Cleverly Inked

White Witch Pond; Jody Kihara Blog Tour

2011-10-11T06:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you Stormi over at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! for inviting me to join in this tour. I am not "back" yet, I just wanted to fulfill my previous reviews. Plus it was great book.

Mid-Grade Level

Synopsis

Shaya Solen’s walk home from school takes her past an eerie pond, where one day she finds an old bracelet made of raven feathers. Soon, strange events begin to unfold: a shadowy figure glimpsed across the water, ominous nightmares haunting Shaya, and rumors of a witch who once drowned in the pond. With the discovery of a strange family connection to the witch, Shaya is drawn into a mystery that must be solved before the approaching Halloween, which is the thirteenth anniversary of the witch’s death
– and Shaya’s birthday.

My Review

I loved the name Keema for a dog, Not a really good way to start a review but isn't it a wonderful name?

Shaya has nothing but problems since finding a feathered bracelet. Her brother has fallen ill and almost seems possessed. Or he could just be a bratty brother. Either way Shaya knows she is his only hope, the only problem is she doesn't even know what to do to stop all the madness from happening. How do you stop something you don't even know is actually real?

Shaya is wise beyond her years. At some points I would have thought her to be much older. The book was short, though some of the characters were just supporting roles. They were all necessary for Shaya's character to reveal her inner charms and courage.

I can't believe how short this is. It took a blink of the eye to flip through the well plotted pages. Boy or girl this won't matter, it's bound to spook anyone. This is full to the brim with excitement and a freaky fright. This is a great read for Halloween which is right around the corner, It's even great for a camp fire read.

Want a chance to WIN White Witch Pond?Just Visit Jody here and follow the rules.

Want to find out more about White Witch Pond? Click here.
You can pick up your own copy here!

Absence

2011-09-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

My absence has been unplanned. I seem to have no wanting to blog as of the past 2 weeks. My mother was recently diagnosed with Cancer and I am taking it pretty hard. She is my best friend and the rock of my family. Please forgive me for making Cleverly Inked a second to my emotions. I am working through everything. I am hoping the treatment my mother is receiving works.

I shall return.

Best Wishes,

Weekend Question? Book Recommendations?

2011-09-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

Who do you recommend books too?

Despite the obvious, My readers. I recommend books to anyone listening. I try my hardest to spill the beans on books I have loved. I do however shy away from certain friends, my opinion is so drastically different that I don't bother. I also find telling close friends and family about books I loved doesn't always bring someone else happiness. I learned that after I happened to finish Memoirs of a Geisha a few years back. My dad asked me what I was reading and I told him that I loved the book. I was raving about and not meaning that he should read the book, just that I enjoyed the book. Well, he managed to pick up a copy. LOL Obviously it wasn't for him.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

WINNERS

2011-09-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Winners:
Easy Canvas Prints Giveawayzombiegirrrl21 at aol
Beautifully Broken Givewaybritneywyatt[at]gmail[dot]com
Retributionalterlisa AT yahoo DOT com

Congratulations to the winners. You should hear from me shortly.

Review: Juliet Immortal; Stacey Jay

2011-09-01T04:32:00.000-07:00

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers (August 9, 2011)

Synopsis

"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

My Review

I have fallen in love with a writer. Her name is Stacey Jay and I have never met her but from her writing I can tell we are a perfect match, Book-wise. Get your mind out of the gutter. Have you read a teen book and realized the writing doesn't sound anything like a teen at all, as if the writer is trying to hard? THANK YOU, Stacey Jay for mastering this the art of teen language.
If you have been under a rock your whole life and have never read or at least watched Romeo and Juliet, I doubt you will understand some of what maybe going on in Juliet Immortal. Did you ever wonder what happened to Juliet and Romeo after they died? Juliet and Romeo have been enemies ever since, life times of battles and hate. The melodrama that you read in the William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet, continues in Juliet Immortal.
I do need to say, this is not going to be for everyone. I had a little issue at first trying to understand how true love could become hate. If you didn't care for Romeo and Juliet this could go either way for you, After all Romeo and Juliet are now enemies. While saying that if you didn't care for Romeo and Juliet because of the "insta-love" issue then this may not be for you. For me, this was written with an open mind and a strong hand. I for one am forever more Stacey Jay's fan.

Find Stacey Jay here.

Wednesday Five

2011-08-31T07:01:00.000-07:00

The 5 W's mini reviews. Are short and quick reviews. This does not mean that the books were taken lightly or that the were not as good as any other book. This is just a way for me to get through all the books I have read and a way for me to keep track of the books.

One Little Chicken; Elka Weber

Puppies, Kittens and other Pop-Up Pets; Matthew Reinhart

Jim Henson The Guy Who Played With Puppets; Kathleen Krull

Synopsis

When Leora finds a chicken in her front yard, she imagines keeping it as a pet and gathering eggs for breakfast every morning. But her mother has a very different view. Following a Jewish law that says ”finders aren’t keepers,” Mrs. Bendosa is determined that the family should care for the chicken just until its rightful owner returns. Soon, however, one little chicken becomes a flock of chickens, a flock of chickens becomes two goats, two goats become a herd of goats…until—Oh! What a house!

One Little Chicken Review

Who: I would say any age would enjoy this. I sure did.

What: You do learn a lesson or too. This is one I will keep on my shelf. Even though I am not Jewish, Finders are not always keepers can ring true.

Where: This looks like it took place in a village.

When: Any time your little one wants to read is a good time to read this.

Why: The art seems very Folkish. I loved it, it went so well with the story. Fabulous read.

How: Find Elka Weber

Synopsis

Reinhart's new pop-up series features very simple bright art—young cut-paper collage artwork. Puppies and kittens are perennially popular subjects among young children, both boys and girls, and their parents.
5 spreads will feature pop-ups of adorable puppies, kittens, and other pets at play, at work, and being mischievous. We will mix in some lift-the-flaps for variety as well.

Puppies, Kittens and other Pop-Up Pets Review

Who: I don't think there is a kid in this world who doesn't like pop-up books.

What: Not only is this a fun read it's great for motor skills.

Where: Seems to be a home this took place in but who cares, the animals make this magical.

When: Definitely a anytime read!

Why: Why wouldn't you buy this wonderful read, one that not only motivates learning but is fun too.

How: Find Matthew Reinhart here.

Synopsis

Sesame Street and The Muppet Show introduced Jim Henson's Muppets to the world, making Kermit the Frog, Oscar the Grouch, and Big Bird household names. But even as a child in rural Mississippi, listening to the radio and putting on comedy shows for his family, Jim recognized the power of laughter to bring people together. On Sesame Street, Jim's Muppets transformed children's television by making learning fun for kids everywhere. A visionary, Jim always believed that puppets could reach a wider audience. In 1976, he proved it, drawing millions of family viewers to The Muppet Show. With his feature film The Dark Crystal and his Star Wars characters—including Yoda—Jim continued to push the boundaries of what was possible in puppetry until his death in 1990 at the age of 53.

Jim Henson The Guy Who Played With Puppets Review

Who: Adults and Children alike will fall in love with this book. FYI, Older children.

What: Though the book is more of a biography it captures Jim's childhood essence.

Where: This happens over time during Jim Henson's life.

When: It's a ANYTIME read.

Why: A loss of a great mind, Jim Henson was cherished during my childhood and I know he will during my sons. To this day my brother still has his stuffed grover. If you grew up watching Sesame Street this is a book that will be cherished. BTW, I love Labyrinth.

How: Find Kathleen Krull here

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-08-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

I found this on a fellow bloggers site. Isn't it awesome. I know I am jealous!

FOund here.

2 words Book Radio!

Found here

What are your treasures?

Get it while it's hot!

2011-08-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give everyone a heads up about the 3 contests running, All ending Wednesday. Join in the fun!

Retribution Sherrilyn Kenyon Giveaway
Beautifully Broken Sherry Soule Giveaway
Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway

Weekend Question? Book Restrictions?

2011-08-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

Do you read the books before your child does? Or do you think parents have the right to say yes or no to a book?

Yes, I do believe a parent has a right to say yes or no up to a point. Once a child reaches a certain age I don't see any point. There is nothing a kid/teen won't see on the news that they will read in a book. My son is still young so I go through all of his books. I recently came across a book with guns in it. I didn't think it to be appropriate for a 3 or 4 yr old so I nixed it. It was a great book, I'm just not ready to introduce certain things to my son.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

Review: Retribution; Sherrilyn Kenyon (giveaway)

2011-08-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First Edition edition (August 2, 2011)

Synopsis

Harm no human…

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief—Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meeting the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

My Review

If you have been following Cleverly Inked you may have noticed I LOVE, LOVE Sherrilyn Kenyon. She never ceases to amaze me with the ability to switch between two characters thoughts, It's flawless. I also love that she does her research on the background of here characters, bravo.
Abigail is kick-ass and highly dangerous. It also doesn't help her crusade she has been on to avenge her parents death, that the people who adopted her have been lying to her the entire time. I enjoyed that Abigail was cutter perfect she has issues and can royally screw things up. For once it wasn't just a guy who had issues that needed to be nurtured. Though Jess has his own issues to work through.
Oh the excitement and adventure that took place, AWESOME! It was easy to follow along and had as always with Kenyon's writing great banter. Yes, Yes, Retribution is another great read of Kenyon's writing.

Find Sherrilyn Kenyon here.

So you want to Read Retribution?
Well how about a chance to win a Hardback copy?Here's how:Must be a US residentMust be a GFC FollowerMust leave a comment with you email

Review: Beautifully Broken; Sherry Soule (giveaway)

2011-08-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

YA
Publisher: Moonlight Publishing (June 29, 2011)
Language: English

Synopsis

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms. Yet she is determined to discover the connection between them before it’s too late.

Finally, Shiloh's met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been
normal and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken.

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some
want vengeance.

My Review

Original! I have recently started to read more freaky books and this is a good one. It did have a bit of what I consider gore, but I'm also one to close my eyes during movies. Beautifully Broken was written in a lyrically beautiful way. As much to my surprise it went well with the the freakish events that took place.
Shiloh is not just an ordinary girl. She's 16 and finding her way with witchcraft, demons, boys (ahem, one boy), and a whole lot of death. I could never imagine living in a place where the founding families 1st born children tend to be picked off, never to be seen again. I did feel Shiloh was a little to scatter brained and didn't seem to understand the value of death, the characters were all well written, I just didn't get the mourning over the deaths that would happen in real life. Trent and Shiloh, I personally believe they make a perfect couple, both are royally screwed up and seem to have multiple personalities. One of the lines reminded me of the movie Casper, “Seriously? If I tell you I like you too, can I keep you forever?”. Well that's what I took from it anyways.
Beautifully Broken seemed to have it all. I think the mystery it what I enjoyed most. The twist was great and unexpected. I normally never quote directly from the book but this sentence is beautiful and a bit freaky. "The wind that blew through the trees and whipped through my hair was full of the whispering sounds of chilling, ghostly cries."
I do recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal YA reads, it will keep you on your toes. I'm still getting over the visual images Sherry has permanently burn in my brain.

Find Sherry Soule here

So you want to Read Beautifully Broken?
Well how about a chance to win a copy?Here's how:Must be a US residentMust be a GFC FollowerMust Follow Sherry Soule's Blog http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/Must leave a comment with you email

Thanks to Sherry Soule for giving me a chance to read her wonderful ebook and sponsoring a book for a giveaway.

Where you can find Sherry Soule:

Official website: http://sherrysoule.com/

Blog: http://sherrysoule.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/writersherry

Book Trailer/YouTube: http://youtu.be/5uqVXKygvUs

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11634793-beautifully-broken

Easy Canvas Prints Giveaway

2011-08-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

I recently reviewed a canvas print I received from Easy Canvas Prints. You can find that here.
I love my canvas it looks wonderful next to my bed, it's great quality too :)

How about a chance to win a 8x10? Well here's how....PLEASE NOTE: It will be your own picture of choice not the one posted above.
Rules:Must be a Cleverly Inked GFC FollowerYou must Like them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/easycanvasprintsMust be located in the contiguous USMust leave a comment with your email addy
If you'd like an extra entry you can follow them on http://twitter.com/#!/easycanvas
Leave a additional comment with your twitter account name, to receive the entry.
(please note I do check and verify all entries.)

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-08-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

Since my 30th birthday is umm, well it's almost a year away. I willhave to drop hints to hubby for this.

Found here.

OO LALA. I don't see myself wearing paper in my hair. I think it would be perfect for a young one :)

Found here

Are those pins for you??

Back to reality

2011-08-22T03:08:00.000-07:00

What a great week it's been! My son is officially settled into his new school. Things are going smoothly (yea right) and I am back full charge. So things to look forward to this week.

Review and Giveaway of Beautifully Broken (if the book comes in)

Giveaway of Easy Print Canvas picture

Review of Retribution and Giveaway

Of course Treasure Trove Tuesday and Weekend Question will kick back off from a weekend off.

Great week ahead of us and I'm looking forward to all the organization! LOL

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-08-16T08:20:00.000-07:00

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

Cool seat in Frankfurt, Germany.

Found here.

As much as I am over the whole Twilight frenzy, they did a fantastic job on this cake.

Found here.

Easy Print Canvas Review (sorta hobby)

2011-08-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

I have a small secret..I love photography. I am no professional but I enjoy snapping a picture or too. I have one of those snazzy camera's which I take it everywhere. I was asked to review a canvas from the great people at Easy Canvas Prints. Of course I agreed even though this is a book blog, I figured I'd share with you a little about one of my other hobbies.

Sorry the picture is not hung yet, I am in the process of repurposing old furniture and redoing my home. So you get to look at it on my dining table. The picture is of my son when he was 2 or so. We took this in Oklahoma on an abandoned bridge.
I think it took me about 3 minutes to go through the ordering process. It's really simple and self explanatory. I got the 16x20, a great size not to big. Plus they have generators to help if you want you picture in black and white. I didn't try it out as I did the sepia myself. It took me a bit to figure out which picture I was going to use. I'm redoing my bedroom and it needs to match.
The packaging that it was delivered in was great, my delivery guys are rough with the packages. They just toss it on my porch and don't seem to care that the boxes say fragile on them. I think it took me about 3 minutes to go through the ordering process. It's really easy and painless. It was super fast deliver too, took less then a week.
The only thing I don't care for it the glare you get from the canvas. It seems to glare more when natural light is on it. If you look at the picture some of it looks black and white and not sepia. Well that's actually glare. I looked at some photos from some of the other reviews of Easy Canvas Prints which were in color and they didn't seem to have this issue.
I am going to make a headboard out of canvas prints so I'm definitely going to buy from Easy Canvas Prints in the future. If you are looking to get those picture off a disk, this is the place to check out.
Look out for a giveaway in the near future!

I was asked to give a honest review in exchange for a canvas print. All opinions are my own and are under no influence.

Weekend Question? Multi-book reader?

2011-08-14T04:29:00.000-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

Multi-books? Do you read multiple books at a time?

Yes, not all the time. If a book isn't as great or has a slow start, I get bored and tend to pick up another. It helps so I don't get aggravated. I even sometimes will have 3 or 4 books I'm reading. I leave a book in the car and one in my purse. I never forget a plot or the page where I left off. Though I have to admit I do sometimes forget the description of a character.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-08-08T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hey all, This is going to be an unusual week for me. I know I didn't stop by this weekend to visit. I also didn't post yesterday and might have a hard time getting to it this week. It's back to school week. My Lil one is switching schools and I have so much going on with life in general. I am going to work extremely hard to get my blog in order over the next few weeks. I have needed to update the entire blog. So look forward to some changes.

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

I know I will try this myself, I already have some more things I have created to show on a future TTT.

Found here.

Whooo Whooo Likes Brooches?

Found here.

Found these here.

Did you find any treasures?

Weekend Question? Book Scarring...

2011-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

Book Scarring? Is it a big No-No? IE: Marking, Breaking Binds, Dog Ears etc.

I'd like to say YES that it's a huge NO-NO that I would never do that. Honestly, I have a few overly worn books that are my favorite... Some with tagged ears and markings. They are a wonderful fit for me and I would never get rid of them. I don't scar about 99% of them. Ehh, I love my scarred books. I actually think it's so cool to find book with scars. It's so interesting to see where the book has been.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

Wednesday 5's

2011-08-03T16:31:00.000-07:00

Just a small note I am change the name of this meme to Wednesday 5's. Just have not gotten around to change my banner for it.

Double Play! Monkeying Around With Addition; Betsy Franco

Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five; Valorie Fisher

Synopsis

Little Witch is brewing up some special Halloween punch and all of her friends are coming to help. The lively text, colorful illustrations and sound effects all enhance the clacking noise of this format.
Parents and caregivers are always looking for books that will engage babies and very small children, and this series fits the bill. And it's just the right size for little hands, diaper bags, strollers, and cribs. The colorful, simple illustrations make this a must-have for baby's first Halloween.

Clackers Little Witch Review

Who: It's geared for babies but I think children up until around the time they learn to read will enjoy this.

What: Not much to learn from the book, some noise and well illustrated pages. Soft for babies to clack around.

Where: The Little Witch is making a brew to drink, a punch with the help of here spooky friends.

When: This would be great during halloween time. Who doesn't like a fun Little Witch.

Why: These are fabulous, especially for babies. My son is not so much a baby any more but he didn't seem to mind. A book with great Illustrations speak no matter what.
There are also some other fabulous Clackers, My son loved Black Cat.

How: Find Luana Rinaldo here.

Synopsis

Brrriiiing! Recess time! Little chimps Jill and Jake find more than just their favorite games in the schoolyard today. They also discover the important mathematical concept of doubling, or adding a number to itself. Easy to learn and fun to memorize, doubling is a valuable problem-solving tool that helps kids prepare for multiplication. A must-have addition to any math-themed picture book library, Double Play makes this arithmetic lesson as welcome as recess.

Double Play! Monkeying Around With Addition Review

Who: This is perfect for children who are learning addition. Also fun for children who love animals.

What: It's a great way for children to count with visual object or animals.

Where: This was a lot of fun with animal children out and about.

When: Definitely a anytime read. Maybe an after school read.

Why: The illustrations were great. Children who are learning how to add, will have a blast right along with Jill and Jake.

How: Find Betsy Franco here.

Synopsis

Do you know your letters? Can you count to twenty? Learn all that and more in this all-in-one concept picture book. Perfect for kids heading to kindergarten, this book covers the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and seasons. Award winning author-illustrator Valorie Fisher uses bright, gorgeous photos of retro toys to illustrate these topics in a completely fresh way. Parents will love this stylish and funny approach to basic concepts, while kids will learn, well, everything.

Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five Review

Who: Anyone who has not turned 5 should and would have a blast reading this!

What: Very creative and clever use of all the toys to make learning fun.

Where: This takes place in some sort of toy world. Fall, Summer, Shapes and colors.

When: It's a ANYTIME read.

Why: Now that school require that children know how to write the alphabet, count, and know how to read certain words before the start of kindergarten. Children need all the help they can get. This is a fun way for them to enjoy the learning process.

How: Find Valorie Fisher here

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-08-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

Wouldn't any teen boy love this skull bookshelf design? Awesome.

I couldn't find the maker. Sorry no link.

Here is another Teen boy bookshelf, not sure if they make it "girly". These surely will get young readers flipping pages.

Found these here.

Did you find any treasures?

Summer Giveaway Hop

2011-08-01T04:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Summer Giveaway Hop!

Prize:

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens ARC

Please note this is an ARC and the cover does not look like the picture.

Rules:

Must be a follower

US & Canada Only

13+ yrs old

Must leave a comment with you email address.

Want to join in more fun?

You can find more blogs to hop to by CLICKING HERE!

Weekend Question?

2011-07-30T07:04:00.001-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

Is there an Author that you enjoy not for the genre they write but because their style of writing fits you?

I enjoy a good romance, but it isn't my favorite. When I first read Sherrilyn Kenyon's writing I fell in love. She doesn't over do the descriptions and gets to the point with out over doing it. I don't care if she were to write a grocer store ads I'd still read it.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

The Thirteenth Chime; Emma Michaels

2011-07-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 246 pages
Publisher: CreateSpace (August 5, 2010)

Synopsis

HATRED NEVER DIES... Destiny has finally found the life that she has always wanted. She is about to finish college, has a fiancé that loves her, and a great summer on the West Coast planned with her friend, Stephanie. But her world is turned upside down when an antique clock mysteriously chimes thirteen times and someone attacks them, sending Stephanie and her mother to the hospital. Alone, and without any help from the police, Destiny has no choice but to turn to the one man she had left behind a year ago - her ex-boyfriend, David. Together, they must solve the riddle of the thirteenth chime before the clock strikes thirteen again. Yet as they face their own past and hearts, a trap over half a century old is waiting for them to become its prey. For revenge, fifty years is never too long...

My Review

I swore I would start reading more books with a little scare to them. I have heard nothing but positives about The Thirteenth Chime. So did it live up to the hype? Absolutely!
Destiny has a great life one that many would strive for. She is engaged and finishing school. She is heading to her friend Stephanie mother's beach house. After a grandfather clock that was pulled down from the attic chimed 13 times. All hell broke loose. I won't go into details but it is a freaky book and I will never own a Grandfather clock! While Destiny is trying to deal with the aftermath of all that has happened she calls on her ex, David. A guy she said no to marry after a traumatic accident. Though you don't get to know Scott the man she is engaged too as much as you'd like, you can tell he is a great guy. David also was a great catch, you can feel the tension between Destiny and David.
I don't want to go into huge detail but you do find answers in The Thirteenth Chime. A gut punching thriller, mystery, and a tale that will haunt you. I loved the writing style of Emma Michaels. I will read any and all books she comes forth with in the future.

Find Emma Michaels here.

Audio Book Copyright Issue..

2011-07-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was sent an email today, normally I wouldn't post it. However I want it to be known that I have not broken any laws or over stepped any boundaries. I would also like it to be known that I would never purposely crush an Author out of making a sale. The purpose of a giveaway is to draw attention to that specific book so the word spreads about this book. Most books are given to me by the Publishers and the Authors themselves which were intended for me to read, review and/or giveaway. Otherwise it is a book I have purchased myself.

Paul Said...
What is your understanding of authors' copywrite in the context of you givingaway audio books. You might consider that it often takes many years of hard work for no pay before an author is lucky enough to have his/her book published. How do you think authors should be paid?

Some basic Copyright Laws and information...

The U.S. Copyright Act grants certain exclusive rights to the owner of a copyright in a work. These exclusive rights are different from the rights given to a person who merely owns a copy of the work. For example, when a person purchases a book at a bookstore, they have received a property right in a copy of a copyrighted work (namely, the book). The book owner may then resell the book, or even destroy it, since they own the book. However, the book's owner did not receive any copyright rights when they purchased the book. All copyright rights are held by the book's author until the author specifically transfers them. Consequently, the book owner may not make any copies of the book, since the right to copy a work is one of the exclusive rights granted under the Copyright Act. This distinction allows a copyright owner to sell copies of a work, or even the original work itself (such as a sculpture), without forfeiting her rights under the Copyright Act.

The Copyright Act grants five rights to a copyright owner, which are described in more detail below.

the right to reproduce the copyrighted work;
the right to prepare derivative works based upon the work;
the right to distribute copies of the work to the public;
the right to perform the copyrighted work publicly; and
the right to display the copyrighted work publicly.

The rights are not without limit, however, as they are specifically limited by "fair use" and several other specific limitations set forth in the Copyright Act (see the BitLaw discussion on Fair Use for more information on these limitations).
The distribution right grants to the copyright holder the exclusive right to make a work available to the public by sale, rental, lease, or lending. This right allows the copyright holder to prevent the distribution of unauthorized copies of a work. In addition, the right allows the copyright holder to control the first distribution of a particular authorized copy. However, the distribution right is limited by the "first sale doctrine", which states that after the first sale or distribution of a copy, the copyright holder can no longer control what happens to that copy. Thus, after a book has been purchased at a book store (the first sale of a copy), the copyright holder has no say over how that copy is further distributed. Thus, the book could be rented or resold without the permission of the copyright holder.
Congress has enacted several limitations to the first sale doctrine, including a prohibition on the rental of software and phonorecords.

(information source)

Not a single book or Audio book I have given away has been copied or has been distributed in any illegal fashion. All Audio books have been new still in the packaging and have not been altered. The Audio books I have given away have all been on CD and have not been E-Files.

I do understand the struggle Authors endure and I strive to make a difference in spreading the word about their books. I have managed to meet and work with so many wonderful Authors. Why would I try to corrupt the book world that I know and love. I do not and will not feel guilty for giving away ORIGINAL Copies of books and Audio books. In other words these are not forged, copied or bootlegs. Especially if directly given to my by the Authors and Publishers. There is No Piracy involved.

I believe Authors deserve every penny they can get, most deserve more than they receive. That is why Publishers and Authors seek my blog out on a daily basis to post reviews and hold giveaway with a book they would like to get more attention. Thus bringing it to more readers attention. Which leads to book sales.

If I have done something of the ill Natured, Please let me know in a more explanatory way so I can rectify any issues. As I would not intentionally do so.

I do hope this clears up any and all issues that may have come forward.

Calling All Book Bloggers... What's your stance/take on this situation?

Treasure Trove Tuesday

2011-07-26T05:55:00.000-07:00

Treasure Trove Tuesdays are Treasures you have found during the week while surfing the web. They can be any kind of treasure as long as it's a treasure to you.

I am head over heels for these socks. I am a sock wearer at night.

Found here

I wish I could find a place that builds this clubhouse/ book shelf. This is found at at The little book house in Albany, NY

Did you find any treasures?

This Thing Called the Future; J.L. Powers

2011-07-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press; 1 edition (April 12, 2011)

Synopsis

Khosi lives with her beloved grandmother Gogo, her little sister Zi, and her weekend mother in a matchbox house on the outskirts of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. In that shantytown, it seems like somebody is dying all the time. Billboards everywhere warn of the disease of the day. Her Gogo goes to a traditional healer when there is trouble, but her mother, who works in another city and is wasting away before their eyes, refuses even to go to the doctor. She is afraid and Khosi doesn't know what it is that makes the blood come up from her choking lungs. Witchcraft? A curse? AIDS? Can Khosi take her to the doctor? Gogo asks. No, says Mama, Khosi must stay in school. Only education will save Khosi and Zi from the poverty and ignorance of the old Zulu ways.

School, though, is not bad. There is a boy her own age there, Little Man Ncobo, and she loves the color of his skin, so much darker than her own, and his blue-black lips, but he mocks her when a witch's curse, her mother's wasting sorrow, and a neighbor's accusations send her and Gogo scrambling off to the sangoma's hut in search of a healing potion.

My Review

If you read any contemporary YA book's this year make sure this is at the top of that list. The cover of the book was not appealing to me at all. It is more "real" and didn't have all the photoshop done to it. The premise of the book didn't really speak to me either. I know nothing of most other cultures. Really I just wanted to get out of my comfort zone. I am so glad I did!

I know nothing about African living or their way of life, so to me I was going in blind. Khosi the MC, knows all abut AIDS and how to contract it. She is also a virgin and tends to stay that way until she is ready. Khosi may be 14 but in Africa it's normal to start marriage so young. Khosi has a run in with a local drunk and he starts stalking Khosi. The law in Africa is not the same law here. Khosi's mother has also fallen ill, they believe the neighbor had a local witch curse her. All Khosi wants to do is earn an education and use her knowledge to help her own people.

It's amazing to see the blending of religions and education. I was so wrapped up in the perplexity of another culture and their way of life. I found it so easy to get lost in This Thing Called the Future. Superior written characters, that streamed perfectly into the plot. Some points you could feel every stitch of pain caused by so much turmoil. You could also feel the blessings in the little things that happen in life. You learn not to take for granted all that is offered in our own lives. The wonderment of how much was packed into 200+ pages. It may have been short but it was brimming over with perfected words.

In the end the cover fit perfectly with the book. It had a new found beauty I didn't see before. If you read one YA book this year This Thing Called the Future will not disappoint. I can't help but rave! Bravo J.L. Powers.
Find J.L. Powers here.

Weekend Question?

2011-07-23T04:47:00.000-07:00

Weekend Question is a fun way to get to know my followers. I enjoy knowing little tidbits of your lives.

Weekend Question?

With so many hobbies and tons of activities the can easily fill more then one life time, why do you read?

Other hobbies and activities, I do have them. I love crafts, couponing, boating, and anything out doors. The list could go on and on. Let's be real I can't just spend everyday running off to the woods. Life happens and while I would love to spend every waking moment outdoors it's not possible, unless I want to be homeless and poor. Books are ways to escape in the comfort of my own hope. I can pick and topic I could wildly imagine and find a book that would fit my needs perfectly. Books are better then movies because I get to cast the characters, reading vs. movies there are no bad actors. I could go on forever about why I read let me put it simply, Books are home.

So What about you?

If you want to join in Weekend Question? Please make sure you link back to me.

The Things We Cherished; Pam Jenoff

2011-07-22T03:54:00.001-07:00

ARC
Publisher: Doubleday (July 12, 2011)
Language: English

Synopsis

An ambitious novel that spans decades and continents, The Things We Cherished tells the story of Charlotte Gold and Jack Harrington, two fiercely independent attorneys who find themselves slowly falling for one another while working to defend the brother of a Holocaust hero against allegations of World War II–era war crimes.

The defendant, wealthy financier Roger Dykmans, mysteriously refuses to help in his own defense, revealing only that proof of his innocence lies within an intricate timepiece last seen in Nazi Germany. As the narrative moves from Philadelphia to Germany, Poland, and Italy, we are given glimpses of the lives that the anniversary clock has touched over the past century, and learn about the love affair that turned a brother into a traitor.

Rich in historical detail, Jenoff’s astonishing new work is a testament to true love under the worst of circumstances.

My Review

Being accused of a war crime is no walk in the park, it's also tough when you won't speak on your own behalf. If he won't speak that must mean he has something to hide. What they find out even shocked me.

Charlotte, well she was intelligent and seemed to be a right fit for her job. She did tend to over think situations. I didn't like that even after a her heart was saying Jack that she would entertain the idea of her old flame, Jack's brother Brian. Jack's character was honorable and stern, a little gruff around the edges. A character you like trying to figure out, he does draw you in.

The history and the flash backs were incredibly well written. The calamity of what is in the past bleeds off the paper. It was painfully wonderful to read. Pam Jenoff really has a way of capturing raw emotions with words. I won't go into details but your past doesn't always stay your past. Jenoff managed to blend past and present with superb detail.
It's quite funny how she portrayed Polish people. I have on many occasions seen them drink till their hearts are content and the next morning be up and about as the night before never happened. (Polish Husband)
The Things We Cherished captured historical tragedies, with the hope of better tomorrows in the future. Highly recommendable to those who need a little romance with their history.
Find Pam Jenoff here