'm looking forward to the sequel to find out what happens to this rather creepy, but spicy love affair. I don't think the demon lover is going to go away without a fight. There's a character I suspect is going to give him competition, but I may be wrong. I can't wait to find out!

The Demon Lover releases December 27, 2012 by Ballentine Books

Toodles!

In My Mailbox...

Original Cover

New Cover

I had some interesting finds in my mailbox this week. I requested an ARC of Wolfsbane, the second book in the Nightshade trilogy. It released in August and I never received it. Imagine my surprise when I found it in my mailbox this week! I'm especially happy because the publisher sent the one with the original cover. I am quite fond of the original covers of this series. It's been changed, now and I just don't find the new covers as intriguing. The story is awesome and I can't wait to read book two!                                                                      

I was also surprised to get Hunted, the new book by Cheryl Rainsfield. I interviewed her last year (see 3/31/10 post) when her contemporary YA, SCARS released. It's inspired by her own struggles with sexual abuse and became an award-winning novel. I can't wait to see how she's going to handle the paranormal in this one!

Carry the One is getting some interesting buzz. A young girl is killed and it affects the lives of a number of people for years to come.

And finally, I received my own copies of The Woman in Black and The Killer of Little Shepherds. I just concluded my biggest giveaway this past week and had 10 winners, for these two books. The Woman in Black will be a movie starring Daniel Radcliffe. It releases February 2012 and I'm telling you, it looks seriously scary! Again, I thank Random House for their generosity.


That's it for me. What good books did you get or read this past week?

Happy Release Day! Review of Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi.

Shatter Me is Tahereh Mafi’s debut novel, the first book in a dystopian trilogy. While a crumbling world factors into the story in a big way, Shatter Me builds on that premise with paranormal elements. It is just such an addition—the combination of those elements—that adds depth and dimension to the story.

Shatter Me is the tale of 17-year-old Juliette. She’s been locked away in a prison of sorts, separated from society, shunned by family—she’s never had any friends—and all because she killed someone by accident. She was just trying to be helpful, but to do that she had to touch someone—and her touch is deadly. When you’ve been locked away in solitary confinement for months, not speaking a word, it’s a shock to get company, especially when it’s a stunning boy—but this boy, Adam, has secrets of his own.

Juliette finds herself an object of desire. It becomes a battle of wits between Adam, her savior, and Warner, her jailor. And they’re not the only ones that want Juliette. The Reestablishment, the new society, wants her as a weapon, as does the opposition. Juliette has been an outcast all her life. Life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.

This novel sucks you in right away. It doesn’t waste a moment giving you dry backstory, but takes you right to the start of the action: Juliette locked away. The scenario begs for an explanation, but you don’t get that right away and that’s okay because the journey to find that answer is filled with such intricate worldbuilding, the reader remains fully engaged.

The device used to convey Juliette’s inner thoughts is unusual. It consists of strikeouts of the words. This was initially annoying and can pull the reader out of the story, but over time one gets used to it. It becomes a convenient way to grasp the true nature of her feelings and show the volatility of the same.

The author has a fresh grasp of language that was evidenced through her original turns of phrase. It is a pleasure to reread and ruminate over them.

Shatter Me is intriguing. Imbued with mystery, romance, high-stakes action, and paranormal adventure, Shatter Me captures the reader from page one. The conclusion was particularly well done, setting the stage for the next installment in this compelling trilogy.

Toodles!

Hey Young Adult writers! There's a new option to get your stories in the hands of readers. Learn about Tribute Books!

Nicole Langan

I'm happy to host Nicole Langan. She's the head honcho of Tribute Books, an independent publisher. They're on the look out for YA writers and the stories they have to tell. Check out the interview below and learn if this is an option for you.

1.) Tell us about Tribute Books. How long has it been around and what role did you play?



Tribute Books began in 2004 and we've published over 30 titles since that time. Some of our books have gone on to win awards such as the Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year and the Mom's Choice Award while others were endorsed by PBS and The Thoreau Society. We've covered a wide range of genres from children's picture books to history to sports under both traditional and subsidy contracts. In 2012, Tribute Books will transition into a royalty-paying ebook publisher of young adult titles.

Personally, I've spent roughly the last 12 years in the publishing world. I have a B.A. summa cum laude in English and Communications. From 1999-2004, I went from being an intern to an editorial assistant to an associate editor of a regional magazine. In 2004, I started Tribute Books. Since then, I've worked with dozens of authors, illustrators, photographers and editors in publishing our titles.

                                                                                                                   
2) Why should an author choose Tribute Books rather than another independent publisher?
  
We're an author's support system. We're here every step of the way. An author is not in it alone. We are constantly promoting our titles on a daily basis, even those published years ago. Our efforts continue long after a book is initially released. Plus we employ the full power of our experience, our credentials, our social media platform, etc. on an author's behalf. An author becomes a part of our team and we offer one-on-one support throughout the entire process.

And the Ten Winners of The Woman in Black and The Killer of Little Shepherds are...

Thanks so much guys for entering and giving me the names of some interesting books to check out. A special thanks to those who became followers of my little piece of the blogosphere! You've put me over the 1000 mark and I'm planning a special giveaway to celebrate! I won't make you wait a moment longer to learn who won what book. The winners are...

The Woman in Black:                                                                                      

1)The Brunette Librarian!!
2) Danah!!
3) Sheila!!
4) SiNn!!
5)AshleyS!!

The Killer of Little Shepherds:

1) Jessie!!
2) Inga!!
3) Liz@Fictional Candy!!
4) Krysykat!!
5) Sandra Stiles!!


Please email me with your address ladies, so I may pass it on to the publisher. If I don't hear from you in 72 hours, I'll select someone else in your place.

Toodles!

Welcome to the Book Giveaway Hop. Ten Winners for this one!

 

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED AS OF 11/12/11

Hi guys. Welcome to my version of the Giveaway Hop hosted by I'm Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Tristi Pinkston. This is a great opportunity for ten winners to win one of two books I'm offering. They're a little different and I think make for very interesting reading.

I went to the movies a couple of weeks ago and saw the preview for a movie that will be coming out in the new year called, The Woman in Black. I was surprised to see it starred Harry Potter--I mean--Daniel Radcliffe!...lol...Let me tell you, it looked seriously spooky and creepy--very dark and ominous--which means I can't wait to see it! Imagine my surprise when shortly after, the publisher, Random House offered me the chance to get this book into the hands of five lucky readers. Of course I had to say, yes. Read what it's about for yourself:

The classic ghost story by Susan Hill: a chilling tale about a menacing spectre haunting a small English town. Arthur Kipps is an up-and-coming London solicitor who is sent to Crythin Gifford—a faraway town in the windswept salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway—to attend the funeral and settle the affairs of a client, Mrs. Alice Drablow of Eel Marsh House. Mrs. Drablow’s house stands at the end of the causeway, wreathed in fog and mystery, but Kipps is unaware of the tragic secrets that lie hidden behind its sheltered windows. The routine business trip he anticipated quickly takes a horrifying turn when he finds himself haunted by a series of mysterious sounds and images—a rocking chair in a deserted nursery, the eerie sound of a pony and trap, a child’s scream in the fog, and, most terrifying of all, a ghostly woman dressed all in black. Psychologically terrifying and deliciously eerie, THE WOMAN IN BLACK is a remarkable thriller of the first rate.


They also offered another unique book. It's called The Killer of Little Shepherds. The folks will get this one, too. We're all familiar with the CSI shows, the role DNA plays in solving crimes and all forms of forensic science. The Killer of Little Shepherds details how a true crime story laid the foundation for development of forensics and criminal investigation. Check out the description...

Winner of the Golden Dagger Award

                                                                                   
A fascinating true crime story that details the rise of modern forensics and the development of modern criminal investigation.

At the end of the nineteenth century, serial murderer Joseph Vacher terrorized the French countryside, eluding authorities for years, and murdering twice as many victims as Jack The Ripper. Here, Douglas Starr revisits Vacher's infamous crime wave, interweaving the story of the two men who eventually stopped him—prosecutor Emile Fourquet and Dr. Alexandre Lacassagne, the era's most renowned criminologist. In dramatic detail, Starr shows how Lacassagne and his colleagues were developing forensic science as we know it. Building to a gripping courtroom denouement, The Killer of Little Shepherds is a riveting contribution to the history of criminal justice.

Be aware, I can't guarantee who will win which one of the books. You have to be willing to take either one. The selection will be totally random. If you want the chance to win, tell me the name of a ghost story you've read and/or a crime story you've read. If you haven't read either type of story, that's fine, but you must say so. That is all! Don't forget to leave your email so you can be contacted if you're one of the winners. The books will be coming directly from the publisher, so I have no control over when they arrive.

The giveaway is open to residents of the US only, at publisher's request. You'll find links to other blogs participating in the giveaway hop, below.
Good luck, ya'll!

Toodles!

And the Winner of Destined is....

Thanks for dropping in, girls. The winner of Destined-The House of Night series is...

Kimyunalesca!!

Please email me with your address, so I may pass it on to the publisher. If I don't hear from the winner in 24 hours, another will be chosen in her place. Winner was chosen randomly using Random.org

Toodles!

My Selection for Waiting on Wednesday: The Whole Story of Half a Girl by Veera Hiranandani

Waiting on Wednesday is back! It's the weekly opportunity to learn about another new, pending book. It was started by the fabulous Jill over at Breaking the Spine. I seem to be on a trend. This week, I'm going contemporary YA and selecting another story with a biracial girl at the center of the story. Here's the description...

After her father loses his job, Sonia Nadhamuni, half Indian and half Jewish American, finds herself yanked out of private school and thrown into the unfamiliar world of public education. For the first time, Sonia's mixed heritage makes her classmates ask questions—questions Sonia doesn't always know how to answer—as she navigates between a group of popular girls who want her to try out for the cheerleading squad and other students who aren't part of the "in" crowd.

At the same time that Sonia is trying to make new friends, she's dealing with what it means to have an out-of-work parent—it's hard for her family to adjust to their changed circumstances. And then, one day, Sonia's father goes missing. Now Sonia wonders if she ever really knew him. As she begins to look for answers, she must decide what really matters and who her true friends are—and whether her two halves, no matter how different, can make her a whole.

This has a fresh perspective and I'm looking forward to learning how the protagonist tackles these issues. Anyone think they'll be joining me?

The Whole Story of Half a Girl releases January 10, 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers.

Toodles!

Book Giveaway: Destined (House of Night) by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Hey guys, the publisher is giving away a copy of Destined, the ninth book in the House of Night series by P.C. and Kristin Cast.

Check out the description:
  
In Destined, the forces of Light and Dark collide as their epic struggle focuses on Tulsa's House of Night. Zoey is home where she belongs, safe with her Guardian Warrior, Stark, by her side - and preparing to face off against Neferet. Kalona has released his hold on Rephaim, and, through Nyx's gift of a human form, he and Stevie Rae are finally able to be together - if Rephaim can truly walk the path of the Goddess and stay free of his father's shadow.

But is Zoey really safe? Does she truly know those who are closest to her? And will love win when it is tested by the very soul of Darkness? Find out what's destined in the next thrilling chapter of the House of Night series.

If you're interested in being the winner, just leave a comment and let me know if you've read any books by this mother-daughter team of authors and what you like about their stories. I've never read them, so I'm really interested. If you haven't read any, like me, just say so. Don't forget to include your email so you can be contacted if you're the winner.

Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only at publisher's request. It ends Wednesday, November 2, 2011.

Toodles!