The Island
by Elin Hilderbrand
I not really sure what to say about this audiobook. On one hand I enjoyed the story but I didnt find it to be anything great. Sometimes too the characters also really annoyed me because they got very whiney and self centered. I think I would recomend this book because its a good read to read to past some time away but its not profound or anything like I said. I also belive that this would be a good summer read.
I would like to thank Anna form Hachette for letting me review this Audiobook!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
My Immortal Assassin
Today Im Participating in a blog tour for the book My Immortal Assassin by Carolyn Jewel. I also had a chance to do a Q&A with her so I would like to thank her for that and welcome her to my blog!
Book Info: (from Grand Central Publishing)
TEMPTED BY REVENGE...
Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.
BOUND BY DESIRE...
Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?
Author Info: (from Grand Central Publishing)
When not writing, Carolyn Jewel is a Database Administrator. She lives in northern California with her son, three cats, a border collie, several chickens, and some sheep.
Q&A:
Q: With so many romance genres out there what made you want to write Paranormal Romance?
When I was a kid, I read a lot of Fantasy that included magical creatures and I just loved all those stories, from Tolkien (of course) to C.S. Lewis and many, many others. To this day, I particularly love stories with sword-carrying elves. And came vampires and monsters! How fun is that? What, I always wondered, if the monsters weren’t always the bad guys, which, of course, Anne Rice and others began to write about.
So, basically, I’ve always loved such stories and always wanted to write one. When I got the chance with Liz Maverick’s Crimson City Series, I went for it.
Q: How do you come up with the names of your characters?
Well, sometimes the names come to me and other times I must go to the names. I keep a spreadsheet of interesting names that I come across and I have several links saved to baby naming sites and sites involved with names throughout history, as well as links to historical census data from the US and the UK, as this data is also a treasure trove of interesting and historical names.
When the name just comes to me, it’s easy (doh). But I’ve been known to get tired of a name or run into other issues that mean I need to change a character’s name. I have an article about naming characters on my website. When I’m in search of a name, I go through all my name resources and compile a list of candidates. If I’m lucky, I end up with a name that sounds right and looks right on the page. If it doesn’t, then rinse and repeat. Until it feels and looks right.
Q: How did you come up with this series?
I woke up one morning and there it was, sitting at the foot of my bed, drooling a little, but otherwise bright and shiny.
Not really.
My ideas tend to start with a series of “what if” questions. In this case, What if the demons were the good guys? And from there I think about how that would play out, and what sorts of things would follow from what I imagine about that. Then I progress-- quickly, because coming up with details before I have characters to write about is mostly a waste of time for me-- to coming up with characters who would live in a world where such a question was being asked. And then I start writing because for me, it’s only by getting my characters on the page that I find out what’s really going on.
At that point, I can start asking and answering specific questions until I feel like I have a solid idea.
My Review:
I enjoyed this book I thought it was well written and I liked the characters alot. I really liked the cover as well its very bright and appealing to the eyes. This is a perfect read for on a cold winters day when you have nothing else to do. I would highly recomend this book!
I would like to thank Anna form Hachette for letting me participate in this blog tour!
Book Info: (from Grand Central Publishing)
TEMPTED BY REVENGE...
Grayson Spencer is hellbent on killing the dark mage who destroyed her life. But when her attempt fails, she is forced to turn to Durian, a feared demon and expert assassin. Newly armed with powerful magic she's barely able to control, she'll do whatever it takes to complete her mission--even surrender to a dangerous fiend whose eyes promise unimaginable pleasure.
BOUND BY DESIRE...
Sworn to protect all mages, Durian can't let Gray threaten the uneasy peace among demons, humans, and mages. So he proposes a deal: He'll train Gray to master her gift if she'll bind herself magically to him, submitting to his control. As Gray's powers intensify, so too does Durian's hunger for this fierce, irresistible woman. When the dark mage makes a final play for Gray, will the passion she and Durian share be the key to their survival or the seed of their destruction?
Author Info: (from Grand Central Publishing)
When not writing, Carolyn Jewel is a Database Administrator. She lives in northern California with her son, three cats, a border collie, several chickens, and some sheep.
Q&A:
Q: With so many romance genres out there what made you want to write Paranormal Romance?
When I was a kid, I read a lot of Fantasy that included magical creatures and I just loved all those stories, from Tolkien (of course) to C.S. Lewis and many, many others. To this day, I particularly love stories with sword-carrying elves. And came vampires and monsters! How fun is that? What, I always wondered, if the monsters weren’t always the bad guys, which, of course, Anne Rice and others began to write about.
So, basically, I’ve always loved such stories and always wanted to write one. When I got the chance with Liz Maverick’s Crimson City Series, I went for it.
Q: How do you come up with the names of your characters?
Well, sometimes the names come to me and other times I must go to the names. I keep a spreadsheet of interesting names that I come across and I have several links saved to baby naming sites and sites involved with names throughout history, as well as links to historical census data from the US and the UK, as this data is also a treasure trove of interesting and historical names.
When the name just comes to me, it’s easy (doh). But I’ve been known to get tired of a name or run into other issues that mean I need to change a character’s name. I have an article about naming characters on my website. When I’m in search of a name, I go through all my name resources and compile a list of candidates. If I’m lucky, I end up with a name that sounds right and looks right on the page. If it doesn’t, then rinse and repeat. Until it feels and looks right.
Q: How did you come up with this series?
I woke up one morning and there it was, sitting at the foot of my bed, drooling a little, but otherwise bright and shiny.
Not really.
My ideas tend to start with a series of “what if” questions. In this case, What if the demons were the good guys? And from there I think about how that would play out, and what sorts of things would follow from what I imagine about that. Then I progress-- quickly, because coming up with details before I have characters to write about is mostly a waste of time for me-- to coming up with characters who would live in a world where such a question was being asked. And then I start writing because for me, it’s only by getting my characters on the page that I find out what’s really going on.
At that point, I can start asking and answering specific questions until I feel like I have a solid idea.
My Review:
I enjoyed this book I thought it was well written and I liked the characters alot. I really liked the cover as well its very bright and appealing to the eyes. This is a perfect read for on a cold winters day when you have nothing else to do. I would highly recomend this book!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Memory Place
Today Im Participating in a blog tour for the book The Memory Place by Mirka Bartok
Book Info: (from the publisher Simon & Schuster)
" People have abandoned their loved ones for much less than you've been through," Mira BartÓk is told at her mother's memorial service. It is a poignant observation about the relationship between Mira, her sister, and their mentally ill mother. Before she was struck with schizophrenia at the age of nineteen, beautiful piano protÉgÉ Norma Herr had been the most vibrant personality in the room. She loved her daughters and did her best to raise them well, but as her mental state deteriorated, Norma spoke less about Chopin and more about Nazis and her fear that her daughters would be kidnapped, murdered, or raped.
When the girls left for college, the harassment escalated—Norma called them obsessively, appeared at their apartments or jobs, threatened to kill herself if they did not return home. After a traumatic encounter, Mira and her sister were left with no choice but to change their names and sever all contact with Norma in order to stay safe. But while Mira pursued her career as an artist—exploring the ancient romance of Florence, the eerie mysticism of northern Norway, and the raw desert of Israel—the haunting memories of her mother were never far away.
Then one day, Mira's life changed forever after a debilitating car accident. As she struggled to recover from a traumatic brain injury, she was confronted with a need to recontextualize her life—she had to relearn how to paint, read, and interact with the outside world. In her search for a way back to her lost self, Mira reached out to the homeless shelter where she believed her mother was living and discovered that Norma was dying.
Mira and her sister traveled to Cleveland, where they shared an extraordinary reconciliation with their mother that none of them had thought possible. At the hospital, Mira discovered a set of keys that opened a storage unit Norma had been keeping for seventeen years. Filled with family photos, childhood toys, and ephemera from Norma's life, the storage unit brought back a flood of previous memories that Mira had thought were lost to her forever.
The Memory Palace is a breathtaking literary memoir about the complex meaning of love, truth, and the capacity for forgiveness among family. Through stunning prose and original art created by the author in tandem with the text, The Memory Palace explores the connections between mother and daughter that cannot be broken no matter how much exists—or is lost—between them.
Author Info: (from The Publisher Simon & Schuster)
Mira BartÓk is a Chicago-born artist and writer and the author of twenty-eight books for children. Her writing has appeared in several literary journals and anthologies and has been noted in The Best American Essays series. She lives in Western Massachusetts where she runs Mira's List (http://www.miraslist.blogspot.com/), a blog that helps artists find funding and residencies all over the world. The Memory Palace is Mira's first book for adults. You can find her at: http://www.thememorypalace.com/.
My Review:
I thought this book was very interesting and had a unique premise. I thought it was also very well written and I enjoyed how the artwork was mixed in throughout the book. The artwork I also think made the book a visual delight as well as a literary delight to read. I would recomend this book!
Book Trailer: (from The Publisher Simon & Schuster)
I would like to thank the people from Simon and Schuster Free Press for letting me participate in this blog tour!
Book Info: (from the publisher Simon & Schuster)
" People have abandoned their loved ones for much less than you've been through," Mira BartÓk is told at her mother's memorial service. It is a poignant observation about the relationship between Mira, her sister, and their mentally ill mother. Before she was struck with schizophrenia at the age of nineteen, beautiful piano protÉgÉ Norma Herr had been the most vibrant personality in the room. She loved her daughters and did her best to raise them well, but as her mental state deteriorated, Norma spoke less about Chopin and more about Nazis and her fear that her daughters would be kidnapped, murdered, or raped.
When the girls left for college, the harassment escalated—Norma called them obsessively, appeared at their apartments or jobs, threatened to kill herself if they did not return home. After a traumatic encounter, Mira and her sister were left with no choice but to change their names and sever all contact with Norma in order to stay safe. But while Mira pursued her career as an artist—exploring the ancient romance of Florence, the eerie mysticism of northern Norway, and the raw desert of Israel—the haunting memories of her mother were never far away.
Then one day, Mira's life changed forever after a debilitating car accident. As she struggled to recover from a traumatic brain injury, she was confronted with a need to recontextualize her life—she had to relearn how to paint, read, and interact with the outside world. In her search for a way back to her lost self, Mira reached out to the homeless shelter where she believed her mother was living and discovered that Norma was dying.
Mira and her sister traveled to Cleveland, where they shared an extraordinary reconciliation with their mother that none of them had thought possible. At the hospital, Mira discovered a set of keys that opened a storage unit Norma had been keeping for seventeen years. Filled with family photos, childhood toys, and ephemera from Norma's life, the storage unit brought back a flood of previous memories that Mira had thought were lost to her forever.
The Memory Palace is a breathtaking literary memoir about the complex meaning of love, truth, and the capacity for forgiveness among family. Through stunning prose and original art created by the author in tandem with the text, The Memory Palace explores the connections between mother and daughter that cannot be broken no matter how much exists—or is lost—between them.
Author Info: (from The Publisher Simon & Schuster)
Mira BartÓk is a Chicago-born artist and writer and the author of twenty-eight books for children. Her writing has appeared in several literary journals and anthologies and has been noted in The Best American Essays series. She lives in Western Massachusetts where she runs Mira's List (http://www.miraslist.blogspot.com/), a blog that helps artists find funding and residencies all over the world. The Memory Palace is Mira's first book for adults. You can find her at: http://www.thememorypalace.com/.
My Review:
I thought this book was very interesting and had a unique premise. I thought it was also very well written and I enjoyed how the artwork was mixed in throughout the book. The artwork I also think made the book a visual delight as well as a literary delight to read. I would recomend this book!
Book Trailer: (from The Publisher Simon & Schuster)
I would like to thank the people from Simon and Schuster Free Press for letting me participate in this blog tour!
The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship
by Lisa Verge Higgins
Im not really sure what to think of this book. The story was ok but I didnt love it but I didnt hate it. The plot is kind of interesting a women dies and sends her friends letters reqest them to do something like sky dive or finish some unfinnished business they have and how their lives change but I didnt find the book to be profound or anything. Its an ok read for when you have nothing else to do. I think some people may really like this book so Im going to recomend it even though it wasnt one of my favorites.
I would like to thank Brad Parsons from Hachette for letting me read and review this novel!
by Lisa Verge Higgins
Im not really sure what to think of this book. The story was ok but I didnt love it but I didnt hate it. The plot is kind of interesting a women dies and sends her friends letters reqest them to do something like sky dive or finish some unfinnished business they have and how their lives change but I didnt find the book to be profound or anything. Its an ok read for when you have nothing else to do. I think some people may really like this book so Im going to recomend it even though it wasnt one of my favorites.
I would like to thank Brad Parsons from Hachette for letting me read and review this novel!
Friday, January 21, 2011
How to marry a duke
Today I'm participating in a blog tour for the book How To Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling. Vicky Dreiling also did a Q&A with me so I would like to thank her for that and welcome here to my blog!
Author Info: (From the Publisher Grand Central Publishing)
Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”
When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.
Q&A:
Q: What made you pick a Duke as one of your main characters?
In HOW TO MARRY A DUKE, I wanted to create a hero who was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but also one who held the highest ranking among the non-royal aristocrats in Regency England. His ducal title adds greatly to his allure as the Most Eligible Bachelor in England. So naturally every single belle in London wants to snag him for a husband. Everyone that is, except my matchmaking heroine Tessa Mansfield who sees in him the opportunity to make the match of a century. She’s certain this will put a feather in her matchmaking cap.
Q: When/how were you first introduced to romance novels?
Back in the early nineties, I was grocery shopping and saw a pretty cover on a paperback in the book section. The words New York Times Bestseller drew my attention. I picked up the book, and then my daughter who was then a preschooler, fled down the aisle. I tossed the book in the basket and chased after her. I forgot about the book until I got to the counter. For a moment, I debated whether or not to buy the book, but I decided to keep it. A few hours later, I put my daughter down for a nap and opened the book. I was surprised it was a romance novel, but the book drew me in from the very first page. I laughed so much, and I loved the heroine. That book was Judith McNaught’s ALMOST HEAVEN. I’ve been addicted to historical romances ever since.
Q: What are you working on next?
My next book HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL involves two secondary characters from HOW TO MARRY A DUKE. Hawk, the charming rogue reluctantly agrees to be an unofficial guardian to Lady Julianne Gatewick, who happens to be his best friend’s sister. Naturally Hawk, who is mortally afraid of catching wife-itis, is determined to evade marriage-minded belles, especially Julianne. But has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?
Visit Vicky at her website: http://www.vickydreiling.com/
Cover Copy for HOW TO MARRY A DUKE
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. No love is necessary—nor desired. But how to choose amid a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London’s infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she’s not the most captivating woman he’s ever met . . .
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she’s determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife—she’ll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke’s affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan’s desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker’s number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
My review:
Vicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”
When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.
Q&A:
Q: What made you pick a Duke as one of your main characters?
In HOW TO MARRY A DUKE, I wanted to create a hero who was not only drop-dead gorgeous, but also one who held the highest ranking among the non-royal aristocrats in Regency England. His ducal title adds greatly to his allure as the Most Eligible Bachelor in England. So naturally every single belle in London wants to snag him for a husband. Everyone that is, except my matchmaking heroine Tessa Mansfield who sees in him the opportunity to make the match of a century. She’s certain this will put a feather in her matchmaking cap.
Q: When/how were you first introduced to romance novels?
Back in the early nineties, I was grocery shopping and saw a pretty cover on a paperback in the book section. The words New York Times Bestseller drew my attention. I picked up the book, and then my daughter who was then a preschooler, fled down the aisle. I tossed the book in the basket and chased after her. I forgot about the book until I got to the counter. For a moment, I debated whether or not to buy the book, but I decided to keep it. A few hours later, I put my daughter down for a nap and opened the book. I was surprised it was a romance novel, but the book drew me in from the very first page. I laughed so much, and I loved the heroine. That book was Judith McNaught’s ALMOST HEAVEN. I’ve been addicted to historical romances ever since.
Q: What are you working on next?
My next book HOW TO SEDUCE A SCOUNDREL involves two secondary characters from HOW TO MARRY A DUKE. Hawk, the charming rogue reluctantly agrees to be an unofficial guardian to Lady Julianne Gatewick, who happens to be his best friend’s sister. Naturally Hawk, who is mortally afraid of catching wife-itis, is determined to evade marriage-minded belles, especially Julianne. But has the man least likely to wed finally met his match?
Visit Vicky at her website: http://www.vickydreiling.com/
Cover Copy for HOW TO MARRY A DUKE
Tristan, the Duke of Shelbourne is a man with a mission: find a wife he can tolerate as long as they both shall live. No love is necessary—nor desired. But how to choose amid a dizzying array of wealthy-yet-witless candidates? Hire London’s infamously prim and proper matchmaker. Then pretend she’s not the most captivating woman he’s ever met . . .
Helping a devilish Duke create a contest to pick his perfect mate is the kind of challenge Tessa Mansfield relishes. Her methods may be scandalous, but she’s determined to find the notorious bachelor more than a wife—she’ll bring him true love. Yet when Tessa watches the women vie for the Duke’s affections, she longs to win his heart herself. And after a stolen kiss confirms Tristan’s desire, Tessa knows she has broken a matchmaker’s number one rule: never fall in love with the groom.
My review:
I enjoyed this book very much. It was well written and I really liked the characters. I also liked this book alot because it was historical romance which is one of my favorite genres of romance. I would recomend this book!
I would like to thank Anna for Hachette for letting me participate in this blog tour!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
The Host
The Host
by Stephanie Meyer
First I must say that I hate The Twilight Series but I dont think that in any way affected my opinoins of this book. I thought the book was ok. It was alot better than her Twilight books (I found out that she wrote the Host before Twilight which surpirsed me). I thought the writting also was miles better than Twilight I dont know if it was because the Host is suposed to be geared towards adults and thats why the writting seemed alot better or what but it was. I would recomend this book if you like Stephanie Meyer or if you think this book would be for. Like I said I just thought it was an Ok read. It is a very long read too.
I would like to thank Valerie for giving me a chance to read and review this novel.
by Stephanie Meyer
First I must say that I hate The Twilight Series but I dont think that in any way affected my opinoins of this book. I thought the book was ok. It was alot better than her Twilight books (I found out that she wrote the Host before Twilight which surpirsed me). I thought the writting also was miles better than Twilight I dont know if it was because the Host is suposed to be geared towards adults and thats why the writting seemed alot better or what but it was. I would recomend this book if you like Stephanie Meyer or if you think this book would be for. Like I said I just thought it was an Ok read. It is a very long read too.
I would like to thank Valerie for giving me a chance to read and review this novel.
Hearts Awakening
Hearts Awaking
by Delia Parr
This book was ok. I lost interest in the story though mid way through, which this is another historical fiction novel so I am not sure why I just couldnt get into this book but I couldnt. I didnt enjoy it and I wouldnt recomend the book.
I would like to thank Bethany Publishers for giving me a change to read and review this novel.
by Delia Parr
This book was ok. I lost interest in the story though mid way through, which this is another historical fiction novel so I am not sure why I just couldnt get into this book but I couldnt. I didnt enjoy it and I wouldnt recomend the book.
I would like to thank Bethany Publishers for giving me a change to read and review this novel.
A Change in Altitude
A Change in Altititude
by Anita Shreve
I was looking forward to reading a book by Anita Shreve because I had never read one before and I heard nothing but good things about her books so when I got the change to read this book I was excited. This book disapointed me however. The book was very well written but I just couldnt get into it. I liked the title of the book to and how it was a play on words with what happens in the novel. Even though I did not enjoy this novel it doesnt mean I wont give Anita Shreve anthor try sometime. This just wasnt a book for me and I wouldnt recomend it.
I would like to thank Valerie for letting me read and review this novel.
by Anita Shreve
I was looking forward to reading a book by Anita Shreve because I had never read one before and I heard nothing but good things about her books so when I got the change to read this book I was excited. This book disapointed me however. The book was very well written but I just couldnt get into it. I liked the title of the book to and how it was a play on words with what happens in the novel. Even though I did not enjoy this novel it doesnt mean I wont give Anita Shreve anthor try sometime. This just wasnt a book for me and I wouldnt recomend it.
I would like to thank Valerie for letting me read and review this novel.
She Walks in Beauty
She Walks in Beauty
by Siri Mitchell
This book was ok. It was well written but I found myself becoming bored with the book and not caring what happens. I thought this was odd since I usaully enjoy reading historical fiction (which is the genre this book falls under). I guess this book wasnt for me but someone else may like it however I wouldnt recomend it.
I would like to thank Bethany Publishers for letting me read and review this novel.
by Siri Mitchell
This book was ok. It was well written but I found myself becoming bored with the book and not caring what happens. I thought this was odd since I usaully enjoy reading historical fiction (which is the genre this book falls under). I guess this book wasnt for me but someone else may like it however I wouldnt recomend it.
I would like to thank Bethany Publishers for letting me read and review this novel.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Euphemania
Euphemania: Our love affair with Euphemisms
by Ralph Keyes
This book was very well written and very imformative and I enjoyed it very much! In this book you learn why we use euphemisms, how euphemisms developed for pharses such as love handles, friendly fire, pushing up daises, friendship with benifits and alot more! This book was obviously a non fiction book and I would recomend it highly because its interesting, funny, and you learn alot form this book!
I like to thank Brianne for letting me read and review this book!
by Ralph Keyes
This book was very well written and very imformative and I enjoyed it very much! In this book you learn why we use euphemisms, how euphemisms developed for pharses such as love handles, friendly fire, pushing up daises, friendship with benifits and alot more! This book was obviously a non fiction book and I would recomend it highly because its interesting, funny, and you learn alot form this book!
I like to thank Brianne for letting me read and review this book!
The Secrets of Newberry
The Secrets of Newberry
by Victor McGlothin
I really wanted to like this book but I couldnt which really disapointed me because I had high hopes for this book. The book was well written and I liked the author's writting style but the story just didnt engage me. I found myself losing interest and not really caring about the characters. I would not recomend this book.
I would like to thank Anna form Hachette for letting me read and review this book!
by Victor McGlothin
I really wanted to like this book but I couldnt which really disapointed me because I had high hopes for this book. The book was well written and I liked the author's writting style but the story just didnt engage me. I found myself losing interest and not really caring about the characters. I would not recomend this book.
I would like to thank Anna form Hachette for letting me read and review this book!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
A Stitch before Dying
A Stitch before Dying
by Anne Canadeo
Frist I would like to thank the Author Anne Canadeo for answering my Q&A about this book and I would like to thank Ayelet Gruenspecht from Simon & Schuster for letting me read and review this novel!
What a good book this was! It was very cute it was 5 friends who knit together at the Black Sheep Kniting shop in this novel they decide to take a trip to a spa/inn and end up being in danger when a mystery develops there. I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and cute. The fact that a mysterey develops just made me want to read it more and find out who done it! I would highly recomend this book it is a great read!
Q: How did you come up with your plot?
My very first idea...or seed of an idea...for a mystery was inspired by my one and only visit to a spa, many years ago. While having a sea weed treatment, I was slathered with green sea weed gunk, then wrapped up in gauze and sheets so that I could hardly move, feeling very much like a mummy. My entire face was covered it with it, too. The spa attendant then dimmed the lights, cranked up some New Age music and left the room.
When I heard the door click shut and knew I was alone, it seemed very spooky and
I felt very vulnerable. I'm sure I was supposed to breath deeply and meditate or something. But all I could think of was, "Gee... someone could sneak in here right now, inject me with a fast acting poison
that mimics a heart attack...and no one would ever know.
And maybe, some other guest had this appointment time and canceled, and I'd be getting murdered by accident!" It actually took me over 20 years for that tiny seed to grow into an entire book. And I didn't even use the situation as I had expected. (So don't worry, I'm not giving away any part of the story.)But that was the initial image that launched this story.
Q: Do you knit yourself(?) and If so when did you start?
I'm still a novice knitter and don't have nearly as much time for it as I'd like.
I do plan on doing more knitting this winter, when I can't be outside much. I find it very relaxing and understand how you can get really hooked. I'm a practical person and I enjoy having a tangible product for my time and effort, so I enjoy things like cooking and gardening. And even writing, most of the time, which hopefully yields a book sooner or later. Knitting definitely has that same appeal to me. You're doing something creative and productive, too.
I learned the basics from my grandmother, who was an amazing "genius" knitter and barely needed a pattern. I'm still wearing sweaters and shawls that she made. (Quite a few have recently come back in style; it's amazing.) She taught me the basics long ago and I've inherited her beloved knitting bag, needles and even a small stash of yarn. She was also a great storyteller and loved mysteries. Perhaps that's why the connection
seems so natural to me.
Q: What are you working on next?
I'm working on Black Sheep Mystery # 4; the story will revolve around a wedding.The mysteries I write are very character and relationship oriented. That's just the way I think as a writer. I find that juicy stories and great conflict can come out of complicated relationships and back history in families and romantic connections,etc. Weddings are rich with this kind of material and energy. I'm really looking forward to working on this story.
After that, I'll be working on Black Sheep # 5 and # 6. I also write two other series,Cape Light and Angel Island, under the pseudonym Katherine Spencer (as a ghost writer for the painter Thomas Kinkade.)
I love writing series because most of the time, the characters I write about seem so real to me, I hate to end a book and never see them again. I can always think of something else that can happen to them. I've been writing the Cape Light series for almost 10 years, and the most recent book On Christmas Eve, turned out to be one of my very favorites. Just when I think, this is it, I can't think of anything else to happen to these people,an idea emerges that saves me. That is a good day at my keyboard. :)
by Anne Canadeo
Frist I would like to thank the Author Anne Canadeo for answering my Q&A about this book and I would like to thank Ayelet Gruenspecht from Simon & Schuster for letting me read and review this novel!
What a good book this was! It was very cute it was 5 friends who knit together at the Black Sheep Kniting shop in this novel they decide to take a trip to a spa/inn and end up being in danger when a mystery develops there. I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and cute. The fact that a mysterey develops just made me want to read it more and find out who done it! I would highly recomend this book it is a great read!
Q: How did you come up with your plot?
My very first idea...or seed of an idea...for a mystery was inspired by my one and only visit to a spa, many years ago. While having a sea weed treatment, I was slathered with green sea weed gunk, then wrapped up in gauze and sheets so that I could hardly move, feeling very much like a mummy. My entire face was covered it with it, too. The spa attendant then dimmed the lights, cranked up some New Age music and left the room.
When I heard the door click shut and knew I was alone, it seemed very spooky and
I felt very vulnerable. I'm sure I was supposed to breath deeply and meditate or something. But all I could think of was, "Gee... someone could sneak in here right now, inject me with a fast acting poison
that mimics a heart attack...and no one would ever know.
And maybe, some other guest had this appointment time and canceled, and I'd be getting murdered by accident!" It actually took me over 20 years for that tiny seed to grow into an entire book. And I didn't even use the situation as I had expected. (So don't worry, I'm not giving away any part of the story.)But that was the initial image that launched this story.
Q: Do you knit yourself(?) and If so when did you start?
I'm still a novice knitter and don't have nearly as much time for it as I'd like.
I do plan on doing more knitting this winter, when I can't be outside much. I find it very relaxing and understand how you can get really hooked. I'm a practical person and I enjoy having a tangible product for my time and effort, so I enjoy things like cooking and gardening. And even writing, most of the time, which hopefully yields a book sooner or later. Knitting definitely has that same appeal to me. You're doing something creative and productive, too.
I learned the basics from my grandmother, who was an amazing "genius" knitter and barely needed a pattern. I'm still wearing sweaters and shawls that she made. (Quite a few have recently come back in style; it's amazing.) She taught me the basics long ago and I've inherited her beloved knitting bag, needles and even a small stash of yarn. She was also a great storyteller and loved mysteries. Perhaps that's why the connection
seems so natural to me.
Q: What are you working on next?
I'm working on Black Sheep Mystery # 4; the story will revolve around a wedding.The mysteries I write are very character and relationship oriented. That's just the way I think as a writer. I find that juicy stories and great conflict can come out of complicated relationships and back history in families and romantic connections,etc. Weddings are rich with this kind of material and energy. I'm really looking forward to working on this story.
After that, I'll be working on Black Sheep # 5 and # 6. I also write two other series,Cape Light and Angel Island, under the pseudonym Katherine Spencer (as a ghost writer for the painter Thomas Kinkade.)
I love writing series because most of the time, the characters I write about seem so real to me, I hate to end a book and never see them again. I can always think of something else that can happen to them. I've been writing the Cape Light series for almost 10 years, and the most recent book On Christmas Eve, turned out to be one of my very favorites. Just when I think, this is it, I can't think of anything else to happen to these people,an idea emerges that saves me. That is a good day at my keyboard. :)
My Reading Life
My Reading Life
by Pat Conroy
This book was good and cute. Its a nice little size and its well written. Pat Conroy has great wit and wisdom. You can see from this book that Mr. Conroy really loves to read and loves books and has a great reverence for the literary world. I enjoyed reading this book very much and would highly recomend it!
I would like to thank Judy form Doubleday for letting me read and review this novel!
by Pat Conroy
This book was good and cute. Its a nice little size and its well written. Pat Conroy has great wit and wisdom. You can see from this book that Mr. Conroy really loves to read and loves books and has a great reverence for the literary world. I enjoyed reading this book very much and would highly recomend it!
I would like to thank Judy form Doubleday for letting me read and review this novel!
The Wave
The Wave: In pursuit of the rogues, freaks, and giants of the ocean
by Susan Casey
This book was interesting but I did get bored reading it after a while. I learned some things about ocean waves that I didnt know before and there were some really cool pictures in this book. Overall though I would have to say I did not enjoy reading this book. I think one reason is because it was non fiction which is a genre I do read sometimes. So I guess I wouldnt recomend this book.
I would like to thank Judy from Doubleday for letting me read and review this nove1
by Susan Casey
This book was interesting but I did get bored reading it after a while. I learned some things about ocean waves that I didnt know before and there were some really cool pictures in this book. Overall though I would have to say I did not enjoy reading this book. I think one reason is because it was non fiction which is a genre I do read sometimes. So I guess I wouldnt recomend this book.
I would like to thank Judy from Doubleday for letting me read and review this nove1
Saturday, January 1, 2011
World of Warcraft: Chronicles of war
World of Warcraft: Chronicles of War
by Christine Golden, Jeff Grubb, and Aaron Rosenberg
This book was ok. This is the second time I have read a World of Warcraft book and I wasnt a big fan of the frist one I read nor this one either. This book was actually an anthology of the world of warcraft stories so some of the stories were better than others but I still wasnt a big fan of this book. If you like this kind of book I would reccomend it for you but I didnt like it.
I would like to thank the people from gallery for giving me a chance to read and review this anthology.
by Christine Golden, Jeff Grubb, and Aaron Rosenberg
This book was ok. This is the second time I have read a World of Warcraft book and I wasnt a big fan of the frist one I read nor this one either. This book was actually an anthology of the world of warcraft stories so some of the stories were better than others but I still wasnt a big fan of this book. If you like this kind of book I would reccomend it for you but I didnt like it.
I would like to thank the people from gallery for giving me a chance to read and review this anthology.
The boy who came back from heaven
The boy who came back from from heaven
by Kevin & Alex Malarkey
This book was good. It was a true story of a boys accident and his journey to heaven and back. The story was told well but I wish it would have been told more from the boy's viewpoint than from his parents. The font of this is big so it makes for an easy read. I also like that it has pictures. This is a good book and I would recomend it.
I would like to thank the Tyndale network for giving me a chance to read and review this novel!
by Kevin & Alex Malarkey
This book was good. It was a true story of a boys accident and his journey to heaven and back. The story was told well but I wish it would have been told more from the boy's viewpoint than from his parents. The font of this is big so it makes for an easy read. I also like that it has pictures. This is a good book and I would recomend it.
I would like to thank the Tyndale network for giving me a chance to read and review this novel!
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