Sunday, August 29, 2010

Book Arrivals



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For Review:


Wind and Fire :: Cheryl Landmark
(May 2010 - Asylett Press)

Zardonne, Master of the Dark Rift, has ripped a hole in the fabric of Tellaron and invaded with an army of hideous demons.


Oblivious to the dangers and evil brewing beyond the borders of the quiet Ardis Valley where she lives, nineteen year old Tenya toils through a life of dreary loneliness and drudgery, plagued by strange, disturbing visions, yearning desperately for the beautiful mother she had not seen since she was three. Her life is abruptly turned upside down when she is abducted in the middle of the night and sent on a perilous journey that will test her courage and the fledgling powers buried deep within her. For not only does she discover that her missing mother, Elea, is a powerful sorceress able to control the forces of the wind, Tenya also learns that she herself possesses a singing power that manifests itself as white fire throughout her body. Can she find her mother, and the strength to use her own powers, in time to save Tellaron from the evil Demon Master? Her world depends upon it.

 
The Human Bobby :: Gabe Rotter
(August 2010 - Simon & Schuster)
 
THE GRIPPING STORY OF THE UNRAVELING OF ONE MAN’S SEEMINGLY PERFECT LIFE, AND HIS STRUGGLE TO GET EVERYTHING BACK.

A new baby, a loving wife, a solid career, a dream house in Beverly Hills: Dr. Bobby Flopkowski has it all. Until a complicated series of events snowball into a disaster that changes the course of his life forever.
Now, with a tent on the beach as his only home and an addiction that has cut him off from everyone he once loved, Bobby has a revelation that could put him back on track: he believes he has solved the puzzling crime that led to his downfall. But as the reality he’s always known slips farther away, will he be able to convince someone—anyone—that his suspicions aren’t merely the pleas of a desperate man?


 
The Twisted Path Home :: Fae Bidgoli
(September 2010 - Dog Ear Publishing)

It is 1991. Arezoo, an Iranian woman is living in Berkeley, California with her second husband, Robert, and working as a university professor. Recurring, terrifying dreams of eminent death lead her into therapy with a widely respected psychotherapist. As her memories unfold during therapy sessions, she flashes back to painful memories of her first marriage to Afshin, an Iranian man. Still, the dreams continue, prompting Arezoo to try hypnosis. Arezoo's life takes an unexpected turn under hypnosis and she begins to channel the dramatic life story of Sogand, a woman who lived in a village in Persia (now Iran) in the late 1800's. This seemingly inexplicable experience, and her sudden, intimate knowledge of Sogand's identity leads Arezoo back to Iran after many years in America. Through this woman's history Arezoo makes some life changing discoveries - key to both her past and her ex-husband's tortured, secret life.


French Letters: Engaged In War
(September 2010 - Vire Press)

French Letters: Engaged in War, is the second book in the French Letters Trilogy. The companion to Virginia’s War, it is the story of Will Hastings, an army doctor caught up in the D-Day landings in Normandy and the drive to capture St. Lo, France. Isolated from Virginia Sullivan and the events taking place at home, Will faces the demands of combat surgery under fire and the losses of his brother, his friends, and his connection to home. Historically accurate and precise and covering events from exactly the same time frame as the events in the first volume, Engaged in War is a novel of the will to survive when war, distance, loss, and the uncertainty of the future separate a couple far beyond the breaking point.

Friday, August 27, 2010

Friday Finds [37]


I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.
 
 
My Finds This Week:











**Find more Friday Finds at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com && Join in the fun!**

Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Pack Winner


The winner of THE PACK (+ goodies) is...



Gaby from Oh My Books!



Congrats!! I've emailed you already and you have until Sunday, August 29th to email me back. Thanks so much to those that entered. =)
 
 

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Waiting on Wednesday [58] - The Iron Thorn



In the city of Lovecraft, the Proctors rule and a great Engine turns below the streets, grinding any resistance to their order to dust. The necrovirus is blamed for Lovecraft's epidemic of madness, for the strange and eldritch creatures that roam the streets after dark, and for everything that the city leaders deem Heretical—born of the belief in magic and witchcraft. And for Aoife Grayson, her time is growing shorter by the day.
Aoife Grayson's family is unique, in the worst way—every one of them, including her mother and her elder brother Conrad, has gone mad on their 16th birthday. And now, a ward of the state, and one of the only female students at the School of Engines, she is trying to pretend that her fate can be different.

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Reason: I thought it would be pretty cool to keep with the "Iron" theme since last week's choice was THE IRON WITCH by Karen Mahoney. (Just keep in mind that the two books have nothing to do with each other but the word "iron" in their title.) I haven't read anything by Kittredge yet but I've heard her books are pretty great. I really like the sound of THE IRON THORN. It definitely has a lot going on that piques my curiosity.

Cover Discussion: Very dark and yet extremeley eye-catching. The font choice, layout, and color looks great against the cover model and dark back-drop. It compliments the dark mood that the synopsis sets for the novel extremely well.




The Iron Thorn will be released February 22nd!






**See more Waiting on Wednesday choices at http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/. && Join in the fun!**

Review: Romancing Mister Bridgerton

Romancing Mister Bridgerton
Julia Quinn

Series or Stand Alone: Bridgerton series, book four

Release Date: July 2002

Publisher: Avon

Pages: 370

Author Site: http://www.juliaquinn.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis:

Penelope Featherington has secretly adored her best friend's brother for...well, it feels like forever. After half a lifetime of watching Colin Bridgerton from afar, she thinks she knows everything about him, until she stumbles across his deepest secret...and fears she doesn't know him at all.

Colin Bridgerton is tired of being thought nothing but an empty-headed charmer, tired of everyone's preoccupation with the notorious gossip columnist Lady Whistledown, who can't seem to publish an edition without mentioning him in the first paragraph. But when Colin returns to London from a trip aboard he discovers nothing in his life is quite the same -- especially Penelope Featherington! The girl haunting his dreams. But when he discovers that Penelope has secrets of her own, this elusive bachelor must decide...is she his biggest threat -- or his promise of a happy ending?
 
Review:

Ever since Colin Bridgerton first entered a scene in the Brigderton series I just HAD to know how his story would be. When I found out that he was paired with Penelope Featherington I nearly had a giddy fan-girl moment. He's charmingly funny and she's a shy wallflower that I knew had some spunk buried somewhere inside - a recipe for an excellent read! So with that all said I have to say I didn't quite enjoy it as much as I thought I would. That might be a personal thing though because I read the book the same month I had my daughter. I definitely think I'll be re-reading it in the future. But for right now I still liked it.

Colin is the third Bridgerton out of a total of eight and has come to be one of my favorites. He always has something cute or charming to say. However in this installment Colin is tired of being known as the charmer and nothing else. Just ask Lady Whistledown, who refuses to exclude him from almost every publication of her column. His older brothers have all made a place for themselves in the world with their respective talents and Colin feels lost. Not only is this a love story for him but also one of self-discovery.

And who better to help Colin figure out who he is than Miss Penelope Featherington. Penelope who has been in love with Colin since childhood. Penelope who has endured years of bittersweet torture by having Eloise Bridgerton as a best friend, which then grants her so many occasions to be around Colin. She is a great character that I know many readers can relate to. A girl with a subtle spark that sits on the sidelines while the world of the ton twirls around her. I've always liked her in the previous novels. This is her story just as much as Colin's. She was never a weak woman; even when she was an awkward, somewhat overweight, young girl first becoming available for marriage proposals. There was always something about her that spoke volumes of a character I wanted to get to know. And her story didn't let me down in that department. Completely witty and charming in her own right, Penelope is a character to love...and it only takes Colin a little over half the book to realize that =)

The huge secret revealed in the novel is one I can't comment on without spoiling it for those who are not familar with the series or who have yet to read the third book. However, just a forewarning, I will most likely discuss said secret with the fourth book's review...Let's just say it involves the one and only Lady Whistledown and the commotion her and her column's always seem to bring the ton. Okay, so I commented on it...whoops.

ROMANCING MISTER BRIDGERTON is filled with humor as Lady Danbury tries, and almost succeeds, to steal the show from the main characters on more than one occasion. She has quickly claimed a piece of my heart as she helps Penelope stand up for herself and not be ashamed of who she is. She does this all oh so cleverly with not-so-subtle hints that made me laugh out loud and that warmed my heart at the same time. And of course the novel would be nothing without the rest of the Bridgerton gang.

I'm SO ready for the next installment - TO SIR PHILLIP, WITH LOVE. Eloise has certainly made me curious on how things will turn out for her. And I'm sure I will be getting attached to yet another Bridgerton with the completion of her story.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Teaser Tuesday [49] - Houston, We Have a Problema



Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:


-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
-Please avoid spoilers!

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"Now she trusted herself. She might not always make the best choices, she thought, but it was okay. If everyone else in her life could manager their own, then she could too." (326)


Houston, We Have a Problema :: Gwendolyn Zepeda

**Find out more about Teaser Tuesday at http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com/. Join in the fun!**

Saturday, August 21, 2010

ARC Review: Lumby on the Air + GIVEAWAY


Lumby on the Air
Gail Fraser

Series or Stand Alone: Lumby series, book five

Release Date: July 2010

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 496

Book Site: http://www.lumbybooks.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Recieved for review from FSB Associates


Synopsis:

Fifth in the acclaimed series set in the enchantingly offbeat town of Lumby.

Pam and Mark Walker are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long family reunion and a ceremony renewing their vows. But when Mark's brother-in-law starts broadcasting his radio talk show from Montis Inn, his disparaging remarks about small-town life cause immediate rifts that only widen when he sides with a real estate developer who wants to turn Lumby into an asphalt Aspen. As the controversy pits family against family, and neighbor against neighbor, will the spirit that defines Lumby triumph once again?

Review:

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of the first book in this series, THE LUMBY LINES, and I reviewed it a couple of months ago in March. (read it here) I really liked the book and was looking forward to continuing on with the second book. But when I was asked to review , LUMBY ON THE AIR, I couldn't pass the opportunity up even though it was book number five.

Now I’m not too sure what I missed between the first book and LUMBY ON THE AIR but I don’t think it was a lot because book five can definitely stand-alone. Its four years after main characters Pam and Mark Walker first arrived in Lumby. I can imagine the crazy things that have happened to Lumby in the meantime. The book centers on a family reunion celebrating Pam and Mark’s 25th anniversary. However, the book wouldn’t be so long (and not as fun) if everything went according to plan. Like most families, the prospect of being together for a week can definitely be interesting. Personalities clash, past arguments resurface and the healing magic of Lumby make a surprisingly emotional read.

Mark and Pam remain to be a sweet couple. I quickly became attached to them just like I did in the first book. The visiting members of their families make the read an adventure. Mark’s estranged sister Lynn makes her appearance after an embezzlement scandal involving her ex-husband and Mark’s money. His other sister Nancy brings along her often troublesome husband Carter and their son Corey. His brother Patrick arrives with his wife Elaine and rebellious teenage daughter Jessica. And finally on Pam’s side her mother comes to visit bringing a surprise guest with her…a boyfriend!!

It seems a bit daunting to have to remember who everyone is and I admit that sometimes I got a little confused and had to step back a minute to get everyone straight. The story also includes additional secondary characters that are mixed in with the main stories. However, Gail Fraser does a pretty darn good job of creating such relatable characters. I found myself easily falling into Lumby living as I got further along into the book. Funny, heart-warming, and filled with a surprising emotional depth I think many readers will enjoy this installment of the Lumby series. And like I said before it can be read as a stand-alone. I still have some catching up to do with the in-between books and I know I’ll be a frequent visitor of Lumby.





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I'm giving away my gently read ARC copy of LUMBY ON THE AIR (July 6, 2010). To enter simply comment below with an email address... (no email address = no entry)


Extra Entries:

+3 for following the blog with Google Friend Connect
+2 for subscribing through email (Located in sidebar)
+2 for following the blog on Facebook. (<---- click the link)
+2 for following on twitter. (provide your twitter @name)
+1 spread the word! -sidebar, blog post, twitter, facebook (links required, each link = +1)


Giveaway ends September 4th and the winner will be announced September 5th. Sorry, US Entries only.



Good Luck!

Friday, August 13, 2010

Friday Finds [36]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.
 
 
My Finds This Week:
 








Wednesday, August 11, 2010

The Pack (international) GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY CLOSED




One lucky commenter will win:
  • Signed copy of THE PACK
  • THE PACK poster & magnet
  • Copy of the next book released by Phenomenal One Press, BANDITS, which will be released in the Spring
To enter simply comment below with an email address (no email address = no entry)


Extra Entries:

+3 for following the blog with Google Friend Connect
+2 for subscribing through email (Located in sidebar)
+2 for following the blog on Facebook. (<---- click the link)
+2 for following on twitter. (provide your twitter @name)
+1 for commenting on the review! (<---click the link)
+1 for commenting on L.M.'s guest post (<---click the link)
+1 share this! -sidebar, blog post, twitter, facebook (links required, each link = +1)



Giveaway ends August 25th and the winner will be announced August 26th. The winner will receive the prizes directly from the publisher. Open internationally!!! (yay)




Good luck!




Waiting on Wednesday [57] - The Iron Witch



Freak. That's what her classmates call seventeen-year-old Donna Underwood. When she was seven, a horrific fey attack killed her father and drove her mother mad. Donna's own nearly fatal injuries from the assault were fixed by magic—the iron tattoos branding her hands and arms. The child of alchemists, Donna feels cursed by the magical heritage that destroyed her parents and any chance she had for a normal life. The only thing that keeps her sane and grounded is her relationship with her best friend, Navin Sharma.
When the darkest outcasts of Faerie—the vicious wood elves—abduct Navin, Donna finally has to accept her role in the centuries old war between the humans and the fey. Assisted by Xan, a gorgeous half-fey dropout with secrets of his own, Donna races to save her friend—even if it means betraying everything her parents and the alchemist community fought to the death to protect.


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Reason: Not only is Karen a sweet person but she's an excellent writer. I'm so looking forward to this that I have to refrain from having a HUGE fangirl moment =D Unfortunately I haven't had the tim to keep up with her at her livejournal but I highly recommend you check her out if you haven't. Visit her livejournal here!

Other than that obvious reason I have to say that I definitely need more fey fiction in my reading diet. Yup.

Cover Discussion: I really like it. The iron tattoos aren't like regular tattoos so I can see why they would make Donna an outcast, although I find them rather unique. I'm curious as to what's in the cover model's hand and I hope it ties itself into the story. Job well done by the art department for sure!




The Iron Witch will be released February 1st!



What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click here.

 

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Teaser Tuesday [48] - Starfinder

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:








-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
-Please avoid spoilers!



----------

" 'It is mankind's birthright to fly. I've always believed that. I tell you, Captain, we are born to it, like the birds themselves. Why else would God put such a desire in the hearts of men? Children look up at the sky and they want wings. They want to touch the face of God.' " (82)





From the Desk of...

...author L.M. Preston!


















Thanks for having me as a guest on your blog. I'd love to tell you about what I'm working on.

It’s been a busy year for me. My debut, MG novel Explorer X – Alpha hit the shelves in Febuary of this year and The Pack, my YA series about a teenaged blind vigilante comes out this August. My new YA series, Bandits comes out next spring followed by the sequel to Explorer X in the fall. Here’s some tidbits about the exciting new books I have coming out.

The Pack comes out Aug. 1st, 2010.

There were several things that influenced the idea of The Pack. I had originally planned for this character to be a male. I had told my beta team (my kids and husband) about this idea I had about a blind vigilante that organizes a group of misfit kids to fight against a major crime organization on Mars.

My daughter told me that she wanted me to write about a female main character. That it would be cool to have a girl in the role. I smiled and Shamira’s face appeared in my mind’s eye.

I decided that her mission would be to save missing kids, because I wanted to write about missing kids escaping from captivity. Every day at my job, I passed a board of missing children. My heart went out to them, and I always hurt for their loss. Once a former colleague who’d been a police officer told me of a horrible case where he had located missing kids that were captured and being used in despicable ways by their captors who had enslaved them for years before disposing of them. These sad facts were the makings of The Pack.

It is a two-book series that I truly enjoyed writing. It’s aimed at kids 14yrs and up. It has adventure, twist and romance all in one. The true adventure is the building of trust and true friendship that empowers Shamira to become the champion she was meant to be. I’m currently writing the sequel, THE PACK – Retribution due out in 2012.

Bandits, a YA Scifi adventure novel with a twist of romance comes out Spring 2011.

Bandits, the first in a two book series, is about a teenaged boy who was raised as a thief and mercenary by his renowned father. His relationship with his father was strained due to his father’s refusal to continue his role as a leader of the Zukar. With his father’s murder, he discovers that his father snatched, then hid a treasure that is not only worth killing for – but holds a power beyond mortal control. He sets out with his brother and friends to find the treasure before his father’s murderer does. His time is running out as the killer closes in, and the price to stop the inevitable destruction of his world becomes higher than he could ever pay.

My first novel, Explorer X - Alpha, just came out a few months ago and the sequel, Explorer X – Beta, comes out Fall 2011.

Explorer X-Beta is the second book in the Explorer X series and will be full of surprises. The world I created for this book has me excited. This will ultimately be a four book series that will come to a climatic end that is so unpredictable yet powerful. I can’t wait. I’ve outlined the entire series and am finishing up the first draft of Explorer X-Beta, which is scheduled to come out Fall of 2011. In Explorer X-Beta, Aadi realizes that it’s okay to make mistakes, that leaning on your friends make you stronger, and that people are not always what they seem. I’ll give you a hint, he’s on his way to save Dakota and Carter, but in doing so, unveils something about the species in which he and the others were created from. The depth of the deception of TECRC becomes more obvious, and the burgeoning power of each character comes to the surface.

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Thanks so much for stopping by Lanita. I can definitely see why the kids in THE PACK were so strong-willed and independent. Thank you for sharing your inspiration for the story and for letting everyone know what you're working on. I'm looking forward to reading more of your work and getting my hands on a copy of the sequel to THE PACK.
 
Make sure to check out my review if you haven't already!
 
Explorer X- Alpha
 

 
The Pack



***Be sure to stop by tomorrow for a chance to win a copy of THE PACK along with some other goodies!***
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