Autumn!
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*If I don't hear back from you within 48 hours I will select a new winner*
Don't forget to enter my other giveaway! It ends today!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Book Review: Two Way Street by Lauren Barnholdt
Title: Two Way StreetAuthor: Lauren Barnholdt
Pages: 288
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Library
Summary: There are two sides to every breakup.
This is Jordan and Courtney, totally in love. Sure, they were an unlikely high school couple. But they clicked; it worked. They're even going to the same college, and driving cross-country together for orientation.
Then Jordan dumps Courtney -- for a girl he met on the Internet.
It's too late to change plans, so the road trip is on. Courtney's heartbroken, but figures she can tough it out for a few days. La la la -- this is Courtney pretending not to care.
But in a strange twist, Jordan cares. A lot.
Turns out, he's got a secret or two that he's not telling Courtney. And it has everything to do with why they broke up, why they can't get back together, and how, in spite of it all, this couple is destined for each other.
Review: In this book, the main girl, Courtney, is forced to go on a road trip with her ex, Jordan. Some parts were funny (as you can imagine, two people who hate each other going on a road trip!). There was a bit of character transformation, especially Jordan. I liked how the book ended, but I thought it was pretty predictable. I decided to read this book since I enjoyed Lauren Barnholdt's book, One Night That Changes Everything. I think this book was very realistic. I can see real teenagers going through the same scenario.
I hate giving books low ratings, but for this book I had to. The content really disappointed me. There was too much language and mature content. This book just wasn't as good as Lauren Barnholdt's other books (that I've read so far). It also wasn't very entertaining. I find it hard to relate to the characters in this book.
I wouldn't recommend reading this book because of the content. If you really don't mind a ton of language, then you could give this book a try. I gave this book 2 coffee cups.
Waiting On Wednesday (2)
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.I am waiting for Unearthly by Cynthia Hand.
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Summary:
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
This book looks interesting. I'm excited to read it!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Book Review: Unbelievable by Sara Shepard
Title: Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars #4)Author: Sara Shepard
Pages: 352
Publisher: Harperteen
Source: Library
Summary: Behind Rosewood's grand façades, where the air smells like apples and Chanel No. 5 and infinity pools sparkle in landscaped backyards, nothing is as it seems. It was here, back in seventh grade, that five best friends shared everything—Seven jeans, MAC makeup, and their deepest, darkest secrets. For Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, it was a dream come true . . . until Alison, the most beautiful of them all, suddenly vanished.
With A's threats turning dangerous and Ali's killer still on the loose, the girls must uncover the truth—about A, about Ali, and about what happened to Hanna—before they become A's next victims. But as they unravel Rosewood's mysteries and secrets, will it bring an end to the horror . . . or is this just the beginning?
Review: If you've been following the tv show, this book picks up right where the latest episode ends. This is the 4th book in the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. If you've read any of my previous reviews of the Pretty Little Liars books you would know that I have been enjoying this series. Packed with suspense, mystery, and drama, Pretty Little Liars is a series you don't want to skip. I've been following the TV show and after the last episode I was extremely curious to find out what happens next. So, I decided to pick up the books. Unfortunately, somebody spoiled the ending of this book for me, but I still have 4 more books in the series to read in which I am clueless about the endings. There is some language and mature content. If you don't mind that, then I would recommend reading this series. I gave this book 4 coffee cups. Great series!
Summary: Behind Rosewood's grand façades, where the air smells like apples and Chanel No. 5 and infinity pools sparkle in landscaped backyards, nothing is as it seems. It was here, back in seventh grade, that five best friends shared everything—Seven jeans, MAC makeup, and their deepest, darkest secrets. For Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, it was a dream come true . . . until Alison, the most beautiful of them all, suddenly vanished.With A's threats turning dangerous and Ali's killer still on the loose, the girls must uncover the truth—about A, about Ali, and about what happened to Hanna—before they become A's next victims. But as they unravel Rosewood's mysteries and secrets, will it bring an end to the horror . . . or is this just the beginning?
Review: If you've been following the tv show, this book picks up right where the latest episode ends. This is the 4th book in the Pretty Little Liars series by Sara Shepard. If you've read any of my previous reviews of the Pretty Little Liars books you would know that I have been enjoying this series. Packed with suspense, mystery, and drama, Pretty Little Liars is a series you don't want to skip. I've been following the TV show and after the last episode I was extremely curious to find out what happens next. So, I decided to pick up the books. Unfortunately, somebody spoiled the ending of this book for me, but I still have 4 more books in the series to read in which I am clueless about the endings. There is some language and mature content. If you don't mind that, then I would recommend reading this series. I gave this book 4 coffee cups. Great series!
--Challenge--
I also want to say that since I'm reading all the Pretty Little Liars books, I decided to sign up for a challenge over at Trisha's Book Blog. The challenge is to read all the Pretty Little Liars books by December 31, 2010.
http://trishasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/09/pretty-little-liars-challenge.html
Friday, September 3, 2010
Book Blogger Hop (7) and Follow Friday (4)
Crazy-For-Books is hosting the Book Blogger Hop.This week's question: Do you judge a book by its cover?
My answer: I actually do. If I see a book and it's cover looks interesting, I am pulled in and I will most likely want to read it. There are so many books with awesome covers!
Follow Friday is hosted by Parajunkee's View.To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://candacesreadingblog.blogspot.com
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
7. If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
8. If your new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!
Happy Friday!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Guest Post + Giveaway: Jess C Scott
Why Journaling is Good--Guest Post by Jess C Scott
BOOK SUMMARY: A 17-year-old intern must choose between trusting an irresistibly suave dance instructor—or her instincts. SINS07 is a series featuring lighthearted tales that explore each of the seven sins in order, beginning with lust.
My most recent publication is a YA novel titled, 1: The Intern, part of a SINS07 “seven deadly sins” series. While the tone and presentation differ quite greatly from my debut blog/IM novel (the blog novel is more alternative / more info on it @ www.eyeleash.wordpress.com), both books cover the subject of lust.
I remember journaling a lot, throughout my teenage years (I’ll turn 24 this September). I still do. Here’s an excerpt from my handwritten journal/diary (I’m not saying when this happened, exactly!):
“...but he was so daring/discreet at the same time!! He said ‘(before you go) may I / can I have a kiss (here?—pointing/showing his cheek)’...it was all a blur...so I asked ‘whyyy?’ quite coyly, he said ‘coz I hv been so nice to you’...‘tt’s true’ (LOL! I sounded quite “statement” I think)...I thought 2 myself: how hot/wet can this kiss be? then I thought boring as it is, guess I’ll keep it neutral, which I did...slightly shaven cheek......very careful non-sloppy kiss...& tt is my 1st kiss 2 a guy. I STILL HAVEN’T BEEN KISSED.”
This type of “journal writing” probably isn't what a school teacher would accept for an English composition/essay/assignment. What it shows, however, is freedom in a person’s exploration of their honest thoughts and feelings (which, one could argue, is more important than scoring an A on every single paper).
Some people loathe writing that’s done in text message style—but you can’t really deny the fact that it is a form of communication, in this day and age. Text messaging, to me, is just another language. I text messaged all the way throughout my high school years, and it never affected my grades (I always applied “the rules of proper English,” when it came to academic work).
I find that journaling freely has always allowed me to “capture the moment” better. I tend to experience things quite intensely—journaling played (and continues to play) a huge part in my own personal journey of self-discovery.
When you start to know yourself, and what you want / where you’d like to go / who you’d like to be in life…it gives you a very real and stable kind of inner self-confidence. This isn’t the type of self-confidence that comes in the form of a checklist in a glossy magazine article. It’s all you. It’s also amazing to see how different you are (in some ways) as a person, when you look back at past journal entries.
So the next time you think/feel like you just HAVE to journal—follow your instincts. You might be able to find just what you’re looking for, through journaling / taking a look at your deepest thoughts and needs/wants/desires.
P.S. My latest (private, handwritten) journal entry includes “what I want to say to (a guy on Facebook),” and a couple of ideas for future book projects.
P.P.S. The “guy on Facebook” = the same guy in the handwritten journal excerpt above.
---------------
Author Bio:
Jess identifies herself as an author/artist/non-conformist. Her literary work has appeared in a diverse range of publications, such as Word Riot, ITCH Magazine, and The Battered Suitcase. She is currently working on the SINS07 series, as well as an urban fantasy project featuring cyberpunk elves. Her novella, The Devilin Fey, hit #1 in Amazon’s “Hot New Releases in Bargain Books” in July 2010.
Website: www.jesscscott.com
SINS07: www.sins07.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jesscscott
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jesscscott
_________________________________
CONTEST CLOSED 9/9/10
BOOK SUMMARY: A 17-year-old intern must choose between trusting an irresistibly suave dance instructor—or her instincts. SINS07 is a series featuring lighthearted tales that explore each of the seven sins in order, beginning with lust.
My most recent publication is a YA novel titled, 1: The Intern, part of a SINS07 “seven deadly sins” series. While the tone and presentation differ quite greatly from my debut blog/IM novel (the blog novel is more alternative / more info on it @ www.eyeleash.wordpress.com), both books cover the subject of lust.
I remember journaling a lot, throughout my teenage years (I’ll turn 24 this September). I still do. Here’s an excerpt from my handwritten journal/diary (I’m not saying when this happened, exactly!):
“...but he was so daring/discreet at the same time!! He said ‘(before you go) may I / can I have a kiss (here?—pointing/showing his cheek)’...it was all a blur...so I asked ‘whyyy?’ quite coyly, he said ‘coz I hv been so nice to you’...‘tt’s true’ (LOL! I sounded quite “statement” I think)...I thought 2 myself: how hot/wet can this kiss be? then I thought boring as it is, guess I’ll keep it neutral, which I did...slightly shaven cheek......very careful non-sloppy kiss...& tt is my 1st kiss 2 a guy. I STILL HAVEN’T BEEN KISSED.”
This type of “journal writing” probably isn't what a school teacher would accept for an English composition/essay/assignment. What it shows, however, is freedom in a person’s exploration of their honest thoughts and feelings (which, one could argue, is more important than scoring an A on every single paper).
Some people loathe writing that’s done in text message style—but you can’t really deny the fact that it is a form of communication, in this day and age. Text messaging, to me, is just another language. I text messaged all the way throughout my high school years, and it never affected my grades (I always applied “the rules of proper English,” when it came to academic work).
I find that journaling freely has always allowed me to “capture the moment” better. I tend to experience things quite intensely—journaling played (and continues to play) a huge part in my own personal journey of self-discovery.
When you start to know yourself, and what you want / where you’d like to go / who you’d like to be in life…it gives you a very real and stable kind of inner self-confidence. This isn’t the type of self-confidence that comes in the form of a checklist in a glossy magazine article. It’s all you. It’s also amazing to see how different you are (in some ways) as a person, when you look back at past journal entries.
So the next time you think/feel like you just HAVE to journal—follow your instincts. You might be able to find just what you’re looking for, through journaling / taking a look at your deepest thoughts and needs/wants/desires.
P.S. My latest (private, handwritten) journal entry includes “what I want to say to (a guy on Facebook),” and a couple of ideas for future book projects.
P.P.S. The “guy on Facebook” = the same guy in the handwritten journal excerpt above.
---------------
Author Bio:
Jess identifies herself as an author/artist/non-conformist. Her literary work has appeared in a diverse range of publications, such as Word Riot, ITCH Magazine, and The Battered Suitcase. She is currently working on the SINS07 series, as well as an urban fantasy project featuring cyberpunk elves. Her novella, The Devilin Fey, hit #1 in Amazon’s “Hot New Releases in Bargain Books” in July 2010.
Website: www.jesscscott.com
SINS07: www.sins07.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jesscscott
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jesscscott
_________________________________
CONTEST CLOSED 9/9/10
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
In My Mailbox (4)
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren.The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought. And sometimes other fun goodies.
Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.
Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.
So, this week I won a contest from All-Consuming Books! I won:
- Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel
From the library I got:
- Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars #4) by Sara Shepard
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In my mailbox I recieved:
- Cloaked by Alex Flinn (ARC)
- Love You To Death: An Unoffical Guide to The Vampire Diaries by Crissy Calhoun
And don't forget! My contest for Flipped ends 9/8! Enter here.
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