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Sunday, August 31, 2008

Muttering, muttering, muttering.......


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

  1. Groceries :: Hannaford
  2. Deodorant :: Secret
  3. Psychic :: Reading
  4. Cherries :: Sundae
  5. Spooky :: World
  6. Yogurt :: Breakfast
  7. Kitchen :: Cooking
  8. Nothing personal :: Gossip
  9. Be nice :: To your brother/sister
  10. Delivery :: Yay

Friday, August 29, 2008

Filling in on Friday.....


And...here we go!

1. When I'm sick I'm a miserable beeatch.

2. When I take a walk, I think about
everything, my mind won't stop going.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can
take off alot of stress when it comes time to pay the bills.

4. Cotton makes me
comfy and leather makes me sweaty.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was
seriously, I can't think of anyone.

6. My favorite color these days is
white because that's the color of my pup.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to
reading/relaxing, tomorrow my plans include a family bbq and Sunday, I want to hang out with our bff's!

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Mates, Dates, and Sleepover Secrets by Cathy Hopkins

How can a new girl fit in?

He talked, I listened. As I tried to appear interested, I thought that even Mojo was more interested in what I had to say. And he's a dog.

Theresa Joanne (T. J. to her friends) is having a difficult year. First her best friend moves away. Then there's the problem with boys: They never seem to notice that she's a girl. But when Lucy befriends T. J., things start to look up. But will Lucy's best friends Nesta and Izzie accept her and let her into their world of sleepovers, secrets, laughter, and advice?

I really am enjoying reading this series!!!! We are introduced to a new girl in this book, and she is absolutely as likable as the other 3 girls we have already gotten to know. I like the fact that these are true YA-Teen books. There is no swearing, nothing graphic, no sex or anything of the like. The most these girls are doing is *snogging* It's a series, I would 100% let my daughter read when she gets a bit older. Of course as an adult, it's nice to read something so *clean* and get lost in remembering my time as a YA, since I was certainly more like these girls than some of the other teens I have read about.....hahaha They are quick, easy and enjoyable reads, and I highly recomend this series to all!!! :) 4/5

A Comedy of Heirs by Rett MacPherson

Torie O'Shea takes the first week of December off from her job as genealogist with the local historical society to organize the family's reunion and get a head start on the upcoming holiday season. Amid a house full of relatives, she receives a letter pointing out the fact that her great-grandfather was murdered, and not accidentally killed in a hunting accident. Why has the family done nothing to clear up the murder in all that time? Torie begins to search for the truth through the gathered family members, through research in old newspaper articles, and through notes left from her great-grandmother. An uncle's death adds to her burdens and acts as a red herring, drawing the focus away from the great-grandfather's murder. A drugged cup of tea eventually leads to the killer. MacPherson provides Torie with a large family full of some wacky characters and dreary perfectionists. Her relationships with the myriad family members add background to both the main plot line and details about the other relatives. Memories are everywhere, effortlessly and quickly adding familiarity with the major players. The setting, a Missouri river town, shows that small towns can be blessings as well as irritations to those who live in them. The logical plot and real-to-life characters result in a compelling skeleton-in-the-closet story. Teens interested in their own family's history will appreciate Tori's mystery, and those who are unfamiliar with genealogy may find themselves looking more closely at their own kin.

Another great addition to this series!!!! This time Torie is investigating a 50 year old murder, I really enjoyed how it was a little different than trying to investigate a recent murder. I really like the history and genealogy aspect, as I mentioned in my review of the last book of hers I read. I just find it so intriguing, it makes me want to go out and trace my own roots and family tree!!!! The storyline progressed nicely and I enjoyed meeting Torie's crazy family. I find the character development of the main characters is really good from book to book, and I enjoy learning more about them all, as I open the pages of another book in the series. :) 4/5

Monday, August 25, 2008

My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler


In this raucous collection of true-life stories, actress and comedian Chelsea Handler recounts her time spent in the social trenches with that wild, strange, irresistible, and often gratifying beast: the one-night stand.

You've either done it or know someone who has: the one-night stand, the familiar outcome of a night spent at a bar, sometimes the sole payoff for your friend's irritating wedding, or the only relief from a disastrous vacation. Often embarrassing and uncomfortable, occasionally outlandish, but most times just a necessary and irresistible evil, the one-night stand is a social rite as old as sex itself and as common as a bar stool.

Enter Chelsea Handler. Gorgeous, sharp, and anything but shy, Chelsea loves men and lots of them. My Horizontal Life chronicles her romp through the different bedrooms of a variety of suitors, a no-holds-barred account of what can happen between a man and a sometimes very intoxicated, outgoing woman during one night of passion. From her short fling with a Vegas stripper to her even shorter dalliance with a well-endowed little person, from her uncomfortable tryst with a cruise ship performer to her misguided rebound with a man who likes to play leather dress-up, Chelsea recalls the highs and lows of her one-night stands with hilarious honesty. Encouraged by her motley collection of friends (aka: her partners in crime) but challenged by her family members (who at times find themselves a surprise part of the encounter), Chelsea hits bottom and bounces back, unafraid to share the gritty details. My Horizontal Life is one guilty pleasure you won't be ashamed to talk about in the morning.

Ok, I liked this book, but I think I am one of the few people who did not love it. While it was funny and all, I just felt like there was something missing *for me* I know the book has gotten awesome reviews all over and I don't want to take away from that. I enjoyed the book, I think I just might have had my expectations set too high because of all the fantastic reviews I read. I think reading too many good reviews does this for me sometimes. So while I really did enjoy it, it just wasn't one of my faves!!!! 3.5/5

Sunday, August 24, 2008

A Veiled Antiquity by Rett MacPherson

Torie O'Shea investigates the tangled roots of an ancient family tree.

Today's Muttering.......


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

  1. Cry :: Easily
  2. Stretch :: Marks
  3. Efficient :: Cost
  4. Brunch :: Yummmmm
  5. Afro :: Seventies
  6. Preheat :: The Oven
  7. Delicious :: Mom's Sauce
  8. Global warming :: Sucks
  9. Actions :: Speak Louder Than Words
  10. Ride :: Amusement Park

Friday, August 22, 2008

Friday Fill Ins.....


And...here we go!

1. Dancing to the songs on the radio while entertaining my kids makes me happy.

2. The last time I went to the beach I nearly got poured on.

3. When I drive I usually sing along with the radio.

4. I saw Kirstie Ally standing in line at Logan Airport once.

5. Give me jewels, give me chocolate, give me love.

6. Next week I am looking forward to having some me time when the kids go back to school.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to dinner and shopping with my bff, tomorrow my plans include golfing with hubby and Sunday, I want to have a nice family day!

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Island Summer by Jeanine Le Ny


Nikki may spend the school year on the New England mainland at the ritzy Richfield Academy (on scholarship), but during the summer, she returns home to the decidedly less-posh Pelican Island. Despite an invite from her rich friend Blair, Nikki has to spend the summer working at her parents' sandwich shop. During one of her deliveries to the mainland, she meets Daniel Babcock, and they begin a whirlwind summer romance. But when Blair invites Nikki to spend the weekend, Nikki sees her walking hand in hand...with Daniel!

Can summer love survive?

A REALLY fast read and quite enjoyable too!!!! I think I liked this authors writing better than the first author in this series, it was lighter and more flowy (I know this isn't a real word...hehe) for me. A great beach read to be enjoyed by teens and adults who like the light and easy read alike!!! Summer love, the angst of does he or doesn't he feel the same, a typical teenage romance with likable characters. Definitely a great book to take along to the beach, although I enjoyed it quite nicely from the comfort of my couch!!! ;) 4/5

Slay It With Flowers by Kate Collins

Law school drop-out-turned-flower shop owner Abby Knight has been asked to be a bridesmaid by her cousin. But before the couple says "I do," a groomsman disappears-and another member of the wedding party is found dead. Abby has to hurry down an aisle of suspects to unveil the truth-and make sure the bride still gets to the church on time.

I forgot how much I love Abby Knight!!!! This was a great addition to the series, and I'm really glad I picked this one up to read!!!! Abby is a wonderful sleuth and an easy character to like and root for!!!! Secondary characters are enjoyable to read about as well!!!! I am definitely moving the rest of this series to the top of my tbr pile!!! :) 4.5/5

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

New Book Give Away!!!!!



The rules: (PLEASE READ)

  • Winner will receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Green Monster by Rick Shefchik
  • Open to residents of the US only.
  • Leave me a comment for this post........easy peasy!!!
  • You MUST LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ACTIVE BLOG ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT. Any comment that DOES NOT INCLUDE this information WILL BE DELETED. I have deleted several entries already for NOT FOLLOWING THE RULES. I have to have a way to contact you if you win!!!!
  • If you blog this contest and leave a link in your comment so I can check it out, you will receive an extra entry to the contest.
  • Contest ends @ 11:59 PM EST on September 2nd. Winner will be posted on September 3rd.

No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay

The house was deathly quiet. That was the first sign that something was terribly wrong. Fourteen-year-old Cynthia Bigge woke that morning to find herself alone. Her family—mother, father, and brother—had vanished without a word, without a note, without a trace. Twenty-five years later, Cynthia is still looking for answers. Now she is about to learn the devastating truth.

From critically acclaimed author Linwood Barclay comes a new suspense thriller that strikes to the core of our most primal fear. What if you woke one day to find your entire life had changed? If everyone you loved had disappeared overnight without so much as a chance to ask why?

Cynthia and Terry Archer still live in Milford, Connecticut, not far from the old Bigge house on Hickory Street. With a solid marriage and a young daughter, the Archers seem on track for a successful future. But the questions raised by Cynthia’s past still haunt her, and her obsession to find the answers threatens to destroy everything they’ve worked for. For Cynthia, there can be no closure until she finds out why her family disappeared—and how they could have left her behind.

Terry thinks the segment on the popular TV crime-stopper program Deadline is a mistake. But his wife hopes that someone watching will have a lead to her missing family. Sure enough, it’s Cynthia who spots the strange car cruising the neighborhood, hears the untraceable phone calls, and discovers the ominous “gifts.” And as Cynthia’s nerves begin to unravel, no one’s innocence is guaranteed, not even her own. By the time the first body is found, it’s clear that her past is more of amystery than she ever imagined—or may ever survive.

Someone has returned to this Connecticut town to finish what was started twenty-five years ago. And by the time Terry and Cynthia discover the killer’s shocking identity, it will be too late even for goodbye.

I LOVED this book!!!!!!! A great suspense story that gripped me from the very beginning!!!!! Of course I started reading it when my reading time was extremely limited, but I couldn't wait to sit and read as much as possible when time allowed. The plot was weaved intricately, and for me the characters sprang to life. My heart ached for poor Cynthia, as what happened to her is completely unimaginable. To have your family one night and wake the next morning and they have vanished and you don't know what has happened to them, or why you have been spared. I felt the tension rise throughout this book, and truly looked forward to turning every page to see what could possibly happen next!!!! A fantastic read!!!! 5/5

Give Aways.........

You can always find new book give aways posted here: West Of Mars

Contests will not be removed from this post until winners are posted!!! :)

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Lori's Reading Corner is giving away an ARC copy of Michael Connelly's The Brass Verdict. Visit her blog and sign up through Mr. Linky, but make sure you leave her contact info as well so she can reach you if you win!!! Contest ends August 21st!!! Winner will be posted August 22nd!! :)

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Bookroomreview is giving away 2 copies of Tan Lines by J.J. Salem. Visit the post on the blog and say why you want to read the book to be entered to win!!! :) Contest open until August 22nd.

Bookroomreviews is also giving away an autographed copy of Driving Sideways by Jess Riley!!!! Leave a comment saying why you want to read the book to win!!! Blog about it for a second entry!! :) Winner will be posted August 22nd.

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Yvonne from Socrates' Book Reviews is giving away a copy of The Host by Stephanie Meyer!!! Head over to her blog and comment on her post for a chance to win!!! Contest ends August 23rd!!!

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Wendy over at Wendy's Minding Spot is giving away an ARC copy of Left to Die by Lisa Jackson!!! This is her first giveaway, so let's all get over there and sign up!!! :) Leave her a comment to enter, make sure you leave your email or active blog addy so she can reach you!!! Earn an extra entry by blogging about it!! Contest ends August 24th, winner will be announced August 25th!!

Katrina from Stone Soup is at it again!!!! She is offering 2 lucky readers a chance to win one of 4 books......visit her blog to find out which 4 titles are being offered this week. Comment on her post and let her know your top 2 choices of the 4 to win!!!!! Contest ends at noon PST on August 24th!!!!

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Monie over at Reading with Monie is giving away an ARC copy of Impossible by Nancy Werlin. Head on over and post a comment to enter, blog about it for a second entry!!! Winner will be chosen on August 25th!!!

Reading Room is giving away a paperback copy of Matrimony by Joshua Henkin!!! Visit and post a comment for one entry, blog about it for a second entry!!!! Contest ends August 25th!!!

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Liv's Book Reviews is giving away 3 prize packs to celebrate her: Late Birthday/1/2 year of blogging/100 posts. Visit her blog for more details!!! Many ways to earn extra entries to this great contest!!! Ends August 30th!!

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Temple Library Reviews is giving away a copy of Rogue by Rachel Vincent!!! Visit the blog, read the rules and enter by leaving a comment or sending an email!!! :) Super easy and looks like a great read!! :) Contest ends on August 31st!! :)

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BookRoomReviews has two copies of The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong to give away!!! :) Visit her blog and leave a comment for one entry, post about it for an extra entry!! Contest closes on September 1st!!!!

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BookRoomReviews has another awesome book giveaway!!!! Author of Sweet Life, Mia King has agreed to give away a total of 3 book and goodie baskets as long as we get the word out!!!! 1 extra basket for each 50 entries, up to 3 total!!!! So head on over and let Tracy and Mia know why you want to read her book and get yourself entered!!! :) Make sure you read the whole post, there's lots of info there!!! Contest ends September 2nd!!!!

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J. Kaye's Book Blog is giving away an ARC copy of Testimony by Anita Shreve. Visit her blog for details on how to enter and how to gain an extra entry!!!! Winner will be chosen on September 13th!!!!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Unconsciously Muttering...


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

  1. Signature :: Messy
  2. Olympics :: Bejing
  3. 100% :: Pure Love
  4. Damn! :: Straight
  5. Gold :: Medal
  6. Fresh and natural :: Orange Juice
  7. Fraction :: Math
  8. Hurry :: Up
  9. Summer :: Solstice
  10. 29th :: day of the month

Friday, August 15, 2008

It's Friday.....


Here we go:

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was Sweet Southern Fried Chicken from the 99 last night!!

2. Rude people are something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon brings out the crazy people.

4. Wicked Awesome is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to keep your mouth shut.

6. What Happens In Vegas is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to well, not really looking forward to, but going to a wedding, tomorrow my plans include another wedding and Sunday, I want to bring my kids to see the stage show of High School Musical!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Mates, Dates, and Designer Divas by Cathy Hopkins


"Trust me to go and fall for someone who lives on the other side of the planet."

Nesta has met the perfect boy: good-looking, fun, sweet. But there are problems, too. Simon's from a rich, upper-class background -- with a lifestyle to match -- and it's difficult for Nesta to keep up. And then there's Simon's friend Cressida. What can Nesta do to compete with the ultimate Designer Diva?


Another really cute addition to this series. Such a quick and easy read, and I really felt that this one had a lesson to be learned in it without being preachy!!!! I am enjoying getting to know these young girls and am looking forward to reading the next in the series!!! :) 3.5/5

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Black Widow Agency by Felicia Donovan


Strong, sexy, smart, and stealthy! The ladies at the Black Widow Agency aim to bring justice to wronged women like themselves, using a lethal blend of computer forensics, surveillance technology, and women's intuition. The owner is ex-cop Katie Mahoney, a natural at undercover work. Her competent staff includes Alexandria, the mysterious, black-clad cybergoddess who keeps a pet tarantula; Margot, the crafty office manager, who's not afraid to don a leather bustier for the cause; and Jane, who crunches numbers amid hot flashes. The four Black Widows form a tight sisterhood—depending on each other for emotional support, laughter, and frequent doses of chocolate.

I REALLY enjoyed this book!!!! It was a really quick read for me and I really loved all of the key characters involved. All 4 women scorned by men and helping other women in the same predicament. What woman wouldn't love a book like this?!?!?! I felt the flow of the book was consistent and really enjoyed the techniques these women used to get some much needed information. It was just really fun to read and very easy to get into!!! Great book, can't wait to read the next in this series, now if I can only get my hands on a copy!!! ;) 4.5/5

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

He's With Me by Tamara Summers


Lexie has always had a crush on Jake, her brother Colin's best friend. But she knows Jake thinks of her like a sister, and has never made a move. But when beautiful alpha girl Bree McKennis sets her sights on Jake, he has to come up with a plan to turn her down...without incurring the wrath of the most popular girl in school. That's when Colin comes up with the plan: Lexie can pretend to be Jake's girlfriend. But Lexie has never had a real boyfriend, let alone a pretend one! Can she manage to convince Jake that they're meant to be...and avoid getting killed by Bree McKennis?

Really cute YA read. Very, very light and fluffy, easily an afternoon read. Pretty typical teenage stuff involved, but a nice little break from reality!!!! Definitely no heavy lifting with this one!!!! ;) 3/5

50 Chances to Win.....

Joy Nash’s Immortals: The Crossing--sixth book in Dorchester’s USA Today Bestselling series Immortals--hits the bookshelves on September 30. But 50 lucky readers will win autographed copies on or before that date!

Yes, that’s right – 50 copies of The Crossing will be given away on 50 participating websites and blogs, which means readers have 50 online chances to win this hot new paranormal romance during the 50 days between August 12 and September 30.

You can find a list of all of the participating sites here!!!!

I will be giving away a copy here on my blog on September 12th!!!! :)

We Have A Winner.....

The winner for my ARC copy of Tarnished Beauty be Cecilia Samartin is


Here are your random numbers:

73

Timestamp: 2008-08-12 12:50:19 UTC


An email is headed your way Jaime, please get me your mailing info by Friday or I'll have to choose another winner!!! :)

Stay tuned another give away will be posted sometime this week!! :)

Monday, August 11, 2008

My Favorite Witch by Annette Blair

HE SWORE OFF WOMEN. SHE SWORE OFF MEN...

Jason Pickering Goddard's career as a playboy hockey star comes to a dramatic halt when he tragically damages his legs in a car accident. Swearing off women, he decides to stand in as Director of Special Events at the Pickering Foundation in the interim---knowing his celebrity status will greatly help the foundation's foster home for boys.

BUT NEITHER EXPECTED THIS KIND OF MAGIC.

A sexy witch cursed by a cheating ex-fiance, Kira Fitzgerald has closed the book on men. But a new chapter in her life opens when she's appointed as Jason's coordinator. The clash of their strong personalities ignites Jason's competitive streak and sparks an inner fire that threatens to melt the ice around his heart---a slow warm-up that weakens Kira's own defenses. And there's not a spell strong enough to save her...

I truly enjoyed this book. Although it took me a little bit to really get into the book, about 75 pages or so to really be sucked in, while I was sucked in from the first line of The Kitchen Witch. Never the less, once the story roped me in, it truly roped me in!!!! The magic and romance involved were wonderful and captivating. Kira is a strong female character which I admired. It was great to see a cameo appearance from Melody and Logan from The Kitchen Witch, and comical as well!!! Great addition to the trilogy, the 3rd is moving directly to my mini-tbr pile!! :) 4.25/5

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Muttering on Sunday....


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

  1. Month to month :: calendar
  2. Adjusted :: not very well
  3. Prank :: Ashton Kutcher
  4. Mop :: the floors
  5. Clarity :: I finally see it
  6. Parenting :: is hard
  7. Glenn :: Close
  8. Fingerprint :: Arrested
  9. Pineapple :: Sexy (Tracey...hehe)
  10. Attorney :: court

Friday, August 8, 2008

French Kiss: Diary of a Crush Book 1 by Sarra Manning

When Edie and Dylan first see each other in photography class, an instant attraction draws them together. But true love never does run smoothly—the two spar as much as they can’t keep their hands off each other. Then comes the college trip to Paris: Edie’s willpower will be tested to the limit! In between furious arguments and trips to the Louvre, the two share some passionate moments—but will it last?

A really cute book, and a good start to a series!!! The push/pull relationship between Edie and Dylan is fun to read about. I really enjoyed the book being in diary format, it just gives it that bit of a different feel. The storyline flowed well and the characters were fun. I liked the take on the artsy crowd and enjoyed the way the story evolved around that. All in all a fun book that was quick and easy to read. I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series!!! :) 3.5/5

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer Mcmahon


While parked at a gas station, Rhonda sees something so incongruously surreal that at first she hardly recognizes it as a crime in progress. She watches, unmoving, as someone dressed in a rabbit costume kidnaps a young girl. Devastated over having done nothing, Rhonda joins the investigation. But the closer she comes to identifying the abductor, the nearer she gets to the troubling truth about another missing child: her best friend, Lizzy, who vanished years before.

From the author of the acclaimed Promise Not to Tell comes a chilling and mesmerizing tale of shattered innocence, guilt, and ultimate redemption.


I really enjoyed this book. The suspense was weaved in a way that made me want to continue reading and not put the book down. Who is the rabbit and what does it have to do with the mystery of Lizzie's dissapearance years before. I do believe I was as shocked as Rhonda to learn who was behind the rabbit costume. I liked how alternate chapters jumped between the present and the past and the stories were weaved together, a truly great book!!!! 4.5/5

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Death by Bikini by Linda Gerber


Aphra Behn Connolly has the type of life most teenage girls envy. She lives on a remote tropical island and spends most of her time eavesdropping on the rich and famous. The problem is that her family’s resort allows few opportunities for her to make friends—much less to meet cute boys. So when a smoldering Seth Mulo arrives with his parents, she’s immediately drawn to him. Sure, he’s a little bit guarded, and sure his parents are rather cold, and okay he won’t say a word about his past, but their chemistry is undeniable. Then a famous rock star’s girlfriend turns up dead on the beach—strangled by her own bikini top—and alarm bells sound. Is it too great a coincidence that Seth’s family turned up just one day before a murder? As the plot thickens, Aphra finds that danger lurks behind even the most unexpected of faces. . . .

First I have to say this cover is fabulous!!!!! It is the reason I picked up the book to check it out in the first place!!!!! :) That said, the story was really good, I totally enjoyed it!!!! Most of the YA I read are thick in the romance aspect or the rich and bitchy girls...hahaha This book was a mystery, and a pretty good one. I liked the relationships that were made throughout, I felt they developed well and I enjoyed the different possibilities of the villian. I can't wait until the next one comes out to see what Aphra and Seth are up to!! :) 4.5/5

Monday, August 4, 2008

Book Give Aways......

Contests will be removed from this list once winners are posted!!! :)

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Harmony Book Reviews
is giving away a signed copy of Undone by Brooke Taylor. Visit her blog to enter, blog about it yourself and get an extra entry!!! :) Contest ends ??????!

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Badgerbooks is giving away an ARC copy of Summer Blowout by Claire Cook. Visit her blog post and let her know your favorite summer read in a comment!!! Contest ends @ midnight on August 14th!!!!

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Literarily is giving away an ARC of First Daughter by Eric Van Lustbader. Leave a comment on her blog post for entry, also check out the other ways you can earn extra entries while you're there!!! :) Contest ends @ 11:59 August 15th.

Bookshipper is giving away a copy of Gilding Lily by Tatiana Boncampagni. Just leave a comment on her blog post to enter, easy as pie!!! :) Contest closes at 6:00 pm EST on August 15th.

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Jenn's Bookshelf is giving away an ARC copy of Schooled by Anisha Lakhani. Visit her post and comment to enter, blog about it for an additional entry!!! Winner will be chosen August 16th!!!

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Katrina from Stone Soup has another one of her famous, pick a book for $25 or under contests under way!!!! Visit her blog and leave a comment including which book you would like to receive. It can be any book of your choice, as long as it's under the $25 limit!!! :) Contest closes at noon PST on August 17th. Winner posted on August 18th!!

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Lori's Reading Corner is giving away an ARC copy of Michael Connelly's The Brass Verdict. Visit her blog and sign up through Mr. Linky, but make sure you leave her contact info as well so she can reach you if you win!!! Contest ends August 21st!!! Winner will be posted August 22nd!! :)

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Bookroomreview is giving away 2 copies of Tan Lines by J.J. Salem. Visit the post on the blog and say why you want to read the book to be entered to win!!! :) Contest open until August 22nd.

Bookroomreviews is also giving away an autographed copy of Driving Sideways by Jess Riley!!!! Leave a comment saying why you want to read the book to win!!! Blog about it for a second entry!! :) Winner will be posted August 22nd.

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Wendy over at Wendy's Minding Spot is giving away an ARC copy of Left to Die by Lisa Jackson!!! This is her first giveaway, so let's all get over there and sign up!!! :) Leave her a comment to enter, make sure you leave your email or active blog addy so she can reach you!!! Earn an extra entry by blogging about it!! Contest ends August 24th, winner will be announced August 25th!!

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Liv's Book Reviews is giving away 3 prize packs to celebrate her: Late Birthday/1/2 year of blogging/100 posts. Visit her blog for more details!!! Many ways to earn extra entries to this great contest!!! Ends August 30th!!

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Temple Library Reviews is giving away a copy of Rogue by Rachel Vincent!!! Visit the blog, read the rules and enter by leaving a comment or sending an email!!! :) Super easy and looks like a great read!! :) Contest ends on August 31st!! :)

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BookRoomReviews has two copies of The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong to give away!!! :) Visit her blog and leave a comment for one entry, post about it for an extra entry!! Contest closes on September 1st!!!!

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Return to Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux

Magic most definitely resides in the Maine summerhouse where the mysterious Madame Zoya has granted the innermost wishes of its visitors. Now, three women have come to this special place with one thing in common: a painful past they would each like to rewrite. Amy, who hides a heartbreaking loss behind her seemingly perfect marriage and family...Faith, a widow in her thirties whose deepest grief is for a man from years ago...and Zoƫ, an artist shunned by her hometown for reasons she doesn't know, after a traumatic night erased her memory. With their mystical powers, Madame Zoya and her sister Primrose are about to transport the trio to eighteenth-century England to alter Amy's ancestry. But although surprises await each of them, will stepping back in time bring the women the happy endings they seek?

I truly loved this book!!!! I so enjoyed The Summerhouse by this author and I was excited but a little tentative to see how she could evoke the same emotions from another book revolving around the same plot. Well, she did!!!!!!!! The magical aspect of this book was fabulous, I loved how the ladies are able to go back and literally change the outcome of their lives. I felt the characters were real as were the issues they were facing when coming into the Summerhouse. The blend of reality with the magical aspect always captivates me. Loved this book, it was a wonderful, happy and magical read!!! :) 5/5

Unconscious Mutterings


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

  1. Crankiness :: too little sleep
  2. Backpack :: school
  3. Clone :: you don't want 2 of me
  4. High ground :: stay dry
  5. Dreams :: to remember
  6. Lovingly :: nurture
  7. Mistake :: too many
  8. Carson :: Johnny
  9. Errand :: every day
  10. Dozen :: eggs

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Satuday is special...


~Words Ending in FUL ~ I Say You Answer~

1. Uneventful...you answer? Any glorious day I don't have to do anything!!!

2. Very Useful...you answer? My hubby.........he's so good at making himself useful, and without him, bad things would happen!!! ;)

3. It's Beautiful...you answer? My Children

4. Tastes Awful...you answer? Nyquil!!!!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Mates, Dates and Cosmic Kisses by Cathy Hopkins

Thursday night: no call.

Friday morning: NO CALL.

I'm going out of my mind. Perhaps he lost my number?

Perhaps saying he'd phone was a way of getting rid of me? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Izzie is cool, bright, and sassy. And when she meets the gorgeous Mark, she's on a real high. He's divine. And he likes her! But why doesn't he call when he says he will?

Desperate to make sense of things Izzie spends all her free time at home just in case he calls.

When Izzie loses her perspective, best friends Lucy and Nesta try to give her a reality check. But there are some things you'd rather not hear....

I've really enjoyed the first 2 installments of the Mates, Dates series!!! Truly age appropriate YA reads, but are cute, light and enjoyable for all ages. I am easily transported back to my teenage years while reading these books and feel the angst and uncertainty of the past. A quick one day read for me, lots of fun!!! 3.5/5

Almost the weekend....



Here we go:

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to my childhood, and spending time with my grandparents who have passed, many of my favorite memories span that time frame.

2. Give me liberty or give me death.

3. I am listening to Snowball chewing on a toy and the kids playing upstairs.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking the happiest of thoughts.

5. I'll always be there for my children.

6. My idea of a good time includes family, friends and fun.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to a Tastfully Simple party with my bff, tomorrow my plans include a MA meet with my PBS buddies and Sunday, I want to chill out!

July Books Read...

The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen

Twenty-seven-year-old Josey Cirrini is sure of three things: winter in her North Carolina hometown is her favorite season, she’s a sorry excuse for a Southern belle, and sweets are best eaten in the privacy of her hidden closet. For while Josey has settled into an uneventful life in her mother’s house, her one consolation is the stockpile of sugary treats and paperback romances she escapes to each night…. Until she finds it harboring none other than local waitress Della Lee Baker, a tough-talking, tenderhearted woman who is one part nemesis—and two parts fairy godmother…

Fleeing a life of bad luck and big mistakes, Della Lee has decided Josey’s clandestine closet is the safest place to crash. In return she’s going to change Josey’s life—because, clearly, it is not the closet of a happy woman. With Della Lee’s tough love, Josey is soon forgoing pecan rolls and caramels, tapping into her startlingly keen feminine instincts, and finding her narrow existence quickly expanding.

Before long, Josey bonds with Chloe Finley, a young woman who makes the best sandwiches in town, is hounded by books that inexplicably appear whenever she needs them, and—most amazing of all—has a close connection to Josey’s longtime crush.

As little by little Josey dares to step outside herself, she discovers a world where the color red has astonishing power, passion can make eggs fry in their cartons, and romance can blossom at any time—even for her. It seems that Della Lee’s work is done, and it’s time for her to move on. But the truth about where she’s going, why she showed up in the first place—and what Chloe has to do with it all—is about to add one more unexpected chapter to Josey’s fast-changing life.

Brimming with warmth, wit, and a sprinkling of magic, here is a spellbinding tale of friendship, love—and the enchanting possibilities of every new day.

Did you ever read a book you just didn't want to end because you loved the characters so much and wanted to continue on their journey with them?!?! This was one of those books for me, as well as her debut novel Garden Spells. This book was beautifully written, and so descriptive, I had no problem imagining each scene in my head as the story played out. Josey's development through the book was wonderful, I so enjoyed watching her bloom into the woman she so deserved to become. Once again Sarah Addison Allen has written an amazingly magical story that I know will remain with me!!!!!! 5/5