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Sunday, September 30, 2024

Review: The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

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.

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?





 
 
Never Enough by Denise Jaden
Bitter End by Jennifer Brown
Violet Midnight by Lynn Rush
Ironskin by Tina Connolly
Splintered by A.G. Howard
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.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Goodreads





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.

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...


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.
 
 
 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Goodreads
 


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.

 
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository | Goodreads

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.



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.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBookstore

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.



 
 
 
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
Zoe Letting Go by Nora Price
Ten by Gretchen McNeil
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.

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.

Thursday, September 6, 2024

Giveaway: CAMP by Elaine Wolf



Camp has been my favorite book that I have read so far this year. I want to share it with you and one lucky winner will win a copy. Camp is written by Elaine Wolf and published by Sky Pony Press. I would appreciate it if the winner reviewed it but it's not a requirement.



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.

Sunday, September 2, 2024

In My Mailbox (52)

 
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?



*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.