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Monday, June 30, 2008

Bleh..........Monday...


Back In Black

1. Who's the black sheep in your family? There are only 2 of us siblings, and I'm sure at one point or another we have both been that black sheep!!!!
2. Do you take your coffee black? Bleh........no way.....I need cream!!!
3. Do you own a Blackberry? Nope
4. Which black forest would you rather eat - cake or ham? Definitely cake!!!
5. Have you ever had a black eye? Not so far....

Sunday, June 29, 2008

It's Sunday, so we're Muttering again.......


I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Loneliness :: Sadness :(
  2. Traffic :: Jam
  3. Chaos :: Conflict
  4. Burp :: Excuse Me
  5. 500 :: Miles
  6. Movie :: Theatre
  7. Coma :: Sleep Induced
  8. Bark :: Bite
  9. Stare :: Contest
  10. Angelina :: Ballerina

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Book Giveaways......

Tanabata at In Spring it is the Dawn is holding a BAFAB give away. Lots of titles to choose from!!!! All it takes is a blog visit and a a comment!!! Contest ends Sunday, July 6th!!!

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Katrina from Stone Soup is having an awesome give away. Visit her blog for details, but you get to pick a book she has reviewed on her blog or one that she has listed on her give away shelf!!!! Lots of great titles to choose from!!! Enter by Noon PST on July 6th!!!

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S. Krishna is giving away a copy of The Beach House by Jane Green. Comment to enter, get an extra entry if you blog about it!!! :) Contest open until 11:59 pm Monday, July 7th. You must check back to see if you won!!! :)

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Holy Cow, you must head on over to Hey Lady, Whatcha Reading to see the amazing giveaway sponsored by Hachette Book Group USA. They are giving away an amazing 14 titles to up to FIVE people!!!!! Visit the site to enter, check out the ways to earn multiple entries as well!!! :) Contest open until July 12th.

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Rachel at The Book Muncher is giving away 3 books for reaching her 100th post!!!!! Congrats Rachel on reaching that milestone!!! Books being offered are: Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen, and When It Happens by Susane Colasanti. Contest closes at midnight PST on July 15th, winner will be chosen on July 16th.

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Books on the Brain together with Hatchette Book Group is giving away a copy of Elin Hilderbrand's two latest releases: A Summer Affair which was just released and Barefoot, which was recently released in paperback. Visit today to enter and find out other great ways to get multiple entries. Leave a comment by July 15th!!!!

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Lori from Lori's Reading Corner is giving away an autographed copy of The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton !!!! Make sure you stop by and check it out!!!! Make sure to leave your contact info in your comment!!! :) Winner will be selected on my birthday.....July 17th!!!! :)

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Book Room Review's is giving away a copy of The Host by Stephanie Meyers and also a copy of Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter in a Pay it Forward contest!!! Sign up's are until July 19th!!

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Lenore from Presenting Lenore is hosting a give away for 3 Advanced Reader Copies of Fiendish Deeds (Joy of Spooking Trilogy, Book 1) by P.J. Bracegirdle. She also has a wonderful interview with the author posted too!!! Leave a comment and check ways to get yourself more entries by visiting her blog. Contest closes at 9 pm CST on July 20th.

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The Koolaid Mom is having an awesome give away of a $20 GC to Borders............wahooooo!!!!! Stop by her blog for complete details!!! Comment on her post and see the other ways to get yourself more entries!!! Contest ends on July 31st!!! :)

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Robert at Fantasy Book Critic is holding an AMAZING give away. Win a complete set of Stephanie Meyers Twilight Saga INCLUDING Breaking Dawn. Give away ends August 2nd at 11:59 am PST.

Shadowland (The Mediator) by Meg Cabot


Suze is a mediator -- a liaison between the living and the dead. In other words, she sees dead people. And they won't leave her alone until she helps them resolve their unfinished business with the living. But Jesse, the hot ghost haunting her bedroom, doesn't seem to need her help. Which is a relief, because Suze has just moved to sunny California and plans to start fresh, with trips to the mall instead of the cemetery, and surfing instead of spectral visitations.

But the very first day at her new school, Suze realizes it's not that easy. There's a ghost with revenge on her mind ... and Suze happens to be in the way.


I really enjoyed this first in the series book by Cabot!!!!! I have yet to read a book by her that has dissapointed!!!! Suze is a really great character, as well as the rest of the cast we meet in this book. I am so glad I have collected this whole series and will be able to read them at my leisure!!! :) I really enjoyed this paranormal YA as it is just a little fluffier than the adult stuff and it also has a really interesting story behind it!!! Loved it and can't wait to read the next one!!! :) 4.5/5

Book Blowout


Blue Archipelago is hosting a July Book Blow Out Challenge!!!! :)

How do I get myself involved in the blow out?!?!? Read below for more details!!! :)


  • You can sign up any time between now and July 14, here!!!
  • To join you need to post about the Book Blowout on your blog - then set yourself a number of books to complete within the month!! :)
  • Make sure you post a list of the books you managed to read by the deadline of August 7 to complete the challenge!!

How about those pesky rules.....

  • Only books read between July 1 and July 31 count towards the challenge
  • You can include re-reads - as long as they are read within the month of July
  • Books you abandon will only count as half a book
  • If you read to your children you can include all books which have more than 100 pages
  • You can include up to two graphic novels
  • You can include up to two audio books - (if you have a visual impairment that prevents you from reading then you can use just audio books for the challenge)
  • Books you read for other challenges are eligible - use this as an opportunity to catch up!
  • If you start a book before July 1 and then finish it during the month of July then you can count is as half a book

As an added incentive she'll put the names of all of the entrants who complete the challenge into the proverbial hat and one winner will receive an Amazon gift voucher to the value of $20 (£10).

My challenge goal is: 13 Books

Back!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm back from vacation and have one book review to do later on today!!! :) Just wanted to post and say hey and vacation was pretty much what it was supposed to be........relaxing and fun. Although I didn't have nearly enough reading time in my opinion, only finished one book!!!!!!!!! :( But, lots of family time and fun stuff, so that's ok, I suppose!!! ;)

1 book review to come later and the winner for my book contest will be chosen tomorrow!!!! Tons of entries.........yay!!!!!

Hope everyone is having a superb weekend so far!!! :)

Monday, June 23, 2008

Vacation............

I'm taking one.............yay!!!!!!

I will be gone for the next few days with no internet access. I dont' know whether to breathe a sigh of relief or cry.......hahaha I can't remember the last time I had no internet access at all, limited - yes, but none...........I have no recollection of a time!!!!!!!!!

No worries though, I will be back in plenty of time to draw a winner for my ARC giveaway contest, and I might even have another up my sleeve to give away for the month of July!!!! :)

Hope everyone reading has a wonderful few days, and I'll post when I get back to reality!!! :)

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs


Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but they'll leave you alone if you are careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I'm not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson's sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf.

She's tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself...and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

I was slightly disapointed by this book. I had heard so many wonderful reviews about it and it was just alright for me. It was my first paranormal werewolf book, so not sure if that has anything to do with it. The story was alright and the characters were alright, but nothing jumped out and grabbed me about this book. I will give the 2nd in the series a try at some point, but I won't be rushing to read it like I have been with other series books lately. It wasn't bad for me by any means, it just wasn't great for me either!!!! 3/5

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Mosaic Game.......



The concept:

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd's mosaic maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One Word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name

Credit for the pics used in the mosaic:
1. Happy Birthday Melanie, 2. gnochis, 3. Olaf y su hijo - Olaf and son, 4. ♫ YO Yo yo, there's no place like a green penthouse... so i told the genie i wanted to be well hung. ^o^ ♫ nah... wildlife from singapore♫, 5. Zac Efron shirtless2, 6. Diet Sunkist, 7. Insieme al tramonto .., 8. Peanut Butter Pie, 9. don't you love those little feet?, 10. Of Earth And Sea And The Oceans Free, 11. L'Amore, 12. melsy and jori's house

Just muttering........


I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Goodbye :: Hello
  2. Cage :: animal
  3. Buddy :: list
  4. Magic words :: please and thank you
  5. Library :: books
  6. Fall in love :: forever
  7. Tense :: shoulders
  8. Work! :: yuck
  9. Empty :: nest
  10. Heat wave :: sweat

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Saturday Special....



~It's Perfect ~ Fill In The Blanks~


A perfect day is 75 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze!!

A perfect dinner is spent with my family and filled with conversation and laughter!!

A perfect evening is spending quality time with hubby and catching up on our lives!!

A perfect vacation is a relaxing time filled with family, sun, and books!!!! :)

Friday, June 20, 2008

Friday Fill Ins......


1. A smile is contagious.
2. Uno is my favorite board or card game.
3. I would love to have more organization in my life and less clutter.
4. When I think of the Summer Solstice, I think of my brother who is no longer with us.
5. I just remembered I need to pick up the kids soon.
6. One of my favorite song lyrics goes like this: I'm a little bit of everything, all rolled into one.........I'm a bitch, I'm a lover, I'm a child, I'm a mother, I'm a sinner, I'm a saint.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to still working on that, tomorrow my plans include laundry and Sunday, I want to get my preliminary packing done!!!

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Queen of Babble in The Big City by Meg Cabot

Lizzie Nichols is back, pounding the New York City pavement and looking for a job, a place to live, and her proper place in the universe (not necessarily in that order).

"Summer Fling" Luke's use of the "L" (Living Together) word has her happily abandoning plans to share a one-room walk-up with best friend Shari in exchange for cohabitation with the love of her life in his mom's ritzy Fifth Avenue pied-à-terre. Lizzie's landed a non-paying gig in her chosen field—vintage wedding gown rehab—and a paying one as a receptionist at Shari's boyfriend's father's posh law firm. So life is good . . . for the moment.

But almost immediately her notoriously big mouth is getting her into trouble. At work she's becoming too chummy with society bride-to-be Jill Higgins, inflaming the ire of Jill's troublesome future mother-in-law. At home she's made the grievous error of bringing up the "M" (Marriage) word to commitment-shy Luke. Once again joblessness and homelessness are looming large for hapless blabbermouth Liz—unless she can figure out some way to babble her way to a happily ever after.

I just LOVE Meg Cabot, and with this book she surely doesn't disapoint this reader!!! Everybody knows someone like Lizzie Nichols!!!! I think in many cases I've actually been a Lizzie Nichols in my lifetime!!!! I am quite a talker........hahaha I find it so hard to imagine anyone not loving this character. I truly enjoyed reading about Lizzie going after her dream job and finding a way to make it work. The cast of characters are fantastic as well, we are introduced to a couple new ones in this book and I loved them!!! I truly loved this book and can't wait until the next in this series is released!!! :) 4.5/5

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

My Family Sticker!!!!

Pyzam Family Sticker Toy
Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

New Blog!!!




A new contest blog to check out........looks like it's going to be alot of fun!!! :)

Menu selections for next week are already posted, and they look great, stop by and have a looksie yourself!!! :)

Bobbie Faye's Very (very, very, very) Bad Day by Toni McGee Causey


Bobbie Faye Sumrall knows that a day without disaster is a day in someone else's life. Criminals have kidnapped her good-for-nothing brother and are demanding her Contraband Queen tiara--the only thing of her mama's she inherited--as random. So Bobbie Faye has to outwit the police, organized crime, former boyfriends, and a hostage she never intended to take (but who turns out to be damn sexy!), in order to rescue her brother, keep custody of her niece, and get back in time to take her place as Queen in the Lake Charles Contraband Festival (think Mardi Gras, with more drinking and pirates).

Luckily, Bobbie Faye knows how to handle guns, outsmart angry mama bears, drive a speedboat, and get herself out of--and into--almost every kind of trouble. If only that pesky state police detective (who also happens to be a pissed-off ex-boyfriend) would stay out of her way . . .

Ok, this was a book that once I hit 100 pages I wasn't totally grabbed, so I put it down to pick up a bit later. I had heard such great things about this book, that I couldn't just completely give up on it. I'm really glad I picked it back up!!!! I think my problem may have been that I had such HIGH expectations for the book, it was bound to disapoint. Although the 2nd time I picked it up, I truly enjoyed it, I think I will not put such high expectations on the next Bobbie Faye book!!! ;)

We've all had bad days, but nothing can compare to Bobbie Faye's!!!! Her morning started out bad and the day got progressively worse, running from police and fbi, trying to track down a stolen tiara, dealing with her brothers kidnappers and those are just a few of the things she had to deal with today!!!! There are definite LOL moments throughout this book and despite the shaky start it was definitely a great book that I'm glad I didn't give up on completely!! :) 3.75/5

Monday, June 16, 2008

Mates, Dates and Inflatable Bras by Cathy Hopkins

A turning point is exactly what Lucy Loverling does NOT want. Everything is changing around her, and suddenly she has to make all sorts of decisions. Everyone else knows who and what she wants to be except her. Izzie has become friends with the glamorous Nesta, and Lucy isn't certain she likes a threesome. Nesta and Izzie look sixteen, but Lucy, at fourteen, can still pass for a twelve-year-old.

But then one day Lucy sees the most wonderful boy crossing the street, and things do start to change — in all areas of her life...


I really enjoyed this quick YA read!!! Lucy is like most 14 year old girls, life is awkward her friends are blossoming and she's not, she feels threatened when the new girl arrives and starts hanging out with her best friend. With a little guidance from her friends and a whole lot of understanding and friendship she pulls through this little awkward stage and finds herself a more confident young lady. Although, more awkward phases could very well be right around the corner!! :) 4/5

Awesome give away's...............

Calling all Stephanie Meyers fans!!!!!!!!! Natasha from Maw Books Blog is hosting an absolutely incredible contest!!!!! You must stop by and check it out!!! :)

Enter to win 1 of 5 copies of The Host and one grand prize winner will be lucky to walk away with all of Stephanie's books as well as some other cool goodies!!! :)

There are multiple ways to enter, so get your booty over there today!!!! Contest ends at midnight MST on June 30th!!!!

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Here's another to be checked out!!!! I've heard such great things about The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Clayton, and here is our chance to win a copy!!!!!

Thanks to Trish over at Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?

Stop by and check out her blog, leave a comment on her review for the book and be entered to win a copy of this book!!!! :) Contest ends June 23rd!!!

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And another great giveaway from Tina at Bookshipper.

LoveHampton by Sherri Rifkin is the book being given away!!!! Visit Tina's blog and let her know what type of romance you would like stranded with you on a desert island in order to enter!!! :) Open until June 24th!!!!

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Julie from Booking Mama is also giving away a copy of The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Clayton. This book is getting some terrific reviews and I really can't wait to get my hands on a copy!!!! :) Check out Julie's blog, she has an awesome interview with Meg posted and after reading it, I am even MORE anxious to read this book!!!! :) Enter until June 21st!!!

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Write from Karen is hosting a giveaway for Buy A Friend A Book week. Winners choice up to $15 ordered from Amazon. Stop by and enter this great contest!!! :) See blog for details!!!

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Holy Jodi!!!!! Picoult that is!!! :) Heather at Book Addiction is giving away 5 different Picoult titles. You can enter to win just one or all or any # in between, 1 win per person though!!!! Blog about it and get an extra entry!!! :) Enter by June 29th!!!!

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Amanda from A Patchwork of Books is giving away an incredible 5 copies of The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson. Stop by her blog and leave a comment to win!!! :) Sign ups open until June 22nd.

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Book Room Review's is giving away a copy of The Host by Stephanie Meyers and also a copy of Mrs. Perfect by Jane Porter in a Pay it Forward contest!!! Sign up's are until July 19th!!

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Choose my next book to read contest is being held over at Reading In Appalachia!!!! Check out her library and then pick which book you would like for her to read next, if your book is chosen, you will get it after she reads it!!! How very cool!!!! :) Over 500 titles to choose from!!! :) Contest ends June 25th.


Sunday, June 15, 2008

Glass-Slipper-dot.com by Rebecca Anderson

Good witch Mirabelle Saintly and Wishmaker's International have been granting wishes as far back as Cinderella and are now fully computerized. But with the cosmic power shift of the 'real' new millenium, Wishmaker's magic is threatened. By midnight on New Year's Eve Mirabelle must grant Eileen Pringle her wish of true love, or Wishmaker's and all Good Witches will disappear forever.

Computer nerd Eileen is determined to make her boss, Brock Van Buren fall hopelessly in love with her. The trouble is, Eileen has all the grace of a wounded goose, and her world is falling apart. Her father has died, her stepmother has kicked her out of her home, and her sexy, stepsister is chasing Brock. Worse, disturbingly handsome fellow employee, Daniel Collins, appears intent on sidetracking Eileen from her destiny with Brock.

Confirmed bachelor and undercover FBI cyber-agent Daniel Collins is trying to find the person inside Brock Van Buren's software company who is hacking into government files. He doesn't count on falling for his prime suspect, Eileen Pringle, who insists that her heart belongs to her boss, even though it's Daniel's kisses which are leaving her breathless.

Will Mirabelle's race against time to unite the star-crossed lovers end in tragedy? Or with the Cinderellas of the world continue to find a perfect fit in Glass-Slipper-dot.com?

I absolutely LOVED this book. How awesome is it when a book truly makes one want to believe in the power of true love and magic. The characters are warm and heartfelt and the story is magical and enchanting. Although at times I might have found myself a bit frustrated with Eileen's blinders in regards to her boss, that was easy to overlook in the context of the whole story. It's a true Cinderella story, including the evil step-sister/mother and all!!! :) 4.75/5

Muttering again......


I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Purchase :: agreement
  2. Squeaky clean :: dishes
  3. Blended :: mudslide
  4. Wednesday :: hump day
  5. Function :: properly
  6. Look down :: don't
  7. July? :: my birthday
  8. Raspberry :: jam
  9. Assertive :: personality
  10. Cracker :: jack

Friday, June 13, 2008

Tempting Evil by Allison Brennan


BIG DIE COUNTRY

Joanna Sutton can cope with the fierce winter storm bearing down on the small rural community of Centennial Valley, Montana; the popular romance writer has survived much worse in life. Haunted by the loss of her husband and child, Jo has found refuge at her family’s secluded lodge, but her haven soon becomes a hell. During the ferocious blizzard, a local Boy Scout troop is stranded in the wilderness, compelling Jo to spearhead a desperate rescue mission, aided by a newly arrived stranger with an unknown agenda.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Tyler McBride hears that three escaped convicts are fast approaching Big Sky Country. Hoping to warn Jo, he faxes over the men’s mug shots. But they never reach their intended recipient. Then Tyler makes a shocking discovery: Two people are dead, and a killer is among the group, along with the woman Tyler loves, searching for his lost son.

More than one innocent life is at stake. For the sake of those Jo cares about most, and for her own survival, she’ll need all the cunning, courage, and passion she can muster to survive the mounting terror.

Although it took me a good 100 pages to get engrossed in this book, (not the book, totally me in a book funk) once I let myself go I was totally involved in this book and didn't want to put it down. I read 200 + pages yesterday alone because I just had to finish it and see what happened!!! Although this is my first series by Brennan I am absolutely LOVING it!!!! She knows how to weave a story and present a cast of likable and dislikable characters. I love the hero's/heroine's that you are truly rooting for and the villain's who you just love to hate!!!! She creates those with no questions asked!!!! A great storyteller and a fabulous addition to the Prison Break Series. Only one problem with this............the next one doesn't come out until the end of September!!!!!!!!!! 4.5/5

Feast Time.....


Appetizer

Do you consider yourself to be an optimist or a pessimist? I try to be an optomist, but think I am more of a pessimist!! ;(

Soup

What is your favorite color of ink to write with? Pink or purple!! :)

Salad

How often do you get a manicure or pedicure? Do you do them yourself or go to a salon and pay for them? Not often enough!!!!! I used to have my nails done regularly, but I stay home with the kids now and can't justify spending the money on it anymore!!! :( I try to get a pedi at least 2 or 3 times during the summer at a salon!! :)

Main Course

Have you ever won anything online? If so, what was it? Yes!!!! Books...........ahhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! :)

Dessert

In which room in your house do you keep your home computer? The desktop is in the office/toy room. The laptop mainly stays in the living room.

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Booking Through Thursday.......


Have you ever been a member of a book club? How did your group choose (or, if you haven’t been, what do you think is the best way to choose) the next book and who would lead discussion? No, I have never been a member of a traditional book club. I would think the best way to choose a book would be for each member to take a month to pick 3 titles they would like to read and then have the group vote on which of the 3 they would like to read most. Majority would rule on which book would be the next months title. :)

Do you feel more or less likely to appreciate books if you are obliged to read them for book groups rather than choosing them of your own free will? Does knowing they are going to be read as part of a group affect the reading experience? I like to pick what book I'm going to read next on a whim. Even if I know I am going to love a book, if I read it because I have to I just don't think I enjoy it as much. I encounter this when reading books for the games at PaperBackSwap. Which can be viewed the same if not a bit different than reading for a book club. As a matter of fact right now I am reading a book for a swap and it's a book I know I would love 100% more if I didn't feel the need to be reading it RIGHT NOW!!!! I do not read well under pressure!!

Monday, June 9, 2008

Unconsciously a day late.....


A day late, but this is one of my faves so I'm doing it anyway!!! ;)

I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Rambling :: brook
  2. Magnetic :: attraction
  3. Again! :: Not
  4. Acoustic :: guitar
  5. Mahogany :: table
  6. Promises :: broken
  7. Ill fitting :: pants
  8. Sublime :: band
  9. Poop :: yuck
  10. Disoriented :: confused

Friday, June 6, 2008

Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard


In the exclusive Philadelphia suburb of Rosewood, Alison is the Queen Bee of her elite seventh grade hive. BFs Aria, Hanna, Spencer, and Emily vie for her attention, even as each of them hides a hideous secret only Alison knows. So when Alison goes missing after a slumber party, never to be seen again, each girl is heartbroken, but also a little relieved. Now it is three years later, and though the four girls have grown apart, they are each still hiding something. Artsy Aria is carrying on an affair with one of her teachers, fashionista Hanna shoplifts to accessorize her trendy outfits, blue-blood Spencer is sleeping with her older sister’s boyfriend, while straight-A Emily is trying to ignore her attraction to a new female classmate. When the girls begin receiving threatening text messages and emails that from someone known only as "A," they must confront the fact that against all odds, it appears Alison is back. Could Alison still be alive? And if so, why is she so determined to uncover all their dirty little secrets?

Loved this book!!!!! A great ya read that includes murder, mystery, drama, and even a bit of intrigue. I kept wanting to pick this book up and read it, even when I was supposed to be doing something else. The short chapters were great to read quick tidbits here and there and not be lost within a chapter. I liked how after almost every text or email the story went back to the 7th grade time frame to explain what it meant then and how it linked to what was happening now. I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait to get my hands on the rest of this series!! :) 4.5/5

Time to Feast.....




Appetizer

When you drink soda/pop/coke, do you prefer to drink it from the bottle, a can, or after pouring it into a cup? Bottle

Soup

What television show are you willing to stay up late to watch? I'm a night owl so staying up late to watch anything isn't really an issue with me!! ;)

Salad

Name one person, place, or thing you think of as brilliant. My mom

Main Course

Would you be willing to work 4 10-hour days instead of 5 8-hour days in order to save gas? If I wasn't a sahm............probably!!!!

Dessert

If you were a superhero, what would you call yourself? Supermom

Thursday, June 5, 2008

Time to Book through Thursday.....


Have your book-tastes changed over the years? More fiction? Less? Books that are darker and more serious? Lighter and more frivolous? Challenging? Easy? How-to books over novels? Mysteries over Romance?

Absolutely!!!! I used to love all the Nora Roberts and Danielle Steele romance books, and now I read very few of those. I do like contemporary romance though, but not the full throttle romance stuff anymore. I really enjoy cozy mysteries and have gotten *back* into young adult. I find that the lighter stuff is easier for me to read, enjoy and get through quickly. I like some hard core mysteries thrown in the mix too, which I have always enjoyed!!! I also used to read alot of chick lit and haven't been reading too much of that lately. At this point with the kids, the easier the read, the better.....hahaha I've also recently started reading paranormal............I NEVER thought I would say those words, but PBS has definitely opened up lots of new reading possiblities for me!!! :)

The Cracked Pot by Melissa Glazer

Nobody likes a good firing better than Vermont potter Carolyn Emerson---but a grisly discover in her own backyard may be too hot to handle...

The Art of Murder

It's easy enough to misplace a clay piece in a busy paint-your-own-pottery studio like Fire at Will. Misplacing a person, however? Carolyn certainly can't explain why renowned ceramics artist Charles Potter disappeared en route to an appearance at her shop. But everyone's really thrown when the man finally turns up---and turns out to be none other than her assistant David's long-estranged father.

If Richard Atkins (aka Charles Potter) thinks he can just waltz back into Maple Ridge and smooth everything over, he's sorely mistaken. Instead of being greeted with open arms, he's met with murder...in Carolyn's raku pit, no less. Now, with David as the prime suspect, Carolyn and her friends in her studio's club, the Firing Squad, must crack the case---before it explodes in their faces...

I absolutely love this series. I find all of the characters so likable and they mesh together so well to make a wonderful cozy mystery!!! Carolyn finds herself in the middle of yet another murder case. This time the victim is found in her raku pit at home rather than in the middle of her store!! You will find that Carolyn and the sheriff are still not friendly and hubby Bill is still a worrier about what Carolyn is getting herself into this time. This was a fantastic addition to this series, can't wait for the next one to come out!!! :) 4.5/5

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Wednesday Weirdness.....


1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to be a news reporter. I thought it was so cool when I was younger that these people got to be in the thick of all the action. Now that I'm a grown up, I can barely even *watch* the news because it's so depressing!!!!!


2. Do you put ketchup on top of your french fries or on the side to dip in? If you don't use ketchup, what do you use? If you don't eat french fries, what's wrong with you? (Ok so that last one is just a joke. Kind of. *wink*) Sometimes ketchup, sometimes ranch dressing, sometimes sweet & sour sauce. And I'm a dipper!!!!


3. When was the last time you had phone sex? If you've never done it, why? Never done it............I prefer the real thing!!!!


4. When was the last time you made someone cry? What did you do to make them cry? This morning!!! I told Lillie that we weren't going to Kari & Corrine's for a play date because we had to wait for the plaster guy to come so we could let him in.


5. How often do you sing in the shower? NEVER!!!!!!!!!!!


6. Have you ever cooked dinner or any other meal naked? If not, would you? Nope!!!! And.........Nope!!!! ;)

Book Give Away~~~Winner has been chosen........NO NEW ENTRIES!!!!!


So I have decided I would like to do a giveaway of my own!!! :)

I will be giving away the latest ARC I reviewed: How Far Is The Ocean From Here by Amy Shearn.

Winner has been chosen!!!!!! Thanks to all who entered!!!!

Book Giveaway open to US residents only!!!

In order to enter, please comment on this post, make sure to leave your email addy or link back to your blog so I can get in touch with you if you win!!! :)

If you have a blog and post about this give away, I will give you an extra entry into the contest!!! :) If you do this, please make sure you leave a link back in your comment, so I can check it out!!! :)

Good luck to all!!!! :)

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

How Far Is The Ocean From Here by Amy Shearn


ARC - Reviewed for Book Browse

Susannah Prue is a young, unmarried surrogate mother who, in the days before her delivery date, panics. Jumping into her car, she flees her Chicago home and a few days later pulls up to a bleak motel in the Southwest—the Thunder Lodge. There, she encounters misfits, much like herself, who also carry secrets: the motel’s terse proprietors, their mentally disabled son, and a woman transporting her niece to the father she’s never met. But when the parents of Susannah’s baby discover her whereabouts, she can no longer ignore the profound power she holds over their lives.

Beautifully written, How Far Is the Ocean from Here explores the ways in which people care for one another and the ways in which they fail, the kinds of families we create when we have no one else to turn to, and the strangeness and unpredictability of love.

A beautifully written story about a surrogate mom who just wants to see the ocean. Leaving her life behind, Susannah sets of for nowhere, anywhere, wherever the road leads her just weeks before the baby she is carrying for Kit and Julian is due to arrive.

Although Susannah's thoughts aren't always clear, the reader can understand the wonderment and uncertainty she is feeling about turning over this *stranger* once he finally arrives. We see the deals she makes with herself throughout the book, if she makes it to the ocean, she'll keep this baby, if she doesn't Kit and Julian were meant to have him. It's truly a roller coaster ride of emotions for both the reader and all the characters involved.

We as readers get to peer into the lives of these characters: Into the road trip Susannah feels the need to take, Feeling the fear and uncertainly Kit and Julian experience not knowing what is to come. And of course the thoughts and feelings from the rest of the cast of characters who we are introduced to as the story progresses.

How Far is the Ocean From Here is a delightful book filled with a few questions, some answers and a whole lot of entertainment!! 4/5

Monday, June 2, 2008

2 New Giveaways......

We have 2 great give away contests to enter today!!!! Yay, we just LOVE book give aways!!! :)

The first giveaway is brought to us by: She's Too Fond of Books and is an ARC copy of The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. Stop by her blog, tell her why you're signing up for the giveaway, it can be any reason you can think of.............just make sure you stop by to enter!!!! :)

The second giveaway is brought to us by Lori over at Lori's Reading Corner!!! Her June Pay It Forward Contest is now posted and she is giving away 3 BRAND NEW books!!!! 1 or 3 winners depending on how many people sign up, so get your booty over there and sign up!!!! :)

Thank you both so much for hosting awesome book give aways!!!! What could be better than free books!!! :)

Sunday, June 1, 2008

What are you muttering this Sunday?!?!?!


I say ... and you think ... ?

  1. Gossipping :: Girls
  2. Misplaced :: My mind
  3. Spaceship :: Aliens
  4. Ignore :: Please don't
  5. Bodily :: Fluids
  6. Tweezers :: Sliver
  7. Goodnight :: Moon
  8. Curls :: Brandon (my nephew)
  9. Faucet :: Kitchen
  10. Right? :: Wrong?