Confessions of a Book Addict

Waiting on Wednesday: In Honor

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

In Honor by Jessi Kirby

Pub. Date: May 8, 2012

Goodreads says, "Honor receives her brother’s last letter from Iraq three days after learning that he died, and opens it the day his fellow Marines lay the flag over his casket. Its contents are a complete shock: concert tickets to see Kyra Kelly, her favorite pop star and Finn's celebrity crush. In his letter, he jokingly charged Honor with the task of telling Kyra Kelly that he was in love with her. Grief-stricken and determined to grant Finn's last request, she rushes to leave immediately. But she only gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn's best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn't seen him in ages, thanks to a falling out between the two guys, but Rusty is much the same as Honor remembers him: arrogant, stubborn. . . and ruggedly good looking. Neither one is what the other would ever look for in a road trip partner, but the two of them set off together, on a voyage that makes sense only because it doesn’t. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?"

*I really loved Moonglass, Jessi's first book, and I think In Honor sounds just as promising! What do you guys think?

Book Review: Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

2012-01-23T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pages: 490

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: February 28, 2012

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Read my review of Legacy (Book #1)

Goodreads says, "An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return... Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge. Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn."

Allegiance immediately picks up where Legacy left off. Alera is now Queen of Hytanica and she is trapped in a loveless marriage to Steldor; however, her heart still belongs to Narian. Unfortunately, Narian is forced to serve the Overlord, Hytanica's enemy, and because of this, Alera knows she cannot be with Narian. In truth, she is having a hard time letting him go. Alera must lead her kingdom through a dark time with many unexpected events and her heart cannot be conflicted. Allegiance, book two in the Legacy series, is action packed, romantic and entertaining.

Kluver's writing style always takes me by surprise because it's easy to forget she is a young author. Her writing seems so mature and well developed. I love her details and descriptions; it is easy to get lost in the world of Hytanica.

In Allegiance, Alera had me frustrated from time to time. She was fixated on Narian and deep down, I wanted her to give Steldor (I know....the horror!) a chance, because he was actually nice at times. I understand she loves Narian and I get that, but for awhile there it seemed like a hopeless cause. Alera really grew as a Queen and a person in Allegiance. There are many dark moments and trials and tribulations in Allegiance and in turn, Alera was really tested and grew as a character.

The Steldor/Narian love triangle is still very much present, but isn't as important as the events in the book. The country of Hytanica finds itself in a precarious situation and readers will be consumed with the turn of events. There's a lot of action and unrest in Allegiance in comparison to Legacy, which definitely kept me on the edge of my seat.

Allegiance definitely reads like a second book in the series; it is setting up the third book, Sacrifice, which comes out this year as well. I cannot wait to see what happens to Alera, Steldor and Narian as well as the country of Hytanica. If you are a fan of Legacy, you must pre-order this book.

*Pre-order Allegiance

*Buy Legacy

Waiting on Wednesday: Gilt

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Gilt by Katherine Longshore

Pub. Date: May 15, 2012

Goodreads says, "In the Tudor age, ambition, power and charismatic allure are essential and Catherine Howard has plenty of all three. Not to mention her loyal best friend, Kitty Tylney, to help cover her tracks. Kitty, the abandoned youngest daughter of minor aristocracy, owes everything to Cat – where she is, what she is, even who she is. Friend, flirt, and self-proclaimed Queen of Misrule, Cat reigns supreme in a loyal court of girls under the none-too-watchful eye of the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk. When Cat worms her way into the heart of Henry VIII and becomes Queen of England, Kitty is thrown into the intoxicating Tudor Court. It’s a world of glittering jewels and elegant costumes, of gossip and deception. As the Queen’s right-hand-woman, Kitty goes from the girl nobody noticed to being caught between two men – the object of her affection and the object of her desire. But the atmosphere of the court turns from dazzling to deadly, and Kitty is forced to learn the difference between trust and loyalty, love and lust, secrets and treason. And to accept the consequences when some lessons are learned too late."

Will I ever get sick of the Tudor Court? Ha, probably not. I am very interested to see how the Tudor Court will translate to YA historical fiction. I'm sure it will be just as drama-filled as ever. I am such a sucker for a good historical read. What do you guys think?

Blogoversary Giveaway Winners

2012-01-16T09:28:00.000-05:00

The winner of a signed copy of The Lying Game by Sara Shepard is..............

#9 Jill from The O.W.L.

The winner of a signed copy of Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey is...........

#34 Kate from Literary Explorations

The winner of a signed copy of Last Breathe by Rachel Caine is.............

#13 Michelle from Book Briefs

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to everyone who entered. I hope you enjoy the books!

My Latest Obsession: Downton Abbey

2012-01-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Photo from imdb.com

Ok, so I know I am late in the game here, but I must profess my love of Downton Abbey on PBS. I have been feeling under the weather lately and thanks to the genius that is Netflix, I was able to get caught up on season one of the show. I watched it straight through and was hooked. I knew I would enjoy it since I am a huge fan of historical fiction.

Unfortunately, this has taken away from my valuable reading time, but there's nothing better than getting lost in a fictional TV world when you don't feel good. The location is to-die-for; Highclare Castle is stunning! And if you are a Jane Austen fan, like me, I definitely think you'd like Downtown Abbey.

So, any other fans out there? We must discuss! If you have never heard of this show, check out the website. You can even watch episodes online! And they have a fun quiz to see which Downton Abbey character you are. I got the Dowager Countess of Grantham, which made me laugh out loud as I don't see any similarities between us; however, I guess it was better than getting Thomas (so not a fan!)

Anyone else obsessed? Let me know! I can't wait for the next episode- it airs every Sunday till February 19th. If you ask me, it's the perfect winter escape.

Book Review: Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

2012-01-09T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pages: 272

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: October 26, 2010

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "“I’ve left some clues for you. If you want them, turn the page. If you don’t, put the book back on the shelf, please.” So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the New York Times bestselling authors of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a comic mismatch of disastrous proportions?"

Lily, thanks to her brother, left her red notebook on the shelf of her favorite bookstore in New York City. It's just waiting there for the perfect guy to pick it up and take the dares. Dash encountered the red notebook at the bookstore and was immediately intrigued. He even took part in the most hilarious dares just to learn more about this girl. Lily and Dash pass the book back and forth during the holiday season in New York City and it ends up being a grand adventure. Dash and Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan is a fun holiday romance that will leave teens swooning.

One aspect of this book that I enjoyed is the fact that each chapter switched narration between Lily and Dash. This was perfect and really gave the readers a look into each characters life as well as their motives. I found Lily and Dash to be quirky, cool and smart. I love the way that they were written and I wouldn't expect anything less as Cohn and Levithan wrote Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.

I saved Dash and Lily's Book of Dares to read during the holiday season and I am so glad that I did! Nothing beats New York City during Christmastime! The descriptions of the bustling city, Macy's and other city landmarks were spot on; I found myself dreaming of my own little adventure in the city.

I hear that they are going to make Dash and Lily's Book of Dares into a movie in 2013. I will definitely be adding this book to my classroom library. I know that many students will be dreaming of putting their own notebooks in their local bookstore to see what adventures await.

*Buy Dash and Lily's Book of Dares

*Read an excerpt

Waiting on Wednesday: Shine

2012-01-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Shine by Jeri Smith-Ready

Pub. Date: May 1, 2012

Goodreads says, "No other love has burned so bright. Life can change in an instant, and no one understands that better than Aura. It’s been almost a year since her boyfriend tragically died. She’s finally letting go of Logan’s violet-hued ghost, but not her search to uncover the truth about her past.As the first in a generation that can see ghosts, Aura is convinced that she has a connection to the Shift. She’s trusted Zachary, ever patient and ever by her side, with all that she knows. But when the government threatens his life in an attempt to learn Aura’s secrets, she will stop at nothing to protect herself and the one she loves...even if that means betraying her own heart."

*This is SUCH a good series and if you haven't picked up it up yet, you must. Shine is the final book in the trilogy; I can't wait!

Favorite Books of 2011 and More

2011-12-30T10:16:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share with you my favorite books of 2011 and my favorite books of the year that weren't published in 2011, but still are fabulous. I hope you enjoy my picks! I reviewed all of these books, so if you are interested in checking out my reviews, you can find them in my review archive.

Favorite Young Adult Books From Debut Author:
(In no particular order)

1. Across the Universe by Beth Revis- One of my favorite science fiction debuts.
2. Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally- One of my favorite football related books. ever.
3. Die For Me by Amy Plum- I loved this paranormal romance!
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth- A definite edge of your seat dystopian.
5. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton- The perfect blend of historical fiction and fantasy.
6. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby- The setting of this book is to-die-for.
7. Timeless by Alexandra Monir- I loved the historical fiction aspects and the time travel.
8. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand- My favorite angel book to date.
9. Wither by Lauren DeStefano- This book hooked me in - a brilliant dystopian.
10. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini- I loved the mythological references and the romance.

Favorite Young Adult Books:
(Not a debut author and/or part of a series)

1. We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han- This is hands down my most favorite series and this book is my favorite book of the year!
2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver- Another dystopian romance with some great adventure, too.
3. The Future of Us by Carolyn Mackler and Jay Asher- Brilliant premise and for those of us who grew up in the '90s, it's a trip down memory lane.

Favorite Adult Books From a Debut Author:

1. Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar- A fantastic historical read!
2. Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey- Again, another fantastic historical read and the start to a promising new series.

Favorite Adult Books:
(Not a debut author and/or part of a series)

1. The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory- I am a huge fan of Gregory and all of her series. The Cousins' War series is especially captivating.
2. The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen- This was the first book I read by Allen and was pleasantly surprised. For me, it was the perfect vacation read while at the Outer Banks.

Other Favorites:
(Books Not Published in 2011; both YA and Adult)

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett- I finally got around to reading this one and wasn't disappointed.
2. Insatiable by Meg Cabot- This was my first Cabot book and it was love! Cabot had me laughing out loud and on the edge of my seat, which is an interesting combination.
3. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison- Such a charming read- it definitely took me by surprise.
4. Legacy by Cayla Kluver- Definitely one of my favorite young adult reads. I'm still raving about this one.
5. Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm- I loved the setting (Key West) and the story is so cute!

So, which books were your favorites this year? Did I leave any out? There were so many books that I meant to read this year, but never got to them. I guess there is always next year! Tell me what you think!

Blogoversary Giveaway: Signed Copy of Last Breath

2011-12-29T09:50:00.000-05:00

I hope you guys have enjoyed my giveaways! Thanks for celebrating my blogoversary with me.

For my final giveaway, I have a signed copy of Last Breath by Rachel Caine and a really cool bookmark. This is the latest installment in the Morganville Vampires series.

Please refer to my giveaway rules. The deadline is 1/15/12. Since this giveaway is sponsored by yours truly, I am asking that you must be a follower in order to enter. This is to thank all my amazing followers for sticking with me the past two years. Remember to fill in the form (link below) in order to enter!

Fill in this form

Good luck,

Blogoversary Giveaway: Signed Copy of The Lying Game

2011-12-28T08:51:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a great holiday. I have another giveaway planned for my 2nd Blogoversary. It's a signed copy of The Lying Game by Sara Shepard for one lucky US reader.

Want to learn more about The Lying Game? Goodreads says, "The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet. Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?"

Fill in this form

Good luck,

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-24T12:10:00.000-05:00

Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA

I want to take a few minutes to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. If you celebrate Hanukkah, I hope also have a wonderful holiday!

It's been an interesting year at Confessions of a Book Addict. There were some ups and downs, some amazing trips, and some great books read. I look forward to sharing with everyone my "Best Books of 2011" list in a few days and of course, there will be a few more giveaways to celebrate my 2nd Blogoversary! I still can't believe it has been two years! Meanwhile, enjoy this time with family and friends. Savor every moment!

Happy Holidays,

Blogoversary Giveaway: Signed copy of Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

2011-12-22T08:13:00.000-05:00

As promised, I have a few exciting giveaways planned in order to celebrate my 2nd Blogoversary. First, I have a signed copy of Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey for one lucky US reader.

Want to learn more about Cold Kiss? Goodreads says, "It was a beautiful, warm summer day, the day Danny died. Suddenly Wren was alone and shattered. In a heartbroken fury, armed with dark incantations and a secret power, Wren decides that what she wants—what she must do—is to bring Danny back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy Wren fell in love with. His touch is icy; his skin, smooth and stiff as marble; his chest, cruelly silent when Wren rests her head against it. Wren must keep Danny a secret, hiding him away, visiting him at night, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school, and Wren realizes that somehow, inexplicably, he can sense the powers that lie within her—and that he knows what she has done. And now Gabriel wants to help make things right. But Wren alone has to undo what she has wrought—even if it means breaking her heart all over again."

Fill in this form

Good luck,

Waiting on Wednesday: The Selection

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Pub. Date: April 24, 2012

Goodreads says, "For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined."

*Does this one sound brilliant or what? I definitely can't wait for all of the good books coming out in 2012.

Book Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2011-12-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pages: 451

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: February 10, 2009

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone. Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken. Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own. Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed."

Skeeter, a recent college graduate, returns home to Mississippi with her college degree, but education isn't that important in 1962; people are more concerned about whether she is going to be married. To Skeeter's surprise, her good friend and maid since her childhood isn't working at her house any longer and she can't seem to get a straight answer from her parents as to what occurred. One things is for sure, Skeeter wants something more though and gets a job at her local newspaper writing a column on cleaning, which is ironic as she knows nothing about cleaning. Skeeter then asks Aibileen, her friend's maid, if she would be willing to help her with the column and an unlikely friendship is formed. Aibileen's best friend, Minny, another maid, who is known around town as being the best cook in Mississippi; however, she speaks her mind quite often, which frequently gets her in trouble. Minny takes a new job with Celia's household, a new girl in town, and learns that Celia is filled with some major secrets of her own. The three character's stories are interwoven magically and Kathryn Stockett's The Help with have readers begging for more.

I loved how Stockett wove together the three characters; she is truly a gifted writer. Usually when authors do this, I find myself interested in one character in particular, but that was not the case with The Help. I loved Skeeter for her determination and non-conformity. I adored Aibileen for her quiet strength and Minny for her sassy attitude. Even the minor characters had me interested, which is a rare case. For example, Celia, Minny's new boss, is a character that I was drawn to. I wanted to learn more about her instantly. The antagonist in the story, Hilly, was brilliant. She's delusional, simpleminded and someone I loved to hate. I found myself cheering throughout The Help as many of the characters challenged Hilly.

I may be the last person on the planet to finally read The Help, but I am sure glad I did. I found it to be smart, moving, important and extremely entertaining. I read it before I rented the movie and much to my surprise, I enjoyed the movie just as much as the book if not more. (Shocker!) Sometimes you need a break from fantasy novels and paranormal romances and you are in the mood for something intelligent and inspirational. If that sounds like you and you haven't read The Help yet, I encourage you to pick it up this holiday season.

*Buy The Help

*Read an excerpt

I'm Back!

2011-12-17T08:30:00.000-05:00

This looks perfect!

I'm back, everyone! Thanks for putting up with my hiatus. I had some personal things to attend to and on top of it, I was under the weather. But I'm back and really looking forward to the holidays.

Coming up this week, I have a really fun giveaway in honor of my second Blogoversary. Keep your eye out for it! I can't wait to share it with you guys!

Thanks to all my followers and blogger friends who put up with my disappearance. I'm sorry I wasn't able to comment on your posts as I normally do, so thank you for being patient with me. I look forward to getting back to it all and just in time for the holidays.

Have a good weekend,

A Brief Hiatus

2011-12-06T16:21:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I have been M.I.A lately, but I need to take about a week off from blogging. I have a ton going on right now, both personally and with my job. Plus, to top it off, I have been feeling under the weather.

When I come back, I'll have some new reviews to post and a great giveaway to celebrate my two year blogoversary! I can't believe it's been two years!

Thanks for being patient with me and see you guys next week,

November Confessions

2011-12-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Beautiful Fall Leaves

I don't know about you, but November has been one of the craziest months I've had in a long time. I attempted to take part in NaNoWriMo again this year and failed due to some unforeseen events; however, I really like my WIP and will definitely continue it at my own reasonable pace. I'm simply glad to have done a little bit of writing and for some of my students to participate as well. By the way, I'd be all over a NaNoWriMo in July. Just sayin'!

Regardless of how crazy this month got, I'm glad I was able to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family; I have a lot to be thankful for this year! And now onto the exciting holiday season....(cue the Christmas music). However, I have a feeling the month of December will be just as busy! I'm sure I will find some time to read and relax....at least I hope!

Books Read in November:
1) Passion by Lauren Kate - 3.5 stars
2) Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted - 4 stars
3) The Pledge by Kimberly Derting - 3.5 stars
4) Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Gray - 4 stars
5) Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally - 4.5 stars
6) The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Review to come!)

My November Top Five:

Favorite Book of the Month

1) Favorite Book- Catching Jordan was without a doubt my favorite book that I read this month. I'm still swooning over Henry.

2) Biggest Surprise- Becoming Marie Antoinette took me by surprise. I really enjoyed it and I had no idea it was part of a series!

3) Biggest Letdown: I hate to say this because I love Kimberly Derting, but The Pledge was a disappointment to me.

4) Favorite Post: Sara Shepherd Book Signing- It was so much fun to meet Sara! I really enjoyed listening to her talk about her books and TV shows.

5) Favorite Part: Of course I am going to go with Thanksgiving--who doesn't love this holiday? It was great to relax, hangout with the family, and eat some delicious food.

Waiting on Wednesday: My Life Next Door

2011-11-30T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Pub. Date: June 14, 2012

Goodreads says, "The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen year old Samantha wishes she was one of them… until the day Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. Jase can sense that his beautiful neighbor is missing something in her sterile home, and as the two fall fiercely in love, his family makes her one of their own. But when the bottom drops out of Sam's world, which perfect family will save her–and will her perfect love survive? Set among the haves and have-nots of a coastal New England town, My LIFE NEXT DOOR captures the angst, the heartache, and the raw-nerve emotions of first time love—and biting loss."

*I love the sound of this one, especially a boy next door romance. This is definitely going on my to-read list for the summertime.

Book Review: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

2011-11-28T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pages: 288

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pub. Date: December 2, 2011

Source: From publisher for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though - she leads them as the captain and quarterback on her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starring position on the team... and has her suddenly wishing to be seen as more than just a teammate."

Jordan Woods, daughter of the famous NFL quarterback, Donovan Woods, is one of Tennessee's best quarterbacks, even though she is a female in the male dominated sport of football. She appears to have it all---- wealth, a football team that supports her, a loyal best friend and her eye on the prize which is the upcoming State Championship game and playing for University of Alabama. She won't let anything deter her from her goals, that is until Ty, a new student and talented quarterback, joins her team and ends up as competition for her spot. Plus, she actually likes him, which proves to be a big problem. Catching Jordan, a debut by Miranda Kenneally, is a dazzling contemporary read that mixes two of my favorites: romance and football.

Catching Jordan is so much more than a sports book. It examines relationships, first love, expectations, sexism, loyalty, and family. I really liked the character of Jordan and she grows as a person throughout the book. At first, she hates other girls (especially cheerleaders), only hangs with the team, and has never kissed a boy. However, throughout the course of the book, she transforms into a more balanced person and learns a little bit more about life and relationships.

Her best friend, Henry, was one of my favorite characters in Catching Jordan. He was definitely swoon-worthy and I immediately imagined Tim Riggins from Friday Night Lights as I was visualizing this character. I definitely had crush on Henry and haven't felt that way since St. Clair or Dimitri. On the other hand, I really disliked her father, the professional quarterback. Thankfully, he, like Jordan, evolves throughout the book, but for the first half of the book, he was a complete disappointment. Lastly, Ty is definitely the stereotypical cute quarterback, but he had too many issues for me to really like him. I didn't like how controlling he was, but there's no doubt he was easy on the eyes. His relationship with Jordan was a bit too insta-love for me.

It's no secret that I am a HUGE fan of football, so I loved all the descriptions of the game, the players, and even practice. Kenneally is a talented writer and I enjoyed how she wove a sports story and a romance together expertly. I can't wait for the companion to Catching Jordan, which is The Girl I Used To Be and it comes out next fall.

*Pre-order Catching Jordan

*Read an excerpt

*Watch the book trailer

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:30:00.000-05:00

I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for this holiday season. I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to resting, watching football and eating some good food.

(Picture from thinknice.com)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Summer My Life Began

2011-11-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Summer My Life Began by Shannon Greenland

Pub. Date: May 10, 2012

Goodreads says, "Elizabeth Margaret—better known as Em—has always known what life would contain: an internship at her father’s firm, a degree from Harvard and a career as a lawyer. The only problem is that it’s not what she wants. When she gets the opportunity to get away from it all and spend a month with the aunt she never knew, she jumps at the chance. While there, Em pursues her secret dream of being a chef, and she also learns that her family has kept some significant secrets from her, too. And then there’s Cade, the laid-back local surfer boy who seems to be everything Em isn't. Naturally, she can’t resist him, and as their romance blossoms, Em feels she is living on her own terms for the first time."

*This book is so me. I am already imagining reading it with the sand beneath my toes, the ocean waves crashing in the background, and the summer sun on my face. *Sigh* Is this the perfect beach read or what?

Book Review: Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-05:00

Pages: 453

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: August 9, 2011

Source: Netgalley

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon. Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must change everything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen. Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels, Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike."

Readers meet Maria Antonia as a spunky child in Austria. Her mother, forever scheming and desperately ambitious, has high hopes for her daughter. Maria Antonia always knew that she would one day wed Louis XVI of France and she would end up as the Queen of France. The story follows Marie as she learns about what it takes to be "worthy" for Louis and it's shocking to learn about the many things she had ti endure. Once she finally is wedded to Louis, the story follows the many obstacles she had to face as a young girl in an intense and gossip filled court. Becoming Marie Antoinette will please fans of historical fiction as it is smart, yet extremely engaging.

I was immediately interested in Marie Antoinette and really enjoyed following her transformation. Yes, I knew about her from history class, but I've never read a book focusing on her and I found this time period to be just as captivating as Tudor England. The dresses, the ornate jewelry, the hairstyles, the gossip, the food, and the gambling were all very entertaining. Plus, readers are witnessing this all from a young teenager's eyes and that made it all the more interesting as Marie is just learning her way about court in Becoming Marie Antoinette.

Her mother, on the other hand, was a hard women to feel empathy for. She was so ambitious; it was difficult for readers to see that she even cared about her daughter's wellbeing. She was definitely not my favorite character. Also, Louis XVI was a peculiar sort of boy. At times I was completely frustrated with him, but then I just felt badly for him. He's definitely a little boy in a man's body and was very wimpy.

My only grip with this book is the lack of dialogue. I would have loved a bit more. It felt like there were a ton of descriptions and not enough dialogue, but that is my only issue with Becoming Marie Antoinette.

This story stops around Marie Antoinette's eighteenth birthday and I was left with so many questions. I was very happy to hear that Becoming Marie Antoinette is part of a trilogy and the second book in this series, Days of Splendor, Days of Sorrow, will come out this summer. I can only imagine what antics Marie Antoinette is up to in that book! I have a feeling things are going to get very unruly and in a good way. I will definitely be picking up the second book as I loved being lost in Marie's enchanting world.

Buy Becoming Marie Antoinette

Watch the book trailer

In My Mailbox #69

2011-11-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti
*Thanks to NetGalley and Rachel at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for sending me this egalley. Not too long ago I featured this book as my WoW pick; I am definitely excited to read it.

Goodreads says, "Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit. As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel?"

Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
*Thanks to Librarything for sending me this exciting ARC. I love the premise and that cover is to-die-for.

Goodreads says, "Everybody knows Cate Cahill and her sisters are eccentric. Too pretty, too reclusive, and far too educated for their own good. But the truth is even worse: they're witches. And if their secret is discovered by the priests of the Brotherhood, it would mean an asylum, a prison ship—or an early grave. Before her mother died, Cate promised to protect her sisters. But with only six months left to choose between marriage and the Sisterhood, she might not be able to keep her word . . . especially after she finds her mother's diary, uncovering a secret that could spell her family's destruction. Desperate to find alternatives to their fate, Cate starts scouring banned books and questioning rebellious new friends, all while juggling tea parties, shocking marriage proposals, and a forbidden romance with the completely unsuitable Finn Belastra. If what her mother wrote is true, the Cahill girls aren't safe. Not from the Brotherhood, the Sisterhood—not even from each other."

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.

It's Not You, It's Me (1)

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

"It's not you, it's me. I just want to be friends." I'm sure some of us have heard those dreaded words uttered before and the same saying can be applied to books. Some books just don't work for me, whereas other readers may have really enjoyed them. This new feature will be showcasing books that I never finished or reviewed.

Sharks & Boys by Kristen Tracy

Goodreads says, "When 15-year-old Enid Calhoun follows her boyfriend Wick to Maryland for a party, fearful that he might be intending to cheat on her, she finds herself sneaking on board a houseboat where Wick and his friends plan to have a wild night. But before the boys discover their stowaway, a hurricane strikes, and the teenagers are carried miles from the shore and shipwrecked. What follows is a harrowing, yet heartwarming, story of survival, as the teens battle hypothermia, dehydration, man-eating sharks--and along the way, confront their own deepest secrets, including their catalytic roles in the disaster."

*I just couldn't handle the main character Enid. She drove me nuts and every time I read her name, I immediately thought of the Enid in Sweet Valley High, who also drove me nuts. However, I brought this book to my classroom and a few students, including boys, read it and liked it.

Awakened (House of Night #8) by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Goodreads says, "Exonerated by the Vampyre High Council and returned to her position of High Priestess at Tulsa’s House of Night, Neferet has sworn vengeance on Zoey. Dominion over Kalona is only one of the weapons she plans to use against Z. But Zoey has found sanctuary on the Isle of Skye and is being groomed by Queen Sgiach to take over for her there. Being Queen would be cool, wouldn’t it? Why should she return to Tulsa? After losing her human consort, Heath, she will never be the same – and her relationship with her super-hot-warrior, Stark, may never be the same either… And what about Stevie Rae and Rephaim? The Raven Mocker refuses to be used against Stevie Rae, but what choice does he have when no one in the entire world, including Zoey, would be okay with their relationship? Does he betray his father or his heart? In the pulse-pounding 8th book in the bestselling House of Night series, how far will the bonds of friendship stretch and how strong are the ties that bind one girl’s heart?"

* I broke up with this series after Burned, but like any bad relationship, I went back for more even though I knew it wasn't going to be good. Well, I was right. I got about 50 pages in and the little annoying things (teen speak and ridiculous love triangles) about this series crept right back up again. I think I am done with this series for good.

What do you guys think?

Waiting on Wednesday: The Wild Queen

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Wild Queen: The Days and Nights of Mary Queen of Scots by Carolyn Meyer

Pub. Date: June 19, 2012

Goodreads says, "Mary is only six days old when she is crowned after the death of her father, five years old when she is sent to France to be raised alongside her future husband. Surrounded by friends and beloved by the royal family, Mary absorbs the culture, becoming more French than Scot. But when her frail young husband dies, Mary, now eighteen, is stripped of her title as Queen of France and set adrift in the harsh world, alone. Determined to reign over what is rightfully hers, as well as to claim the throne of England to which she believes she is entitled, Mary returns to Scotland. The fiery young queen must sometimes go to brutal lengths to establish her sovereignty. And she is just as willful when it comes to her love life. Hoping that a husband will help her secure the coveted English throne, Mary marries again, but the love and security she longs for elude her. Instead, she finds herself embroiled in a murder scandal that could cost her the crown. And her attempts to bargain with her formidable "sister queen," Elizabeth I of England, could cost her her very life.

*I've been meaning to read more of Carolyn Meyer, especially her Young Royals series since I am a fan of historical fiction. This one caught my eye, because Mary Queen of Scots is such a captivating person in history. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy!

Book Review: Little Women and Me by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pages: 336

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: November 8, 2011

Source: ARC from Teen Book Scene and The Book Butterfly

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Emily is sick and tired of being a middle sister. So when she gets an assignment to describe what she'd change about a classic novel, Emily pounces on Little Women. After all, if she can't change things in her own family, maybe she can bring a little justice to the March sisters. (Kill off Beth? Have cute Laurie wind up with Amy instead of Jo? What was Louisa May Alcott thinking?!) But when Emily gets mysteriously transported into the world of the book, she discovers that righting fictional wrongs won't be easy. And after being immersed in a time and place so different from her own, it may be Emily-not the four March sisters-who undergoes the most surprising change of all. Lauren Baratz-Logsted's winning confection will appeal to fans of Little Women as well as anyone who enjoys a modern twist on an old favorite."

Emily is the dreaded middle sister within her family and she is often overlooked. One day at school, her English teacher gives her an assignment in which she has to change a classic novel by rewriting part of it that the students didn't really like. Emily immediately thinks of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women and thinks of changing the part where Beth dies and the fact that Laurie doesn't end up with Jo. As Emily is planning her rewrite, she is sucked into the world of Little Women and finds herself living as one of the March sisters. Lauren Baratz-Logsted's Little Women and Me is a twist on the beloved story and a delightful read that will inspire young readers to read the classic.

Emily is a charming character that I feel many middle grade students will be able to relate to her. She is completely a fish out of water living in Little Women. There's no cell phones, Facebook, or Internet and it takes Emily some time to adapt. Readers will revisit many memorable scenes from the classic and in turn, Emily will learn about family and sisterly love. I liked that aspect of the book, especially its message.

The character of Jo really came to life for me in Little Women and Me. I remember adoring Jo when I first encountered her in the classic and this book brought back many of my fond memories. It was fun to read about Emily competing with her favorite literary character, Jo, as they are very alike and would vie for attention.

Although Little Women and Me isn't action packed, it's heartwarming. Plus, it's extremely fun to imagine waking up one day in your favorite story and changing the parts that you didn't necessarily agree with. I mean, who hasn't ever fantasized about ending up in their favorite novel?!? I'm still waiting for Mr. Darcy to get the memo. ;)

*Buy Little Women and Me

Book Review: The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pages: 320

Genre: Science Fiction

Pub. Date: November 15, 2011

Source: S&S Galley Grab

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In the violent country of Ludania, the classes are strictly divided by the language they speak. The smallest transgression, like looking a member of a higher class in the eye while they are speaking their native tongue, results in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina has always been able to understand the languages of all classes, and she's spent her life trying to hide her secret. The only place she can really be free is the drug-fueled underground clubs where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. It's there that she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy named Max who speaks a language she's never heard before . . . and her secret is almost exposed. Charlie is intensely attracted to Max, even though she can't be sure where his real loyalties lie. As the emergency drills give way to real crisis and the violence escalates, it becomes clear that Charlie is the key to something much bigger: her country's only chance for freedom from the terrible power of a deadly regime."

Charlaina (Charlie) lives in Ludania, a dystopia where there's a caste system in place, which is further divided by various languages. If someone from a lower class makes eye contact with someone in the upper class while speaking, the punishment is extreme, perhaps even death. Charlie's world is a scary place with many limitations and rules, especially since she is from the merchant class. She has a secret though. She can understand the castes' languages, even though she shouldn't be able to and this is a secret she must guard with her life. To have some fun, Charlie and her best friend, Brooklynn, spend a lot of their time at underground clubs where rules don't apply. While there, she meets a mysterious guy named Max. Instantly, she feels an attraction to Max, but doesn't know much about him other than the language he speaks she hasn't heard spoken in Ludania before. As The Pledge progresses, Charlie learns the truth about her family, Max and the fate of her country. Kimberly Derting's The Pledge is the start to a new series that unfortunately left me feeling indifferent.

There were many things that I loved about The Pledge. The world that Derting created was brilliant. I love the idea of a corrupt monarch and the caste system was intriguing. The setting only added to the suspense, which increased tremendously after I read the second half of the book. Derting, one of my favorite authors as I loved The Body Finder, really knows how to write suspense and for me, that was evident towards the end of the book.

In my opinion, the problem with The Pledge lied within the characters. I had a hard time relating to Charlie and at times, she fell a bit flat. Her love interest, Max, was also no Jay (The Body Finder) and I found that to be disappointing; he lacked that extra charisma and appeal. The characters were a bit one dimensional and, in turn, I wasn't 100% invested in the story. On the other hand, I loved the antagonist in The Pledge, which is the amoral Queen. It was like she was out of a Grimm's fairy tale; she was incredibly evil! I really thought Derting did a good job with her; she was unique and very memorable.

When I first encountered The Pledge, I thought it was mostly going to have sci-fi elements, but there were a lot of fantasy elements in this novel, too. For example, the Queen, when she is old and near death, needs a female (royal) host body in order for her essence to be transferred to a younger body, so she can take over that body and continue to rule. Fans of fantasy may appreciate this and I found that part of the story to be captivating.

While I am a HUGE fan of Kimberly Derting, I think I will be sticking with her paranormal tales; however, I am slightly intrigued as to where she is going to take Charlie's story, which, as of now, will have two more books in The Pledge series.

*Buy The Pledge

*Read an excerpt

In My Mailbox #68

2011-11-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

If you want to learn more about the books listed below, click on the titles. I linked it to their Goodreads' page.

For Review:

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

*Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this egalley. I am a huge fan of football and can't wait to read this.

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

*A BIG thank you to Netgalley for this one. I loved Unearthly; in fact it was one of my favorite angels reads. ever.

Bought:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

*I had a coupon from B&N, so I couldn't resist picking up this one since I read so many glowing reviews.

The Death Cure by James Dashner

My husband is obsessed with this series and bought this book immediately. Thankfully, he donated it to my classroom when he was done and the students already snatched it up!

Last Breath by Rachel Caine

*I got a signed copy of this one! I couldn't resist.

Won:

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

*Thanks to Caribou's Mom, I won this book and the newly released DVD of the movie. Thank you!

11/22/63 by Stephen King

*Thanks to Leanna, from Daisy Chain Book Reviews, for sharing this egalley with me. I just featured this book as my WoW pick and can't wait to read it!

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.

Sara Shepard Book Signing

2011-11-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

I had the pleasure of going to Sara Shepard's book signing at my local independent bookstore. She was discussing as well as signing her latest adult novel, Everything We Ever Wanted and her successful young adult series, namely Pretty Little Liars. I got a few signed books and a copy for my classroom, too. I have many students that are OBSESSED with the show!

It was really interesting to hear Sara speak about her success and how she got to this point. I had no idea that she initially started off as a ghost writer for one of the Gossip Girl books. Also, I really captivated, because Sara is a local author and her PLL series is set in the fictional town of Rosewood, which was inspired by the neighborhood I grew up in and surrounding areas.

Many people asked her about her experience with the PLL TV show, which is on ABC Family as well as The Lying Game. Sara reported that she loves the PLL show, has met the actors and actresses, and even has had a guest spot. Did anyone catch that episode? She discussed the many differences between her series and the TV show, but she has embraced the changes that ABC Family has made.

Image from ABC Family

By the way, I had no idea that there were so many books in the PLL series and shockingly, Sara has plans to write more as per publisher's request! She even reported that she is able to write a book in two months, which I find to be impressive. The tenth book in the PLL series comes out this December and the eleventh comes out this summer. That's a prolific writing schedule! I hope she comes back to my local independent bookstore for another signing, because I really enjoyed listening to her talk; I just wish I had my camera with me!

I don't know about you, but I am a fan of the PLL TV show and I hate to admit that I've watched the TV show before I read the books, but it's so darn addicting! I am a few episodes behind though and need to get caught up before it comes back on in January. Anyone else a fan?

Waiting on Wednesday: Jersey Angel

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

Pub. Date: May 8, 2012

Goodreads says, "It's the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She's not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn't sure what she wants to do yet, but she has confidence and experience beyond her years. Still, her summer doesn't start out as planned. Her good friend Joey doesn't want to fool around anymore, he wants to be her boyfriend, while Angel doesn't want to be tied down. As Joey pulls away, and Inggy tours colleges, Angel finds herself spending more time with Inggy's boyfriend, Cork. With its cast of vivid and memorable characters, this tale from the Jersey shore is sure to make some waves.

*I've spent many a summer at the Jersey shore (FYI- My "shore" is not to be confused with fist-pumping, big hair, and excessive spray tanning) and this book's synopsis immediately brought back some memories. I loved my summers at the Jersey shore--drama and all--and they have provided much inspiration for a young adult novel. In fact, I don't think I've read any novels that are set at this location, other than my work-in-progress for NaNoWriMo. Let's just say, you had me at Jersey. ;)

Guest Post: Interview with Julie Kagawa

2011-11-08T06:00:00.006-05:00

I am very excited to have Julie Kagawa, the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Fey series, on the blog today. She's kind enough to answer a few questions about the latest installment in the series, The Iron Knight. It just came out October 25th, so be sure to pick up a copy!

Was the Gauntlet as much fun to write about as it was to read? How did you come up with the different tasks that Ash would have to complete?

Ah, this is where my gamer geekiness comes out. Almost every platform game or RPG has some sort of dungeon/castle/cave you have to get through, filled with traps and riddles and other nasty surprises. Would it be horribly nerdy to say I imagined Ash and company as a video game while writing The Gauntlet? It would? Oh well.

Do you keep a glossary of characters so you don't get confused with all of the monsters and creatures of Nevernever?

Not really. They sort of all live up in my head, and wow, that sounded schizophrenic. Little known fact about authors? We listen to the voices in our heads. ;-)

Is Puck going to get his own book? Are you going to do any spin offs of other characters now that Ash and Meghan are together? Any chance for a novella of Ash and Meghan's new life together in the Iron Kingdom?

There is a spin off series in the works. This time it's Ethan Chase, Meghan's younger brother, as the protagonist, and I'm sure there will be many a cameo, including the original four. But that's all I can reveal at this time.

Thanks for visiting, Julie! I will keep my eye out for this new spin-off series; it sounds awesome! If you want to learn more about the Iron Fey series, check out Julie's website. You can also follow her blog here. Lastly, a big thank you to Harlequin and Media Muscle for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour.

Book Review: Passion by Lauren Kate

2011-11-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

Pages: 420

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Pub. Date: June 14, 2011

Source: Personal copy

Other Books in Series: Fallen and Torment

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Luce would die for Daniel. And she has. Over and over again. Throughout time, Luce and Daniel have found each other, only to be painfully torn apart: Luce dead, Daniel left broken and alone. But perhaps it doesn’t need to be that way. . . . Luce is certain that something—or someone—in a past life can help her in her present one. So she begins the most important journey of this lifetime . . . going back eternities to witness firsthand her romances with Daniel . . . and finally unlock the key to making their love last. Cam and the legions of angels and Outcasts are desperate to catch Luce, but none are as frantic as Daniel. He chases Luce through their shared pasts, terrified of what might happen if she rewrites history. Because their romance for the ages could go up in flames . . . forever."

Luce goes back in time in order to see what her past lives have been like with Daniel as she is not one hundred percent sure about their love based on the ending in book two (Torment). Luce is trying to figure out how to break the curse, except this isn't a leisurely trip down memory lane as Cam, the Outcasts, Daniel, and other angels are hot on her trail. The problem with time travel is the fact that if Luce makes any changes to her past lives, it could have serious consequences in the future, like a ripple effect. This is what worries Daniel the most as a small change could impact their futures greatly. Passion, Lauren Kate's third book in the Fallen series is an edge of your seat adventure into Luce's past.

Luce is taking things into her own hands (finally!) in Passion, which I really liked. She was trying to figure things out on her own without relying on Daniel or Miles or any one else. She travels back and witnesses her former lives which take place all over the world and throughout many points in time. I especially liked this part since I am big fan of time travel and historical fiction. I found this aspect of the book to be extremely fascinating as well as the idea of reincarnation. However, while I liked this part of the book, after a while I felt the time travel got to be monotonous as this was the main focus of the novel. I think it had to be done this way though in order for readers to fully comprehend Luce and Daniel's relationship; however, I wanted a little more of present day.

There's a new character, Bill, whom Luce meets while traveling back to her past lives. At first he was a strange new addition to the plot, but his secrets will be fully revealed as Passion progresses. Readers can count on many new secrets being uncovered and a few plot twists while learning more about Luce and Daniel's eternal love.

The final book in the series, Rapture, comes out in 2012. Passion felt like a middle of the road book that is hopefully setting readers up for an epic ending. Word on the street is that Disney snatched up the movie rights to all four books in this series. Daniel on the big screen? Yes, please!

*Buy Passion

*Watch the book trailer

*Read an excerpt

In My Mailbox #67

2011-11-06T06:00:00.001-05:00

For Review:

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

*I am SO SO SO excited to have received this ARC for review. I fell in love with Legacy and can't wait to find out what happens next. A big thank you to Harlequin Teen for sending me this book.

I also received this fun VIP pass for The Iron Knight Blog Tour. Keep your eye out for a guest post this week!

Bought:

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

*I bought a signed copy of this one!

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

*The premise is so intriguing and unique; I just had to buy it! It's steampunk meets a world that's like Victorian England....need I say more?

Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick

*I love this series and I need to get caught up. I'm a little nervous though because I hear Patch isn't in this book too much. I may have a hard time with that! Nonetheless, the cover gorgeous isn't?

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.

Book Review: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

2011-11-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pages: 341

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: April 1, 2005

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "The New York Times bestselling novel about a woman who falls in love with a man she shouldn't. Rachel is an attorney living and working in Manhattan who has always been the good girl-until her thirtieth birthday, when her best friend Darcy throws her a party. That night after too many drinks Rachel ends up in bed with Darcy's fiance. Although she wakes up determined to put the one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to discover that she has genuine feelings for him. As the September wedding date nears, Rachel has to choose. She discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren't always neat, and sometimes you have to risk it all to win true happiness."

Rachel is a lawyer in NYC and is the quintessential good girl. Her best friend, Darcy, is the polar opposite. She's outgoing and fun loving; plus, she is engaged to Dex, Rachel's dreamy friend from law school. Darcy loves to throw a good party and throws one for Rachel's 30th birthday, but Rachel, after too many drinks, ends up in bed with Dex. When all is said and done, Rachel realizes that she, deep down, has feelings for Dex. Now, good girl Rachel finds herself in a precarious situation where she must choose either her friendship or follow her heart even if it means hurting her best friend. Things aren't always easy and there's always a gray area in Emily Giffin's debut novel, Something Borrowed. It's the ultimate chick-lit novel!

Rachel is a character that I'm sure we can all relate to in someway. She has always done the right thing and has always been in the shadow of her effervescent best friend, Darcy. She's put her career before her social life and now finds herself single and thirty years old. Darcy, although she has a good heart deep down, is a trying character. She is a narcissist and so extremely self-absorbed. I felt bad for Darcy for a nano second and then realized that I have no clue how Rachel puts up with her crazy antics. It's always all about her and that gets old quickly.

Dex is a delicious love interest in Something Borrowed and although I felt bad since he's engaged and all, I quickly forgot about that once the story unfolded. Giffin really knows how to write a situation that's tough for all involved, but I think she depicted Dex's situation within the love triangle perfectly.

Emily Giffin and me

Simply put, Giffin gets women and takes a story where we should probably hate the protagonist and in turn, flips it on its head. Giffin is my go to author for a beach read; it's light, it's fun, but it's smart too. And I was so happy to have the opportunity to meet her last year at a book signing. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, she's smart and hilariously funny.

I can't wait to read more of her books in the future and if you are a fan of womens' fiction and haven't read Giffin's novels, you MUST check them out now! The sequel to this book, Something Blue, is just as good! And don't forget.....you can watch the Something Borrowed movie that came out last year, which I thought was brilliantly casted and not a disappointment in the least.

*Buy Something Borrowed

*Read Chapter One

*Buy Something Blue

Waiting on Wednesday: 11/22/63

2011-11-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

11/22/63 by Stephen King

Pub. Date: November 8, 2011

Goodreads says, "November 22nd, 1963 was a rapid-fire sequence of indelible moments: Shots ring out; a president slumped over; a race to the Dallas hospital; an announcement, blood still fresh on the First Lady's dress. But what if President John F. Kennedy didn't have to die; if somehow his assassin could have been thwarted? For Maine schoolteacher Jake Epping, those hypothetical what if's become real possibilities when he walks through a portal to the past. Without special skills and still unfamiliar with his new/old surroundings, he struggles to discover a way to change the history he left."

*First of all, I will admit that I am not the biggest Stephen King fan; however, the premise for his latest novel, 11/22/63, really intrigues me. I think the whole idea of "what if" especially in regards to John F. Kennedy is extremely fascinating and in combination with time travel, it sounds like a must read for me. I've always wondered, especially recently, what the world would be like if JFK didn't die?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Had Strong Emotions About

2011-11-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. I'm excited to participate; after all, I make lists FOR EVERYTHING! This week's topic focuses on books that I had a strong emotional reaction to, whether it be laughing, crying, or general disgust, I'm going to share it all!

1. If I Stay by Gayle Forman- This brilliant story had me sobbing into tissues uncontrollably. If you haven't read this book, you must! It's powerful.

2. Summer series by Jenny Han- This series probably impacted me more than any other YA series out there. I hung on every one of Jenny Han's carefully constructed sentences. It's hands down one of my favorite series. I cried at the end of the series, because I was so sad it was over. Yes, I am a huge nerd.

3. Jessica Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey- This book had me laughing out loud when I read it on vacation two summers ago. I can still remember people giving me weird looks for my reaction to this novel.

4. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins- *Sigh* I loved this book!

5. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins- Although I love the Hunger Games series, I was disappointed by the ending of this book. I'm pretty sure I threw it across the room.

6. Insatiable by Meg Cabot- I had no idea that Meg Cabot could be so funny! She hand me laughing out loud with all her snarky comments.

7. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand- I had lost some confidence in angel books, but this book made me a believer. Best. angel. book. ever.

8. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting- This book had me on the edge of my seat! I loved it....talk about suspense!

9. The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead- This one had me on a emotional rollercoaster. One moment I was happy, the next I was crying, and the next I was angry. After this series, you have been through it all!

10. The Maze Runner by James Dashner- I remember I was so confused when reading this book! I had so many questions that were unanswered, but it was all in a good way...if that makes sense. This book had me thinking and questioning more than any other YA book out there.

So what books elicited a strong emotional reaction out of you? Do you agree with me? Let me know what you think!

October Confessions

2011-10-31T17:55:00.000-04:00

Brandywine Wine Trail - October 2010

Happy Halloween, everyone! October is over and November is upon us. For me, it's been a strange month. We had a crazy snowstorm this past weekend and we got five inches of snow. I was stuck inside all of Saturday due to the snow and ice. Snow in October, at least in Pennsylvania, is definitely not something that's expected.

I'd like to think November is going to be an easier month, but it's going to be just as hectic. The quarter is ending at school, we have conferences, and I signed up to take part in NaNoWriMo again. I have many students taking part in it this year and I plan to try it out as well, but I am sure with my busy schedule, I won't reach the goal of 50,000 words. It's always worth a try though!

I don't know about you, but I am already very excited for Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season!

Books Read in October:
1. The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton- 4.5 stars
2. Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison- 2.5 stars
3. Crossed by Ally Condie- 4 stars
4. The Other Countess by Eve Edwards - 3.5 stars
5. The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory - 5 stars
6. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon- 3 stars
7. Legacy by Cayla Kluver - 5 stars

October Top Five:

1. Favorite Book: It's a close tie between The Constant Princess and Legacy, but I am going to have to go with Legacy. I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did! I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

2. Biggest Surprise: The Faerie Ring - This one took me off guard; I loved it!

3. Biggest Let Down: Tris and Issie and Carrier of the Mark both weren't as good as I was hoping.

4. Favorite Post: Fall TV Shows 2011: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

5. Favorite Part: I went to an Oktoberfest celebration a few weeks ago with my friends. I had never been to one; it was a lot of fun! Plus, they had pumpkin adult beverages. Delicious!

Hope everyone has a fun Halloween,

Book Review: Legacy by Cayla Kluver

2011-10-27T06:00:00.004-04:00

Pages: 496

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: June 21, 2011

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "In her seventeenth year, Princess Alera of Hytanica faces one duty: to marry the man who will be king. But her father's choice of suitor fills her with despair. When the palace guard captures and intruder—a boy her age with steel-blue eyes, hailing from her kingdom's greatest enemy—Alera is alarmed…and intrigued. But she could not have guessed that their clandestine meetings would unveil the dark legacy shadowing both their lands. In this mystical world of court conspiracies and blood magic, loyalties will be tested. Courage won't be enough. And as the battle begins for everything Alera holds dear, love may be the downfall of a kingdom."

Princess Alera lives in a world where duty is more important that anything else. She must marry a man who will make a good king and her father, the king, has Steldor lined up already. Unfortunately, Alera knows most girls in the kingdom would give anything to be with Steldor, but she can't get past his condescending attitude. As Alera is trying to buy time to find what she hope will be another possible suitor that her father will approve of, there is an enemy intruder in her kingdom. The intruder is Narian, who is about her age and holds some deep secrets. Alera can't deny her attraction to the mysterious Narian, but what about the promise to her kingdom and her responsibilities? Legacy by Cayla Kluver is the start to an exciting series that includes the very best of historical fiction, romance, fantasy, battles and a unique setting. I was completely lost in Kluver's world and simply didn't want to be found.

Alera is like a character out of a Jane Austen novel, which is one of the reasons I enjoyed Legacy so much. She has bodyguards, people to accompany her places, strict social rules, and a strict dress code. I found this fascinating, especially as Alera tries to challenge the conventions of her society by breaking the mold. On the other hand, Steldor, in my mind, is Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. He's good looking, buff, and the hot leading man that everyone wants, but Alera knows how horrible and conceited he can be. Obviously, this is a huge drawback for her. Then walks in Narian, who is mysterious, elusive, strong, and the quintessential bad boy. She can't help but be attracted to him, even though she knows it's not in her best interest. I love that he challenges her, teaches her about a different way of life, and how to defend herself. Even up to the end of Legacy, I was unsure about Narian, but I, along with Alera, can't deny my interest.

The setting of Legacy is what every fan of high fantasy and fairy tales dream of. It's a world with castles, beautiful countrysides, bodyguards, and kings and queens. I loved reading about the kingdom, Hytanica, and their way of life. Kluver created such an interesting world!

When I found out Kluver wrote Legacy at 16 years old, I was in shock. I found her writing to be impressive and I loved her use of imagery. I know many others got annoyed with her descriptions, but I hung on her every word. She would describe the clothing, the scenery, and the characters so well; it was easy to visualize. I can only imagine that she will become even better as she gets older.

I am greatly anticipating Allegiance, the second book in this series, which comes out in February. I can't wait to get lost in Alera's world again. Legacy, in my opinion, is the love child of Jane Austen and Kristin Cashore, and if you know me, that's high praise.

*Buy Legacy

*Read an excerpt

*Pre-order Allegiance

Waiting on Wednesday: Allegiance

2011-10-26T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Allegiance by Cayla Kluver

Pub. Date: February 28, 2012

Goodreads says, "Only I saw Narian for who he truly was: a young man with courage and an independent mind, and made to pay for what was outside his control. He couldn't help his past any more than he could help the way those intense, deep-blue eyes pierced me and held me captive. An eighteen-year-old queen in love with the enemy as their countries pass the point of no return... Bound to a man she cannot love, Queen Alera of Hytanica must forget Narian, the young man who holds her heart. For Narian is destined to conquer Hytanica at the behest of his master, the powerful magic-user known as the Overlord. Alera doesn't truly believe Narian will fight against Hytanica-until Cokyrian troops attack with Narian commanding the charge. Faced with the greatest betrayal a heart can know, Alera must set aside personal feelings and lead her kingdom through its darkest time. And when all hope, will and courage seem lost, she must find strength and remember that even the blackest night must have a dawn...."

*I just read Legacy, the first book in this series, last week and fell in love with it. I can't wait for Allegiance to come out! Isn't the cover gorgeous? And for those interested, I'm posting my review of Legacy tomorrow.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books To Read At Halloween

2011-10-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. I'm excited to participate; after all, I make lists FOR EVERYTHING! This week's topic focuses on books that are perfect to read at Halloween. At work I have a "Spooky Reads" display which showcases many of the following books.

1. Dracula by Bram Stoker- I remember when I first read this book many, many years ago. It completely freaked me out along with the black and white movie. It was a time before vampires had cool hair and sparkled in the sun.

2. The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe- I just taught this short story and it never gets old. My students love this creepy tale and it's perfect to re-read at Halloween. An insane villain? A "vulture" eye? Poe is so spine-chilling.

3. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh- Even though this book wasn't my favorite, I think it would be a perfect read for this time of year. I read it during the summer and I think it wasn't as effective. The mood, the setting and the references to Poe were super eerie.

4. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman- This is such a fun read for this time of year. Many of my students love this one.

5. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley- I love the fact that Shelley originally wrote this for a horror story competition amongst her writer friends (Byron being one of them!) and the idea came to her in a dream.

6. Ruined by Paula Morris- Everything about this book, right down to the ghostly cover, screams Halloween.

7. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving- The Headless Horseman....need I say more?

8. The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan- This book scared the bejesus out of me. Seriously. Zombies are so scary!

My next two picks are from the '80s and '90s. Do you guys remember these books?

9. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz- I remember when I first encountered this book in elementary school. My friends and I would read it at sleepovers and in turn, I would sleep with a night light on for months....err... years. Some of these stories still freak me out. Remember how horrid the illustrations were? I think they're burned into my memory.

10. Goosebumps by R.L. Stine- I remember when these books were all the rage! I still have a few in my classroom library.

So, what do you think? What books do you think are perfect for this time of year? Let me know!

Book Review: Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

2011-10-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pages: 342

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Pub. Date: October 4, 2011

Source: ARC from Around the World Tours

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Their love was meant to be. When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction."

Megan moves to Ireland for her dad's job and quickly assimilates to the culture and her new school. She makes many new friends and she can't help herself about one thing. She's interested in resident bad boy, the elusive and good looking Adam. Megan learns that there's more here than just an attraction between the two, but rather a history layered in Celtic lore. Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon is a debut that has moments of greatness intertwined with the usual cookie-cutter YA cliches.

Megan is not my favorite YA heroine; in fact, she is more Bella Swan than I'd like. She's too dependent on Adam and not feisty enough for my taste. She was too obsessed with Adam and although their relationship was adorable at times, I felt for the most part it wasn't believable. There was simply too much emphasis on it. For example, the fate of the world was dependent upon whether she dates Adam or not. I'm not kidding. There was also an insta-love attraction between the two and I understand why since there is a "history" behind it all, but I just had a hard time dealing with it. It felt too Twilight-ish for me.

On the bright side, I did enjoy the magic and the Celtic lore in Carrier of the Mark. I thought that the premise was unique. Fallon's take on magic and elements being carried through genes is pretty interesting. Also, I especially enjoyed the setting of Ireland and I'm sure this doesn't come as a surprise since I love Ireland! The town of Kinsale is perfect for a YA paranormal. The towns of Cork and Dublin as well as the famous Trinity College were visited by Megan and it made me want to plan a trip to Ireland again.

All in all, I think that young readers, such as my students, would enjoy this novel and probably won't be bothered by some of the things that bothered me. For fans of the novel, you'll be happy to know that Carrier of the Mark will be part of a series with the next book, Dawn of the Knights, due out in early 2013.

*Buy Carrier of the Mark

*Watch the book trailer

In My Mailbox #66

2011-10-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tempest by Julie Cross
*I got this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers. I love the premise and the fact that time travel is a huge part of this novel; I hope it doesn't disappoint.

Goodreads says, "The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun. That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future. Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities. But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler. Recruit… or kill him. Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world."

Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
*I got this ARC through Around the World Tours. I will be posting my review this week. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed by this one.

Goodreads says, "Their love was meant to be. When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs. But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction."

Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Gray
*I got this e-galley from NetGalley. Thank you! I look forward to this historical read. Who doesn't find Marie Antoinette fascinating?

Goodreads says, "Raised alongside her numerous brothers and sisters by the formidable empress of Austria, ten-year-old Maria Antonia knew that her idyllic existence would one day be sacrificed to her mother’s political ambitions. What she never anticipated was that the day in question would come so soon. Before she can journey from sunlit picnics with her sisters in Vienna to the glitter, glamour, and gossip of Versailles, Antonia must changeeverything about herself in order to be accepted as dauphine of France and the wife of the awkward teenage boy who will one day be Louis XVI. Yet nothing can prepare her for the ingenuity and influence it will take to become queen. Filled with smart history, treacherous rivalries, lavish clothes, and sparkling jewels, Becoming Marie Antoinette will utterly captivate fiction and history lovers alike."

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.

Winner of The Countess

2011-10-22T07:47:00.000-04:00

And the winner of The Countess by Rebecca Johns goes to.......

#21 Gwendolyn from A Sea of Books

Congrats, Gwendolyn! I hope you enjoy this spooky read.

A big thank you to Jonathan at Random House for allowing me to host this great giveaway. I appreciate it and thanks to all who entered, too!

Have a great weekend,

Book Review: The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Pages: 393

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: August 24, 2006

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both kings and crusaders. At the age of three, she is betrothed to Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII of England, and is raised to be Princess of Wales. She knows that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land." "Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. Unexpectedly in this arranged marriage, a tender and passionate love develops." But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is indomitable. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it."

Katherine of Aragon was betrothed to Arthur, Henry VIII's brother, at a young age and was groomed for the most important position...to become the Queen of England someday. Once she heads to England, it takes her awhile to get adjusted to the different customs and feels out of place, especially because Arthur is such a young boy and his father is rude to her. After some time, Katherine finds that a love is actually blossoming between her and Arthur and just as things are starting to look up, Arthur unexpectedly dies. On his death bed, he wishes for Katherine to marry his brother, Henry, and finally become the queen they had hoped for. This seems to be her only option if she wants to obtain the throne; however, Katherine needs to prove that she never consummated the marriage to Arthur. Philippa Gregory's The Constant Princess is one of my favorite historical novels that focuses on a compelling time period and an even more compelling protagonist, Katherine of Aragon.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Philippa Gregory is a genius. Seriously. She is able to take someone like Katherine of Aragon, whom I initially didn't sympathize with or root for and make her one of my favorite heroines. I not only empathized with her plight, but I found her to be enjoyable, which is not always something I felt towards her in the past. I even forgot about the outcome (we all know what happens!) and felt such suspense while reading The Constant Princess.

Even though the Tudor time period has been played out quite often in historical novels, Gregory examines things from Katherine's perspective and I found that to be refreshing. Readers will get background on how she became the Queen Katherine and will fully appreciate her journey.

Although many people say that The Constant Princess is filled with too many historical inaccuracies, it didn't bother me. I found it well researched and immensely entertaining. In fact, it ignited my interest in this time period and is one of the reasons why I like historical fiction. If you are looking for a historical novel that will keep you interested long after the final page, I highly recommend The Constant Princess.

*Buy The Constant Princess (it's on sale!)

*Read chapter one

Waiting on Wednesday: Illuminate

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Illuminate by Aimee Agresti

Pub. Date: March 6, 2012

Goodreads says, "Haven Terra is a brainy, shy high school outcast. But everything begins to change when she turns sixteen. Along with her best friend Dante and their quiet and brilliant classmate Lance, she is awarded a prestigious internship in the big city— Chicago—and is sent to live and work at a swanky and stylish hotel under the watchful eyes of a group of gorgeous and shockingly young-looking strangers: powerful and alluring hotel owner Aurelia Brown; her second-in-command, the dashing Lucian Grove; and their stunning but aloof staff of glamazons called The Outfit. As Haven begins falling for Lucian, she discovers that these beautiful people are not quite what they seem. With the help of a mysterious book, she uncovers a network of secret passageways from the hotel’s jazz-age past that leads her to the heart of the evil agenda of Aurelia and company: they’re in the business of buying souls. Will they succeed in wooing Haven to join them in their recruitment efforts, or will she be able to thwart this devilish set’s plans to take the souls of her classmates on prom night at the hotel? Illuminate is an exciting saga of a teen’s first taste of independence, her experience in the lap of luxury, and her discovery she may possess strength greater than she ever knew."

*First of all, you had me at Chicago....I love that city! I would love to read another book that takes place there. I will admit that initially Illuminate sounded a lot like some of the other paranormals out there, but as I read more of the synopsis, I became more and more intrigued.

Let me know what you think!

Top Ten Tuesday: Covers Or Titles That Made Me Want To Buy The Book

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. I'm excited to participate; after all, I make lists FOR EVERYTHING! This week's topic focuses on books whose titles or covers made me want to buy it.

1. Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison- Although I wasn't a fan of this book, I just had to read it based solely on the amazing cover. Isn't it just gorgeous?

2. I Was Jane Austen's Best Friend by Cora Harrison- Anything that includes being BFF with Jane Austen is a must read for me.

3. Moonglass by Jessi Kirby- This cover is simply stunning and initially peaked my interest. I'm glad I read Moonglass, because it was really good!

4. Sixteenth Summer by Michelle Dalton- This cover caught my eye; it's the perfect beach read.

5. Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson- The title of this book is so catchy, I just had to read it!

6. Halo by Alexandra Adornetto- I LOVE this cover, but unfortunately, I didn't love this book.

7. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick- I adore this cover and to this day, it still catches my eye.

8. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen- I remember when I bought this book at the bookstore a few summers ago. The sand, the ocean and the flip flops made this one a must read for me.

9. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah- I love this cover and I bought this one at the bookstore solely for that reason. Plus, the title makes me think of long, hot summer nights and my childhood.

10. Sweet Life by Mia King- The cover of this book jumped out at me as the perfect beach read. Once I found out that it takes place in Hawaii, I knew I had to read it!

So which book covers or titles initially peaked your interest in a particular book? Let me know what you think!

NaNoWriMo 2011

2011-10-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year, again, despite the fact that I am 100% sure I won't meet the goal of 50,000 words as November for a teacher is a hectic time of year with conferences, report cards, and the end of the first quarter.

I signed up again because ~~I am a glutton for punishment!~~ I have many students who want to try their hand at it. In fact, they have already signed up through the Young Writer's program and I created a virtual classroom. I have many students that are already planning and getting excited about it. They have set some ambitious goals!

But with regards to me, this year I am going into it with a plan. Hopefully I will have better results. I may even cut back on blogging the month of November so I can really focus on NaNoWriMo. We shall see!

So with that said, did anyone else sign up? Let me know your user name and we can be writing buddies. My user name is Chris327; come find me and we can commiserate.

Happy Writing,

Book Review: The Other Countess by Eve Edwards

2011-10-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: July 12, 2011

Source: Personal copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Ellie—Lady Eleanor Rodriguez, Countess of San Jaime—possesses a worthless title, but her feisty spirit captivates the elite of the Queen's court—especially the dashing new Earl of Dorset. William Lacey, Earl of Dorset, has inherited his father's title—and his financial ruin. Now Will must seek a wealthy bride and restore his family's fortune. If only he hadn't fallen for the beautiful but penniless Ellie . . . Sparks fly whenever Ellie and Will are together, but circumstances—and the conniving interference of others—threaten to keep them apart."

Ellie, although a Countess, holds a meaningless title while living in England as her ancestors are from Spain. Her father isn't much help as he is obsessed with the study of alchemy and has essentially ruined Ellie's chances for a respectable life. She, along with her stubborn father, has been thrown out of many a household due to sucking the finances dry with his study of alchemy and all its false hopes. William, the Earl of Dorset, once threw her and her father out many, many years ago for this very reason. However, he meets Ellie again as they are older and becomes instantly entranced by her beauty and brains, but he doesn't know she is the daughter of the infamous alchemist. To make matters worse, Will's family needs him to marry a wealthy female as their family has their own financial struggles ever since his father died; however, he can't deny his attraction to Ellie. The Other Countess, a debut novel by Eve Edwards, will delight fans of historical fiction and romance.

On a bright note, I really enjoyed Ellie. She reminded me of a strong and educated heroine that Philippa Gregory often writes about. I couldn't help but admire her. Another interesting character, Lady Jane Perceval, befriends Ellie and instead of there being competition between Ellie and Jane for Will's heart, it was very much the opposite. I would have to say that was a relief as that particular scenario has been played out. Jane's family, (along with Will's), wants her to marry Will as it's a good "match" but they both have no feelings for each other. This makes for a challenging situation for all involved. Also, Will is an overall good guy, but for me, he wasn't a swoon-worthy male lead. I enjoyed him, but he lacked that something special.

One of the things I struggled with was the varying points of views. In The Other Countess the point of view often switches, which was good as readers get many characters' perspectives on a situation, but for me, there were too many switches. I would have preferred simply Will and Ellie's point of view; however, that wasn't the case.

The setting of The Other Countess is brilliant. Who doesn't love Elizabethan England? It makes for such an interesting setting as there's insight into the upper class, lower class, servants, and even The Church of England versus Roman Catholicism.

The romance was sweet. It definitely fell into the trap of love conquers all and love survives against all odds. For me, The Other Countess gave me a bit of a toothache as it was overly sweet and in life things don't always end with a beautiful bow on top. I think I had so much trouble with the romance, because it was a tad too predictable for me.

All in all, if you are looking for a feel good read and you love an adorable romance set in Elizabethan England, check out The Other Countess. There's even a sequel coming out next April called The Queen's Lady, which will focus on Lady Jane Perceval.

*Buy The Other Countess

*Read an excerpt

*Watch the book trailer

*Pre-order The Queen's Lady

Waiting on Wednesday: Everneath

2011-10-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Pub. Date: January 3, 2012

Goodreads says, "Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's."

*I love the sound of this one, especially the references to mythology and the myth of Persephone. I wonder if it will be similar to Abandon by Meg Cabot?

Book Review: Crossed by Ally Condie

2011-10-11T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pages: 384

Genre: YA Sci-Fi

Pub. Date: November 1, 2011

Source: ARC received from publisher (THANK YOU!)

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*Read my review of Matched

Goodreads says, "In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake. Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever."

Cassia is on a mission to find Ky who was sent by The Society to the Outer Provinces, but, thankfully, escaped. While trying to search for him, she comes across clues and gets to see what life is like closer to the border. During Cassia's journey, she learns the truth about many things including more information about the Uprising. Crossed by Ally Condie is an entertaining follow-up to Matched and the second half of the novel will leave readers in a state of suspense.

Cassia shares the point of view with Ky and it alternates each chapter. This took me awhile to get used to, because I'd prefer the narration to be one hundred percent Cassia's; however, I understand why Condie had to do this. Cassia is still such a fascinating heroine and I loved to follow her on her journey. Readers will learn more about the world that Cassia lives in and the Outer Provinces which hold many secrets. I must admit that I found Cassia's journey to be a tad tedious and repetitive until the second half of Crossed which is when things really heated up.

Ky, although not my favorite character, was entertaining nonetheless, because readers will learn more about his background in Crossed. It was interesting to read the chapters from his point of view and in turn, readers can better understand where he is coming from. All the while, Xander is still someone referred to a lot and thought a lot about by both characters. I wish there were more of him in Crossed! Cassia is still harboring feelings for him and there's another secret that he's withholding as well. Fans of Xander will only get to see him briefly as this is more Cassia and Ky's book.

I really enjoy Condie's writing style. The incorporation of poetry and her lyrical descriptions are lovely. I found myself re-reading certain lines that flowed so beautifully. Her graceful writing style was juxtaposed by the rustic setting and raw emotions in Crossed. She's so talented!

Even though I am not in love with Crossed like I was Matched, I recognize that it serves its function as a setup for what I think is going to be an incredible finale. The ending of Crossed left me dying to find out what happens next and Condie left us with a heck of a cliffhanger. I can't believe we have to wait a whole year!

*Pre-order Crossed

*Watch an interview with Ally Condie

*Thank you to Dutton for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In My Mailbox #65

2011-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

For Review:

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
*I've been a huge fan of Derting ever since I read the first pages of The Body Finder. I can't wait to read this dystopian; plus, I'm in love with this cover! Thanks to S&S GalleyGrab for this e-galley.

Goodreads says, "In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…."

Legacy by Molly Cochran
*A big thanks to S&S GalleyGrab for this e-galley. I love boarding school stories, especially when they involve the supernatural.

Goodreads says, "When her widowed father dumps 16-year-old Katy Jessevar in a boarding school in Whitfield, Massachusetts, she has no idea that fate has just opened the door to both her future and her past. Nearly everyone in Whitfield is a witch, as is Katy herself, although she has struggled all her life to hide her unusual talents. Stuck at a boarding school where her fellow studens seem to despise her, Katy soon discovers that Whitfield is the place where her mother commited suicide under mysterious circumstances when Katy was just a small child. With dark forces converging on Whitfield, it’s up to Katy to unravel her family’s many secrets to save the boy she loves and the town itself from destruction."

Bought:

Waterfall by Lisa Tawn Bergen
*I saw this one over at The Supernatural Snark and immediately bought it afterwards. I love the idea of being transported to 14th century Italy. You guys know I'm a sucker for time travel.

Goodreads says, "In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds... until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another."

A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly
*After reading Revolution, I became a fan of Donnelly and saw this one on sale at the bookstore. I've heard it's brilliant.

Goodreads says, "Sixteen-year-old Mattie Gokey has big dreams but little hope of seeing them come true. Desperate for money, she takes a job at the Glenmore, where hotel guest Grace Brown asks her to burn a bundle of secret letters. But when Grace's drowned body is fished from the lake, Mattie discovers the letters reveal the grim truth behind a murder. Set in 1906 against a backdrop of the murder that inspired Theodore Dreiser's An American Tragedy, this astonishing novel weaves romance, history, and a murder mystery into something moving, real, and wholly original."

What did you get in your mailbox? Have you read any of these books? Let me know what you think. This meme is hosted by The Story Siren.

Book Review: Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

2011-10-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pages: 272

Genre: YA Fantasy

Pub. Date: October 11, 2011

Source: ARC from Kim at The Book Butterfly (Thank you!!)

My Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "A modern retelling of the German fairytale "Tristan and Isolde", Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school."

At first glance, Izzie has it all. A mom who loves her, a devoted boyfriend who is captain of the basketball team, and a loyal best friend, Branna. Her world turns upside down when she makes a love potion for her best friend, Branna, with the hopes that she will fall in love with the new guy, Tristan. Tristan has been catching Izzie's eye a lot lately despite her best efforts to not look his way. She ends up drinking the love potion and falls in with love Tristan which, consequently, changes everything and sets off a series of events that will impact Izzie's world. Harrison's Tris and Izzie, based on the classic fairy tale of Tristan and Isolde, has a lot of potential, but fell completely flat for me.

Tris and Izzie, unfortunately, is a reminder to never judge a book by its cover. The cover for this book is simply stunning; I love it! But that's all I love when it comes to Tris and Izzie. Izzie was such a flat character. I wanted to get to know her more, but I could only brush the surface. I never truly understood her emotions, her actions, and in turn, I felt indifferent. Nothing was believable.

Also, Tristan, one of my favorite literary heroes in the original tale, also fell flat in Tris and Izzie. He is but a shell of his original character and was completely one dimensional. There are scenes that *should* be very dramatic and suspenseful, but because I didn't believe the characters, I found the events to be humorous as relationship statuses change quickly (and not because of a love potion!) without so much as an afterthought and we know in high school, that would never happen.

Fans of the paranormal may enjoy the various creatures in Tris and Izzie as well as Izzie's dealings with magic. I wasn't expecting witches, sorcerers, a magical world, or supernatural creatures, so I was surprised by this. I found these parts of the story to be the most enjoyable, but not necessarily believable.

I've haven't read Harrison's other novels, but her writing style did not work for me. at. all. I actually feel bad since I am being so negative, but I must be honest.

Simply put, I don't get Tris and Izzie at all and I couldn't be more disappointed. Like I said before, the story has a lot of potential, but for me, that potential is never fully realized. On a bright note, thanks to The Book Butterfly's generosity, I will be bringing this ARC to my classroom, because perhaps I am just too darn old for Tris and Izzie and a younger reader may enjoy this contemporary retelling.

*Pre-order Tris and Izzie

*Watch the book trailer

Giveaway: The Countess by Rebecca Johns

2011-10-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Looking for the perfect spooky read? The Countess by Rebecca Johns sounds perfect for this time of year. It's a riveting historical tale about Countess Erzsébet Báthory, history's first female serial killer. Read the the write-up below to learn more:

In January 1611, one of the highest-born members of the Hungarian nobility, Countess Erzsébet Báthory, was walled inside her castle tower and imprisoned for the rest of her life. Her crime—the brutal torture and murder of at least thirty-five women and girls, mostly servants in the countess’s employ. Nicknamed the “Blood Countess,” Báthory is the first and one of the most prolific female serial killers in history. While her story is horrific, her legend has nevertheless persisted in the popular imagination—inspiring a well-established cult following intrigued by her strange gothic legacy. The real-life countess was one of Bram Stoker’s two inspirations for Dracula, and her character has appeared in film, video games, and classic and contemporary literature. She was even referenced on a recent episode of True Blood.

The Countess: A Novel (Broadway Paperbacks, September 27, 2011) by Rebecca Johns re-creates Báthory’s story in her own words, detailing how this daughter of a noble family is betrothed at age ten but rebels against her mother-in-law by bearing an illegitimate child. She is forced to marry Count Nádasdy, a man she barely knows, and resorts to spells and potions to give him a child. While the Count toils on the battlefield, the Countess wages a constant war in her household, relying on strict discipline and severe punishments to keep her servants in line. After the count’s death she conducts an ardent love affair with the man who would eventually imprison her. After he spurns her, she turns to the vicious torture and murder of her servants. The Countess offers an intimate, strangely sympathetic, and ultimately disturbing account of one of the most reviled women in history—a woman who was capable of gruesome acts of torture but also intensely passionate love.

I had no idea that Countess Erzsébet Báthory was one of the inspirations for Bram Stoker's Dracula!

To celebrate The Countess's paperback publication, I am giving away a copy to one lucky US reader. You don't need to be a follower in order, but be sure to check out my giveaway rules. The deadline is October 21, 2011, just in time for Halloween! A big thank you to Jonathan at Random House for allowing me to host this great giveaway.

Please fill in this form in order to enter

Good luck,

Waiting on Wednesday: The Clockwork Prince

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-04:00

This is a weekly meme hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine. "Waiting on Wednesday" spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

The Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Pub. Date: December 6, 2011

Goodreads says, "In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa's powers for his own dark ends. With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister's war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move and that one of their own has betrayed them. Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will; the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do? As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart."

*I really enjoyed Clockwork Angel, the first book in the series, and I can't wait to find out what happens. One thing is for sure, Cassandra Clare really knows how to weave a spellbinding tale!

Book Review: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

2011-10-04T06:00:00.001-04:00

Pages: 352

Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Pub. Date: September 27, 2011

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger. The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood. Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist. Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty…"

In Victorian London it's especially tough if you are an orphan living on the streets and that's the situation for Tiki who lives with friends in an abandoned building in Charing Cross Station. She never knows what her next meal is going to be and in turn, picks pockets to survive. One night Tiki steals a ring, and not just any ring, but Queen Victoria's ring. This ring also holds special powers as it holds a truce between the human world and the faerie world. Since the ring is missing, there's a group of dangerous faeries on the prowl for Tiki, whom they know has something to do with its disappearance as well as her friend and fellow thief, Rieker. There's more than meets the eye in The Faerie Ring by debut author Kiki Hamilton and this story will take readers on a captivating adventure through Victorian London. The Faerie Ring is the perfect combination of historical fiction, fantasy, and a blossoming romance.

I love this time period. Dickens' London is a brilliant setting for The Faerie Ring with it's crime-filled streets, struggling orphans, and the huge separation of the rich and the poor. It reminded me of Dickens' Oliver Twist; in fact, Rieker was reading it in the book in the story. So, needless to say, the setting itself was fascinating.

Tiki is a strong heroine that I immediately warmed up to. I really liked her and felt she was caring, courageous, clever and down right likable. With her rags to riches story, how could you not root for her? Rieker, at first, didn't catch my eye. at. all. But as I read more about him and learned more about his background, I was then completely enchanted. Hamilton slowly reveals his past and like Tiki, I was desperate to find out more. The romance between the two was a slow burn, but it was definitely worth the wait.

The Faerie Ring is a great mystery that's filled with fantasy and adventure. I found the interactions between the faeries and Tiki to be suspenseful and Hamilton's whole take on faerie lore to be compelling. I forgot how much I love faerie lore, especially Hamilton's mentions of the Irish Faerie Court.

I can't wait to share The Faerie Ring with my students, especially since it's going down as one of my favorite young adult books of 2011. Thankfully, The Faerie Ring is a part of a series. I can't wait to find out what happens next to Tiki and Rieker and I especially want to learn more about Tiki's past. Maybe the next book will take place in Ireland? *fingers crossed!*

*Buy The Faerie Ring

*Read an excerpt

*Watch the book trailer

New Fall 2011 TV Shows: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

2011-10-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

I usually record the season premiere of a bunch of new TV shows I'm interested in and narrow it down based on the first episode. It's taken me a few weeks, but I think I've finally figured out what I'll be watching this fall when it comes to new TV.

The Good: New Shows That I Love-

Picture from CWTV.com

1) Ringer (CW) - Anything that has elements of film-noir, I'll be sure to love. I know many critics gave Ringer a less than stellar review, but I found it be fresh, exciting and a great mystery. Plus, I love Sarah Michelle Gellar.

2) The Secret Circle (CW) - After seeing the previews, I was sure that I wasn't going to watch this new series, but I was hooked after the first episode. First of all, witches? Yes, please. Secondly, the setting of the show is to-die-for. Can I please live in Chance Harbor? Lastly, Kevin Williamson (Dawson's Creek and Vampire Diaries) is attached to this new show. P.S. Has anyone read the books?

3) Revenge (ABC) - This is my new favorite show of 2011. It reminds me of a modern Count of Monte Cristo (one of my favorite books) meets the Hamptons. The main character is taking revenge on the people who destroyed her family. I think it's brilliant so far and oh-so-fun.

4) Terra Nova (FOX) - Ok. It comes as no surprise that I love time travel and Jurassic Park was one of my favorite books/movies as a kid, which means Terra Nova is a must-watch-show for me this fall. Oh, and one word for you: Spielberg.

The Bad: Shows I'm Still Undecided About-

Photo from ABC.go.com

1) Pan Am (ABC) - If you know me, you know I love period dramas and anything that takes place in the '60s will surly capture my attention. I was completely captivated by the Pan Am stewardesses and I'm going to watch a few more episodes before I make a decision.

2) The Playboy Club (NBC) - Again, I love my period dramas and this one takes place in Chicago in the 1960s. There's been a lot of controversy surrounding this show and I'm still undecided.

3) Hart of Dixie (CW) - A New Yorker relocates to Alabama + Rachel Bilson? Yes, please! I'm glad Rachel Bilson is back on primetime television; she's one of my favorite actresses, but I'm still not 100% sure about this one.

The Ugly: Shows I'm Going to Skip-

Photo from cinemablend.com

1) Up all Night (NBC) - I love Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph, but this show has seriously no plot. Ok, so you have a kid, you are going back to work, your husband is a stay at home dad.....so what? Where's the ultimate conflict?? I didn't even think most of the show was that funny.

2) New Girl (FOX) - Confession: Zooey Deschanel annoys me. I'm kind of over her whole quirky act and impromptu singing.

3) Whitney- (NBC) - Simply put: I found this show to be not funny at. all. and the acting to be horrendous.

So what do you think? Do you agree? Did I miss any new TV shows that you thought were good? Let me know what you think!

Winner of Lola and the Boy Next Door

2011-10-01T07:44:00.000-04:00

And the winner of Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins is.......

#98 Heather

Congrats, Heather! I just emailed you for your information. I hope you love Lola and thanks for entering!

Have a great weekend,

September Confessions

2011-09-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

There's nothing like the beach in September.

I can't believe September is over! This school year is off to a great start. I've been really busy with mentoring a new teacher, serving on committees, and getting ready to write new curricula. My classes are great this year, especially my advanced literacy course. I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to talk about books with kids since independent reading is a part of the literary curriculum. It's a perfect fit for me.

Even though summer is over, I was able to go to the beach over Labor Day weekend and a few weekends ago for my cousin's wedding. It was so nice to be back down there. I hope to go again before fall turns into winter! Boo!

I am ready for October and to continue to marinate in my love for all things pumpkin!

Books Read in September:
1) The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory (5 stars)
2) The Women of the Cousins' War by Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin and Michael Jones (4 stars)
3) Girl Wonder by Alexa Martin (3 stars)
4) A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith (5 stars)
5) Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen (4 stars)
6) Bloodlines by Richelle Mead (3.5 stars)
7) The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler (4.5 stars)

September Top Five:

1) Favorite Book: I'd say it's a tie between A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Lady of the Rivers. I enjoyed both immensely.

2) Biggest Surprise: The Future of Us was a brilliant read. Seriously. I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. It made me think.

3) Biggest Letdown: Girl Wonder really left me flat and Bloodlines, although entertaining, was a bit disappointing, because I'm not really feeling Sydney as the main character. I'm sure the series will pick up though.

4) Favorite Part: My favorite part of September would have to be my trips to the beach. The weather is still nice and there's no crowds. Perfection.

5) Favorite Post: New Books for My Classroom Library - I love sharing new books with my students, thanks to the PTO!

Happy Friday,