Giveaway Saturday (6)

Today is Giveaway Saturday! I will be going through some of the blogs that I follow and finding 10 giveaways to share with you. Enjoy!

Top Ten of the Week:

1.) La Femme Readers is giving away a hardback copy of Darklight by Lesley Livingston. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only and the deadline is February 10th.

2.) Book Bound is having a Best YA of 2009 MEGA giveaway. This giveaway has many wonderful titles including, The Dark Divine, Shiver, Fallen and Hush Hush. There will be several winners, each with a chance to choose books from the large list. This giveaway is open internationally and the deadline is February 5th.

3.) Fantastic Book Review is giving away a copy of Julie Kagawa's, Iron King. The giveaway is for U.S and Canadian residents only and the deadline is midnight on February 12th.

4.) Debbie's Book Bag (yep, this one's mine!) is giving away a copy of Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory and a copy of Exit Music by Ian Rankin to one winner. This is for U.S residents only and ends on February 12th.

5.) Monster of Books is giving away a copy of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain and a Dark Divine inspired notebook. (This is a really beautiful notebook!). The giveaway is open internationally and the deadline is February 25th.

6.) Outnumbered 3 to 1 is giving away, a copy of Penguin Luck by Kay Mupetson. The giveaway is open to U.S residents only and the deadline is February 2nd.

7.) Pudgy Penguin Perusals is giving away a copy of Knit, Purl, Die by Anne Canadeo. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and the deadline is 5 PM on February 3rd.

8.) Steph Su Reads is having a big Blogiversery Giveaway! 8 ARC's are up for grabs including, Linger, Incarceron, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson. The giveaway is open internationally and the deadline is February 28th.

9.) Teens Read and Write is having a huge giveaway with several winners. The more followers they get, the more winners they will have, plus they will be adding more books as well. Some of the titles included in the initial list are: Candor, Ballad, The Awakening, Leviathan and Wish. There are many more so check this one out. The giveaway is open internationally and the deadline is March 7th.

10.) The Maiden's Court is giving away a copy of O' Juliet by Robin Maxwell. The giveaway is open internationally and the deadline is February 12th.

Over The Top Blog Award!

I recently won the Over The Top Blog award from two different blogs. I've been busy and haven't been able to pass that on until now.

The rules are pretty simple. Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.

Your Cell Phone? Charging

Your Hair? brown
Your Mother? sweet
Your Father? strong
Your Favorite Food? Chinese
Your Dream Last Night? Romantic
Your Favorite Drink? Caffeine Free Diet Pepsi
Your Dream/Goal? Novelist
What Room Are You In? Living
Your Hobby? Reading
Your Fear? Heights
Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? Writing
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something That You Aren't? Selfish
Muffins? Blueberry
Wish List Item? Books
Where Did You Grow Up? Kentucky
Last Thing You Did? Write
What Are You Wearing? Sweatshirt
Your TV? Off
Your Pets? Sundae!
Friends? Awesome
Your Life? Contented
Your Mood? Joyful
Missing Someone? Yes
Vehicle? Blazer
Something You Aren't Wearing? Necklace
Your Favorite Store? Coffee Tree Books
Your Favorite Color? Green
When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Last Night
Last Time You Cried? Wednesday
Your Best Friend? Lori
One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Book Store
Facebook? Sometimes
Favorite Place To Eat? China Cafe

Now for the 5 bloggers I choose to win the award.

Dreaming of Books

Blog O' The Irish

All The Pretty Pages

Cheli's Shelves

Helen's Book Blog

Friday Spotlight (5)

The Friday Spotlight will focus on a blog that I've run across in my blog roaming that doesn't have a big following yet. I will spotlight the blog and let my readers know about the reasons why I like the blog and what it has to offer. Hopefully, it will garner that blog some new followers and my readers a new place to visit for more book blogging fun.

This weeks spotlight blog is: Dreaming of Books

Dreaming of Books currently has 49 followers.

Jenny is a Canadian blogger and, like the rest of us, a raving book addict! LOL... Most of the reviews you will find on Dreaming of Books are YA (young adult) book reviews. A genre that has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. There are many things that I like about this blog.

Dreaming of Books currently has a giveaway going on in which readers can win copies of Marked by PC and Kristen Cast and Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. You must be a follower of the blog. U. S. and Canadian residents only and the deadline is Feb. 4th. Check it out!

The rating system on this blog is similar to mine. Jenny uses a five star rating system. Her review policy, contest policy and a master list of reviews are posted on the right hand sidebar. One of my favorite features on any blog shows what the blogger is currently reading. Both books on Jenny's list this week are historical fiction pieces. Both of which look fantastic.

Dreaming of Books has entered several great challenges this year including, The Young Adult reading challenge, The Debut Author Challenge, 1st In a Series Challenge and the 10 in 10 Teen Chick Lit Challenge. It's always fun to see which challenges other bloggers are into, because it gives me great ideas for ones that I want to enter as well.

On the left hand sidebar you will also find a list of contests from around the blogsphere. It's always great to see a blogger who encourages others to visit other blogs and become a part of the community. For those of you who tweet, she also has a Twitter button, so you can follow her there also.

Dreaming of Books has a lot to offer. Go by, check it out, enter her giveaway and see if there is anything that catches your fancy!!!

T-B-R Thursday (6)

It's T-B-R Thursday once again!

This is the day of the week that I add a new book to my To-Be-Read pile, which growing by leaps and bounds. I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to books. You might find a romance, a bestseller or even a classic adding to my pile each week.

A new book on my radar this week:

Ravishing in Red by Madeline Hunter (Released January 26th 2010)

Here is the info on this one courtesy of Amazon.

Product Details Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Jove; Original edition (January 26, 2010) Language: English ISBN-10: 0515147540 ISBN-13: 978-0515147544 Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.2 inches Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Audrianna Kelmsleigh had no intention of shooting Sebastian Summerhays; it was an accident. The only reason Audrianna even brought a weapon with her was because she thought she might need some protection when she met the man who held the key to clearing her father's name: the mysterious "Domino." Much to Audrianna's disappointment, the man who turns up is Sebastian, one of the government officials whose accusations of treason drove Audrianna's father to suicide. When Domino finally arrives, he quickly flees once he discovers that Audrianna is not alone. In the confusion, the gun goes off, Sebastian is wounded, and the resulting scandal threatens to destroy what's left of Audrianna's reputation. Of course, there is a solution, but the very idea of marrying Sebastian is enough to make Audrianna seriously consider picking up the pistol and finishing off what she started. Richly spiced with wicked wit and masterfully threaded with danger and desire, the superbly sexy first book in Hunter's new Regency historical quartet is irresistible and wonderfully entertaining.
-John Charles, Booklist

Product Description

The first novel in a magnificent new quartet of historical romance

Audrianna Kelmsleigh is unattached, independent-and armed. Her adversary is Lord Sebastian Sommerhays. What they have in common is Audrianna's father, who died in a scandalous conspiracy-a deserved death in Sebastian's eyes. Audrianna vows to clear her father's name, never expecting to fall in love with the man devoted to destroying it...

Whatever Wednesday (3)

Today's Whatever Wednesday is a Question... I currently have a giveaway going on for two books, Margaret Mallory's, Knight of Pleasure and Ian Rankin's, Exit Music.

Since I am a relatively new blogger, I want to know the best way to promote my giveaway??? Are there some tips that you might have. Where do I need to post it? Etc. Etc. Etc.

Leave me a comment with your suggestions! AND ENTER MY GIVEAWAY!!! LOL...

Review: From Zero To Christian In Just 35 Years

My Synopsis:

From Zero to Christian in Just 35 years by Lori A. Moore.

(For review from the author)

This little book, just over 90 pages, from Lori A. Moore, pacts a big punch! It isn't easy for people who have had no experience whatsoever with church to understand what's going on or what it's all about. Moore, gives her readers a simple and easy guide to figuring it all out. How to turn fear and doubts into a personal relationship with Christ. It doesn't take perfection, just acceptance!

From Zero to Christian in Just 35 Years has many layers. It shadows Moore's journey from her childhood, the divorce of her parents, and even into her experience with the adult entertainment industry. It shows her struggle with self-esteem and trying to fit in and her acceptance of Christ and how that changed her life. Readers will identify with her struggles to fit her personality into a cookie cutter shape, and how she realizes that she must accept her weaknesses and her strength's and use them all because "It's not about me; it's all about God."

My Thoughts:

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first picked this book up. But, I was intrigued by the title and was hooked from the first page. I liked the author's use of the car analogy from the title, through the first part of the book which chronicled her life up until she accepted Christ. Moving from Park through 3rd gear. It was an easy to understand account of how someone who had no prior experience with God was able to find Him in spite of everything. I found it encouraging and very insightful.

One of the parts that I particularly enjoyed was the comparison of life to that of a charm bracelet. I certainly had never thought of it that way before. When I was reading through this I was imagining the charms that I would choose to represent myself to others. Then when Moore switches gears and lets the reader see that it's more important to choose things that represent their life in Christ, I was happy to see that some of my charms would have been the same.

Moore use of language is excellent and her fresh and informative voice is compelling and makes the reader feel at ease whether they are a new Christian or a person searching for Christ.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Review: The Choice

My Synopsis:

The Choice (Lancaster Country Secrets Series - Book 1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

(For Review From Revell Publishing) Blog Tour dates: January 25th - February 8th.

In The Choice, the first book in the Suzanne Woods Fisher's new Lancaster County Secrets series, Carrie Weaver is forced to decide between her life in the Amish community where she grew up and the unknown world outside.

When her father dies suddenly, Carrie enters into a marriage of convenience to provide a home for herself and her brother, Andy. But, her broken heart keeps her from becoming totally committed to her new husband. Will Carrie choose the simple Amish life or the man she loves?

This tender love story, is about simplicity, forgiveness, and faith. Carrie's choice will change her life forever, as she learns to follow her heart, all the way back to God.

My Thoughts:

Suzanne Woods Fisher, draws the reader into this story with very real and believable characters. Carrie Weaver is a young girl with a difficult choice. She is a strong character that is able to make the tough choices when tragedy enters her life. But, she still feels that sense of loss and pain even though she knows she has made the right decisions.

Daniel Miller's character is one of a tortured soul, stuck in the past and unable to move forward. I believe many people can identify with him. He is a quiet, loving man who can't seem to let go of something he cannot change.

Abel Miller's character is a breath of fresh air. You can feel the joy in him, the assurance that God is in control of his life, even though he chose to go to prison for a crime he didn't commit. Fisher is a master at conveying emotion and letting the reader get a sense of who these people are and what they are facing.

This book seemed very authentic. It was easy to see that the writer did a lot of research about the Amish community and their beliefs. From the use of language to the rituals like the barn raising and the sense of unity in the community, Fisher excels at bringing the Amish to life.

I truly enjoyed this book. Suzanne Woods Fisher did a wonderful job of meshing the Amish beliefs with what I consider my own faith to be. The themes of forgiveness and being able to move on even when you think you can't were very true to life. This book is certainly a great first book in the series and I look forward to learning more about the characters in future novels.

Available January 2010 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag and definitely recommend it to my readers.

Teaser Tuesday (7)

Teaser Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play! Just do the following:

Grab your current read

Go to a random page

Share two (2) "teaser sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give away too much! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and the author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser this week comes from, Shift (Shifter Series - Book 5) by Rachel Vincent, page 155.

It's head and most of it's torso were human too, which is how I knew, to my complete surprise, that this thunderbird was a girl. Or, more appropriately, a naked, winged woman.

Review: The Red Siren

My Synopsis:

The Red Siren is the first book in the Charles Towne Belle Series by Marylu Tyndall

(E-book Galley provided by Barbour Publishing for review)

The Red Siren is a historical romance with a pirate twist. Captain Dajon Waite has been requested by Admiral Westcott to oversee the care of his three daughters while he is called away on a lengthy journey.

Little does he know that Faith Westcott, the eldest daughter is the infamous lady pirate, and captain of The Red Siren, a ship she stole from Dajon himself. The attraction that Dajon and Faith feel for each other begins to deepen right along with Dajon's suspicions about Faith.

Faith tries desperately to hide the fact that she is a pirate by night and must accumulate a certain amount of wealth if she is protect herself and her sisters from a life she will not allow. Her faith has been tested by the death of her mother and the cruelty her sisters have been subjected to.

Will she find peace? Will Dajon make the right choice when he is faced with choosing to follow the rules or follow his heart? Read and find out...

My Thoughts:

Tyndall's choice of a lady pirate for the heroine of this book was genius. I have read several novels with a pirate as the lead character but very few of them were women. She develops the character of Faith Westcott with finesse.

She is pirate, but not a bad pirate. She is only doing this to protect herself and her sisters from arranged marriages that lack love and often involve cruelty. It allows the reader to see her as a strong woman, but also one with a sense of honor, albeit one that is a little askew. Her struggle with her faith only deepens the idea that though she is flawed she can find redemption.

The character of Dajon Waite represents safety and security. He is a rule follower. The reader will identify with the fact that he is trying to right past wrongs by doing what he feels is right. It is interesting to see how his character comes to realize that following the rules may not always mean doing what others expect or think is correct.

I liked this book a lot. I loved the way that the writer developed all the characters including Molly and Lucas, servants in the Westcott home. Mr. Borland the jealous commander and Lord Falkland the errant suitor. The sisters, Hope and Faith also add a great deal to the story as Tyndall sets up the Charles Towne Belle series.

I give this one 4 out of 5 apples from book bag! Excellent!

Review: The Sherbrooke Bride

My Snopsis:

The Sherbrooke Bride is the first book in the Bride Series by Catherine Coulter.

Douglas Sherbrooke the Earl of Northcliffe is in need of an heir to carry on the family name. He decides to wed the beautiful, Melissande daughter of the Duke of Beresford. Unfortunately, duty comes first and Sherbrooke must send his cousin to wed his new bride by proxy while he is away on a mission.

But, when the Earl returns he is married to the wrong sister. His cousin has married Melissande and stuck him with Alexandra the younger, less attractive daughter. He must not only contend with the high spirited Alexandra, but a ghost resides at Northcliffe hall as well, the Virgin Bride.

What is the Earl to do? Remain married to the wrong bride or return her to her father? Will Douglas find love with Alexandra? You'll have to read to find out!

My Thoughts:

The Sherbrooke Bride was not my first read from highly acclaimed author, Catherine Coulter. Coulter has a very wide range in writing, from Regency style romances to FBI thrillers. I prefer her historical fiction and The Sherbrooke Bride did not disappoint.

I identified with the high spirited and stubborn, Alexandra who has always been in the shadow of her sisters incomparable beauty. Her reactions to Douglas' attitude are refreshing for a Regency romance. I enjoyed the banter that she and Dougas shared. Her love for him was very deep.

Douglas' character was very masculine. He did not come across as a gameplayer or a playboy. He seemed very honorable though a little tight laced. It is nice to see how he starts to loosen up as he begins to deal with Alexandra. The reader will feel his shock and betrayal when he finds he has married the wrong woman, but they will also feel his gradual acceptance of what's happened and the realization of what it means.

The subplot of the story involving Douglas' mission as a spy and the kidnapping it later causes, was a little predictable, but it did add an element of surprise and intrigue.

I liked this one, not one of my all time favorites, but definitely a good romance.

I give it 3 out 5 apples from my book bag!

50 Followers Giveaway!

GIVEAWAY, GIVEAWAY, GIVEAWAY!

(THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED)

I have finally reached the lofty goal of 50 followers. So it's time for my first giveaway! First of all I want to thank everyone who has made my blog a success so far. I hope that you keep coming back and that you enjoy the content. Feel free to let me know what you think and how you feel anytime.

This is how it is going to work!

I enter a lot of giveaways myself and I sometimes end up with more than one copy of a book. In this case I have additional copies of two books that I will be offering in this give away.

There will be ONE winner for this first giveaway!

The two books up for grabs in this giveaway are,

Knight of Pleasure by Margaret Mallory and Exit Music by Ian Rankin (Covers and Synopsis' to follow)

RULES:

• You must be 18 or over to participate
• U.S residents or U.S addresses only. No P.O. boxes.
• You must be a Google Friend Connect Follower (this will be verified)
• You must give a valid email address in order to win
• Winners will be chosen by random.org or by hat (wink)
• Winners will be notified by E-mail and have 48 hours to respond
• If winners do not respond in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen

HOW TO ENTER:

• Please leave a comment on this post with a valid e-mail address letting me know that you wish to be entered. This format is acceptable: justpeachy36 (at) yahoo (dot) com
• YOU MUST BE A GOOGLE FRIEND CONNECT FOLLOWER!
• Please leave one comment with all your extra entries

EXTRA ENTRIES:

• +3 For New Followers
• +5 For Old Followers
• +5 for following me on Twitter @justpeachy36 & posting about this giveaway (this will be verified) (leave a link)
• +5 for posting about this giveaway on your blog with a post or sidebar (leave link)
• +5 If you refer another follower (you get five, they get five... make sure you both let me know)
• +5 For commenting on any other post within the giveaway time limit (January 25th - February 12th) Please comeback and let me know!

DEADLINE: February 12th 2010 (6:00Pm EST)

Winners will be notified by February 14th!

Product Details

• Pub. Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Format: Mass Market Paperback, 400pp
• Sales Rank: 5,259

• Series: All the King's Men Series
• ISBN-13: 9780446553384
• ISBN: 0446553387
• Edition Description: Original

Synopsis

THE GREATEST PASSION
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.

IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers-until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. So when a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen has a chance to prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.

Product Details

• Pub. Date: December 2009
• Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
• Format: Mass Market Paperback, 544pp
• Sales Rank: 17,245

• ISBN-13: 9780316018876
• ISBN: 0316018872

The Barnes & Noble Review

Mulish and melancholy, Detective Sergeant John Rebus of Edinburgh's CID first made himself known to the world 21 years ago in 1987's Knots and Crosses, Ian Rankin's second novel. Forty-one years old, divorced, unkempt, bulky, a human filtration system for smoke, booze, and caffeine, Rebus was and still is haunted by scenes from a murky past in the army and ruthless training in the elite ranks of the SAS. Elevated long ago to the rank of detective inspector, he is now a veteran of 16 novels, the dark star of countless sordid investigations, and a scourge to overbearing superiors. Through soul-drenching drizzle and "smirr," Rebus has prowled Edinburgh's mean streets, docksides, vandalized council estates, and sleazy clubs. Here is the other side of "The Athens of the North," scenes of neglected children, delinquent adolescents, and brutalized men and women, of drugs, prostitution, and pornography -- and lousy food: Looking at the interior of a car in Black and Blue, the eighth novel in the series, Rebus reflects on this iconic tableau, "chocolate wrappers, empty crisp bags, crushed bricks of orange juice and Ribena, the heart of the Scottish diet: sugar and salt. Add alcohol and you had heart and soul."

Giveaway Policy

I am getting ready to have my first ever giveaway and decided it was necessary to put up a giveaway policy. So that everything is clear to those people who enter any giveaways I might have on my blog. Just a few simple rules. Easy to follow.

• You must be 18 or over to participate.
• You must be a follower of my blog through Google Friend Connect. (this will be verified)
• You must be a U.S resident or be able to have your book sent to a U.S. address.
• No P.O. boxes.
• You must leave your e-mail address. This format is fine: justpeachy36 (at) yahoo (dot) com
• Winners will be notified via e-mail and given 48 hours to respond.
• If winners do not respond within the time limit another winner will be chosen.
• Winners will be chosen one of two ways, either by random.org or the old number in the hat.

Simply Marvelous Monday (7)

J. Kaye's Book Blog gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know what you're reading???

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice by Susie Larson (for review from Pump Up Your Book)

The Sherbrooke Bride (Bride Series - Book 1) by Catherine Coulter

The Red Siren (Charles Towne Belle's Series - Book 1) by Marylu Tyndall (E-Book Galley for review from Barbour Publishing)

The Choice (Lancaster County Secrets - Book 1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher (for review from Revell Publishing)

From Zero To Christian In Just 35 Years by Lori A. Moore ( for review from the author)

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

Dreams That Won't Let Go ( Jubilant Soul Series - Book 3) by Stacy Hawkins Adams (for review from Revell Publishing)

Shift (Shifter Series - Book 5) by Rachel Vincent (E-book Galley review from Mira)

All Night Long by Jayne Ann Krentz (Audio book from the Library)

I usually am reading a print book, an e-book and listening to an audio book each week. That doesn't mean I won't still be reading or listening to one or the other next week, but it's generally my goal to finish at least 2 books a week.

UP NEXT:

Second Sight (Arcane Society Series - Book 1 ) by Amanda Quick (a.k.a. Jayne Ann Krentz) (on audio from the library)

I choose only one up next selection a week, because I am never really sure what I'm going to read next.

So what are you reading???

Giveaway Saturday (5)

Today is giveaway Saturday! I will be going through some of the blogs that I follow and finding 10 giveaways to share with you. Enjoy!

Top Ten Of The Week:

1.) Chick With Books is giving away 5 copies of Seduced by a Rogue written by Amanda Scott. The giveaway ends on January 30th and is open to U.S and Canadian residents.

2.) Diary Of An Eccentric is giving away one copy of Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford. The giveaway ends on January 31st and is open to U.S and Canadian residents.

3.)Ellz Readz is giving away a signed copy of one of the books from the Blood Coven series by Mari Mancusi. The giveaway ends on January 27th and is open to U.S and Canadian residents.

4.) Historical Tapestry is giving away one autographed and personalized copy of The Queen's Dollmaker by Christine Trent. This giveaway ends on January 25th and is open internationally.

5.) The Eclectic Reader is having a great giveaway where two winners will be able to choose a book from the following list: Devoured by Amanda Marrone, Captivate by Carrie Jones, Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl, The Swan Thieves by Elizabeth Kostova, First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost, and The Endless Forest by Sara Donati. This giveaway ends January 31st and is international.

6.) Lori's Reading Corner is giving away an ARC of Wendy Corsi Staub's, Live to Tell. The giveaway ends on January 27th and is open to U.S residents only.

7.) Over The Edge Book Reviews is giving away two copies of Sleep No More by Susan Crandall. The giveaway ends on January 25th and is open internationally. (P.S. Check out the header on this blog... Gorgeous!)

8.) Peeking Between the Pages is giving away 3 copies of The Crazy School by Cornelia Read. The drawing will be February 6th and the giveaway is open to U. S. and Canadian residents. (Check out all the other giveaways available at this blog!)

9.) Reversing the Monotony is having a 50 follower first ever giveaway. Two winners will get to choose from 13 books including Graceling by Kristen Cashore and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. The giveaway is international and ends on February 14th.

10.) Tales of Whimsy is giving away a signed copy of Through the Triangle by C.P. Stewart. This giveaway is open to U.S residents and ends February 15th.

Friday Spotlight (4)

The Friday Spotlight will focus on a blog that I've run across in my blog roaming that doesn't have a big following yet. I will spotlight the blog and let my readers know about the reasons I like the blog and what it has to offer. Hopefully, it will garner that blog some new followers and my readers a new place to visit for more book blogging fun.

(This image does not come from the blog - I was unable to get the header of the blog to copy so I found a somewhat appropriate image to use.)

This weeks spotlight blog is: Storywings

Storywings currently has 39 followers.

Storywings is a blogger from Australia. I like her blog for a lot of reasons. I originally became aware of this blog from a post on another blog about a new challenge they had joined. The challenge was hosted by Storywings and I am considering joining this one myself. It is, The Paranormal Reading Challenge. Anyone who is remotely interested in reading any paranormal will be really interested in this one. Follow the link to check it out and sign up!

I love the Charles Eliot quote at the top of the blog. "Books are the quietest, most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers."

Across the top you can find her reviews by Title and by author, which gives the reader instant accessibility to what they are looking for. She has a "currently reading" selection and a Shelfari list of "must reads" as well as an "on the bookpile" list. She gives a list at the top of the blog with upcoming reviews, I liked that idea.

She has an area for the weekly meme's that she participates in and allows the reader to go right to each one with a click. She also has a section for her most recent reviews, a blog roll and a list of books that are in transit. She lists the challenges she is participating down the side, several of which my readers may be interested in.

Check out this great blog! I think you'll like what you find...

T-B-R Thursday (5)

It's T-B-R Thursday once again!

This is the day of the week that I add a new book to my T-B-R pile.

But, this week I decided to do something a little different. I don't know about you, but I love entering giveaways and finding new blogs to visit and that sort of thing.

Another thing I love to do is find great author websites where I can find contests and newsletters, information on new releases and stuff like that. So today I've decided to give you some links to some great author webpages. All of the ones I will list today, do have a contest going on for the month of January. Some of the links will go directly to the contest page, but on others you may have to look around a little bit to find the contest entry area. Check out newsletters too and there is tons of information.

Some of the contests are courtesy of Writerspace. Please feel free to link back to my post on your blogs, if you want to share these sites with your audience.

Enjoy!

Catherine Anderson

Stella Cameron

Christina Dodd

Jayne Ann Krentz

Elizabeth Lowell

Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Leanne Banks

Anya Bast

Berkley-Jove Authors

Shayla Black

Sandy Blair

Sherrill Bodine

Robyn Carr

Claudia Dain

Thea Devine

Terri DuLong

Marie Ferrarella

Dara Girard

Paula Graves

Lori Handeland

Sandra Hill

Metsy Hingle

Emma Holly

Madeline Hunter

Sabrina Jefferies

Nicole Jordan

Brenda Joyce

Shirley Jump

Susan Kearney

Karen Kendall

Angela Knight

Cathie Linz

Julia London

CJ Lyons

Cheyenne McCray

Lucy Monroe

Joy Nash

Diana Palmer

Carly Phillips

Caridad Pineiro

Candice Poarch

Mary Jo Putney

Erin Quinn

Francis Ray

Deanna Raybourn

Karen Robards

Eden Robins

Karen Rose

Michele Scott

Beatrice Small

Annie Solomon

Susan Squires

Roxanne St. Claire

Raz Steel

Mariah Stewart

Helen Scott Taylor

Sherryl Woods

Review: Vision In White

My Synopsis:

Vision in White by Nora Roberts is the first book in the Bride Quartet Series. The reader is introduced to the four friends who run Vows, a premier Wedding Service. Parker, the ultimate wedding planner, Emma florist galore, Laurel the best wedding cake designer around and MacKenzie, a photographer with an eye for saving precious moments on film.

This book centers around Mackenzie and her relationship with her friends, her mother and Carter an old friend from high school who reenters her life with a bang. Mackenzie struggles with not only her mothers continual selfish behavior but with her own feelings about love and intimacy.

Will she take a chance on the love that Carter offers her or will she let her own idea's about love and marriage stand in the way? Will her three friends fill the need she has in her life for family or is there something more? You'll have to read to find out!

My Thoughts:

Vision in White is a book that is just as much about friendship as it is about romance. The story itself is very well written. Nora Roberts has been writing romances for a long time and it shows in the depth of her characters and the easy way the story flows. There is just enough heat to keep the reader on the edge until it finally slips over and the reader will feel satisfied about how the sexual tension has been relieved.

I have always enjoyed a good story about relationships whether it's about romance, friendship or family and in this book you see a little bit of all three. The way Mackenzie interacts with her friends is classic. It reminds me a close knit group I grew up with and makes me wish that we had all stayed in the same town and were able to keep that bond.

Mackenzie's relationship with her mother is a complicated twist to the book. She is an enabler. She gives her mother what she wants not only to placate her, but because she feels she has to. It's interesting throughout the book to see how she learns to deal with her mother's baggage.

Mac's relationship with Carter on the other hand is more typical. Opposites attract they say and I think that's what the author was going for in this book. The shy teacher meets the very social photographer. Carter is portrayed as a very nice, very loving person and this idea pervades every part of the book he is in. He is a very strong character and I liked him a lot.

This book leaves you wondering what will happen to the quartet next. Definitely, a great first in a series novel. I can't wait to read the others, LOL!

I give this one 4 out 5 apples from my book bag!

Teaser Tuesday (6)

Teaser Tuesday is a bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can play! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.

Go to a random page.

Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (Make sure what you share doesn't give away too much! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title and the author, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers.

My teaser this week comes from Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice by Susie Larson, page 144.

William Penn, the founder of the providence of Pennsylvania, was a strong defender of democracy and religious freedom. He wrote this: "Those who will not be governed by God, will be ruled by tyrants."

Simply Marvelous Monday (6)

J. Kaye's Book Blog gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's, at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know what you're reading???

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

Sleepwalking in Daylight by Elizabeth Flock (for review from Goldberg McDuffie Communications)

Vision In White by Nora Roberts (Book 1 - Bride Quartet) (audio from the library)

Songs of Deliverance by Marilynn Griffith (Companion book to Rhythms Of Grace) (For review from Revell Publishing)

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

Embracing Your Freedom: A Personal Experience of God's Heart for Justice by Susie Larson (for review from Pump Up Your Book)

The Sherbrooke Bride by Catherine Coulter (Bride Series - Book 1) (audio from the Library)

The Red Siren by Marylu Tyndall (Charles Towne Bells Series - Book 1) (E-book Galley for review from Barbour Publishing)

Usually I am reading a print book, an e-book and listening to an audio book each week. That doesn't mean I won't still be reading or listening to one or the other next week, but it's generally my goal to finish at least 2 books a week.

UP NEXT:

The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Lancaster County Secrets - Book 1) (for review from Revell Publishing)

I choose only one Up Next selection a week because I'm never really sure what I'm going to read next.

So what are you reading?

50 Followers

I'm almost up to 50 followers. When I reach that lofty goal I will be posting my first giveaway and my giveaway policy. Just 5 more to go!

Giveaway Saturday (4)

Today is Giveaway Saturday! I will be going through some of the blogs that I follow and finding 10 giveaways to share with you. Enjoy!

Top Ten Of The Week:

1.) Diane at Bibliophile By The Sea is giving away, 2 signed copies of Beth Hoffman's book, Saving Cee Cee Honeycutt. Winners will be chosen on January 24th. This giveaway is open internationally.

2.) Blog O' The Irish is giving away a signed copy of Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran. The deadline is January 31st. This giveaway is open internationally.

3.) All Things Urban Fantasy is giving away a copy of Blood Vice by Keith Melton. The deadline is January 20th. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

4.) Bookin' With Bingo is giving away 3 copies of Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. The deadline for this giveaway is January 19th. This giveaway is open to US residents only.

5.) Cherry Mischievous is giving away a trio of YA books, including Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, The Dark Divine by Bree Despain and Shiver by Maggie Steifvater. This giveaway ends March 19th of 2010. This giveaway is open internationally.

6.) Escape In A Book is giving away 1 copy of Knife and one copy of Rebel by B.J. Anderson to one winner and a 2nd copy of Knife to a second winner. This giveaway ends on January 30th. This giveaway is open internationally.

7.) Katie's Book Blog is giving away a copy of both Need and Captivate by Carrie Jones. The deadline for the giveaway is January 30th. This giveaway is open internationally.

8.) My Book Views is giving away a copy of Seduced By A Rogue by Amanda Scott. This giveaway ends February 6th and is open to US and Canadian residents only.

9.) Peeking Between The Pages is giving away two copies of Shanghai Girls by Lisa See. Winners will be chosen on January 31st. This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents.

10.) That's QUEEN Bitch To You is giving a way a copy of Gentlemen Prefer Succubi by Jill Myles. The giveaway ends January 19th. The giveaway is only for residents in the continental US.

Friday Spotlight (3)

The Friday Spotlight will focus on a blog that I've run across in my blog roaming that doesn't have a big following yet. I will spotlight the blog and let my readers know about the reasons I like the blog and what it has to offer. Hopefully, it will garner that blog some new followers and my readers a new place to visit for more book blogging fun.

This weeks spotlight blog is: Cheli's Shelves

Cheli's Shelves currently has 36 followers.

Cheli's blog has been around for a little while, but has certainly been under the radar.

There are a lot of things about this blog that peeks my interest. I like her blog description because it is basically my philosophy of book reading. It's how I relax and unwind. Cheli's says, "Reading, Reviewing, Relaxing! See the reasons why I love to read. LOL, sums it up for me!

I am a relatively new blogger myself though I am a freelance writer and I haven't got all my kinks worked out yet. I love the bar under the header where you can go to different area's of Cheli's page. That's something I look forward to incorporating into my blog some day. She has five areas, 2010 Challenges, Blogs I Follow, My Meme's, 2009 Challenges and Best of 2009. As you all know, I love challenges. I've entered several this year myself. So it's always nice to be able to see what challenges other bloggers are participating in and how they are progressing. I like the idea of having your blog roll in a separate area, because it allows you to show all of the blog you follow without taking up so much sidebar room. Who doesn't love memes? I look forward to those every week!

The two column sidebar on the right is interesting. I've seen several blogs with this configuration lately. It allows you to have a lot of information closer to the top of your page. I like the way Cheli has her blog archive close to the top so that readers can quickly find what they are looking for. She also has a link to her personal blog in this area. It's interesting to learn more about the blogger and not just the books they read.

She has an area at the bottom of the main page for followers, visitors, awards and other interesting features. I like this blog a lot. Cheli obviously, gives her honest opinion in her reviews without being disrespectful to the authors. I think this is so important. I'm biased LOL, since I am a writer too. But integrity in reviewing is a great quality in any blog.

Check out Cheli's Shelves and I'm sure you'll find a lot of features you like as well!

T-B-R Thursday (4)

It's T-B-R Thursday once again!

This is the day of the week, I add a new book to my To-Be-Read pile, which is growing by leaps and bounds. I have very eclectic tastes when it comes to books. You might find a romance, a best seller or even a classic adding to my pile each week.

A new book on my radar this week is: Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb (Releases in hardcover January 26,2010.

Here's the info, thanks to Barnes & Noble. I love a good dragon story!

Product Details

• Pub. Date: January 26, 2010
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Format: Hardcover, 496pp
• Sales Rank: 7,784

• Series: Rain Wilds Series, #1
• ISBN-13: 9780061561627
• ISBN: 0061561622

Publishers Weekly

Here be dragons—but debilitated, deformed, damaged dragons, hatched too soon, sick and starving, into a world that has mostly forgotten them. The first of Hobb's Rain Wild Chronicles, an absorbing extension of her Liveship and Tawny Man trilogies, introduces 15 young dragons who struggle to survive with the grudging help of mutant Rain Wilders. Eventually driven out by the Traders Council, the hatchlings decide to seek Kelsingra, their ancient home. Caught up by the dragons' plight and longing to escape unhappy families and the stifling Rain Wild culture, self-taught dragon scholar Alise Kincannon and teenage tree-dwelling mutant Thymara volunteer to accompany them on the quest, with the help of magnetic liveship captain Leftrin and a host of colorful characters. Hobb's meticulously realized fantasy tale is a welcome addition to contemporary dragon lore. (Feb.)