My selection for Waiting on Wednesday...

Book One

Boy! It's been forever since I did a Waiting on Wednesday post! Life's been incredibly busy these days, but I'd like to get back in the routine---somewhat! Jill at Breaking the Spine started this meme and I've missed it. For my return performance, I've selected the first book in a new series by Lauren DeStefano: Perfect Ruin, The Internment Chronicles.

I became a fan of DeStefano after reading Wither, The Chemical Garden trilogy. She has a lyrical, and lovely style of prose, plus her stories have an unusual and odd sensibility. The author even looks a bit mysterious and quirky in her photos; like there are a lot of strange stories floating in that head of hers. I for one, am curious to know what they are. This newest series sounds like it has that odd, creative vein running through it. Check out the description...

On the floating city of Internment, you can be anything you dream. Unless you approach the edge.
Morgan Stockhour knows getting too close to the edge of Internment, the floating city in the clouds where she lives, can lead to madness. Even though her older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. If she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in her best friend, Pen, and in Basil, the boy she's engaged to marry.
Then a , the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially once she meets Judas. Betrothed to the victim, he is the boy being blamed for the murder, but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or whom she will lose.

Yup. Sounds sufficiently odd and strange to me! I'd love to score a copy from the publisher ( are you listening Simon and Schuster? Lol...) I like collecting this author's books as keepers. The covers of her novels are interesting too.

Perfect Ruin, The Internment Chronicles, releases October 1, 2013.

Toodles, ya'll!

Mailbox Monday!

I can't believe it, but I've never read a Melissa de la Cruz book. Not for lack of interest. She's a prolific writer and her Blue Bloods series sounds good. Somehow, I just never got around to any of her books. Probably because I have so many books to get to! I found her latest in my mailbox this week: Winds of Salem, a Witches of East End novel. It's a LifeTime series. I don't know if it's started yet because I'm behind on my TV watching too. My thanks to Hyperion for their generosity and their push to get me to read some of her stuff! Lol...Witches of Salem will be released 8/13/13.




I also received Scorched by Mare Mancuso. Dragons...Umm...doesn't that cover look awesome? The girl pictured is coming up against two brothers (cute I'm sure...lol), one who wants to save the dragon and one who wants to destroy it. She and the dragon look kinda chummy to me...We'll see...I'll be digging into this one soon. My thanks to Sourcebooks Fire. Scorched will be released on 9/3/13.




I'm really looking forward to reading The Twisted Key by Tone Almhjell. I learned about this book from Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series (which is freaking awesome, btw!). She met Tone Almhjell through her blog and they became friends. Laini referred her to her literary agent, I believe, and the rest is history. We now have The Twisted Key! The cover looks so magical and the story sounds so as well. There's a strange key that opens a secret door and leads to a strange world. If you're an animal lover like me, it sounds delicious because in that world, the inhabitants were once beloved pets or tamed wild animals. My thanks to the publisher for passing this on! The Twisted Key releases 10/22/13 from Dial.

Toodles, ya'll!





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Book Review: THE RETURNED by Jason Mott

This book came to my attention because it is getting a lot of buzz. The Returned is being adapted as a TV series by ABC. I read interviews by the author and was intrigued by the premise of his story: What would happen if people began to return from the dead? Your loved ones and maybe some who were not so loved. What would you do? Why did this occur? I had to find out, so when the opportunity to read The Returned presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

Harold and Lucy Hargrove are shocked to find their son, Jacob, who died on his eighth birthday in 1966, standing on their doorstep. They don't know what to make of it. Is he a miracle or a devil? People all over the world are asking themselves the same questions, with varied and mixed reactions!

I watched the trailer for this book and the whole feel was weird and maybe a tad creepy. I didn't know what to make of the story myself, so I had to plunge into it.

As I read, I keep waiting for the big answer. Why was this happening? That question was in the back of my mind the whole time. As the story proceeded, I found it interesting, but I became a bit disappointed because it was not turning out to be the big, epic, grandiose tale I was expecting. It was proceeding along rather quietly and I was able to put it down several times. It stayed in the back of my mind, though, and I knew I had to finish it. I had to know where it was all leading.

The tale begins to pick up speed. An entire murdered family "returns" and some people are not happy about it. They are intent on sending them back to the grave. Lucy and Harold Hargrove have other plans. The whole world is in a tizzy. Governments have to decide what to do with these newly "undead" people. It may not be what you would expect. The world reaction certainly threw me for a loop.

You really have to read this story for yourself. The author developed his idea for this story after he dreamed about his deceased mother returning from the dead. It was his hope that this book would be thought-provoking and indeed help people to consider their own feelings and perhaps deal with unresolved issues considering their dearly departed.

I found myself in tears for one brief moment and I believe I understood the author's intent. We each have to confront the end of life and what that means for each of us.

The Returned is epic in an unexpected and gentle way. It sneaks up on you and pulls you into exploring death and ultimately the meaning of life. Read it.

The Returned releases August 27, 2013 by Harlequin Mira.

Toodles, ya'll...

Random Shot: Ice cream anyone?

Well, it's Random Shot time. I've decided to post these every so often if I manage to catch something on film that interests me. I was walking along when I couldn't believe my eyes. I saw a squirrel sitting on a railing. He had something in his hands and he looked like he was munching away! I took a picture from a distance, but I still couldn't quite make out what he was holding. I crept a bit closer, figuring he would scamper away. Nope. He stayed put. I came closer still, as close as I dared and still he didn't move---except for his jaws! Lo and behold, he was eating ice cream. Or the last remnants of it. This squirrel was enjoying himself with a frozen treat and he wasn't about to stop just because a nosy human was in his business...lol...Ahh...the adventures of the urban squirrel...

Toodles, y'all!

Book Review: Game by Barry Lyga

Book Two

I've been a fan of Barry Lyga since I read his second book, Boy Toy. it is about the sexual abuse of a young boy by his teacher. It was so amazingly good. I learned he was writing a fairly big book on a serial killer. He appears to be a through researcher on the subject matter he he writes about, so I couldn't wait to see what he was going to do with this topic. I wasn't disappointed. The first book in the series, I Hunt Killers is excellent. Game is the sequel and once again, I was a satisfied customer. It picks up where I Hunt Killers left off and takes so many spins and turns. The first book had so many heart pumping moments. Game deepened the story. Check out the description...

Billy grinned. "Oh, New York," he whispered. "We're gonna have so much fun."

I Hunt Killers introduced the world to Jazz, the son of history's most infamous serial killer, Billy Dent.

In an effort to prove murder didn't run in the family, Jazz teamed with the police in the small town of Lobo's Nod to solve a deadly case. And now, when a determined New York City detective comes knocking on Jazz's door asking for help, he can't say no. The Hat-Dog Killer has the Big Apple--and its police force--running scared. So Jazz and his girlfriend, Connie, hop on a plane to the big city and get swept up in a killer's murderous game.

Both the stakes and the body count are higher in this suspenseful and unstoppable sequel from acclaimed author Barry Lyga.

Lyga makes each character so unique.  The main character, Jasper Dent aka Jazz is white and his girlfriend, Connie is black. I don't know if the author had/has a black girlfriend, but he captured the whole black girl feel perfectly, especially the angst many of them have about their hair. I may be confusing this issue with what happened in the first book since the story meshes together so seamlessly.

This is not just the story of the exploits of a serial killer, but how those exploits affect his son and their relationship; how this killer thinks he is and tries to be a good father in his own perverse way. A very creative premise.

On one of my visits to Lyga's site, I recall seeing a picture of how thick the manuscript for this story was before it was published. In book two, he leaves us at a critical juncture. I'm licking my chops to learn how it all ends in book three.

Game released April 16, 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

Toodles ya'll!

Happy National Lobster Day!

Today is National Lobster Day. We think of this succulent meat as a luxury today, but it wasn't always so. In the 1800's, lobster was considered peasant food! It was so plentiful,  people in New England just picked them up off the beach during low tide and the wealthy served them to their servants several times a week. Can you imagine?

Lobster Salad

Lobster Roll

What you may want to imagine are all the wonderful ways you can serve lobster: the classic lobster roll, lobster salad, steamed, grilled, a lobster bake...I can see the steam wafting off the hot corn now...Have I wet your appetite?...I bet my friend Patty, who's a lobster aficionado, has plans today for a lovely meal. If nothing else, there's always Red Lobster...Lol...Enjoy!

Toddles, y'all!

New Release: Tidal by Amanda Hocking

Amanda Hocking keeps the books coming. The self-published wunderkind is engrossed in her newest series. Her third book in the Watersong series released June 4. Learn more about her and her other books by going here.

Toodles y'all!

Book Review: The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa

Book One

The Eternity Cure is the second book of the Blood Eden series by Julie Kagawa. I haven't read her Iron Fey series, but I'm in love with this one. It's bloody good---literally! Take a peek at the description from Goodreads:

Allison Sekemoto has vowed to rescue her creator, Kanin, who is being held hostage and tortured by the psychotic vampire Sarren. The call of blood leads her back to the beginning—New Covington and the Fringe, and a vampire prince who wants her dead yet may become her wary ally.

Even as Allie faces shocking revelations and heartbreak like she’s never known, a new strain of the Red Lung virus that decimated humanity is rising to threaten human and vampire alike.

The description doesn't even begin to touch what goes on in this novel. I thought the first book, The Immortal Rules was good, but the author upped the ante with this one! She deepened the story and took the reader through dark and bloody (there goes that word again!) twists and turns. The story was pretty violent, but it wasn't gratuitous or superficial. Every fight, wound and death was necessary to tell the tale. Kagawa even managed to intersperse a romance among the heavy, dangerous action. 

Each character was so unique and well fleshed out. I loved them all---with the exception of Stick. He's well-written, just a guy you love to hate. You'll see...lol...Jackal, the savvy, but dangerous vampire, could be so drool and funny...I laughed out loud more than once at his words of "wisdom." The author excels at world-building. She blew my mind by the ending, but of course you'll have to read it yourself to find out.

I'm ready for book three. I can't wait to keep reading this story. I think the rights were bought to adapt it to a movie, but I'm not sure. It would be awesome as a film. Boys will love it for the action and girls will eat up the romance. Awesome, I say!

The Eternity Cure was released April 30. 2013 by Harlequin Teen.

Toodles, y'all!

Book Two

A Random Shot: YA Anyone?

I have no idea who this kid is. He just caught my eye because I thought he looked interesting. As it turns out, he's not very photogenic. He looks much better in the flesh. I was curious about his ethnicity and I still haven't figured it out. I think he looks so classically YA, a teen of the moment...I tried not to be obvious taking the shot, but do you think he caught on? LOL...

Toodles, y'all!

Star Trek: Into Darkness...my thoughts...

I went to see the latest Star Trek movie this Memorial weekend. I was happy to learn it was offered in 2-D because I hate paying a premium price for 3-D. It's such a rip-off. I remember when 3-D movies were regular price, then after the popularity of Avatar, the studios realized they could make a killing fooling people to think it was worth it to pay more for 3-D. It's not.

Anyway...I digress...let me get back to the matter at hand---Star Trek. I read several mixed reviews, some of which really skewered the movie. I was determined to see for myself because I really enjoyed the Star Trek movie in 2009 and was looking forward to the follow up. I really hoped these critics were wrong. Thank goodness they were. I had such a good time!! And this is coming from someone who is not a Trekkie. When Star Trek came on TV when I was a kid, I hated it. All that philosophical mumbo-jumbo went over my head. I was bored silly. It was only when I got older and saw the reruns that I could understand what was going on and the deeper meaning of the scenes.

I just don't understand what some of these reviewers are looking for. Some said the movie was boring and this couldn't be further from the truth. There were a lot of pulse-pumping, heart-stopping moments that had me and by the looks of it, a lot of people in the theater, at the edge of their seats. I was clutching my chest and practically gnawing my hand at some points...lol...People laughed out loud at the bromance between Kirk and Spock. All the actors channeled the old stars and their mannerisms of the characters so well. They stayed true to who the characters are, but still made the roles their own: Scotty, Sulu, Dr. McCoy...etc...And the new villian...Some reviewers said he was boring. Hello!! He's played by "Sherlock Holmes" himself, Benedict Cumberbatch. He was wonderfully drool, yet menacing in the role. I couldn't wait to find out what he was really up to.

Well, have I made myself clear?! I loved this movie, can't wait for the next installment and those critics don't know what they're talking about!

Of course, if you, dear reader didn't like the movie, I'll most definitely respect your opinion...Lol...

Toodles, y'all!

Monday Mailbox

I have to thank Entangled Publishing for being so generous. I was surprised to receive two more books from them this week. Relic by Renee Collins will be released in September. It has a creepy cover and it takes place in a unique setting---the Old West! It's full of magical creatures. I'm looking forward to learning how this all comes together.

I've already started reading The Fallen Prince by Shea Berkley. This is another magic-filled story. There's an interesting romance and the reader is thrown right into the action. I'm getting into it and really curious as to where this tale is going. It's filled with boys who ignite with fire and girls who babysit dragons when they're not making out!

Megan, the publicist for Gates of Paradise, the last book in the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, was kind enough to send it to me. An extra little addition is Blue Bloods, the graphic novel or as I would have called it back in the day, a comic book! Lol...of course this version is a lot more luxurious than the pulp paper version of the old days. I haven't read this series, so this graphic novel offers me the perfect opportunity to get a good, general overview of the story.

To happy reading, y'all!

Toddles.

And the Winner of UNWRITTEN by Charles Martin is...

Thanks for checking out UNWRITTEN. It sounds like a great story and I can't wait to read it. One of you won't have to wait long because you're the winner! And the winner is...Vicki!!! Congrats.

Please email me with your contact info, so I can pass it on to the publicist. If I don't hear from you in 72 hrs, I'll select someone else. The winner was chosen randomly.

Toodles, y'all

Book Giveaway: UNWRITTEN by Charles Martin

Hi guys! I have UNWRITTEN by Charles Martin, but I haven't had time to read it yet. The cover really intrigued me. I love a beach setting. Plus, I think the author's cute...Lol...Then I read the description and really got pulled in. Check it out...



Charles Martin

 Martin is the author of eight novels known for their Southern settings and inspirational themes, including the New York Times bestseller Where the River Ends. The rights to another book, The Mountain Between Us, recently sold to 20th Century Fox; actor Michael Fassbender is slated to star in the film. His books have been translated into 17 languages.


The new novel, UNWRITTEN, tells a story that seems ripped from the headlines. Gifted actress Katie Quinn attempts to end her life by hanging herself from the balcony of her Miami apartment, the burdens of fame and a life-long secret taking the ultimate toll. But before she can jump, her priest, Steady, comes to her aide, along with a mysterious stranger known only as Sunday. Sunday helps Katie dismantle her life by faking her own death, and then hiding in the Ten Thousand Islands off the Florida coast where he has lived alone for years. But Katie believes that in order to truly be free, she must make peace with her past, which is buried in the countryside of France. Sunday reluctantly leaves behind his solitary existence to help Katie with her quest. Little does he know that in helping her, he will finally be able to confront his long-hidden demons.

UNWRITTEN is a moving story about the price of our culture’s celebrity obsession, and the power we all have to choose a happier life. You can read Martin’s blog and find out more about his writing at www.charlesmartinbooks.com

I love getting good books into your hands, so I asked the publicist if she'd be willing to send another copy to a giveaway winner. She said, yes! Thanks, Angela! So, if you're interested in a chance to win it, just leave a comment that includes your email. That's important. I want to be able to reach you if you're the winner!

Giveaway is open to residents of the US only, at publicist request.

Toodles, y'all!

In My Mailbox...

Boy. It's been a long time since I did one of these posts. I have received some interessting books over the last few weeks. Take a look...

Entangled Publishing has been especially generous in sending me reading material. They are the force behind all the books above. I've only finished Dear Cassie so far. It's the companion book to Pretty Amy. If you haven't checked out the author, Lisa Burnstein, you should put her on your radar. The girl has serious writing chops.

My thanks to Ballantine Books for The Clover House. It goes back and forth between modern Boston and 1940's Greece. Family secrets are waiting to be revealed and I'm looking forward to finding out what they are!

Toodles, y'all!

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter--The Movie...My thoughts...

Now, I know I'm late to this party. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter came out almost a year ago, in June of 2012. I had an interest in seeing it, but never got around to it. It probably didn't help that the reviews were less than enthusiastic. Maybe that played a part in me not pushing myself to go. Last weekend I was channel surfing and came across it on HBO. It was 20 minutes into the show and caught my attention immediately.

I screamed, yelped and hid my face at the graphic violence of scene after scene. Even my husband,who's not partial to TV or movies, kept looking over to see what was going on. Since I didn't catch the show from the beginning, I didn't understand what was going on. I tried to watch it when it repeated, and again, caught it 20 minutes into the showing. I finally managed to see it from the beginning. And LOVED it!

I know it didn't get good reviews, but after watching it at lease three times, I'm impressed with the author's imagination. He not only wrote the book, but adapted the screenplay if I'm not mistaken. I thought he did a good job of transforming history to include this vampire lore. A lot of the reviews thought it was silly, but it took a highly creative mind to integrate that mythology into significant historical events like the civil war and the life of our sixteenth president.

Also, the more times I watched it, the violence wasn't as shocking, allowing me to process the storyline.

The Novel

It's not as bad or silly as the reviews made it out to be. I think it's pretty entertaining and well worth a look. If it comes on again, I'll probably watch it---again! Lol...Now I want to read the book!

Toodles, y'all.

The Winner of Truth or Dare by Jacqueline Green is...

Thanks for dropping in girls to enter the giveaway. I wish I had a copy for each of you. And now for the good stuff. The winner of Truth or Dare,  by Jacqueline Green is...

Tiffany Drew!

Congrats, Tiffany. Please email me with your address so I can pass it on to the publisher. The book will be coming directly from Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. If I don't hear from you in 72 hours I'll choose another winner.

The winner was selected randomly.

Until the next giveaway....

                                                                           

book one