Little Thoughts About Books and Stuff

Fighting Love by Abby Niles My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review. This is the second book in Abby Niles' Love to the Extreme series.  You can find my review of the first book here . I have really enjoyed both books in the series and I'm looking forward to the next book due out in 2014. One of the things I like about this story is that Julie is the one in the friend zone, or as Tommy sees it, the sister zone. Tommy and Julie have been best friends forever. Julie has been in love with Tommy since she was a child.  She's been pretty okay with this but things are changing between the two friends.  Their lives are so different, Tommy has been focused on his fighting and the lifestyle that surrounds the sports. Julie is fine with the quite life at home and doesn't much care for the lifestyle. Julie's quite life is about to get a change when Tommy moves in with her.  Things have been rough for him, he lose ...

This meme is hosted by Mr. Knowitall . From my Instagram Christmas morning passed in a blur. All too soon the gifts had been opened, oohs and aahs had been expressed, and breakfast had been consumed.  Now it was hours before anyone had anywhere to be and the humans were sitting at the table playing cards.  We didn’t have to supervise anymore so we napped.

This meme is hosted by Mr. Knowitall . Today's story is true. When we were younger my brother and I used to cuddle up in one bed in anticipation of Christmas Morning. We were always very excited and could hardly sleep.  Then one year as we lay there we heard my mom watching her soaps, which wasn't unusual. What was unusual was the sounds of gifts being wrapped.  Christmas Eve Discovery Cuddled in bed, too excited to sleep, a brother and sister lay awake talking about what they expect to find Christmas morning. Then they hear the TV come on with Mom’s favorite soap opera, and the sounds of gifts being wrapped. But all the gifts from Mom and Dad are already under the tree!

Adam over at RoofBeamReade r is hosting the 2013 TBR Pile Challenge . The Goal is to read 12 books from your "to be read" pile before the end of 2013. Here is my list: (Completed 7 of  12) Wolf Hall by Hillary Mantle Geektastic edited by Holly Black and Cecil Castellucci - Completed 6/23/13 How to Be Single by Liz Tuccillo - DNF American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld The Smart One and The Pretty One by  Claire LaZebnik - Completed 2/11/13 Jack's Widow by Eve Pollard - Completed 2/2/13 The Dead Beat by Mailyn Johnson Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik - Completed 2/17/2013 The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James -  Completed 3/8/13 Casting About by Terri Dulong Needles and Pearls by Gil McNeil - Completed 5/27/13 The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil - Completed 5/7/13 Alternates This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel  - DNF People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

A Featured Sneak Peek: Christmas Wishes by Mary Manners Love comes full circle when a child's Christmas wish arrives special delivery. When attorney Riley Harper comes home to Maple Ridge following the death of his grandfather, the last thing he expects to find is Kaylee McKenna living in his grandparents' guesthouse. Though he and Kaylee were once best friends, Riley cannot find it in his heart to forgive her for the death of his mother. His heart, full of bitterness and resentment, has room for little else. Kaylee has no time to dwell on events of the past, especially where Riley's concerned; she's too busy raising her six-year-old niece, Rosie, and working as an ER nurse. With Christmas quickly approaching, her days are spent helping with charity events and filling the wishes on Rosie's Christmas list. But when Rosie's father makes an unexpected visit, Kaylee must call on Riley's legal expertise to ensure Rosie of a safe and secure future. Wil...

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter My rating: 4 of 5 stars This was one of those books that the patrons of the library raved about, which meant that I pushed it to the bottom of my To Be Read list. I guess I’m a bit of a book snob, but the greater the reviews the longer it takes me to read a book (for the most part). I might not have read the book, if not for it being picked for the first book of the Winter Book Club. I enjoyed the story and the characters immensely. The differing plot lines that all intertwined gave the novel a sort of soap opera feel, but it also added to the charm of the story. Seeing some of these characters at different points in their lives drives you forward to the point where the past and the present meet up. These characters are all flawed, but not one of them is flawed to the point of no redemption. Well, except for Richard Burton, he was my favorite character. Dee Moray, has landed a small role in the movie Cleopatra, unfortunately things do not go...

Public Relations For Authors Take Hold of Your Own Promotions by Babs Hightower My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received a copy of this book from the author of an honest review. Earlier this year I took a class on Contemporary Writers and Publishing.  Nearly everything we covered in that class appears in this book, albeit on a smaller scale.  It's important for authors to have an understanding of how to promote their book.  There is only so much a publishing house will do for you.  If you are a self-published author, this book is even more important for you to pick up. This book briefly covers some of the most important aspects of promoting your book and yourself as an author.  Bab's writes a step-by-step of what a publicist should do for you, but I feel that as an author you need to be able to do the same thing for yourself.  It's all about putting yourself and your book out for people to notice. View all my reviews

Ford County by John Grisham My rating: 4 of 5 stars With the buys holiday season, I thought it would be easier for my book club members to read a collection of short stories.  I'm not a big John Grisham fan, I've seen the movies based off his books, but have never read one of his books.  That being said, when this book first came out, I was interested but just never got around to reading it. Because of the bad weather on Tuesday, only one person showed up, but we still had a great conversation.  Both of us were surprised at how much we enjoyed the book (like me he wasn't a fan of Grisham).  Of the seven short stories we both enjoyed: Casino In this story we meet Bobby Carl Leach, who is one of those slimy business men. He'll do anything to make a buck, including claiming to be of Native American decent so he can open a casino.  The star of this story is Sidney, who's wife leaves him (she ends up with Bobby Carl) because he's boring.  Sidney finds a...

While I am recovering from the stress of writing a final paper, new author, Gerald Freeman, has written a guest post.  His new book "Kill Daddy" is available as a ebook on Amazon . THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD VERSUS THE POWER OF THE UNSPOKEN WORD The main objective for anyone involved in the arts is to get their message across, and everything revolves around the efficacy. Artists want to communicate with people, share ideas, passions and experiences. For many of us, the inspiration is life. I have spent the last 20 years focusing on sculpture and writing, both mediums through which I hope to inspire and share my ideas about us and our role on this planet. I spent 10 years working on my technique in both areas, and a few years ago, I felt ready to put my work out there. I began with sculpture and have been very lucky. I have held some great exhibitions and my work has found a home in many parts of the world. Like writing, it is a gradual process and will take the ...

This meme is hosted by Mr. Knowitall . This is a 55 Fiction I wrote back in college as part of my creative writing class. Dallas Swat’s Day Off “What’s wrong?” She asked groggily waking from a sound sleep. “It’s work I have to go in. Sorry.” He climbs out of bed looking at his pager. “You know I understand. I feel bad for you it was your day off.” She sits up watching him get dressed. He kisses her. “Be safe.”

This challenge is being hosted at My Reader's Block .   I have a slight problem with books (as my following list shows). I can't help it when I see a free book, or a deal to get a book at a really low price.  Being a librarian I also can't help grabbing books from the book donation piles.  My goal is to at least clear about half my pile so I'm aiming for Mt. Vancouver which is reading 36 books from my TBR Piles.  Wish me luck! Here is my pile of books: In my book basket: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel The Dead Beat by Mailyn Johnson American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld Dear Mr. Knightly by Katherine Reay Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer The Wizard, the Witch & Two Girls From Jersey by Lisa Papademetriou Knit One Pearl One by Gil McNeil Casting About by Terri Dulong Mr. Knightley's Diary by Amanda Grange Cassandra & Jane by Jill Pitkeathley Home by Julie Andrews My Name is Will by Jess W...

I've posted this last year, but this year I'm going to share a little bit more about why I chose this quote to share. I enjoy the holiday, but being interested in history I do have to admit, it's not an all together bright spot in our countries history.  This was the book that really got me to do some serious research into the holiday past what we were taught in school. "Happy kill an Indian and steal his land because God told you to day."

I Love Library Books Reading Challenge 2014 hosted by Book Dragon's Lair Description of Challenge from sign-up post : Our love of reading can be expensive! Not only are we purchasing books but some of us also need space to keep them. I had so much fun with this challenge last year. Let's do it again! There are a number of levels, for those who don't have a library card yet to those that live there. Enjoy! Requirements: Choose a level - you may move up as needed, just not down. Check books out of the library books may overlap with other challenges any format allowed (print, ebook, audio). Reviews are not necessary but a list of books read is.  Levels: board book - 3 picture book - 6 early reader - 9 chapter book - 12 middle grades - 18 Young adult - 24 adult - 36 just insert IV - 50 I'm aiming for 'just insert IV'.  I'm always bringing books home from work and the last time I did a challenge like this, back in 2011 , I checked out and read 86 bo...

Matzoh and Mistletoe by Jodie Griffin My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received an eBook copy from Netgalley for an honest review. I have not always been a fan of BDSM stories, I feel that sometimes they are just too focused on sex, and I do enjoy a good story along with my hot and steamy. That wasn't a case with this novella. There was a great story and it balanced nicely with the hot and steamy. Also, I liked that the BDSM aspect wasn't so intense that I got turned off by the hot and steamy. Rebeccah has been volunteering for years on Christmas and Easter so those who celebrate the holidays can be at home with their families. For the last five years, she's been partnered up with a police officer named Jeremy. They have both felt attracted towards the other, but because Rebeccah was married neither one acted on the feelings. This Christmas, however, Rebeccah is single. Rebeccah left her husband because he was abusive, both mentally and physically. This sets up so...

Blood, Bones, and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars I enjoy reading biographies of chefs.  I like to see their journey's to becoming chef and the different things in their lives that lead to that career.  In the past I've read them about the celebrity chefs that I watch on TV so reading one by a chef that I had never heard about was a little strange for me.  So add Gabrielle's strange journey and it was a wholly unique experience.  One where I enjoyed reading about her journey, but by the end of the book, I didn't much care for her. We didn't have a real group meeting this month. I was out sick on both our originally meeting date and our followup date.  Luckily, our evening book discussion group has also read this book and someone was able to cover for me to lead the discussion.  I'm told it wasn't a well liked book.  Knowing my members, I think they probably felt like I did that...

Bellman & Black: A Ghost Story by Diane Setterfield My rating: 5 of 5 stars I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley. This is not my typical book, but I loved it! Book Description from Goodreads: As a boy, William Bellman commits one small, cruel act: killing a bird with his slingshot. Little does he know the unforeseen and terrible consequences of the deed, which is soon forgotten amidst the riot of boyhood games. By the time he is grown, with a wife and children of his own, William seems to be a man blessed by fortune—until tragedy strikes and the stranger in black comes. Then he starts to wonder if all his happiness is about to be eclipsed. Desperate to save the one precious thing he has left, William enters into a rather strange bargain, with an even stranger partner, to found a decidedly macabre business. And Bellman & Black is born! Review: Like I said above, I loved this novel! It took me a few chapters to get into this book.  The writing style was diff...

I've been reading...but I haven't been reviewing. I'm going to be honest, between school work and a new relationship I just haven't had time to sit down and review. I've read some really good things the last few weeks so I've been itching for a chance to sit down and write about them. I Stopped Time by Jane Davis My rating: 3 of 5 stars I reviewed this book for Central New Jersey - JASNA .  You can read my full review there, but I just wanted to share a few thoughts.  I really enjoyed the split perspectives of the story and the fact that they were from two different eras.  I loved the idea behind the title and the way it was used in the novel. What the Bride Didn't Know by Kelly Hunter My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars I received an ebook ARC from Netgalley. I enjoyed the story, but felt there was too much going on for such a short novel. There was the back story of their childhood and how they grew up friends and all went into the same job field w...

I'm an eye-phone for Halloween!

Yesterday I attended the NJLA Adult Services Forum (don't worry you don't need to know what it is for this post) and while there attended one panel and spoke on another and walked away with a list of some new books to read.  Since I'm really behind in writing reviews I decided to just share these new books so I at least had a post for today! The Marked Men series by Jay Crownover Real series by Katy Evans Vintage by Susan Gloss I Love This Bar by Carolyn Brown

Matt Hoyle's new book, Comic Genius: Portraits of Funny People , is a collection of portraits of some of the funniest people around.  Included in this collection are some of my favorites like Mel Brooks, Billy Crystal, Carol Burnett, Jon Stewart, Joan Rivers, and the two in the video below. Steve Martin and Kermit the Frog in "Dueling Banjos" from Steve Martin

kind of. With school work and work work I feel as if I don't have the time to write.  When I'm not at work, and not working on school stuffs, I really have no desire to be in front of the computer. With National Novel Writing Month approaching I'm considering if I'll be attempting the challenge this year.  I'm leaning strongly towards 'no' for those reasons stated above. I am however determined to write in November.  While I won't officially be participating, I am planning on focusing on some writing. I started working on turning one of my failed NaNo novels into  short story.  I think I write better as a short story author.  I started my editing of the original text and weeding out the sub plot lines that just won't work in the shorter version. Besides not writing I haven't been going to writer's group meetings.  I'm going to start to go back, at least to help the other members with their writing projects. I'm also going to do the wr...

A friend posted on Facebook yesterday that we have just entered the last quarter of the year. (It's a little depressing.) Anyway I thought it would be a good idea to see where I stand with my Reading Challenges for 2013. Nora Roberts Reading Challenge I don't really set any goals with this one. I try to stay current on her new releases while putting  dent in her back list.  I've pretty much current (just need to read the novella and wait for the new series to start). I've read about 30 of her back list titles.  I read the MacGregors series. It also helps that they have been re-releasing her back list.  Of course it's two titles to a book so my overall book title count is lower (if I'm reading them in one book, it counts as one book). The 2013 TBR Challenge I started off strong with this one, and then hit a wall. I just couldn't get into the one book I picked up, and then everything just seemed to bump those books down the list. It looks like at least...

This semester I am taking Graduate Seminar in British Literature: Written Revolutions. We are in week 4 and I can say already this is an interesting topic. Here's some of what we've read already: Section from Milton's Paradise Lost A number of 18th Century poems The Rover by Aphra Behn The Beggar's Opera by John Gay What we're reading this week: A section from A Vindication of the Rights of Men by Mary Wollstonecraft A section from Reflections on the Revolution in France by Edmund Burke A section from The Rights of Man by Thomas Paine and other selected works by all Edmund Burke, Thomas Paine, and Richard Price A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens Some of what we will be reading: Poems of the Romantic Poets Readings about the abolition of slavery Gender issues in Victorian Society Writings on the Industrial Revolution Works of Moderism from James Joyce, Virginia Wolfe and T.S. Elliot Unlike last semester I don't have access t...

Sometimes in Dreams by G. L. Helm My rating: 3 of 5 stars For the first part of this stop of the blog tour, G.L. Helm wrote a guest post which you can find here .  It's very rare for me to like a book while disliking the main characters of a book.  It's rare for me to even finish a book if this is the case, yet I found myself compelled to finish this book. Synopsis: Daniel Pentland is a broken man; torn between the two women in his life. He is tormented by guilt over his love affair with a beautiful English girl he met while living in Italy, and the loyal devotion of his wife, Amanda. Two years after the tragic death of his lover Kit, he is continually haunted by her memory. Across the sands of the Mojave Desert, her voice calls out to him, pulling at his heart and his memories. Each night as Daniel wakes screaming and fighting against the phantom of Kit’s killer, his wife does her best to soothe his pain and help him overcome his grief. Sometimes in Dr...

I'm happy to be participating in the Blog Tour for G.L. Helm's novel Sometimes in Dreams . Today he has written a post about his novel.  On Thursday I'll have my mini-review of the novel.  Sometimes in Dreams: Fact or Fiction There is always a question when an author writes a book. “How much is fact and how much is fiction?” In Sometimes in Dreams that is a very hard thing say for sure. All the places and settings in the story are completely real. Some of the settings have been bent around to fit a particular need, but not bent much. Everything in Venice is completely real with the exception of Campo Redemptor, which doesn’t really exist, but Bar Redemptor does exist in a different part of the city. It is much more of a working man’s bar than a restaurant bar I created. The barkeep in my Bar Redemptor is like a hundred real ones all of whom had their own coffee and drink ballet performed behind their bars, and the bar itself was patterned after a bar-restaurant whe...

The Mine by John A. Heldt My rating: 4 of 5 stars Would you walk into an abandoned mine? If so, what would you expect to find? Would to expect to find a weird glowing blue light, find yourself walking out of the mine into the past, find yourself becoming friends with your grandmother, or how about finding the love of your life? Joel Smith is the kind of person to walk into an abandoned mine.  He didn't expect any thing out of the ordinary, but yet it all happened.  He found himself back in 1941, and in a circle of young friends that included the woman who would become his grandmother.  Joel is fortunate enough to know quite a bit about the history, it helps him adjust to his new surroundings. Besides finding a place for himself, Joel finds the woman who could very well be the love of his life. Things aren't so easy for Joel.  Faced with the knowledge of the future does Joel risk changing that future by sharing information.  When he finds an opportunity t...

Not the typical book I post book trailers for, but I found myself drawn into the videos for this one. Let me start at the beginning...I had nothing else to post so I went on the hunt for a book trailer. I ended up on YouTube and on the page for Simon & Schuster.  As I clicked and watching book trailers, and authors talking, I saw a video that said "5 Ways to Slow Aging in Your 50s" but paid it no attention.  Then after a few more videos I saw "5 Way to Slow Again in Your 20s" and watched the video. #1 - Don't do it nearly enough - trying to really get into a better routine #2 - Don't do it nearly enough - trying. #3 - Nope, but I'm going to look into it, helps with anxiety. #4 - This one I have done! Whoo-hoo (just got to remember to floss everyday). #5 - Nope - I exercise more than I wear sunscreen. I failed the no aging in my 20s. But no fear, there was a video on the side panel that read "5 Ways to Slow your Again in your 30s...

I know this is a bit late, but August turned out to be a lot more than I could deal with, and I never got the chance to finish reviewing and wrapping up the reading event. I finished two books: Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise My rating: 4 of 5 stars Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom by Deborah Yaffe My rating: 5 of 5 stars I only got to review the one book, but I'll be reviewing Among the Janeites soon (hopefully).

I received ebook copies of both books from Netgalley. I felt that both of these books had the potential to be great books to kick off their perspective series. Both authors have created an interesting world that as a reader I would love to explore through their books.  However, the books were a let down.   Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez My rating: 2 of 5 stars This world of dragons is intriguing. I haven't come across a dragon shifter outside of a novel in the Sherrilyn Kenyon Dark-Hunter series.  The author has this great world to play with and she just hits at it's existence. I would have loved to have some more background into the life of the dragons. The pace moved too quickly.  Things that felt as if the characters should have more resistance or adjustment period too, where easily accepted. I think if the pace had been slowed the story could have been flushed out a little bit more. Another thing that I would have liked to seen, is a lead into the ...

Description The pleasure of going to the local pub or craft brewery for a pint and a delicious meal can now be recreated at home with John Holl's collection of 175 recipes that all taste amazingly great with beer. From pub grub and barbecue to regional specialties and even breakfast fare, many of these dishes use beer as an ingredient, and all of them can be paired with your favorite brews. The recipes were contributed by brew pubs, craft brewers, and other beer lovers across the United States, and you'll love the new twists on traditional favorites, such asSlow-Cooked Dopple Bock BBQ Meatballs and American Wheat Beer Steamed Clams, as well as unexpected recipes like Crawfish Bordelaise, Chopped Reuben Salad, Beermosas, Beer Ice Cream Floats, and Chocolate Jefferson Stout Cupcakes. Why I'm recommending it: I recieved an e-book copy from Netgalley. I've find it weird to be reviewing a cookbook, but this one drew my attention. I have a friend who is ...

Of Dice and Men: The Story of Dungeons & Dragons and The People Who Play It by David M. Ewalt My rating: 4 of 5 stars I received an ebook copy from Netgalley. Description HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS. Ancient red dragons with 527 hit points, +44 to attack, and a 20d10 breath weapon, to be specific. In the world of fantasy role-playing, those numbers describe a winged serpent with immense strength and the ability to spit fire. There are few beasts more powerful—just like there are few games more important than Dungeons & Dragons. Even if you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons, you probably know someone who has: the game has had a profound influence on our culture. Released in 1974—decades before the Internet and social media—Dungeons & Dragons inspired one of the original nerd subcultures, and is still revered by millions of fans around the world. Now the authoritative history and magic of the game are revealed by an award-winning journalist and lifelong D&D ...

Once Upon A Wallflower by Wendy Lyn Watson My rating: 3 of 5 stars I received an ebook copy for review from Netgalley. Mira Fitzhenry is the poor relation.  She lives with her uncle and his family and is made to feel sub par in every way.  She doesn't fit in with society's standards and has grown to accept how everyone views her.  She has the misfortune of sharing a name with her cousin and therefore becomes a pawn in her uncle's plan to get out of debt and save his own daughter.  Her uncle has promised that Miss Mirabelle Fitzhenry will marry the Viscount Ashfield in exchange for his gambling debts to be cleared by the Viscount's father the Earl of Blackwell.  The Earl is a scoundrel and the Viscount is rumored to be a murderer, to dabble in the black arts and a number of other unsavory things. Nicholas, the Viscount Ashfield, reminded me of a romantic version of Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights .  They are both dark, brooding men who spend their ...

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock  by  Matthew Quick My rating:   4 of 5 stars I received an ebook copy from Netgalley. This book is so many things and all of them add a different element that makes it hard to put down. This story is a glimpse into the life of a troubled teen who has figured out how to slip through the cracks and play the system.  He is alone in the world, dealing with some major issues and feeling as if no one cares.  He uses the fact that his birthday has arrived and no one seems to know or remember as an excuse for what he feels must be done.  He must end his life and the life of his former best friend. We are on the journey with him as he goes through his day saying goodbye to the four people who he has connected with in the past few years. There's Walt, his elderly next-door neighbor, who has introduced Leonard to Humphrey Bogart movies. The two will spend full days watching the movies and quoting lines back and forth. Walt is th...

Pirates and Prejudice by Kara Louise My rating: 4 of 5 stars When I fist saw this book I got excited.  The first thought that crossed through my head was "OMG please, please, please let it be a cross between Pride and Prejudice and The Princess Bride ."  If that wasn't your first thought take a moment and think about. Okay done thinking? Good! If you have a similar imagination to mine, then this book pretty much lived up to your imagination.  Instead of being captured by pirates, Darcy is mistaken for a pirate. He can prove he's not the dread pirate but the officials need his help to capture his pirate double.  Now you might be asking how distinguished Mr. Darcy was mistaken for  pirate. Darcy really let himself go after Elizabeth turned him down. It is while he is disguised that he is reunited with Elizabeth, who has been on the Isles of Scilly with her father visiting his sick sister.  On their return trip to England a bad storm hits, their b...

Last night I did an adult craft of origami flowers. I had fun and they seems to enjoy playing with glue (they kind of overdid the glue part of the craft). First I cut up an old book that was falling apart: Once I had the book pages cut it was just time to wait for the day of the program. Last night was craft night:  I was all set for my crafters! Here's how to make the Kusudama Flowers: For full written instructions you can visit   WikiHow - How to Make a Kusudama Flower