July 29, 2011

Review:Devil's Kiss by Sarwat Chadda

Summary-
Bilquis SanGreal grew up knowing she would have to make sacrifices to be in the Knights Templar. Sacrifices like losing her mother to the Templar's ongoing battle against the Unholy; sacrifices like trading her childhood in for relentless training; sacrifices that keep her completely isolated from the world of a normal teen girl.

Billi's lone wolf status is challenged when her childhood friend, Kay, returns from his psychic training in Jerusalem. Kay manages to stir things up quickly -- he's gorgeous, arrogant, and wants to slide right back into his old place in Billi's life. Billi is skeptical, but interested, until she meets Michael -- an ethereally handsome guy who seems to understand her like no one before him, and effortlessly stakes a claim in her heart.
Just as Billi's starting to enjoy this pleasant new twist to her life, Kay ruins everything. In a moment of bravado, Kay uses the last of the Templar's treasures, King Solomon's cursed mirror, drawing the attention of one of the most dangerous of the Templars' enemies -- The Angel of Death.
Only with the mirror can the dark angel unleash his full powers, and now that he's heard the call of the mirror, he'll stop at nothing to get it. To save London from catastrophe, Billi will have to make sacrifices greater than she'd ever imagined.

Review-
Killing him should be easy; He's only six."

I know right! One heck of an opener!! That sentence had me hooked. I finished it in two days. SO...Billi falls for Michael...OK first problem. There was no love story there! He met her...had a date...she's in love?? How? Ok Second problem now! There is Kay! (I love Kay!!! (So does Billi.)) There needed to be way more to that relationship as well. There was nothing to make me think she actually loved these guys and there should have been!!! It ties into the plot! I expected ALOT more from this book. I read the summary and was "OH MY! I HAVE to read this!" Little did I know I was set up for disappointment when it came to the love story. Now onto better aspects of the book!! I really loved the relationship between Billi and her dad. There was hard feelings between them. I don't want to say hatred because she didn't hate him, she just didn't like him. Like most teenagers lol. The plot in this story was really good. I loved and hated the ending at the same time! I hated it for one obvious reason but, loved it because of the same. My heart went completely out to her at that point but I was also like "Nooooooo!!!! That can't be right!!!!" But it was :( Any Hoo... All in all a good read. I loved it besides the lack of the love story.

Publisher-Hyperion Books
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah

Review:Nightshade (Nightshade #1) by Andrea Cremer

Summary-
Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful human boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything- including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?


Review-
Okie Dokie Lets start with the cover....Can we say Breathtaking! It is an absolutely gorgeous cover! This book captured and held my attention from the start. I finished it in two days! I love Ren!! She totally needs to ditch Shay and pick Ren....Stupid Shay! I knew Ren truly cared for Calla even if he was a prick at times. He was jealous of Shays attention from Calla. I am dying to read the next part! This is on my 10 star list!

Publisher-Philomel
My score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Sarah

July 26, 2011

Author Profile: M. Lighton and her new book Madly

The Book


Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl—for a mermaid princess, that is.
Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, Madly’s home beneath the sea. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants.
The first spirit to arrive is that of Ulrich Wolfhardt, a man that was once obsessed with wolves and a young maiden he would follow through the woods. After a bite from a wolf, Wolfhardt’s obsession with the girl became an unnatural hunger and the young maiden’s grandmother cursed him with a fate worse than death. And now he’s back…with a vengeance and a bite that can infect others as well.
Madly must learn the identity of Wolfhardt’s descendant and stop him before he kills again and spreads his curse across the earth. But the only person strong enough to help Madly is Jackson, the Sentinel who vowed to protect her and the one person capable of breaking her heart. Can Madly resist forbidden love long enough to save the world from Wolfhardt? Or will she have to sacrifice her heart and her destiny to save the ones she loves?



FIND Madlys story on  Amazon Here!
FIND AT Barnes & Noble Here!

                                                                        The Author
M. Leighton is a native of Ohio, but she relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: writing fiction. Six of Michelle's novels can now be found on Amazon, as well as several other sites. She's currently working on sequels, though her mind continues to churn out new ideas, exciting plots and quirky characters. Pick one up and enjoy a wild ride through the twists and turns of her vivid imagination.



OTHER M. LEIGHTON BOOKS
Blood Like Poison: For the Love of a Vampire
Blood Like Poison: Destined for a Vampire
Caterpillar
The Reaping
Wiccan


FIND MICHELLE
Blog http://mleightonbooks.blogspot.com
FB http://www.facebook.com/pages/M-Leighton/189192087759491#!/pages/M-Leighton/189192087759491
GR http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1152263.M_Leighton
Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/mleightonbooks
EM m.leighton.books@gmail.com







July 25, 2011

Author Interview: Paradise Rules by Jimmy Gleacher

 
Today we have the pleasure of having Jimmy Gleacherr stop by our blogtoday to give  us a great intewrview!.
1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I was inspired to write PARADISE RULES by an actual person who performed and achieved great successes in high school even though his home life was atrocious. I was so impressed I wanted to write a book with a main character who could do the same.

2.How did you come up with the names for the characters?
I name the small characters after I people I know because people usually get a kick out of it. For important characters I use a stranger’s name to keep it fresh.

3.How much are you and the characters alike?
Many of my characters mean well, have good intentions but are also flawed and make mistakes, so in that respect we are exactly alike.


4.Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
I read every night before bed. Right now I am reading IMPERIAL BEDROOMS by Bret Easton Ellis.

5. What made you decide to go golf instead of a different sport?
I chose golf because I love the game and am very familiar with it. It’s also a very individual sport that requires honesty and strategy and thematically that fit with the book.

6. How did the cover come about?
The talented people at Simon & Schuster did the cover for PARADISE RULES so I can’t take any credit for it. I love it though. Most authors don’t have a say in what their covers will look like, they just have to hope, so I got lucky I got such a good one. I did get a chance to design the cover of my second book, SILLY LITTLE RICH GIRL, but that’s because it was published by a small press.

7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?
The book I’m working on right now is titled, THE CURSE OF KAUFT and it’s about a burned out pro golfer who makes a deal with the devil to get one more chance to make it on the PGA Tour, a decision that quickly begins to bring him trouble.

8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I teach creative writing part time.

9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about peoples reactions to your books?
I wrote my first book when I was studying to get my Masters in Fine Arts in Creative Writing. I never worried about peoples reactions because I was enjoying writing so much.

10. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
Sea glass that I find on the beach

~Thanks Jimmy ffor stopping by and sharing some info on your new book Paradise Rules! Feel free to stop by anytime~

July 23, 2011

Ted Saves the World by Bryan Cohen Blog Tour

Harry and Carrie
By Bryan Cohen
Today I went to see the last Harry Potter movie on the big screen with a trio of comedians. It's always an amazing experience getting to see a blockbuster flick with friends who have a huge sense of humor. An unintentionally silly scene (Voldemort's laugh in front of Hogwarts towards the end comes to mind) causes a whisper giggle riot when among such company. One of these comedians, who happens to be my favorite female comic in the city of Chicago, Carrie, also went through an entire container of tissues due to a never-ending stream of tears.
Comedians in Chicago are an interesting bunch. Having been involved in so many ridiculous scenes during improvisational and sketch comedy scenes, it's hard for something to really impact us emotionally. I looked over at Carrie and thought, "J.K. Rowling made a comedian weep. That's amazing!"
Obviously, the author of the best-selling series of the century has touched a nerve with many people. It wouldn't be breaking all sorts of book sales and movie box office records if it hadn't. But the fact that even in people who tend to have guarded emotions, this series breaks through to the heart is a true achievement.
In creating a series of my own, starting with i laugh. I wanted the characters to be entertaining and for their adventures to make people want to keep turning the pages. As the series continues, I want to make sure I keep in mind my weeping comedian friend. If an audience is truly invested in a character, it actually feels the emotions that the characters are feeling. Readers will laugh and cry right along with those characters.

Ted Saves the World includes some fun characters that I hope will touch audiences over the course of multiple books. While they may not reach the pinnacle of a connection between Harry and Carrie, I will always have that fantastic reader to character relationship to draw from for inspiration.



Description of Ted Saves the World (Available for just $0.99):
A possessed cheerleader. A cursed gang of criminals. Mysterious telekinetic powers. An angry ex-girlfriend in gym class? One second, sophomore in high school Ted endures his first breakup in his favorite place in town. The next, a mysterious blue light turns him into a worldwide superhero sensation for taking down a posse of grisly murderers. As his views on YouTube increase and his friend Dhiraj tries to capitalize on the marketing potential, his dangers increase as well when a presumed-dead cheerleader begins taking a personal interest. Can Ted survive his first week as a superhero in the public eye? This novella is the first taste in a series of full-length novels about the adventures of Ted Finley and Erica LaPlante. The book is also available on Barnes & Noble and Smashwords for $0.99.


Giveaway:
Bryan Cohen is giving away four $25 Amazon gift cards, one for each week of his month long blog tour. To enter, simply comment with your e-mail address (feel free to substitute @ with (at) or other tricks to stop spammers from getting it). Bryan will draw the four names at the end of the tour, picking one entrant at random from each week’s set of blog posts. Entries will be counted through Monday, August 15th, 2011. Enter on as many sites as you want, follow the tour at Build Creative Writing Ideas. If Ted reaches the Top 100 on Amazon at any point during the tour, a fifth $25 card will be added to the giveaway.

Biography:
Bryan Cohen is a writer, actor and comedian from Dresher, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2005 with degrees in English and Dramatic Art and a minor in Creative Writing. He has written seven books including 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts: Ideas for Blogs, Scripts, Stories and More. Contact Bryan through his Ted Saves the World blog, his Build Creative Writing Ideas site or Twitter.

Review: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly

Summary-
Mattie Gokey has a word for everything. She collects words, stores them up as a way of fending off the hard truths of her life, the truths that she can't write down in stories.

The fresh pain of her mother's death. The burden of raising her sisters while her father struggles over his brokeback farm. The mad welter of feelings Mattie has for handsome but dull Royal Loomis, who says he wants to marry her. And the secret dreams that keep her going--visions of finishing high school, going to college in New York City, becoming a writer.
Yet when the drowned body of a young woman turns up at the hotel where Mattie works, all her words are useless. But in the dead woman's letters, Mattie again finds her voice, and a determination to live her own life.
Set in 1906 against the backdrop of the murder that inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, this coming-of-age novel effortlessly weaves romance, history, and a murder mystery into something moving, and real, and wholly original.

                                     Review-
I enjoyed reading this book, although the early 1900's time period where the story is set may seem boring to some. The plot was exciting and very interesting, and I could hardly wait to find what would happen next. Aspiring writers and book lovers would especially love this novel and could easily connect with the feelings of the main character, who also aspires to be a writer.

Publisher-Harcourt Children's Books
My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Molly Maugans (Student at Franklin High School)
       Thank you to the Author for donating this book!

Review: Those That Wake by Jesse Karp

Summary-
New York City’s spirit has been crushed. People walk the streets with their heads down, withdrawing from one another and into the cold comfort of technology. Teenagers Mal and Laura have grown up in this reality. They’ve never met. Seemingly, they never will.

But on the same day Mal learns his brother has disappeared, Laura discovers her parents have forgotten her. Both begin a search for their families that leads them to the same truth: someone or something has wiped the teens from the memories of every person they have ever known. Thrown together, Mal and Laura must find common ground as they attempt to reclaim their pasts.

                                       Review-
This book totally dddrrraaagggeeeddd! I was so happy to be done with this so I could just move on. This book jumped characters so much I just couldn't keep up. There was also a lot of stuff I just didn't understand. Its a very complicated book. Wait this is a young adult book? Are you kidding me?!? Lets not get started on how many time the F-bomb and G.D. is dropped. Totally not appropriate. I'm glad I didn't waste my money on this book. Over all if you can't fall asleep and need some help this is your ticket.

Publisher-Harcourt Children's Books

My Score: 2 Stars :(
Reviewed by~Sarah
                                              Thank you to the publisher for this book!

Review: Friendship on Fire by Danielle Weiler

Summary-
The first few days of year 12 are disastrous for school captain Daisy Brooks.

But Daisy’s life takes a sudden turn when she is dared by Skye, the leader of the Blonde Brigade, to meet the mysterious, drop-dead gorgeous stranger, Nate, from rival school Addison Grammar. Daisy’s instant attraction to him disrupts her world. But what about her best friend Roman? How will he respond to this intruder?
Daisy is a vulnerable, yet fiery girl going through the chaotic phase between teenage and adulthood. She is about to discover the complexities of relationships, the etiquette of friendship and, most of all, her development as a woman.
Is it too late for Daisy to realise that the choices she makes shapes who she is and who she will become

                                                                         Review-
    So this was an Aussie young adult book I got a chance to read. I loved that the story related to a lot of issues that young teens are experiencing.  The Aussie slang threw me off and I had to keep hitting the Internet to look them up to see what they meant. The story was very well written. I loved the humor in this book. I was so caught up in the story that I couldn't get out till it was over! I loved that the end didn't leave you hanging really bad like a lot of books seem to do anymore. All in all a great read for Young adults.

Publisher-Sid Harta Publishers
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah
                                               ~Thank you to the Author for this book~

July 18, 2011

Review: The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus #1) by Rick Riordan


Summary-
Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up in a bus full of kids on a field trip. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. They’re all students at a boarding school for “bad kids.” What did Jason do to end up here? And where is here, exactly?

Piper has a secret. Her father has been missing for three days, ever since she had that terrifying nightmare. Piper doesn’t understand her dream, or why her boyfriend suddenly doesn’t recognize her. When a freak storm hits, unleashing strange creatures and whisking her, Jason, and Leo away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood, she has a feeling she’s going to find out.
Leo has a way with tools. When he sees his cabin at Camp Half-Blood, filled with power tools and machine parts, he feels right at home. But there’s weird stuff, too—like the curse everyone keeps talking about. Weirdest of all, his bunk mates insist that each of them—including Leo—is related to a god.
Join new and old friends from Camp Half-Blood in this thrilling first audio book in The Heroes of Olympus series.(less)

Review-
I loved this book.  It is a great cross between Greek and Roman mythology.  It is also a great spin-off of the Percy Jackson Series, one of my favorites.  It gives mystery, action, and romance throughout the entire book.  It also gives sadness and excitement.  You meet so many minor gods in these series, not just the major gods like in the Percy Jackson Series.  The reading was great and it kept me on the edge of my seat.  I can't wait until Son of Neptune comes out!

Publisher-Hyperion Books for Children

My Score: 5 STARS! -Loved the Book!
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Ashfall (Ashfall #1) by Mike Mullin

Summary-
Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Review-
This book was awsome.  It wasn't really inticing when I read the back, but Mullin did an excellent job with this novel.  The struggle of a teenage boy going through a land that he isn't familiar with and going miles to find his family is inspiring. Mullin's plot catches you in an instant and his imagery makes you feel like you are in the middle of the aftermath of a volcano.  This book was a great read and it is suitable for anyone.

Publisher-Tanglewood Press
My Score: 5 STARS! Loved the Book!
Reviewed by~Patti

July 12, 2011

A Spark Of Interest-Books for Teens: 100 Followers Mega Giveaway!!

A Spark Of Interest-Books for Teens: 100 Followers Mega Giveaway!!: "WOOT WOOT! We did it guys! 100 followers! When I began this blog back in March, I never knew that I could even get close to this many follow..."

Review: Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Summary-
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue - Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is - she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are - and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves.... or it might destroy her.
Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series - dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

Review-
WOW! This book is so amazing. It takes you on a journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Its a world where you need courage and guts to survive and Beatrice has just that! I dont know that i could do the things that she does in this book. It is amazing writing, Great storyline and the characters are defined and well toned. If you have a chance to read this book this summer do so! you will LOVE it!

Publisher-Katherine Tegen Books

My Score: 5 STARS! (although I would give it more)
Reviewed by~Lora

Review: Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

Summary-
Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the governments demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

Review-
This book was one of the best books I have read in a while.  It was riveting, trying to imagine a world with no love, no feelings. A world with complete indifference and complete detraction. Through this book you follow Lena in an unexpected journey to find actual love that she swore she would never get pulled into, which is illegal in her city. This forbidden love between Lena and Alex is a riveting love story that takes you into the world you would never want to know. I recommend this book for any girl who likes to read about forbidden love or romance of any kind.
*Thank you to the Author for this book!

Publisher-HarperTeen

My Score: 5 STARS!-Loved the Book!
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: The DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend) by Kody Keplinger

Summary-
Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.
Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.

Review-
This book stirs up quite a condundrum.  It is an amazing book, but at the same time it may be unorthodox for some people.  Bianca goes through a very difficult time and settles her anxiety in a way some girls do.  The main character is one that many people can relate to.  The writer did an amazing job of writing and it was an interesting book to read.  I would recommend this book for girls over 13, but not for boys.  It is definately a chick book. :)

Publisher- Little Brown/Poppy

My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Patti

Review: Starfire Angels (Starfire Angels: Dark Angel Chronicles #1) by Melanie Nilles

 
Summary-
They've been coming here for thousands of years, using Earth as a sanctuary to escape threats from their own kind. Mankind knows them as angels, and one of them left a child upon her death to be raised as a human.

Raea is now a high school senior, and her life as a human is about to end. The crystal shard she bears is not a pretty pendant; it's a collective of powerful entities who chose her as their Keeper, a protector of one of the four shards that power a machine capable of destroying whole worlds. Those who desire the Starfire's power have sent an agent to find her, but she's too busy evading a nosy reporter ready to exploit her secret and dating a hot new foreign student to notice. Nevermind learning what she really is.
Only one person on Earth can help her, the last person she ever expected. But he's not from Earth. Life as a human would be so much easier.


Review-
This book is awsome.  Niles does a great job with the plot.  It is a book anyone could get interested in.  The book is a great read in general, but it is not very detailed and it rushes through some parts, but it is still worth the read from Raea finding out what she is, to her falling in love with the unexpected.  This story is such a roller coaster ride as Raea goes through one of the most difficult transitions of her life.  And it gets worse for her as  the first boy who "likes" her takes a turn in identities.  This book is a definate read for anyone.
 
Publisher-Prairie Star Publishing
My Score: 4.5 Stars-Great Book
Reviewed by~Patti

July 9, 2011

AWESOME News for our readers!

I Got this Email today in my Goodreads box and I thought since we just posted an intervew with the author K.C Hilton that I would share my email with you about her book The magic of finkleton. Amazon has it on special right now for 99 cents.  HERE!

Hello Lora!

I wanted to share some awesome news with you. I was notified today, that The Magic of Finkleton has received the CLC Seal of Approval. (See Below) It will now go to the next round of judging and will be considered for a Gold/Silver award (fingers crossed). I'm totally excited! I didn't mention it for the interview because I didn't know how things worked.
Have a wonderful weekend :)

Best Regards,
KC

For Immediate Release
Contact: Dianna Fuchs
Public Relations Director,
Children's Literary Classics
(605)381-6385
literaryclassics@live.com


Children's Literary Classics is pleased to announce that the children's chapter book, The Magic of Finkleton, written by KC Hilton, has been selected to receive the Children's Literary Classics Seal of Approval. The CLC Seal of Approval is a designation reserved for those books which uphold the rigorous criteria set forth by the Children's Literary Classics review committee, a team comprised of individuals with backgrounds in publishing, editing, writing, illustration and graphic design.

The Magic of Finkleton, by KC Hilton, takes young readers on an exciting literary adventure.
Siblings, Robert, Jack and Lizzy are plunged into a world of intrigue when their house is destroyed in a thunderstorm, a disaster which befalls them at precisely the same time their Great Uncle dies, bequeathing them his home and general store in the picture-perfect town of Finkleton. Soon after moving into the living quarters above their uncle's shop, they begin discovering magical secrets hidden inside. As they slowly unravel the mystery of Finkleton, the children learn a secret which has been kept in the Finkle family for generations. Vowing to keep their secret safe, the three work together to help keep the magic of Finkleton alive.

KC Hilton has created a vibrant tale of intrigue which is sure to ignite enthusiasm in the minds of young readers.

THank you K.C. For sharing this news with our blog!
Were also doing a giveaway to celebrate with K.C

July 6, 2011

Giveaway for July: Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3) by Maggie Stiefvater

The poll was taken and Forever was chosen for the July giveaway~
Summary-
The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stiefvater then.
When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives.
now.
That should have been the end of their story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt.
forever.
Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile, predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment - a moment of death or life,

                         Fill out thie FORM!

Extra Entries:

(1) Follow me on Twitter @Lora1967
(2)Enter my One Year Blogversary contest
(3)You can subscribe to my Email
(4) You can twitter my contest

Review: Accused (The Granzfield #4) By Kate Kaynak

Summary-
Someone in the government has files about Ganzfield...and now they have Maddie. The story continues with the fourth installment of the Ganzfield series.

Review-
Kate Kaynak just doesn't quit! One GREAT book after another! As always I loved Accused. I am sooo hooked on this series! I love Maddie and Trevor! This one just had enough drama and action without over doing it. Excellent work Kate! PLEASE keep them coming! You are one of my all time favorite authors!!!
Thank you to the Author for donating this book!

Publisher-Spencer Hill Press

My Score: 5 Stars-Loved the Book!

Reviewed by~ Sarah

Review: Zombies Don't Cry By Rusty Fischer

Summary-
In the sleepy small town of Barracuda Bay, Maddy Swift leads the life of a fairly typical teenager, but while attending a party one night, Maddy is struck by lightning and awakens to realize she has been reanimated and turned into a zombie. While becoming acquainted with her new "lifestyle," Maddy stumbles upon two unexpected undead chaperones, fellow students Dane and Chloe, who begin to teach her the ways of zombie life, including defending the populace from Zerkers—the bad zombies. Together, on prom night, the three teens must ultimately defend Barracuda Bay High from an all-out zombie Armageddon.


Review-
Okay, so I was extremely skeptical about reading a zombie book. I was like "Ewww gross! Seriously who wants to read about people eating each other! NOT ME!! But, I finally caved and now I have to admit I am a total ZOMBIE FAN! Wow who knew?!? Not me! If I could give a book 10 Stars....This would totally be it! I read this book in two days! No lie! I was hooked from page one. I absolutely loved the characters, good and bad. The story line had so many twist and turns that I quit trying to figure what was coming next and just let it totally surprise me. This book definitely deserves a standing ovation in my opinion! LOVED IT!

Publisher-Medallion Pr Inc

My score: 5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Sarah

Review: The Tear Collector By Patrick Jones

Summary-
Fans of urban fantasy should prepare for a new kind of vampire–one that feeds off of tears instead of blood. Descended from an ancient line of creatures that gain their energy from human tears, Cassandra Gray depends on human sorrow to live. Only Cass has grown tired of living this life and wants to live like a human, especially now that she's met someone worth fighting for.

Review-
I absolutely love the concept of this book! It was so different from all the other vampire books yet, still similar. I love that she fell in love with a smart, nerdy, not so good looking guy instead of your typical hunky heartthrob who makes your mouth water lol. This book was so unique and the author was so creative. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves vampire books but is looking for something a bit different!


Publisher-Walker Books for Young Readers

My Score: 5 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah

Review: Bloodlust (Imprinted Souls #2) by Daniele Lanzarotta

Summary-
There are some things from which you just can’t run away.

For Lexi, that something was this screwed-up, newfound reality that she encountered; and no matter how much Tyler may try to protect her from his kind, it is just too late.
Lexi is involved in his world far deeper than she can possibly imagine, and as she is haunted by her past and deals with an unexpected betrayal, Lexi is forced to make a choice between her soul mate, the one who she thought was gone forever, or the one who restored her soul, bringing her back to life with the ties of a blood imprint.

***
“Bloodlust - the disease that makes us the monsters we are known to be; it is what wipes away the last of our humanity.”
- Daniele Lanzarotta (Bloodlust)

Review-
Okay so this one was awesome! The author really knows how to leave you hanging at the end. I absolutely love that though! It gets you excited about the next part. I do have to say I enjoyed this one more than the first! I couldn't put this down! This has the "OMG" factor that I love! You know when your like "Oh my gosh! I can't believe that just happened!" I'm SUPER EXCITED for the next part! BRING IT ON!! TEAM TYLER!!!! WOOT! WOOT!

Publisher-Rocket Science Productions, LLC
My Score-5 STARS!
Reviewed by~Sarah

Starring In The Movie Of My Life By Laurel Osterkamp

Summary-
Thirty-five-year-old Samantha acts without thinking. Her heart is huge while her sense of purpose is small; she's willing to fight for those she loves, but she's never learned to fight for herself. Eighteen-year-old Melody is cold and calculating, and she's driven by the desire to better herself. As these compelling yet deeply flawed women battle for the affections of 25-year-old Nathan, he becomes increasingly confused and torn between them.

Nathan is Melody's English teacher, and after he saves her from being raped, she becomes attached. Melody longs for the affection she's never felt, so she involves people in her self-invented drama, making sure she is at once the star and the director. Meanwhile, Samantha is newly married to Nathan. But Samantha has hang-ups about motherhood and lingering feelings for her ex. To make sense of the world, Sam relates her life to the themes of her favorite movies, while she independently makes a documentary to jump-start her non-existent film career.
Stylistically influenced by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Weiner, Starring in the Movie of my Life is told alternately from both Samantha's and Melody's points-of-view and relates two complete yet combined stories about love, acceptance, and redemption. It speaks to our universal desire to be saved by the ones we love, and the monumental effort required to save ourselves.
Laurel Osterkamp’s first novel, Following My Toes, published by PMI Books, won the 2008 National Indie Book Award for Excellence (Chick Lit category). She drew on her experiences as a high school film studies and creative writing teacher as she wrote Starring in the Movie of my Life. Currently she lives in Minneapolis with her husband, son, and daughter, and is working on her third novel.


Review-
This book was surprisingly really good. I'm usually all paranormal but I gave this one a shot. I like how the story was wrote in two different point of views,Sam and Melody. It made the book all that more interesting. This book had plenty of twist and turns and you never knew what was going to come next. All in all it was a good book.


Publisher-PMI Books
My Score: 4 Stars
Reviewed by~Sarah

July 5, 2011

Author Interview: K.C. Hilton Author of The Magic of Finkleton


We took the time to catch up with K.C Hiton. Her book is Awesome! Review to come SOON!!!

My name is Katrina Chilton, but I use the pen name K.C. Hilton. I simply moved the 'C' a little to the left. Our town knows me because of our family business and my photography, but in the writer's world I'm known as K.C. which are my initials.



1. How did you come up with the concept for this book?
I woke up in the middle of the night from a vivid dream. It was wonderful dream and I didn't want to wake from it, but I knew if I didn't force myself out of bed to write it down I would forget everything. So, I stumbled to the family room, turned on a small light and began to write. I wrote in my journal for nearly an hour, then when I was satisfied I went back to bed, dreaming of the adorable English village with horse drawn carriages.


2. How did you come up with the names for the characters?
Oh, that's an easy one! When I was in grade school I knew a girl and her last name was Finkle. I loved her last name and thought it was unique. It stuck with me all these years. I also had another childhood friend and her name was Elizabeth and preferred to be called Lizzy, and she also had blond wavy hair. Just like Lizzy Finkle!
I did a bit of research on last names and found out, that way back in the day, last names derived from a person's profession. Some people didn't have last names and they would be referred to as John the Taylor, then it was shortened to John Taylor.


So I wanted to use the same way of thinking when it came to Mr. Appleton, Mr. Parchetty, Mr. Cornerly, Mr. Beanly, Mr. Sweetly. I wanted all of the last names to be fun and easily remembered, by the reader. I felt it was important that the reader remember what each person grew or what they did for a living. So the farmer who grew apples would be named Mr. Appleton and the gentleman that made sweets would be named Mr. Sweetly.


3. How much are you and the characters alike?
I'd like to think my personality spills into my characters along with my husband's sense of humor. My children play an important role in all of my stories and I see them in the Finkle children. I remember the three of them bickering when they were young, and I laughed a lot. Most of their disagreements were funny, from my point of view. They're all grown up now, but I'll always remember the fun memories and remind my children every chance I get.


4. Do you read a lot and what are you reading now?
Oh yes, I love to read. I would read all day long if I had the time. When I read a book, I get lost in that world and I love it. I imagine everything like a movie playing in my head. Sometimes, I laugh out loud. I read different genres, but mostly I like to read Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance and Young Adult. I just finished reading Shasta Summer by Teresa Geering. Next on my list is the third book in the Fallen series, Passion by Lauren Kate. I have a Nook and it has tons of books on it. My idea of a great vacation is sitting by the pool or on the beach with a great book. Needless to say, I can't wait to go on vacation this year! I have so much reading to do.


I must admit, I've never read any of the Harry Potter books. When my children found out, they bought me the entire set. I refuse to read any of them until I'm finished writing everything about Finkleton, because I don't want anything to spill over into my writing. I don't ever want it said that what I write is similar to another story. The world of Finkleton is charming, unique and one of a kind. When I've finished writing all I can write about Finkleton, then I'll sit down and read the Harry Potter books.

5. What made you decide to go Fantasy?
Fantasy, in my opinion, is easier to write. It's all made up in my mind and I only had to research a few things. All I have to do is describe what I see. It's like I'm watching a movie. Fantasy is a lot of fun, especially if I can make it believable.



6. How did the cover come about?
I knew how I wanted the cover to look and with certain items. I may be a photographer, but I'm not that great in Photoshop. So I found a cover designer, then emailed her some photos of what I wanted on the cover. I explained that I wanted the older antique feel and found a photo of some old parchment paper to use for the main background. I purchased the stock photos that worked and the designer put it all together. I also wanted the lettering on the cover to look like wood, to add to that old feeling. I wasn't sure if the designer could do it, but she did a great job!


\7. So what is your next project and when is it due out?

I'm currently writing the sequel to The Magic of Finkleton... The plot thickens!


My next book was picked up by Night Publishing and is supposed to be released this month. It's a Contemporary Adult Fiction book with some Suspense. It took me nearly two years to write, with all the research.


8. Do you have a daytime job or are you a full time writer?
I wish I could write full time! That would be awesome! But my day job is helping my husband run the family business and on the weekends I'm a part-time photographer. In my spare time I read and write. I'll stay up reading until 4 or 5 am and I write the same way. I have many late nights but it's so much fun. I'm lucky that our family business doesn't open until 10 am.



9. How did you get into writing novels and were you worried about people’s reactions to your books?
I've always kept journals of my dreams, but never knew what to do with them until I had a dream while we were on vacation in Florida. The dream stayed in my mind for months and wouldn't let go. I kept thinking about it and knew I had to do something about it. But what? So one night I started to write and 90 Miles to Freedom was born.


The Magic of Finkleton was actually my second book. I wrote 90 Miles to Freedom first, and when I found out about copyright laws pertaining to music, I took a break. Then I had the dream about Finkleton. I started writing and wouldn't stop until it was finished. While it was at the editor, I went back to 90 Miles to Freedom and finished it.


Yes, I was worried what people would think about my writing style. It's a part of me and I put it out there for the entire world to read. I didn't want to get my hopes up, so I kept myself grounded in reality. When the reviews started coming in, they were great! That's when I started doing my 'Happy Dance'.



10. One last thing do you collect anything personally?
I'm a collector of memories. I've kept every photo I've ever taken since I was a little girl. I like to put them in photo books. I've kept all of my children's school papers, drawings, letters and cards. I take photos of every occasion throughout the year and at the end of the year I'll have a photo book made and give it to my husband on Valentine's Day. So we have a photo book of memories for an entire year.


A few years back I scanned all the photos of my children (we didn't have digital cameras back then) from when they were first born up to their current age (it took three months) and gave it to each of them on Christmas Day. My son Eric was actually on tour in Iraq that year and I mailed the photo book to him. He loved it. It brought a smile to his face and he said it was the best gift I could ever give him.

July 1, 2011





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