The Rise of Nine
by Pittacus Lore
Published by: HarperCollins
Released on: August 21st 2012
Hardcover
416 Pages
Rating: 3/5
*Please note, this review was based from an ARC*
Following up where the action of The Power of Six Left off, it is crucial to find what is left of the nine. It will happen. It has to happen for survival. And when trying to find Number Eight became a challenge of not finding him but a physical competition, I was a little bothered that he felt that he had to test the others. Rightly so that they felt the same way. Truth be told, I did find this book quite slow and dragging from the others. It just seemed to miss that zest. It left me a little confused at times and leaving me with more questions.
As Eight has been busy with the others, John and Number Nine sadly lost a member. A very important member and it bothered me to see Number Nine not sympathize more with John. I could only hope that he would be found again later.
It's when Setrakus Ra makes his appearance that you know how real things are. This is exactly why they have been running and hiding all these years so that they can prepare and develop their talents. Even still, I am scared that Setrakus Ra is still more powerful than all of them.
Received from the publisher for review purposes.
Sunday, September 30, 2024
Saturday, September 29, 2024
In My Mailbox (54)
What is "In My
Mailbox"? In My Mailbox is a weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple
description is "an idea that spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme
asks for other people to participate and ultimately link back to the person that
started the meme. Memes shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some
features that are somewhat exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't
steal content.
The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. Here's what I got this week, how about you?
The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. Here's what I got this week, how about you?
Never Enough by Denise Jaden
Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
Violet Midnight by Lynn Rush
Ironskin by Tina Connolly
Splintered by A.G. Howard
The Opposite of Hallelujah by Anna Jarzad
Romeo Redeemed by Stacey Jay
The Unfailing Light by Robin Bridges
Flutter by Gina Linko
All You Never Wanted by Adele Griffin
Velveteen by Daniel Marks
The FitzObornes at War by Michelle Cooper
Friday, September 28, 2024
As I prepare for next months events...take this SERIOUSLY!
If you follow my blog, facebook, rss, or twitter feed, you've seen some posts about bullying lately. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness month. As I've been preparing for the next month and all the things Amy and I have planned, I was at work the other day speaking with some girls about everything that October represents. They were not aware of it being Bulyying Awareness Month. Now, this is the first ever post that I have brought to you not pertaining to books. The reason why is because one of those girls came back to me today telling me how a student that went to school with her son had died in a car crash about a week ago. This kid was seventeen, on the honor roll, and always seemed to be in happy spirits. She said that her son came home last night and told her that the car crash didn't kill him. He commited suicide. Could it have been bullying that drove him there? We all go about our day so carelessly sometimes and don't think about what we do. We just act. My friend knew that kid and couldn't believe that he could do such a thing, yet he did. I beg of you, please help spread the word in the month of October. Bullying needs to stop. There is absolutely no reason for it. It is uncalled for. Unessessary, and just plain cruel. Sometimes it happens without anyone realizing it. Sometimes, we choose to have a blind eye. PLEASE.MAKE.A.STAND!
Thursday, September 27, 2024
Guest Post featuring Author Lisa Becker
Hello today! I have Lisa who has joined us here at Uniquely Moi Books to share her amazing story. First, let's find out a little more about her.
Lisa Becker is a Los Angeles native currently residing in Manhattan Beach. Her novel, Click: An Online Love Story, about a young woman's search for love online in LA has been called, “a fast read that will keep you entertained,” “a fun, quick read for fans of Sex and the City,” and “hard to put down.” The story is loosely based on her own online dating experiences. After she married, she captured some of her hilarious dating experiences in writing and from there, a novel emerged. The ultimate goal was to create a fun read for anyone who has ever had a bad date, been in love, been dumped, or is searching for “the one.” But, the happy ending is real. She and her husband met online 12 years ago, have been happily married for nine years and have two amazing daughters - ages 7 and 5.
Online
Dating Inspired Click: An Online Love
Story
By
Lisa Becker
I
first met my husband while wearing my pajamas. Really! No, we
weren't at some kinky singles party. I was sitting comfortably in my
apartment and he was hanging out in his. But, I will never forget his
email introduction via an online dating service, which invited me to check out
his profile. It was sweet, endearing and intriguing enough for me to log
on to learn more about him. After a week of emails, followed by a week of
phone calls, we met for our first date - a traditional dinner and movie
outing. Even before I opened the door to greet him, I knew he was
"the one." Considering he lived 30 miles away, I'm not certain
our paths would have typically crossed. But after 12 years together
- including 9 years of marriage (which in Los Angeles is apparently no
small feat!) and two beautiful daughters, I have no doubt he is my soul
mate.
After
my now-husband and I met online, I was recalling some of the hilarious
experiences that I had during the whole online dating experience. How
could I forget the guy who started every story (no joke!) with “My
buddies and I were out drinking one night.” I decided to capture
some of them in writing and, from there and based loosely on my own
experiences, my novel Click: An Online
Love Story emerged. The entire story is told in emails between our
heroine, Renee Greene, her three best friends and the gentlemen suitors she
meets online. The format felt like a modern way to tell the story that
fit the topic, and allowed readers to develop an intimate relationship with the
characters.
Clearly,
I’m a big fan of online dating and find it to be a useful tool for young
professionals who are busy working and finding it difficult to make the right
connection at the gym, bar, coffee shop or grocery aisle. I say, people
today are “married” to their cell phones and laptops, so why not use that
technology to really get married,
right?
While Click doesn’t end with a wedding (sorry
for the spoiler!), during Renee’s road to happiness, we find many advantages to
online dating. My five favorite are:
·
On
Your Own Terms - Online dating provides a relaxed, anytime and on your own
terms experience. Share as little or as
much information as you want. Avoid
people you are not interested in.
Communicate at your convenience. But, don’t send a message at 2:30 am. Nothing smacks more of desperation than an
email from someone trolling the Internet for a date in the wee hours of the
morning.
·
Multi-Tasking
Enabled - Flirt while filing your taxes.
Chat and trim your nails. Meet a
mate while making breakfast. It’s a
well-known fact that women are great multi-taskers. Take full advantage of that skill. As Shelley, the over-sexed character in Click says to the
about-to-try-online-dating Renee, “A whole host of hot and horny single men
that I can review, chat with, judge and mock - all while sitting in my office
looking very busy. Maybe I should give
it a try myself.”
·
Trade
the “Meat Market” for the “Meet Market” - Now you can avoid the “meat market”
scene of bars and clubs and instead enjoy a “meet market” - an international bazaar
(but let’s hope not too bizarre) of prospective mates. The Internet allows you to make an online
introduction to thousands if not millions of people around the world. So, if you want to meet someone in Katmandu,
well then, can do!
·
Save
Time, Money and Energy - Let’s face it.
Dating isn’t cheap. It takes time, money and, likely your most
valuable and scarce resource, energy.
With the “try before you buy” environment of online dating, you don’t
have to meet for a drink, grab a coffee or sit through a long dinner only to discover
there’s no physical attraction, you have nothing in common, conversation is
lacking, etc.
·
Rejection
Made Easy - In Click, Renee gets an
email from someone halfway across the world looking to meet someone willing to
move for him. After sending a polite and
diplomatic “thanks but no thanks” email message, she proclaims to her friend,
“It’s so much easier to reject someone over that Internet than in real
life. Score one for online dating!” While rejection is easier for both parties
when done online, it’s important to remember that people still have feelings.
As I've said many times before, if it
happened for me, there's hope for you. So log on and take a
chance. To purchase Click,
please click here. To follow updates on Click and share
your stories about online dating, visit the Click Facebook fan page.
Wednesday, September 26, 2024
BUTTER Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway
Todays stop has landed you here at Uniquely Moi Books. I have had the pleasure of joining in the Blog Tour for Butter by Erin Jade Lange. Bloomsbury has been kind enough to allow me to share a giveaway with you as well! So, with that being said, I hope you enjoy my review and thanks for stopping by.
Butter
by
Erin Jade Lange
Published by Bloomsbury
Released on September 4th 2012
Hardcover
296 Pages
Rating: 4/5
Simply put, Butter is to the point, raw, and emotional. We meet a character that unknowingly longs for attention. Thinking he is satisfied with life, only to realise once making a rash decision that he loves the attention it draws to him. Unfortunately, That rash decision will lead to highly regrettable circumstances. There is nothing wrong with wanting friends. Everyone needs friends. And with a father who ignores him and a mother who comforts with food-the very last thing that Butter needs, he is stuck in a hole he can't get out of.
I can see how Butter feels as if he has no choice other than make the decision than what he has. Butter isn't someone you necessarily love, but he is someone you care deeply for and you only wish the best for. Thank goodness he has someone looking out for him. The Professor knows Butter and always tries to be there for him. People always need to know that they have someone to turn to and Butter knew that he had the Prof. Unfortunately, sometimes those people don't have their eyes open at the right times. At that crucial moment. Butter has a tender, young soul, and dealing with life isn't always easy. And for him, it's ten times worse. It's a heartbreaker and a go-getter! Butter is well worth it!
Received for review purposes from the publisher.
One Copy Of BUTTER
Must be 16+
Open to US Only
Winner must respond within 48 hours
Ends Oct. 4th
Enter Here
Tuesday, September 25, 2024
Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead
The Golden Lily
by Richelle Mead
Published by: Razorbill
Released on: June 12th, 2012
Hardcover
417 Pages
Rating: 4/5
The Golden Lily is the second installment in the Bloodlines series and picking up where Bloodlines has left off, things seem to be rather calm and quiet for everyone at the moment. Only Adrian can get riled up and that's simply due to boredom. Unfortunately, I felt it stayed a little too calm and mellow for my taste throughout the novel and would've rather had a little more spice. Sydney did end up snagging a boyfriend which in truth, I don't believe anyone seen coming but I couldn't help seeing the connection that she had with Adrian. I longed to see something develop with them. My fingers crossed, and reading on, I found that the real mystery entailed that there were others out there that have been out to get both the Strigoi and the Moroi for some time now. They have targeted the group that Sydney is with, with one person in particular.
It has become apparent that there is another world that Sydney knows nothing about. Purposely kept from her, and has now surfaced. Not only does she have to keep Jill safe and secluded but it is now apparent that it's up to her to look out for them all. Dealing with Adrian's issues at hand, Jill's modeling issues, packed on with other silly nonsense that she has no business having to deal with and yet she does, it is now laid entirely on her shoulders to keep them all alive. Things are about to get ugly and fast. I can't forget to mention a killer of an ending.
Purchased on Amazon.
by Richelle Mead
Published by: Razorbill
Released on: June 12th, 2012
Hardcover
417 Pages
Rating: 4/5
The Golden Lily is the second installment in the Bloodlines series and picking up where Bloodlines has left off, things seem to be rather calm and quiet for everyone at the moment. Only Adrian can get riled up and that's simply due to boredom. Unfortunately, I felt it stayed a little too calm and mellow for my taste throughout the novel and would've rather had a little more spice. Sydney did end up snagging a boyfriend which in truth, I don't believe anyone seen coming but I couldn't help seeing the connection that she had with Adrian. I longed to see something develop with them. My fingers crossed, and reading on, I found that the real mystery entailed that there were others out there that have been out to get both the Strigoi and the Moroi for some time now. They have targeted the group that Sydney is with, with one person in particular.
It has become apparent that there is another world that Sydney knows nothing about. Purposely kept from her, and has now surfaced. Not only does she have to keep Jill safe and secluded but it is now apparent that it's up to her to look out for them all. Dealing with Adrian's issues at hand, Jill's modeling issues, packed on with other silly nonsense that she has no business having to deal with and yet she does, it is now laid entirely on her shoulders to keep them all alive. Things are about to get ugly and fast. I can't forget to mention a killer of an ending.
Purchased on Amazon.
Monday, September 24, 2024
Author Interview with Frankie Rose
I have with me today, the author of Sovereign Hope. Please warmly welcome her! Frankie
Rose is a British expat, who is currently enjoying the perks of living in
Australia- her awesome husband, sunshine, and vitamin D. She spends her time
creating fictional universes in which the guy sometimes gets the girl, the heroes
occasionally die, and the endings aren't always happy. But they usually
are.
And now for the interview...
And now for the interview...
1.) Can you share with us a little about
yourself?
My
name is Frankie Rose and I am the author of the Hope Series. Sovereign Hope, the
first book in the series, was released July 1st and Eternal Hope was
released on September 30th. I am British born, however I've spent a long time
traveling and haven't been back there in a very long time. Since immigrating to
Australia, I met and married my wonderful husband, and have had the opportunity
to pursue my passion for writing.
2.) Favorite scary movie and favorite cartoon?
I've gotta say, the movie that's scared me the most is
Event Horizon. I was literally watching clips of that film last night with some
friends, and even the little 2 minute snippets had me on the edge of my seat.
Horror movies rarely affect me, but that movie gave me nightmares for
months!
X Men
cartoons were my favourite. I used to love watching anything Marvel put out, but
X Men was always the best.
3.)What drives you towards your ambitions? Anything in
particular?
I'm not a naturally driven person. I really have to keep
myself going, especially when something is hard, and writing a book is
definitely hard! I never thought I would even complete a book, because it just
seemed like an incomprehensibly massive task, but I eventually figured out a way
to get myself there. Now it's all second nature, but at the time it was a huge
breakthrough.
I realised that organisation was the key to succeeding.
It really was all about taking small baby steps, ticking each task off the list,
and even if it didn't feel like I was making any progress it was still a step
towards achieving my goal. I'm still a firm believer in taking a small step
every day. Before you know it, you're staring down at a manuscript that is ready
to send out into the world, or as ready as it's ever going to be (a writer will
always find ways to pick something apart!) and you've reached the end of the
journey. The thing about that is, as with all books, finally completing one
journey only means you're at the beginning of another!
4.) How important do you feel it is to encourage young people that
they can do anything that they want if they set their minds to
it?
Absolutely. There are plenty of people in this
world who will tell you it's impossible to do something. There really needs to
be people out there telling young people and, in fact, anyone, that they
can accomplish their goals if they are willing to put in the time to learn, to
develop their craft, and to take chances in order to follow their
hearts.
Often,
half the reason young people don't pursue their dreams is because it involves
taking a leap of faith, be that faith in themselves and their own abilities, or
faith in the world...that it won't crush their hopes when they put themselves
out there for everyone to see. It's incredibly hard to share something you're
passionate about, because you're essentially sharing a part of yourself and that
is very intimate, but you have to do it. The world won't always be kind, sure,
but developing a thick skin towards criticism, be it constructive or otherwise,
is a lot easier than regretting the missed opportunities in your
life.
5.) When did you first have the idea for Sovereign
Hope?
I started off knowing my characters first, oddly enough.
I sat down and decided I wanted to write a full length paranormal romance, and
it was instinctual for me to firstly create the people who would be starring in
this world I was going to create. Once I felt I knew who Daniel, Farley, Agatha
and Aldan were, it was simply a matter of picturing how their lives affected
each others- the intricacies of the plot flowed naturally as I imagined what
kind of troubles affected these characters, what powers they possessed or were
cursed with etc. It was a process for me that I really enjoyed. Since writing
Sovereign Hope and Eternal Hope, I have written two other books, one dystopian
and one contemporary romance/thriller, and the processes have been very
different for each book. I have a feeling that, as I continue to write different
books and create new characters, each experience will be entirely new. I really
love that about writing- it can be anything you want it to be, and you can
approach each project with a fresh take on things.
6.) Did you have any other names for the title?
It
took me a while to come up with the title for Sovereign Hope, yeah. I went
through a number of titles, and the manuscript was actually called Hope and
Faith for a long time. That is a line from the book and it felt right, but then
I realised it needed to be shorter. Snappier. It made sense when Sovereign Hope
came to mind. The title really reflects a few key elements to the storyline: The
prefix Sovereign denotes royalty, which we learn Farley is, as we read the
story. Additionally, Farley's family name is Hope, and when combined, the two
words covey a major plot line- that Farley is the last hope in the book. I was
very pleased with the title when I finally settled on it.
7.) Growing up, what books do you remember
reading?
I
loved The Folk of the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. I must have read that book a
hundred times as a kid. I also loved Alice in Wonderland and Lord of the Rings.
I had beautifully bound books for all three titles, which had the most stunning
illustrations. I treasured them over any other toy or possession I
had.
8.) Who is your favorite author?
My
favourite author is Neil Gaiman. Not only is he incredibly talented as a
wordsmith, but he gives back to the writing community all the time. He is truly
inspirational in some of the talks he has given, and I always wait with baited
breath for his newest work.
9.) Where do you do most of your writing?
In my
office. I can't concentrate with any background noise, so I have to lock myself
away. My desk is right next to the window, which overlooks a beautiful garden
and the dock beyond that. When I need a break, I sit and watch the boats go by.
It's a wonderful place to write.
10.) Who or what makes you laugh?
I am a sucker for American sitcoms. That's part of the
reason we don't have television in our house anymore- because I would sit and
watch Seinfeld all day long. As it stands I make a point to catch the shows I
really love online (The Vampire Diaries/Teen Wolf/Game of Thrones
etc). Speaking of which, Dylan O'Brien makes me
laugh my ass off in Teen Wolf. He's a fantastic addition to that show. I hear he
wants to write one of the episodes. I definitely think he should be given a
shot!
Most of all, my
husband makes me laugh. He's incredibly sweet but he has a wicked sense of
humour. We act like total morons together- I'm glad people don't know what we're
really like... they would probably section us!
11.) Any other books in the works? Future
projects?
As I
said before, Eternal Hope comes out on September 30th. I also have a dystopian
novel, currently untitled, which should be released late December all going
well. I am really enjoying working on that one. It's about knife fighters! My
contemporary romance/thriller novel will be released in November if all my ducks
are in a row, but that could be pushed back to December too. I will be updating
my website (www.frankierosewrites.com) regularly with any developments on
the release front.
Lost
Hope, the third book in the Hope Series, will be out in February
2013!
12.) What books do you enjoy reading?
I read an
eclectic mix of books. I love classics by Dickens and others, as well as a lot
of contemporary romance/literature, and YA of course. I'm addicted to the A Song
of Ice and Fire series by George R R Martin, The Curse Workers series by Holly
Black, as well as anything by Maggie Stiefvater and Neil Gaiman.
Sunday, September 23, 2024
Guest Post featuring Paul Rimmasch
Today on the blog I have with us, Paul Rimmasch, who is the author of The Lost Stones.
Paul Rimmasch was born and
reared in the Salt Lake Valley. He graduated from Weber State University with a
Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics and a minor in Photography. Paul has
spent the last fourteen years working as a Crime Scene Investigator for
Weber-Metro CSI and is active in Forensic Science education and Law Enforcement
training. He lives in Ogden Utah with his wife and three children and is an
avid hiker and gardener.
Paul has parlayed a life long
interest in Book of Mormon Archaeology and LDS Church History into his first
novel, The Lost Stones.
The Synergistic Relationship Between Writing and Research…
In my novel
The Lost Stones I attempted to blend
a fiction story and characters with historical, archaeological, and scientific
facts. Obviously, this is not a new approach to writing. Authors like Dan Brown
and Michael Crichton, to name a few, have taken this approach for years and are
masters of it.
When one
sets out writing a book after this style, a lot of time is spent in research.
I, of course, was no different. I spent hours upon hours reading old books and
surfing the net. As I did so, I found that a wonderful thing happened. I had
certain plot points in my head, which lead me to research certain topics. While
researching these topics, whole new areas of information were discovered which
got me thinking and lead to new plot points. These new plot points required
more research which led to ever more ideas and so on. This was synergism at its
finest. The plot fed the research and the research fed the plot.
A good
example of this in my writing is the research I did regarding a place I
reference on the first page of The Lost
Stones. It goes as follows…
Fact:
On Monday April 5, 1909, the Phoenix Gazette ran a story detailing an
important archaeological discovery deep within the walls of the Grand
Canyon. The article described how a
group of scientist from the Smithsonian Institute examined the site and found
artifacts that challenged conventional notions of the pre-Columbian
colonization of the new world. The
author of the article stated, “If their theories are borne out by the translation of
the tablets engraved with hieroglyphics, the mystery of the prehistoric peoples
of North America, their ancient arts, who they were and whence they came, will
be solved.” To this day, the Smithsonian
officially denies it ever happened.
These
are the first words of The Lost Stones
I wrote. I was so intrigued by this story that I knew I wanted it to be a big
part of my book. The trouble was, I
didn’t know how it was all going to fit in when I started writing. I had a good
general idea of how the story was to flow when I started, but there were
definitely some big holes in the plot.
As
I began to research this mysterious cave in the Grand Canyon, those holes quickly
began to fill in like blank spots on an explorer’s map. My vague notions regarding the story’s climax
were even brought into crystal clear focus as I delved deeper into the facts I
began to uncover.
So much is said about “writers’
block” in bookish circles. I never really suffered from this malady because
every time I hit a wall, my research broke it down. Now I realize that such
extensive research is not required for every genre of book. That being said, after
my experience, I would advise any author with “writers’
block” to not simply pound your head against a
wall, but rather dig in and do some research.
café in Paris. However, researching the history of Parisian
restaurants or famous French chefs just might.
Learn as much as you can about what it is you are writing about and I firmly
believe you will be surprised at where it takes you.
Saturday, September 22, 2024
Author Interview w/ Robert Shields
Today I have the wonderful Robert Shields with us. He is the author of Diminishing Paige. Robert Shields is a
bestselling author and has been a syndicated sports writer for over fifteen
years. Diminishing Paige is his latest novel. He
also authored “Daphne and the Mysterious Girls Secret Bathroom Society” that
will be a fictional series. He has authored other books including
“The Three Skirts,” “The Economics of Sex”, “Confessions of the Self Absorbed
Observer: What I Saw Today” and “Scarlet Fever: A Razorback House
Divided”. Shields is also an expert witness as an economist in
the utility industry. He has testified in a multitude of dockets
and other legal proceedings. He graduated at the top of his
economics class at the University of Arkansas and won the award as the “Most
Outstanding Student in Economics.” He lives in Arkansas with his
wife and children.
2.) Who are our favorite authors?
As a child I loved S.E. Hinton and all her books being the Outsiders, That was then this is now, Rumble Fish, Tex etc... I did not realize until later that the “S” stood for Sue and the “E” for Eloise. If I had known the author was a woman from the beginning, I may have never read the books. I do believe although it is contrary that women can write great men characters and men can write great women characters.
1.) Please tell us in one sentence only, why
we should read your book?
Because we have all been in love with a person that we thought
was greater than us, but in the end you find out their only human.
2.) Who are our favorite authors?
As a child I loved S.E. Hinton and all her books being the Outsiders, That was then this is now, Rumble Fish, Tex etc... I did not realize until later that the “S” stood for Sue and the “E” for Eloise. If I had known the author was a woman from the beginning, I may have never read the books. I do believe although it is contrary that women can write great men characters and men can write great women characters.
3.)What inspired you to become a writer?
I started writing at
an early age. I give the credit to my seventh grade teacher, Mrs.
Gowen, because she made us write all the time. The first thing
that I ever wrote was a fan fiction piece on Star Wars where the rebels actually
stop the Empire from boarding their ship in the opening scene and they kill
Darth Vader. I also started my own sports newspaper that had a
whopping circulation of one when I was ten. I have since been
writing a weekly syndicated sports column in Arkansas for over fifteen years on
the side.A fool knows the price of everything and the value of nothing is the romantic theme between Paige Wheeler and Storm Lancaster. The intelligent high school expellees serendipitously meet at a garage sale and end up approaching sex in an awkward text book fashion. They start viewing the relationship through the lens of economics as if sex was a commodity.
As they grow closer together, Paige’s promiscuous past comes to light that haunts her, which leads to complications in their relationship. Storm’s ineptness in handling the pressures of a relationship from previously attending an all-boys school causes problems while Paige finds some amusement in his immaturity. Her sterilized view of sex creates consternation for Storm over their rapport.
At their new school, they make a mutual friend in Jamal. The trio engages in pranks as their friendship with him develops. Storm’s proclivity as an adolescent male leads to poor decisions with Paige as Jamal, often the voice of reason and conscience is ignored to the detriment of the couple.
Emotions spin out of control after a frolicking camping trip with Paige’s old high-school buddies and the sexual economics experiment explodes.
Wednesday, September 19, 2024
October-National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month...Want to help out?
Amy from Lady Reader's Bookstuff and I have teamed up to help in putting a stop to bullying. October is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Prevention Month and already Amy has caused a big stir and brought in many volunteers. We hope to bring you a month full of real life stories, fabulous giveaways, encouraging words, and amazing reviews. All brought to you by not only us, but some fantastic authors, teachers, bloggers, publishers, friends, readers, and anyone else who would love to take part.
If you are interested in donating your story, whether it may be your own real life experience of being bullied, or perhaps you where a bully and would like to come clean and ask for forgiveness, we would love for you to share. Maybe you just want to share your opinion on the topic of bullying. That would be great. Do you have encouraging words that you would like to put in a guest post? We would love that too. We are also taking donations of many sorts. Feel free to contact myself or Amy for further inquiries.
To kick off the start of October, STOMP Out Bullying™ created BLUE SHIRT DAY™ WORLD DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION.
Join us on October 1st and help us raise awareness and let others know that they are not alone. Bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, emotional abuse, homophobia, hatred, racism, and other abuse needs to stop. Lets end the drama! Help show your support.
WEAR BLUE ON OCTOBER 1ST!
(Any blue will do)
In order to receive the "limited edition" 2012 Blue Shirt™ from STOMP Out Bullying™ you must purchase it by September 24th to receive it on October 1st.
"The Blue Shirt Day™ World Day of Bullying Prevention is an initiative of STOMP Out Bullying™ and is copyrighted and trademarked to STOMP Out Bullying™. © Blue Shirt Day™ World Day of Bullying Prevention cannot be reproduced by any other parties, nor may the designs of our t-shirts be reproduced."
Links, dates and major important information courtesy of the STOMP Out Bullying website.
Needed:
1. People willing to share their stories of being bullied, their bully confession stories, or words of encouragement.
2. People who would like to write a post about bullying.
3. Donations for giveaways during the month.
We GREATLY appreciate all inquiries and participants.
Sunday, September 16, 2024
In My Mailbox (53)
What is "In My Mailbox"? In My Mailbox is a
weekly meme. What is a meme, you ask. The simple description is "an idea that
spreads quickly." Usually the creator of the meme asks for other people to
participate and ultimately link back to the person that started the meme. Memes
shouldn't be confused with "features." There are some features that are somewhat
exclusive to certain blogs, be courteous and don't steal content.
The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. Here's what I got this week, how about you?
I would first like to give a special thank you to Amy from Lady Reader's Bookstuff,
Sourcebooks Fire, and Zest Books, Entwined Publishing, and NetGalley for my mail throughout the week.
The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. Here's what I got this week, how about you?
I would first like to give a special thank you to Amy from Lady Reader's Bookstuff,
Sourcebooks Fire, and Zest Books, Entwined Publishing, and NetGalley for my mail throughout the week.
Send Me a Sign by Tiffany Schmidt
Butterfly Kisses by Mia Castile
Entice by Jessica Shirvington
Dear Teen Me: Authors Write Letters to Their Teen Selves
Stick by Andrew Smith
Mind Games by Kiersten White
Friday, September 14, 2024
Review: Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone by Kat Rosenfeld
Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone
by Kat Rosenfeld
Published by: Dutton Books
Released on: July 5th, 2012
Hardcover
279 Pages
Rating: 5/5
The first thing that caught my attention about this novel was the different storyline than all the others out there. It sounded very mysterious, yet a bit creepy at the same time. When you live in a small town and a big scandal goes down, nobody feels protected anymore. Everyone is suddenly on guard and whispers run rapid throughout the town. Kat Rosenfeld has created a wonderfully mysterious novel and she holds remarkable writing skills. Many times I felt like I had been sucked into an adult novel, only to be reminded that the characters were my young favorites I so deeply love. Kat is truly gifted and I look forward to more from her.
In Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, there are many times that you think you know all the clues, know just how things are going, and then they change directions completely. We get to meet Rebecca and Amelia Anne (of course). At times I wasn't quite sure just where the story was taking me, but held tight and learned many facts about the things you "just know" about the small town that Rebecca lives in. The very same town that Amelia has appeared dead in. As people act suspicious, secrets are held in, and things start to unfold, lives will change forever. With all the scenarios I had running through my head, I never seen this one coming at all.
by Kat Rosenfeld
Published by: Dutton Books
Released on: July 5th, 2012
Hardcover
279 Pages
Rating: 5/5
The first thing that caught my attention about this novel was the different storyline than all the others out there. It sounded very mysterious, yet a bit creepy at the same time. When you live in a small town and a big scandal goes down, nobody feels protected anymore. Everyone is suddenly on guard and whispers run rapid throughout the town. Kat Rosenfeld has created a wonderfully mysterious novel and she holds remarkable writing skills. Many times I felt like I had been sucked into an adult novel, only to be reminded that the characters were my young favorites I so deeply love. Kat is truly gifted and I look forward to more from her.
In Amelia Anne is Dead and Gone, there are many times that you think you know all the clues, know just how things are going, and then they change directions completely. We get to meet Rebecca and Amelia Anne (of course). At times I wasn't quite sure just where the story was taking me, but held tight and learned many facts about the things you "just know" about the small town that Rebecca lives in. The very same town that Amelia has appeared dead in. As people act suspicious, secrets are held in, and things start to unfold, lives will change forever. With all the scenarios I had running through my head, I never seen this one coming at all.
Friday, September 7, 2024
Review: Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
Embrace
by Jessica Shirvington
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Released: March 6th, 2012
Hardcover
369 Pages
Rating: 5/5
I can definitely say that after reading Embrace I was highly aggravated with myself that I hadn't read it sooner. Embrace is a mixture of hidden secrets, seduction, and addiction. The main character, going by the name of Violet is sure to win you over. I also fell for both guys competing for her affection.
We meet the good guy and longtime friend Lincoln. But there's a catch. Lincoln has been friends with Violet since like, forever and yet he's been keeping secrets from her the whole time. Big secrets. Life changing secrets and I can't say I blame Violet for holding a major grudge once they all come to surface. Next, we meet the stranger called Pheonix. Pheonix is a bad boy and holds special powers that can alter your emotions. Fighting to learn her true self, Violet struggles to make choices she doesn't like and will have to deal with for the rest of her life. There are others out there who know her true abilities and what her dead.
Another feature to Embrace is the quotes that Shirvington has added. I loved them and they added so much more to this book. As Violet learns about her mother, clashes with her best friend, finds her true purpose, and has love blossoming in all the wrong places, Embrace is sure to capture your attention and hold it dear.
Purchased from Amazon.
by Jessica Shirvington
Published by: Sourcebooks Fire
Released: March 6th, 2012
Hardcover
369 Pages
Rating: 5/5
I can definitely say that after reading Embrace I was highly aggravated with myself that I hadn't read it sooner. Embrace is a mixture of hidden secrets, seduction, and addiction. The main character, going by the name of Violet is sure to win you over. I also fell for both guys competing for her affection.
We meet the good guy and longtime friend Lincoln. But there's a catch. Lincoln has been friends with Violet since like, forever and yet he's been keeping secrets from her the whole time. Big secrets. Life changing secrets and I can't say I blame Violet for holding a major grudge once they all come to surface. Next, we meet the stranger called Pheonix. Pheonix is a bad boy and holds special powers that can alter your emotions. Fighting to learn her true self, Violet struggles to make choices she doesn't like and will have to deal with for the rest of her life. There are others out there who know her true abilities and what her dead.
Another feature to Embrace is the quotes that Shirvington has added. I loved them and they added so much more to this book. As Violet learns about her mother, clashes with her best friend, finds her true purpose, and has love blossoming in all the wrong places, Embrace is sure to capture your attention and hold it dear.
Purchased from Amazon.
Thursday, September 6, 2024
Giveaway: CAMP by Elaine Wolf
Going to sleepaway camp can be one of the most wonderful experiences for a young girl. But for Amy Becker, it's a nightmare. Amy, whose home life is in turmoil, is sent away to summer camp for the first time as a teenager. Though she swears she hates her mother, who is unduly harsh with Amy's autistic younger brother, Amy is less than thrilled to be leaving home. When she arrives at camp, she is subjected to a horrifying initiation and bullying by Rory, the ringleader of the girls in her cabin. Then a cousin reveals dark secrets about Amy s mother, setting in motion a tragic event that changes Amy and her family forever.
CAMP is a compelling coming-of-age novel about bullying, mothers and daughters, and the collateral damage of family secrets. It's a powerful mother-daughter story for mothers and daughters to share.
Giveaway Rules:
13+
US only
Ends September 13th
Due to the errors of rafflecopter, random.org chose Beth DeRenzis' number.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Wednesday, September 5, 2024
Review: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
The Power of Six
by Pittacus Lore
Published by: HarperCollins
Released on: August 23rd, 2011
Paperback
406 Pages
Rating: 5/5
Just like the first book in the series, The Power of Six is packed full of action, adventure, and exciting mystery. We have already had the pleasure of meeting John Smith, aka Number Four. We were also able to meet Number Six. Six isn't fond of names and prefers her number. I suppose that's understandable if you get stuck with manes that are absolutely hideous from time to time. What I wasn't expecting, seeing as which I didn't read into what this book was about, was that we get to meet and peer into the life of Number Seven.
Number Seven goes by the name of Marina and has lived quite a sheltered life. I can't help but assume that she is the only one who has stayed in one place for so long without being found. Although, we do learn that it wasn't by chance and she has people on her side that I never would've guessed. They are all still being hunted, all still on the run from the Mogs. None of them have a choice in the matter, all having to fight for survival, fight for their lives, and the lives of each other. It is time for them all to meet up together. It is time to fight united, stand strong, and battle for their home. For their freedom. But can they all get together without dying in the process to battle it out with the Mogadorians? Only time will tell. This is one highly addictive series that won't disappoint!
Received from the publisher for review purposes.
Tuesday, September 4, 2024
Review: Million Dollar Diva by Tristi Pinkston
Million Dollar Diva
by Tristi Pinkston, Brett Kitchen, and Ethan Kap
Published by: Golden Wings Enterprises
Released on: April 2nd, 2012
Paperback
172 Pages
Rating: 4/5
Million Dollar Diva is a great take on preserving your money. I myself have learned many things that are quite simple but lead to debt and I'm sure we all do it without even realizing it. I know I sure did. This book is not only here to help you with saving and paying off your bills, it is a step-by-step process that Tristi Pinkston herself took to get out of debt, and ahead of the game. Filled with websites, apps and many other things to help you along the way, it all gets summed up and simply makes sense. This is a great tool even if you aren't badly in debt. It's all about preparing for the future as well.
Received for review purposes from the author.
by Tristi Pinkston, Brett Kitchen, and Ethan Kap
Published by: Golden Wings Enterprises
Released on: April 2nd, 2012
Paperback
172 Pages
Rating: 4/5
Million Dollar Diva is a great take on preserving your money. I myself have learned many things that are quite simple but lead to debt and I'm sure we all do it without even realizing it. I know I sure did. This book is not only here to help you with saving and paying off your bills, it is a step-by-step process that Tristi Pinkston herself took to get out of debt, and ahead of the game. Filled with websites, apps and many other things to help you along the way, it all gets summed up and simply makes sense. This is a great tool even if you aren't badly in debt. It's all about preparing for the future as well.
Received for review purposes from the author.
Sunday, September 2, 2024
In My Mailbox (52)
The idea of In My Mailbox is to bring books to the attention of our blog readers and to encourage interaction with other blogs. Here's what I got this week, how about you?
*It has been a long time since I have shared with you, my weekly mail deliveries. My hard drive went out on my laptop and left things a bit difficult for me. I would have a tremendous amount of linking to do if I were to post all I have received since my last post, therefore I am only sharing what has came the past couple of weeks.*
Danny's Mom by Elaine Wolf
Embrace by Jessica Shirvington
Enshadowed by Kelly Creagh
Embers and Echoes by Karsten Knight
I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore
I would also like to give huge thanks to Elaine Wolf and Harper Collins for my surprise deliveries.
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