Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

BLOG TOUR: Love is in the Air with Buddhapuss Ink and Author Mariam Kobras

2012-02-10T01:28:00.003-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be when you're looking for your next read and you need that spark of inspiration. Speaking of sparks....today we have a special guest! Author Mariam Kobras is making the rounds through the blogosphere to celebrate her newly published book, The Distant Shore. From the publisher....

There's nothing like finding a letter on your breakfast table informing you have a teenage son you knew nothing about, but that's what happens to international rock star, Jonathon Stone. He drops everything to find the boy, and his mother-Naomi, the girl he loved so many years ago, who left him when his rock n roll life became too much for her to bear. Seeing her is like falling in love all over again, and everything seems perfect, until someone sets out to destroy their idyllic life.

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Intriguing, right?

It's being toted as a combination chick lit with a dash of suspense....which sounds like it just might fit the bill perfectly....and it's the first of a planned trilogy. Thus far, it's been received rather well by the reading world and I for one am certainly curious to see just where this road might take us but alas, my reading schedule is full at the present time, so my review will have to wait for a bit....HOWEVER, that doesn't mean this potential jewel should be kept in the dark, away from you til that day comes. No siree. That's why when I heard about the tour, I jumped at the chance to host a stop and asked if the author would be so kind as to share a little of herself with my fellow readers. Hence, this guest post was born.

What follows is a look at how one person turned a shared childhood past time into a creative outlet that would quite possibly take the world by storm. It's unexpected. It's touching. It's real...and I most definitely want to say THANK YOU to the author for sharing this personal story with us. Without further adieu, please welcome author Mariam Kobras as she explores...."The Spark"....

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GUEST POST:
Author Mariam Kobras
'The Spark'

I talked to a friend yesterday. We were best buddies in high school, during grades eight to ten. We did everything together, all the time. There wasn’t one weekend when we didn’t sleep over at each other’s houses, not one day when we didn’t spend hours on the phone after school, no lunch break we didn’t hang out together.

We had the same hobbies, shared the same passions…well, almost.

Carol always loved horses and dogs, and I’m scared of horses (they are so HUGE!) and I’m more of a cat person.

She preferred rock music, while I was (in the early 70s) more of a Neil Diamond, Albert Hammond and Simon & Garfunkel girl, with some Joan Baez and Janis Ian thrown in. There may or may not have been a Barbra Streisand album or two thrown in.

I remember learning some English words from Neil Diamond that were definitely not in my text books, like “transcend” and “overhear”. It must have been around that time when I decided I wanted to know every English word there was.

Carol and I wrote stories.

Like most teenage girls, we had our secret loves, TV stars, pop stars, and we made up stories about them. Well, Carol made up the stories. I designed the “covers” and came up with the titles. And I watched her write.

I helped her make up the plots, and I did write a bit myself, but generally I was too lazy.

I didn’t see myself as a writer. Carol was the writer. She was the one soaring in her imagination. She was the one who brought wonderful sentences to paper.

Her novels had a plot, they had a beginning, a middle, and an ending, there were characters in them that seemed alive and real. Normal, living people, while the heroes I made up were always some kind of celebrities, famous, rich, and carefree.

You see, there was enough dreariness in my real life to want to keep it out of my dream world. I wanted to escape to nicer, happier places, like California with its eternal sunshine. The music business, creativity, those were my subjects, while Carol wrote about a family living on a ranch, with horses and dogs.

My people had to struggle with their creativity, with their loves, but never with money, and certainly not with animals. They didn’t even have time for a potted plant, let alone a pet, they were that busy creating and loving.

I lost Carol when we were in 11th grade.

She drifted off into the drug scene, and I went to Canada for the summer. When I got back, she was in a clinic, and I changed schools.

We met once more, about ten years later. I was married by then, my first son in pre-school. My husband and I stopped for a brief visit with her.

She was married too, had three babies, and was living in an apartment overlooking a factory yard, as far away from that ranch and the horses as you can imagine.

We never reconnected after that, until yesterday. She had found me on Facebook.

I called her on the phone, and we talked.

She told me she is a widow now, her husband died of a brain tumor six years ago. There were four kids, she had to raise them on her own, and it wasn’t easy.

The family lives out in the country, in an old farm house, with horses and dogs and cats. Carol doesn’t have a lot of money, but, she told me, she’s happy.

When she asked me about my life, I told her about my just published book, about the new contract I’ve just signed with Buddhapuss Ink, about last year’s book tour, and the one coming up next year.

“I’ll be going to LA,” I told her, “And, as always, to New York. And Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. Some other places.”

There was a long pause.

“Wow,” Carol said, “I’ve never left my home town. We went on vacation once, but that’s it. I’m still here.”

She could hardly believe my life. She could hardly believe it when I told her I was a published author now, and my book was selling and getting good reviews.

“You lived our dream,” she said, “You’re going to all those places we were dreaming about, you are a published author! How did you do it? Where did you get the spark?”

The spark?

There was no spark. There was only a lingering dream, a constant, soft pull I had ignored for most of my life.

It almost felt like the dolphin of my heart’s desire playing in the ocean of my life, sometimes breaking through the surface, but never long enough to make much of an impact.

I don’t know what changed.

All I know is that, on a gloomy day in November of 2008, I woke up and knew the time had come. Suddenly, with every fiber of my soul, I knew I had to write that book.

My hubby bought me a laptop, and I sank into The Distant Shore, forgetting everything else. Often enough, there was no lunch for the family, and no ironed shirts for my husband.

I was too busy writing.

And I didn’t stop until the book was finished. I had left the surface, and I was dancing with the dolphin. The moment I put that first sentence on paper was like jumping from a cliff into that ocean where the dolphins were waiting, and I was free.

I’m still down there, frolicking in the freedom of the sun-dappled water.

And I’m never coming back.

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This was the fourteenth stop on Mariam’s The Distant Shore “Love is in the Air” Blog Hop & Giveaway. We hope you enjoyed this post and will join us tomorrow on the next stop at The Dudley’s for a post on Choosing Character Names.

Buddhapuss Ink is giving away copies of Mariam’s book, along with some pretty terrific (and very romantic) gifts, as we count down to that most romantic day of the year—Valentine’s Day!

Want to enter the giveaway?

Leave a comment for this post for one entry. We also encourage you to “Like” this blog and follow it! Tweet a link to this blog including the hashtag #TDSBlogHop for another chance to win.

Want more chances to win? CLICK HERE for all the info!

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Inspiring was it not?

I know I was moved and that only leads me to believe the book must hold some rare gems worthy of discovery. So, take chance...enter for your chance to win and spread the word on the new author making waves in the literary world.

Special thanks to MaryChris at Buddhapuss Ink for the chance to host a stop on this tour. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, feel free to visit them online, 'like' them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time...good luck...and happy reading!

One SAWEET Contest with author Eric Delabarre!

2012-02-09T12:52:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're in the mood for a treat of the non-actual-food variety (unless the book happens to be about food or titled something to do with food and then I claim no responsibility for any lingering hunger). Today, you're in for a treat. How so? Oh well, I don't know...a little birdie told me about a chance to host a giveaway that I think will be right up your alley.

That little birdie was none other than author Eric Delabarre himself!

Author Eric Delabarre aka Uncle E

(~waves~)

I recently had the pleasure of reading and sharing my adventure through the pages of his kid friendly novel Saltwater Taffy (for a refresher, just click here). It was a book that was more than meets the eye and that's saying a lot since its outward appearance is what first drew my attention; the synopsis (and actual story) however, is what kept it. Check it out....

A SAWEET SYNOPSIS: Set in the seaside town of Port Townsend, Washington, Saltwater Taffy follows the lives of five friends as they uncover a treasure map that once belonged to the ruthless New Orleans pirate, Jean Lafitte. The discovery thrusts them from one treasure hunting adventure to the next as they try to out-wit, out-think and out-maneuver everyone from a one-legged junk yard man and an overbearing town bully, to the creepy old man living at the top of the hill. Saltwater Taffy is a race to the finish adventure that will capture your heart, again and again!

Sounds good right?

It is! It is! It truly is....and thanks to the author's generosity, YOU now have the chance to win a copy all your own! Are you excited? If you aren't yet, you will be and if you are, prepare yourself....there's more.

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The prize:

One SAWEET Prize Pack!

(1) SIGNED copy of SALTWATER TAFFY by Eric Delabarre

(1) SWT hat (color chosen by the author)

(1) SIGNED poster

How to enter:

Fill out the FORM.

Need more details? Here's a peek...

To gain entry....
...leave a comment on my review....

...complete at least ONE of the following...

....'like' the SALTWATER TAFFY Facebook page.

...tweet about the contest.

...follow the author on Twitter.
...spread the word another way.

See? Easy peasey....

The rules:

We'll keep this short and saweet. Entries accepted now through Monday, February 20th, 2012 midnight CST. US addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please. In order for your entry to be counted, you must fill out the form and follow the steps listed within.

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That's it!

You know what to do.

Good luck!

Until next time...and happy reading!

A title you won't want to refuse...

2012-02-08T13:01:00.001-06:00

Why hello there!

Imagine running into you HERE, of all places!

You wouldn’t be by chance looking for your next read or a new addition to your wish list now would you? Because really, I think we’re fresh out…

…just kidding!

LOL.

(You are laughing, right?)

Anywho…

Welcome back to another day another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today we feature a title that just made it’s debut in the publishing world and is chock full of goodness for children of all ages (aka YOU, me and that person over there trying to pretend they are not reading this review…yeah, I see you…~waves~). You’ve got mystery, action, suspense, and a final reveal too good to miss….have I got your attention? Good. Let’s do this. Today’s book of choice is….

The Fourth Stall, Part II

Chris Rylander

From the publisher…

The life of crime is good. Mac has taken down legendary high school crime boss Staples, business has been booming and Mac and Vince are getting ready for middle school baseball tryouts. But this cant last. Mac has always tried to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. But what happens when you can’t tell the difference? A dilemma walks into the fourth stall in the form of
Trixie Von Parkway
– an eighth grader with a mean look and an even meaner predicament. Seems that the news science teacher is terrorizing her, and she needs Mac to get him off her back. Sounds simple enough, but as Mac starts to dig deeper, he finds even more trouble brewing at his school, including a new administrator bent on destroying his business and indicating that Trixie isn’t who she claims to be. The worst that could have happened to Mac before was that he might lose a little money, maybe catch a beating. In THE FOURTH STALL, PART II, though, the stakes are even higher.

This review is hot off the presses (as in I JUST finished reading it last night) as is the book, which just so happened to celebrate its bookish birthday yesterday (*throws leftover confetti*). It’s the second installment in the “stall” series and I must say I was glad to welcome the fellas back again. Mac and Vince, Tyrell and Jeff…even Kitten (don’t be fooled by his name though *-*) and the other bullies make an appearance here and there. It’s a reunion of the best kind; school, friends…and a little bus-i-ness. (Did I mention I was still inclined to read the book with a Godfather-esque or New York-ish accent? Because I was…. ) The problems are many but their desire to solve them (for a small fee or perhaps a favor owed) is as strong as ever…at least until

Trixie Von Parkway

walked in.

Ah yes…the addition of Trixie was curious but totally played the whole “detective and damsel in distress” to a tee, though she’s hardly unable to handle herself. She’s a spitfire with a secret…okay a lot of secrets but she knows what she wants, one Mr. Kjelson (pronounced CHEL-son) off her case PRONTO! Think teachers are out of their league? Think again….Mac has his ways but they work oh-so-much better when the truth is being told and if truth smelled like flora, this girl would smell like…sardines. Part of her secret I guessed early on while merely speculating (the confirmation of which does not occur until well towards the end of the book), but she’s one ball of yarn not easy to untangle otherwise….not to mention the affect she has on the boys.

Let’s face it; they’re in sixth grade now. Times are changing as are they. The appearance of a girl client that might turn their heads was bound to happen and the way it played out here was too funny. It didn’t take over the storyline, it merely peeked through now and again as the story progressed; well handled, if I do say so myself. We also have the guys taking on more responsibility and ownership for ….well, things that could have lasting effects not only on their business but on their school records. I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but trust me when I say that while they may cause a bit of trouble in the name of justice for those that seek their help, their hearts are in the right place and the message of “doing the right thing” is certainly clear. No need to worry about young readers turning all Carlito’s Way on you after reading this.

Now Trixie isn’t the only new face running about. There’s two others that back quite a splash. First, Mr. Kjelson the new Science teacher and Coach; big Cubs fan (which plays in his favor since Mac and Vince are as well) but with a potentially darker side…if Trixie’s reports can be trusted. Then (and if you have any sinister music around you might want to hit play), there’s Dr. George. Not intimidating, right? Aw, well what’s in a name really…especially if you seem to be solving kids problems before our boys can thus lessening their power and putting the squeeze on their funds. *tisk*tisk* He poses a real threat to the boys…in more ways than one…

Now here’s the part where the truth can kick you in the pants, but as Vince’s Grandma might say, “It’s better to be honest with everyone than to turn around only to find out a line of dancing bears on roller skates has been following you for miles with a craving for fruit.” (Hehe…well, she MIGHT say something like that… ^_^) It took me much longer to get into this one as opposed to book one. For me, I think it was the fact that there wasn’t really one big issue being dealt with (which would have been Staples last time…~shudder~), or rather there were SO many little problems running around, it translated as too chaotic at times. You weren’t really getting to know the guys any better, even though you were seeing the improvements made to their business model (motion activated wireless cameras that record to DVR…way to go Tyrell!) and part of the initial “magic” last time was that camaraderie. It was a bump in the reading road, but just that…a bump; nothing that wasn’t handled for the most part by books end to wrap things up. Speaking of wrapping things up…

The ending offers a twist you won’t see coming…or more precisely the last few chapters plus the LITERAL ending. Startling revelations are made, Cubs facts exchanged at lightning speed and someone from their past appears to bring us great news while put our bookish fears to rest. Who and what? I’m afraid I can’t tell you that…but let’s just say that I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more from this author in the near future.

Overall, a companionable read. It suffered a bit from the sophomore slump but by book’s end managed to walk away from the podium with high marks if not the Valedictorian title. The bad guys are out-ed, the good guys righted and the world of Junior High is at peace once again…for now. I highly recommend checking out book one before embarking on this adventure (a review for which can be found here on my site) as there’s really no recap to speak of and it lays the foundation for knowing how everyone fits together but on its own, it could still fair well…

ARC for review courtesy of Kellie at Walden Pond Press. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their vast selection of bookish goodness, feel free to visit them online, ‘like’ them on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter (you know I do!).

Until next time…happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

2012-02-07T10:33:00.003-06:00

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...one book with on ballet (as well as "other" things) on the brain and another celebrating it's bookish birthday today. Ready for a taste? I thought you might be.

Here they come....

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She seemed wrapped up in her own thoughts, the way you'd expect from a nerd. She watched the stage, thoughtfully, as though something were happening up there, an invisible ballet that only she could see.
-- pg 57-58, Various Positions by Martha Schabas (ARC)

This is one read I have to sum as unusual for now. It's not what I expected and shocking in some cases but I'm beginning to see perhaps a bigger picture that the author may have been painting for us....or at least I hope that's what I'm seeing. Either way, should be finished very soon. Scheduled release as of this post: 02/14/12 from Farrar Straus Giroux.

Friday morning at early recess Vince and I stopped by Tony Adrian's locker to check on the traps we'd set earlier that week. Tony was there waiting for us, looking more nervous and fidgety than usual.
-- pg 114, The Fourth Stall Part II by Chris Rylander (ARC)

*cue music*

THEY SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU....^_^...yes, my friends, this is the book celebrating it's publishing debut. A sequel to the too-funny-at-times-for-words THE FOURTH STALL, this adventure sees Vince and Mac forging ahead with their "business" while the powers that be try to put a stop to it all...and then some. It's fun, it's funny...it really needs to be read with a Godfather-esque or New York-ish accent (trust me...it works). While I'm finishing my adventure through this book, you can find out more by checking out the publisher's site or following Walden Pond Press on Twitter.

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

READING is Amazing!

2012-02-06T13:17:00.002-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog site all about the books, all of the time. Today, we venture back to school minus the “cheese wagon” (aka the school bus…gotta love the color of those things), plus a whole lotta fun….couple that with a myriad of facts to amaze and astound and presto change-o, you have yourself a bookish adventure! Are you ready to embark on this learning expedition? Grab your safari hat, put on your trusty hiking boots and grab your magnifying glass….we’re going on an exploration. Today’s book of choice is…

Danny & Ester’s Fortunate Adventures:

Amazing Ants!

Renee McCuen

Art by

David Hemenway

Danny and Ester are curious, as most kids are, about anything and everything; from the sky above to the ground below, from leafy green plants to crystallized minerals…but most especially animals. One day while they were finishing dinner at Lee’s Chinese Palace (which of course means FORTUNE COOKIE TIME!), this friendly duo stumbles upon a mystery...a most fortunate one at that...that seems to be foretelling of a most impossible adventure. “Scientists must take risks.” “Prepare to get wet.” “Go.” With that final “fortune” revealed, that's just what they do….and embark upon an educational adventure beyond their wildest dreams.

This book totally reminded me of the Magic School Bus series and come to think of it, Danny there on the front cover could totally be related to Ms. Frizzle. Those were the days. Saturday/Sunday morning cartoons that were not only entertaining but educational instead of some of the rubbish that airs today. But let’s get back on the same station here…or rather page…

Author Renee McCuen aims to teach readers young (and old) about the interesting world of ants. From their social structure to body makeup, the jobs they do and purposes they serve, if you walk away from this one NOT having learned something you’re either not paying attention or a myrmecologist (< - - that’s a scientist who studies ants…yep, just one of the factoids I picked up!). Seriously! Now I do admit, I’m not an insect person in any way, shape, or form…and there was a time or two where I was on the verge of saying “gross” or “blech” like any other girly girl (word to the wise…don’t read it while eating) but I curbed my initial reactions knowing that I was learning something about a creature I may not have taken a second glance at before, and as they say knowledge IS power.

Author Renee McCuen

Part of the whimsical aspect of the adventure is how even when the kids turn into ants (apparently the magic phrase is “Ants are so amazing!”) to better explore their world, they still retain parts of themselves both personality wise as well as their physical traits. That’s right. You can see their humanity still in the illustrations by looking at their eyes…and their hair. *giggle* Sorry, couldn’t help the little laugh, I mean really…Ester’s ant has dark hair with braids and Danny’s has red hair ala Ron Weasley. It’s cute and funny but it just adds to the overall draw of the story and the ease of making the connection between their human selves and their ant selves. At books end, we are treated to a mini-quiz (no need for number two pencils) to show you just how much you learned along the way. Though short and sweet, don’t be surprised if you are tripped up a time or two…there’s a lot of information in this short story!

Overall, it’s quite the adventure. It’s length will be appealing to both readers and non, while the story’s content will ignite the scientist in you. In fact, it might just be the first in a series of science based tales for young (or young at heart) explorers of this great big world….I know I’d like to see more and I think you will to. To see for yourself, check out the first chapter, available online at the book’s official website. So the next time you think something is out of this world, remember….it’s not “icky”, it’s “interesting”! Turn that negative into a positive and you open up a whole new world of learning.

Review copy received courtesy of author Renee McCuen. (THANKS!) For more information about the book or to contact the author, check out the official website.

Until next time…BOOKS are so amazing….and happy reading!

*POOF*

In My Shopping Bag

2012-02-06T08:51:00.002-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Let's take a peek inside my shopping bag this week....

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Review

The Red Book by Deborah Copaken Kogan

(ARC courtesy of Hyperion Books)

A surprise arrival, I have to say...it sounds interesting. The title though has me instantly thinking of Dash and Lily's Book of Dares. ^_^ Scheduled release date for this one is set for April 2012.

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Bought

A Bad Kitty Christmas by Nick Bruel

When I saw this one on an after Christmas sale I said to myself.....self, you HAVE to get this one! Seriously, look at the mug on that little kitty...all scowls yet cute nonetheless. I admit it, I've read it already and there are quite a few surprises in store....much more so than meets the eye. Review to come!

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Won

Last year, I won an Out of Print gift certificate from Kristen at We Be Reading during BBAW and I FINALLY got around to using it. Isn't it wonderful? The canvas tote bag is printed on both sides, sorta of wrap around style...and look at the little tag it comes with! Styled after your classic library card check out system of old...LOVE IT! Find this and a whole lot more at the Out of Print site (also with every purchase they donate a book to a country in need) and don't forget to check out the blogger that introduced it to me!

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Received

These are the titles that I "rescue" from the ARC bin at work....doesn't happen often, but when it does...woo-hoo!

Fallen in Love by Lauren Kate

The Elemental Series, Book 1: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

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That's it for this week.

So what do you think? What did YOU get?

Do tell!

Until next time....happy reading!

The Roving Reader

2012-02-04T09:25:00.001-06:00

Is that not one gorgeous cover? I mean the colors work SO well together...it's breathtaking.

PURE
by
Julianna Baggott

Literally "jumped" off the shelf at me (visually at least)....as well as a fellow customer a few minutes later ironically enough. ^_^ Heard anything about this one or perhaps the author? *curious*

So, what have you discovered this weekend while out and about?
Do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!

Bachelor Number 1 or Number 2....

2012-02-03T14:46:00.001-06:00

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….where the reading is fresh and always served piping hot.

It’s February…in case you didn’t know…the month of LOVE (or a grim reminder of what you’re missing out on…depending on if you’re a glass half full or half empty kinda person). Combine with that the fact that it’s also FRIDAY and BAM…you have the perfect recipe for today’s post. How so? Ah, you’re about to find out.

Today is date night to many and for those looking for a 2D version of the potential man of their dreams (or simply a read that just so happens to feature two hunky guys in its varied cast)…I offer today’s selection. It’s about a girl with a past, or rather many pasts, that has many a decision ahead of her…besides the obvious everyday of what to wear and how much or little to study. Without further adieu, today’s book of choice is…

Emblem of Eternity, Book 1:

Eternal Starling

Angela Corbett

From the publisher…

A love so strong, even eternity can't separate them
Evie Starling has lived a relatively uneventful life hanging out with friends, gossiping about boys, and driving her 1966 Mustang. All of that changes when she moves to Gunnison, Colorado, to start college and meets two mysterious men.

For centuries, Alex Night and Emil Stone have yearned for Evie—but they each have their own reasons for wanting to be with her. When both men claim to be her soul mate and tell her about an unbelievable past, Evie learns that she’s not the person she thought she was. Soon, Evie finds herself in the middle of an age-old battle between the Amaranthine Society—the soul protectors, and the Daevos Resistance—the soul destroyers. With a past she doesn’t understand, and a future rife with danger, Evie has to decide who she can trust. But Alex and Emil aren’t the only ones who want Evie, and her soul is about to become the rope in an eternal tug-of-war.

Sounds exciting, right? It is! Alex Night is a gentleman; considerate, kind and never wanting to push things too far despite any high voltage feelings floating about. He says he’s there to protect Evie…but very exactly what or whom, he can’t truly disclose…at first. Then we have Emil Stone, the bad boy; he’s edgy, more modern in his freedoms, and won’t say no to a kiss at first sight (yes, that DOES happen and it’s quite a showstopper considering where and how it happens). He seems to be your average Joe otherwise…but that temper that flares just beneath the surface seems to be hiding something oh-so-dark. Both are a great catch, some for reasons more apparent than others but in the end, the truth is SO much more than you could have guessed. Now let’s talk a moment about Evie, the actual “focus” of the story….

After getting around the eye candy, we can clearly see Evie; a modern woman of the times, she loves to hike, spend time solo or with close friends, and adores her muscle car. She’s not exactly a girly girl but hey, there’s no rule book saying she has to be and her friends and family love her for who she is….that’s why her relationship with Alex and Emil is that much more difficult to navigate. While she has feelings for both in one way or another they clash in the most unusual ways….some speak to her emotionally and physically, others but up against her sense of self. Oh, and that’s BEFORE the “visions” she encounters when they touch. Visions you ask? Yes…visions. They each feature a girl of about Evie’s age and appearance with each of these fellows but the outcomes are anything but happily ever after. *cue mystery theater music*

There were two parts I had a hard time swallowing though. First, there were a few sections of the book where Evie’s personality seemed to flip like a switch…leading me to believe that either her resolve to be herself wasn’t as strong as I imagined or perhaps it was a tiny character building flaw. Second, the birthmark or rather soul mark of the flowers. Umm, yeah…that’s QUITE the beauty mark….I mean if my parents told me I was born with THAT, I’d be thinking…yeah, you got me tattooed when you were out of it. I mean, it’s lovely….but for a fantasy type story somewhat set in reality, I didn’t quite buy it.

In conclusion, an interesting concept with enough emotion to spark fireworks in the month of July and enough back-story revealed to allow readers a comfortable viewpoint at this early stage in the planned trilogy. I know I’ll be coming back for more….how about you? Recommended read for older Young Adult fans through adult…like I said….fireworks. ^_^ ARC for review received courtesy of Pendrell Publishing. (THANKS!) For more information, be sure to check out the publishers site. This book is now available through your favorite retail outlet.

Until next time…happy reading!

WAT!: The Stuttering Tattoo by Greg Logsted

2012-02-02T00:33:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the site that aims to feed your need to read every day of the week. It's Groundhog Day! Any guesses as to whether the little furry weather predictors will see their shadows today? I don't know about you, but I'm hoping we get a few more weeks of winter. Spring/Summer is fine and all...but I LOVE the cool weather (and live in FL, go figure...). Anywho, today's post might be giving you a little whiplash ala Groundhog Day (the movie) style with the author's work featured...but look again. It's not the SAME person as last week...they just happen to be connected to them. How? Marriage of course...and you gotta love author couples that support each other's projects equally...especially when they are this good! But I'm getting ahead of myself...allow we to introduce you to my bookish find because really....

WAT!

The WAT! MEME stands for 'What A Tease!'. It exists to showcase those samplers and book excerpts that you've read and wish to highlight to some degree on your site...yet you have not had the chance to read the entire book for a review....thus, the "tease" aspect. Have you run into this problem as well? Feel free to "borrow" this MEME and post away!

Now on to today's feature...

The Stuttering Tattoo

Greg Logsted

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From the author's site...

Steven Bishop is extraordinarily ordinary. He goes to school. He rides his motorcycle. He stutters. His best friend is a former Colombian cartel hit man turned cook/construction worker. You know, ordinary. All that changes the day Becky Moore walks into his classroom. Becky is dazzling, enigmatic.

One day Steven gives Becky a ride home on his motorcycle. There, they discover a severed arm, one of the fingers of which still has an unusual ring attached: a circle, in the middle of which is a heart, at the center of which is a bold number 37. While comforting Becky, Steven discovers a tattoo at the base of her neck: it is the same symbol. And so begins a thrilling descent into a world of crime and murder, a ride wilder than any Steven has taken before.

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Opening with a daydream typical of most teenage boys....*ahem* _shakes head_...we meet Steven, Steven Bishop. No, that's not the stutter referred to in the title, but a means to get his attention from the clouds of fantasy land to math class. Moving along, our main character isn't the star of his class or captain of the football team, nor does he talk much (a way of avoiding ridicule for his speech impediment....kids - heck, people - can be so mean!)....which leaves him in a clique all by his lonesome. At least until Rebecca Moore walks in...

New student with apparent devil-may-care attitude, Becky (as she advises the class she prefers to be called) is not your average "beauty"...she's a rebel with a penchant for collecting collateral damage. Seriously...first day of school and we're talking a tire slashing!?! I'd recommend steering clear of her to our friend here....but I believe he is too enchanted by her "charms" to listen to reason. *reads more of sample* Yep, definitely done for. But there's more here than first meets the eye....and saying that after reading an excerpt only is a fairly big deal.

It seems there is some back story of a reason for Steve's downward spiral relating to his mother's departure....not death, but something as shocking in a sense that threw their family dynamics out of whack. Speaking of shocking, the turn of events by sample's end? Whew!

Final thoughts...what a tease!

The reference to Steve looking like Johnny Depp to which he replies "that old?" (okay, THAT makes ME feel old...) and the hot-and-potentially-heavy make out scene turned grotesque ala Saw (think body parts...and I'm not talking still attached to a living, breathing body...*-*), though at different ends of the spectrum, work well. Another book from a male perspective (something to note for those seeking suggestions for reluctant boy/teen readers) that seems to have a lot of potential, if I do say so myself. I wouldn't be too surprised if this one ends up on my TBR shelf soon.

In the mean time, feel free to check out the extended preview via Amazon.

Special thanks to author Lauren Baratz-Logsted for the heads up on this book. (THANKS!) For more information about Greg Logsted, feel free to check out his official website.

So...questions? Comments? Thoughts?

Is there something YOU'VE been teased with as of late?

Feel free to share any and all...

*grabs wish list and pen*

Until next time....happy reading!

An adventure with heart...

2012-02-01T12:39:00.003-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog that takes aim at each new book that comes our way to see just what adventure might await us in the pages.

Today’s post is a perfect example of that adventure but also a lot more. You see, when I first laid eyes on this one in our local store (see my Roving Reader post for proof…should you need it ^_^), I thought…huh, now that looks like a fun read. The cover just screams adventure with the treasure map, the “X’ that marks the spot and the kid rappelling down a wire (or something) with a key dangling from his mouth. Yep. I was pretty sure this would be a mini-Indiana-Jones-esque sorta read. Guess what though? Though it WAS adventure filled, there was a whole lot more that couldn’t be discerned from first appearances…and that my friends is what truly makes this one special. Before I delve any further ahead, allow me to introduce you to today’s book of choice…

Saltwater Taffy

Eric Delabarre

Illustrated by

R.C. Nelson

From the official website…

A SAWEET SYNOPSIS: Set in the seaside town of Port Townsend, Washington, Saltwater Taffy follows the lives of five friends as they uncover a treasure map that once belonged to the ruthless New Orleans pirate, Jean Lafitte. The discovery thrusts them from one treasure hunting adventure to the next as they try to out-wit, out-think and out-maneuver everyone from a one-legged junk yard man and an overbearing town bully, to the creepy old man living at the top of the hill. Saltwater Taffy is a race to the finish adventure that will capture your heart, again and again!

Yes…you read that correctly. A “saweet” synopsis…hehe, oh just say it out loud, no wait…yell it! (Fun, right?) Just a warning for those of you that tend to pick up the verbal patterns of characters in the books you read….you’ll no doubt find yourself saying this one word exclamation time and again. Seriously! After I finished it, a coworker happened to say it which promptly sent my mind reeling back to the story and my mouth sharing a few key details on why their “word of the day” tickled me so. Gotta love how bookish conversations can get their spark from almost anything. ^_^ Anywho…back to the story here…

So, as you just read…there IS a treasure hunt for the infamous pirate’s lost haul; one that is all consuming to this quaint little town. No really! A new clue has been released over the past few years (this being the third to be exact) and each one leads to a treasure of one variety or another…but never has the big mother load of gold and doubloons (or other oldish coins) been found. Until now…or at least they have a pretty good idea where to start looking for it. The “they” in this case are five friends who couldn’t be more different than one another but in the end are stronger for it.

There’s Scott Martin, aka Scooter, and his big brother Gary….a healthy relationship there, much more so than usually portrayed in books with siblings. Next we have Jimmy, a big kid (as in size, not age) that takes a lot “for the team” but eventually finds his footing making them respect him even more. Then there is Zippy, one smart fellow and loves a good puzzle making the treasure hunt a double win for him…but he’s working through the loss of his father not-so-many months ago so he has his own trials to deal with. Last but not least, we have Jaq…aka Jacqueline; yep, a girl and she can hold her own and then some too! She’s an ace when it comes to pitching, or throwing anything for that matter, always hitting her mark and a blast to be around…but her challenges are fitting in with everyone else, especially the clique-y girls at school. Now we’ve covered the “good” guys, let us not forget a few other noteworthy souls that give this adventure an extra little oomph…

You’ve got Ms. Benson, the town librarian who dispenses knowledge as often as books; plus you have to love her summer reading group, pirate themed of course! Harley “Fatman” Jensen, the ice cream parlor owner, plays an interesting role for an adult. He’s definitely in touch with his inner child and realizes the importance of following your heart (which might explain the supposed loose end involving him near book’s end…*ponders*). Old Man Sheesley is a hoot with his never ending quest to find the treasure and at any cost…after all, the odds are in his favor as he’s the one who solved the last TWO clues! (Odds, smods…it’s brains and courage that matter!) Yes siree…it’s a “motley” crew but a wonderful one at that and the range of personalities and types represented just speaks even more to the positive messages it aims to convey. Wait a minute…I didn’t touch on those messages yet, did I? DOH!

Remember how I said this was more than an adventure story, right? Here’s the “more”. At the end of every chapter (well, almost every) is a “Treasure Tip” and said tip is a positive statement about life, friendship, the works. From “Your imagination can lift you up or down. It’s up to you.” (pg 97) to “Friendships are memories. Make them often.” (pg 153), they are there to inspire and bolster the ever forming sense of self that young readers are reaching for but also serve as a GREAT reminder of values that may have been dropped by the wayside on the road to becoming a grown up. (*darn bumpy road_continues search for universal paver*)

You see, it’s easy to worry about the bad all whether things that have happened or might possibly come to pass…but what about all the good? We can’t just let that slip out of our grasp or we’re left with a big steaming pile of…nothingness. It’s all doom and gloom with seemingly no way out…ever; trust me, I’ve slipped on that banana peel of life a time or two (who hasn’t?). The time spent worrying didn’t net us anything but MORE worry…but the happy times and remembrances of them, they were and are able to give us more joy in return than we can measure. It’s almost along the lines of “The Secret” …if you put your faith and energies towards the good things in life and what you want to accomplish, the universe will respond in kind. Now, I can’t say whether or not THAT’S true…but I will say this: reflecting on the positive in life will always bring a smile to your face and a lightness to your step, and what on this green green earth could possibly be wrong with that?

In conclusion, a treasure of a story in more ways than one. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, you’ll marvel at how every varied piece comes together to become this one wholesome picture. It’s truly a surprising book…and I mean that in the best way possible. As the author says….

“Always remember…every moment is another adventure waiting to happen.”

What will be YOUR adventure today?

Author Eric Delabarre aka "Uncle E"

Special thanks to author Eric Delabarre for the review copy…and nifty bookmark. (THANKS!) For more information on this book, check out the official website or ‘like’ the Facebook page. To discover more works by the illustrator (did you know he worked on “All Dogs Go to Heaven” and “Anastasia”?), stop by R.C. Nelson’s official website or the SAWEET Store. To see what the author is up to next, be sure to check out his site, ‘like’ him on Facebook or follow along on Twitter. Speaking of “up to next”, a little birdie told me that a live action film is in the works for this book…something along the lines of “Stand By Me meets the Goonies, but told in the style of Forest Gump”. *adds to must see list* One last thing…if you are looking to expand your adventure with this book further or perhaps utilize it in a classroom setting, don’t miss Another Piece of Saltwater Taffy, a workbook designed to help in that process.

Until next time…happy reading!

We have a winner...no, wait...TWO WINNERS!

2012-02-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

Time to announce a winner or two of the recently ended contests here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. This time around you had a chance to win one Young Adult title and one Storybook. Without further adieu, the winners are...

~~NomFree~~

Correction...make that NO WINNERS
....for the copy of Lifting the Wheel of Karma by Paul H. Magid courtesy of Tribute Books Blog Tours... *sad face* ....

and

Juju @ Tales of Whimsy

...one copy of Pink Tiara Cookies for Three by Maria Dismondy + a tiara cookie cutter courtesy of the author!

*and the crowd erupts with enthusiastic cheers*

Congratulations!

The winners have been contacted and I'm simply awaiting their response with mailing information. Should they not respond in the given time frame, I'll draw another name; it's not my favorite thing in the world, but rules are rules. Special thanks to Nicole at Tribute Books Blog Tours and author Maria Dismondy for the chance to participate in their fabulous tours. (THANKS!) For more information as well as their full catalogs, check out their websites through the links above!

Now if you didn't win this time, no worries...there's still ONE contest up and running right now, and who knows what's on the horizon! Just remember, you can't win if you don't enter....

Until next time...happy reading!

CONTEST: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

2012-01-31T12:24:00.001-06:00

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to post two of the day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place that despite having less than stellar computer access at times, is still determined to churn out the best bookish posts for YOU!

We started the day with a Teaser Tuesday post, or as I like to call them a Taste Testing Tuesday post, featuring a title just making its debut into the literary world. It comes to us from a writer who makes her living as a bookseller in Alaska of all places (how ironic the book takes place there, no? ^_^) and is now tacking on the title of "published author" to her own personal coat of many colors. (Congratulations!) Curious about the book? I thought you might be. Read on my friend, read on....

From the publisher....

Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--he breaking under the weight of the work of the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the season's first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young, blonde-haired girl running through the trees.

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side, skims lightly across the snow, and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel struggle to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they come to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent place things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform all of them.

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Sounds good, no?

I know I was intrigued when I first heard about it and as it is my current read, I can honestly say...so far, so good! It's moving but not in that fast paced action sorta way...more in a quiet, emotionally striking tone that has you lingering on each page for a moment to see if there is some piece you may have overlooked and can absorb once again. It's really quite good....and as I make my way through the book, I am MORE than pleased to share this bit of good fortune with you.

Thanks to the great folks over at Hachette Book Group (Hi, Anna! Thanks!), I am pleased to bring you the chance to win 1 of 3 copies of this title for your reading pleasure. *insert fanfare here* Here's the scoop...

The prize:

1 of 3 copies of the The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

How to enter:

Just fill out THIS FORM and you're in it to win!

(Is the link big enough for you? LOL...and yes, there are opportunities for extra entries...)

The rules:

Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.

No P.O. Boxes please.

Entries accepted Tuesday, January 31st, 2012 through Tuesday, February 14th, 2012 midnight CST.

Though comments are lovely (and most appreciated! ^_^), you must fill out the form in order for your entry to be counted.

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So, there you have it.

Another chance for you to win BIG!

So spread the word, follow along, leave a comment...just be sure to FILL OUT THE FORM before the deadline so you don't miss out on your chance to win this great new title.

Good luck to all that enter!

Until next time...happy reading....

Taste Testing Tuesdays

2012-01-31T08:44:00.001-06:00

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...one new release that you'll want to take note of...for several reasons.

Ready for a taste?

Here we go!

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How could she speak her surprise? Such delicate features, formed by his calloused hands, a glimpse at his longing.
-- pg 44, The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

This is a rather unique story thus far in the fact that it's not "fast paced" by any means and yet still incredibly sweeping with its narrative. You'll feel whisked away to the barren North. Delight in the smiles that creep their way into the daily bleakness and wallow (though not for TOO long) in the heaviness within their hearts. I'm quite curious where the story is going to go actually and have high hopes for its progression. Curious about this newly released title? Click HERE for more details from the publisher's site...and STAY TUNED because their just might be another post today you'll DEFINITELY want in on. How so? You'll see. ^_^

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag

2012-01-30T09:15:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Ready for a peek inside?

Here goes....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Review

The Stone Trilogy, Book 1: The Distant Shore by Mariam Kobras

(courtesy of MaryChris at Buddhapuss Ink, LLC)

Toted as a "chicklit with a light twist of suspense"...I was intrigued. The book blurb further increased my interest as well as a very interesting letter from the author to potential readers. Obviously, I was convinced! The BLOG TOUR is under way RIGHT NOW (and swinging through SFIR during the first part of February) so be sure to check out all the fun from glimpses inside the cover to giveaways!

The Tide Changers by Sandy Green

(courtesy of the author)

A parent lost, two children with a startling secret...sounds good, right? I think so and will be sharing my reading adventure through this kid lit title. Though I won't be tackling this watery gem until later this year, that doesn't mean that YOU can't check it out in the mean time via the author's site....so feel free and spread the word!

--------------------------------

Won

The Shamra Chronicles

Book 1: Curse of the Shamra

Book 2: Shamra Divided

Book 3: Chaos Unleashed

by Barry Hoffman

(via contest on the official site)

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That's all she wrote!

So...anything catch your eye?

What did you get this past week?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!

Saturday (Book) Matinee

2012-01-28T19:24:00.001-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be for bookish fun in its many formats. What's that? Curious about the many formats comment? Aww, I knew I couldn't get anything passed you guys... ^_^

I've seen posts around the blogsphere featuring book versus movie discussions and I think most of us can agree, the book is almost always better than the movie....almost. It's the inclusion of that one little word that sparks so much conversation and it seems that there's been a slew of books-turned-movies being released (and coming soon) as of late. With my penchant for chilling out with a good book, I share my experience....but what of my somewhat equal (OK, slightly less but still they get high marks) love of movies? I mean the popcorn alone (with extra butter and a diet coke, please!) is enough of a reason to go but add to that an hour or two of visual entertainment and BAM...a fairly good winning combo.

So, not to step on any virtual toes as this post was inspired by all those that came before me, bit this post will pop up from time to time when the viewing was fresh and the source was bookish. Speaking of which, today's feature film just so happens to fit the bill for discussion...nice coincidence, huh? ^_^

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Based on the first book of the lengthy and ever growing Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich...this was my first exposure to both the character and the author. Now, a few truths to share....

1. I've heard from a few friends that the book series is great.
2. The previews looked interesting enough...and starring Katherine Heigl was a plus (I generally like her movies...good actress for the roles she chooses).

Those factors taken into account and I was on my way to the movies. Having watched the 2 hour or so flick, I can add a few more truths as I see them to my list.

3. Stephanie Plum is an interesting girl....probably be fun to know her in real life.
4. The movie was good...but felt drawn out. Made the flow of the story seem REALLY slow.
5. The guy who played Morelli (probably spelled wrong...sorry!) was a cutie... ^_^…as was Ranger but um, yeah...lose the name.
6. This is one book I'll be adding to the future read list.

Yep. Despite the small drawback mentioned, I think in book format it'd go over nice and easy....kind of like that egg breakfast Morelli made for her. Doubtful it would suffer the same stagnant feel of the movie what with the shorter length of the books, making each installment that much easier to jump to.

So...what are your thoughts?
Have you read the series? Seen the movie?

Seen a different book come alive on the silver screen?

What'd you think?
I'm all ears...

Until next time...happy viewing...and happy reading!

The Roving Reader

2012-01-27T21:26:00.001-06:00

So...had planned on a bigger post today but life (or rather work) got in the way. This one should suffice though; after all, it has chances to win AND a new book to check out. I'd call that a winning combo. Speaking of winning...two contests here on the site right now....both end very soon so be sure to check them out, the links are in the right hand column under "Current Contests".

Second...the bookish find. Looks like a new series and ooh...it's called....

BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING,
A Library Lover's Mystery
By
Jenn McKinlay

...sounds good to me! No really...the cover is lovely but even the synopsis sounds like a fun read.

So my fellow readers....what have spotted in the reading wild recently?
Do tell!

Until next time...have a great weekend...and happy reading!

WAT!: The Bro-Magnet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

2012-01-26T09:12:00.002-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you simply need a bookish break in your day and nothing more; well, almost nothing. ^_^ We've done a review or two so far this week, and introduced you to a new work from an author dedicated to helping children be the best that they can be (with contest!), so today, we're taking a mini-break and re-introducing a MEME of my own creation that doesn't get to see the fair light of a bloggy day all that often to present you with a recent release because really....

WAT!

Now on to today's feature...

The Bro-Magnet

Lauren Baratz-Logsted

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From the author....

Women have been known to lament, "Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." For Johnny Smith, the problem is, "Always a Best Man, never a groom." At age 33, housepainter Johnny has been Best Man eight times. The ultimate man's man, Johnny loves the Mets, the Jets, his weekly poker game, and the hula girl lamp that hangs over his basement pool table. Johnny has the instant affection of nearly every man he meets, but one thing he doesn't have is a woman to share his life with, and he wants that desperately. When Johnny meets District Attorney Helen Troy, he decides to renounce his bro-magnet ways in order to impress her. With the aid and advice of his friends and family, soon he's transforming his wardrobe, buying throw pillows, ditching the hula girl lamp, getting a cat and even changing his name to the more mature-sounding John. And through it all, he's pretending to have no interest in sports, which Helen claims to abhor. As things heat up with Helen, the questions arise: Will Johnny finally get the girl? And, if he's successful in that pursuit, who will he be now that he's no longer really himself? THE BRO-MAGNET is a rollicking comedic novel about what one man is willing to give up for the sake of love.

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Odd choice for a female reader?

Not really.

Consider it the male equivalent to a beloved chick-lit/chick flick favorite, Bridget Jones Diary. After reading the sample (30+ pages!), the first thought that popped into my head is....wow, so THIS is what happened to Bridget Jones' brother...if she had one! No really! It's as coarse and as brash as the works mentioned; full of that down trodden and yet persevering spirit we love. It's the other side of the proverbial coin in the world of relationships or lack thereof....and an interesting perspective to view things through (did I mention funny? Yep...definitely funny!).

Final thoughts...what a tease!

Will it make it into my reading rotation? Only time will tell....but if the preview is any indication, this should certainly be one to watch for. Curious to find out more? Check out the extended sample on Amazon...but be warned teeny readers, I'm recommending this one for older teens through adults only.

For more information on the author, be sure to check out her website, 'like' her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter!

So...questions? Comments? Thoughts?

Is there something YOU'VE been teased with as of late?

Feel free to share any and all...

*grabs wish list and pen*

Until next time....happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Pink Tiara Cookies for Three by Maria Dismondy, Review + Contest!

2012-01-25T00:02:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the blog that aims to take you behind the cover, straight to the heart of the book.

Today we play host to an author blog tour that’s been making its way through the blogosphere (for a complete listing of the participating sites, just click here) with a very important mission….to stop bullying in its tracks. Didn’t think you’d encounter that with the title of today’s post, now did you? Uh-huh…but you see my friends, bullying comes in many shapes and sizes…even the overly pink variety. Before I delve too deep into the story, please allow me to introduce, today’s book of choice courtesy of author Maria Dismondy…..

Pink Tiara Cookies for Three

Maria Dismondy

Illustrated by

Cary Pillo

From the author’s site…

Sami’s perfect life falls apart when the new girl moves in next door. Sami doesn’t need another friend, she has Stella. They are the perfect example of best friends. Mittens come in pairs and so do friends, according to Sami.

Bullying can be very subtle, but it hurts just the same. Three can be a tricky number with friends because most of the time, someone gets left out. Follow Sami as she discovers how to keep her best friend and find room for one more in Pink Tiara Cookies for Three.

One of the many things I love about this author's work is her continued dedication to address those issues that are uncomfortable for children (of any age really) in a non-threatening storybook form thus allowing them not only the enjoyment of reading but also the chance to learn a valuable life lesson in a welcoming environment. One of her biggest focuses….bullying in its many forms. What, you didn't think it was merely that kid that's 3x bigger than you demanding your lunch money now did you? In today's world, we not only have to worry about in your face obvious bullying, but cyber bullies, family bullies, and those not-so-obvious ones. This book takes a look at the later pink-clad and often unintentional variety.

Sami and Stella are best friends...excuse me, were best friends...until Jasmine moved into the neighborhood. She was a friendly enough girl simply looking for a place to fit in...but Sami wanted none of it. In her mind, two was fine, but "three's a crowd". Her Mom suggested she give Jasmine a chance but from the look on Sami's face...I don't think that chance is coming anytime soon (gotta love those expressive illustrations). What follows is your typical bout of jealousy and acting out but also the potential ruination of not only a friendship by the possibility of one. It’s not like Sami set out to purposely make Jasmine feel like an outcast…she simply wasn’t thinking about the feelings of those outside of her self. However “innocently” done though, it’s still a form of bullying and one that hurts just as much as any other.

Wow...in that context, how can that NOT be seen as bullying? Brings a whole new shade of ugly to the phrase, you know? I mean, sure you say it in jest sometimes to your friends but if you really think about it, it could seriously hurt some feelings. Having a best friend is a wonderful thing, but making room for one more is even more special. Why? For the simple fact that you're helping someone else find their place in the world, making them feel welcome in otherwise foreign surroundings. We're all the "new" kid at some point or another (been there, done that MANY times). Remember how you felt standing in front of your class on the first day of school, introducing yourself to a room full of strangers. Wasn't it easier when someone made the effort to reach out to you? It's not a situation that's exclusive to children though....bullying (though it's rarely called that in the adult world) is still bullying at any age and that "welcoming party" is a happy moment indeed when encountered in a new city, at your new job, or even out on the town.

Author Maria Dismondy

If we make an effort to be more open, friendlier to our fellow man no matter our age....imagine the world we could live in. No more children afraid to go to the bus stop in the morning. No more teens seeking out gangs for protection from other gangs. No more adults committing crimes on a grand scale simply for revenge against the slights they felt were perpetrated against them. A peaceful future to say the least...but in order to get there one day, we have to take the first steps TODAY.

Recommended read for all ages with a message good for one and all. The delightful illustrations will enchant the eye while the story speaks to the heart. Speaking of that story….the author also included suggestions for role-playing with your children to better help them understand why Sami’s actions are inappropriate, how it could have been handled better and additional material to be explored online to aid in building their character. A well rounded package of goodwill from this author’s heart to yours….I’d say that’s one reading experience I’d like to share with the world. Thanks to the author…I have a way to spread the message even further…

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As part of the PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE BLOG TOUR, I have the honor of offering you a chance to win! Here’s the scoop…

Prize:

(1) copy of PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE by Maria Dismondy + tiara cookie cutter!

How to enter:

Just click HERE and fill out the (incredibly easy) form.

Rules:

Entries accepted through Tuesday, January 31^st, 2012 midnight CST. Winner will be announced by Thursday, February 2^nd, 2012. US and Canada addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please.

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Special thanks to author Maria Dismondy for the chance to participate in this tour as well as the review copy. (THANKS!) For more information on the author as well as her full body of works, be sure to check out website, ‘like’ her on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. To purchase a copy of this book for you, a friend, or a friend of a friend, it is available online through several retail outlets including Amazon…but for a SIGNED copy from the author, you’ll want to purchase through her website.

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour as it continues through the end of the month; yesterday, Seven Thirty Three….today, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…tomorrow, Crypto-Capers Reviews.

Until next time…good luck everyone….be kind to each other…and happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

2012-01-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...an adventure steeped in history that aims to find buried treasure!

Ready for a taste? Here goes....

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Dad said that one of the biggest secrets of life was loving yourself in your own "different-ness". Yeah, sure, it takes guts, but who wants to be like someone else?
-- pg 25, Saltwater Taffy by Eric DelaBarre

I couldn't agree more...and with wonderful phrases like this scattered throughout the book, I'd say this one does more than simply entertain; it empowers. Add to this the "Treasure Tips" at the end of each chapter and you have one great combination that's sure to speak to young readers round the world. This started out for me as a "roving reader" find once upon a time and now I'm digging for buried treasure along with the kids from the story. While I'm still unearthing the possibilities, feel free to explore more on your own and check out the official website.

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

A journey into imagination like no other....

2012-01-23T15:17:00.001-06:00

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of....oh, wait a second. Wrong channel. Hehe. ^_^

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be bookishly delighted any day of the week....despite the health of this reader. Oye! This cold....if it doesn't go-away-never-come-again-another-day soon, ugh. I swear...one of these times I'm going to blow my nose and my brain is just going to PLOP...come right out with everything else. *grabs new box of tissues* Anywho, enough about my mucus-fest though I know you're enraptured by it all (hehe), let's dive into today's post.

The featured titled is the first of a trilogy, the rest of which is still to be published....but even if it was left to sit by its lonesome for some time (not that I want that...I REALLY want book 2 pronto!), the spotlight it seeks, it most certainly deserves. It's an adventure. It's a journey. It holds a little piece of us all within its grasp and dangles it just outside of arm's reach to tantalize us some more. It can be categorized as (older) Children's Fiction or Young Adult but no matter what label you slap on it, it still remains one of a kind (unless you're looking at the images at the top of this post...then it's two of a kind with its little cover war...the black one is the final one I believe). Today's book of choice is....

Mathias Bootmaker and The Keepers of the Sandbox, Book 1:

It Is Said... by
Edward Medina
illustrated by
Niki Ciccotelli

From the author's site....

The world of Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox, Book One: It Is Said, is a fantasy full of mysteries, riddles and secrets.

It is the story of Mathias Bootmaker, a young man searching for the better parts of himself. His search for what he's lost begins an amazing adventure through a world of extreme imagination. A world he helped to create but a world he can't remember anything about. There's a dragon and a genius. There's a very scary little boy and a very gifted little girl. There's darkness and light, deadly evil and glorious good. It's the story of his life, the birth of creativity and the true power of the energy all around us.

In this tale of redemption, in order to find what he seeks, Mathias must save a people who were once great but are now, by their own hands, victims. He must help them face a terror that they themselves created. He must find a friend that has disappeared. Befriend a reluctant guide and rescue a very unique group of children trapped in a cursed castle full of tragedy.

The Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox Trilogy is a dream embedded within a nightmare. A maze inside a labyrinth. It reads like an adventure. It plays like a thriller. It's designed to make you question every place you go and every character you meet. It's designed to be a puzzle you must solve. It's meant to blend grand fun and fright in the tradition of Carroll and King.

Turn the pages. Follow the path. Keep an eye out for clues. Beware of traps. But most important of all... you must not fear the Darke.

Sounds good, right? Oh buddy...you know it is...but it can tend to stray into the neighboring land of confusion at times as well if one doesn't keep their wits about them. Got your wits strapped down tight? Good. Let's take a walk through the world within the pages...our guide? A few of my status updates whilst adventuring through this ebook.

12/01/2011 page 24   18.0% "Fears Corners? Abandon All Hope Saloon? Count me in!"
Yes, yes. If you love word play, creativity and the use of imagination...this is DEFINITELY a book for you.

12/08/2011 page 57   43.0% "About half way through and STILL enchanted. Loving the world of Sandbox Harbour...."
Don't you just LOVE the name? Works so well with all our notions of the Sand Man and everything...not the scary one, the one that helps you sleep....

12/09/2011 page 84   63.0% "He just left the Inn Between heading towards Dark Academy. Sounds ominous, no?"
I did say there was a lot of playtime with the words and names didn't I? *checks back* Yep, sure did. The Inn Between is literally an inn...between the land he's travelled through and the ground he must cover if he is to make it to the academy. Oh, but don't let that term fool you. It isn't an actual academy in the classic sense of the world...more of a place where those that dare dream are locked away until they are either successfully a blank slate for life, willing to do as they are told and only that, never hoping for, dreaming of, or wishing for anything more....or simply remain. Okay, perhaps "remain" is too nice of a word here....umm, how about they simply live out their days locked away from the world and those they love dear so they can not infect the masses with their lingering sparks? Yeah....that's a little better.

12/09/2011    100.0% "Finished....for now. Definitely need to check out book two, especially with THAT ending! Review to come..."
Yep. That pretty much says it all. I thoroughly enjoyed this bookish romp through a land devoid of imagination and yet created by it. It's a conundrum all its own but one you'll gladly and willingly step into.

Author Edward Medina

From the moment you set foot in the saloon (opening sequence) to the moment you face the Darke (anyone have a flashlight?), you'll be swimming in a literary world that could have only been created by someone with a great love for all things creative.....and it certainly shows.

The characters are many and hauntingly memorable. Some shrink in size once their true nature is discovered while others will tower over like the giants their wills make them. The land itself is breath taking as one scene melts into another altogether different and yet the same on some level. It's a magical journey that explores the best and worst that imagination has to offer...and one that if you haven't had the chance to experience just yet....I strongly suggest you do.

Recommended read for older children through teens as the material can get a bit dark at times. Ebook for review courtesy of author Edward Medina. For more information on this book as well as his other works, feel free to visit him online or check out his Twitter feed ala the following links...

Author Twitter: http://twitter.com/loboed13
Series Twitter: http://twitter.com/mbkeepers
Author Page: https://sites.google.com/site/loboed13/home

Until next time....happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag

2012-01-22T22:24:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Ready for a peek inside?

Here goes....

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Review

Shore Excursion by Marie Moore

(courtesy of Tribute Books Blog Tours)

Blog tour coming through this March...stay tuned.....

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

(courtesy of Hachette Book Group)
Release Date: February 1st, 2012

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Won

Monad 12.21.12: The Awakening of Stella Steinar by T. Anderson

(via contest on Melanie's Book Addiction)

In the Bag!: Margaret Knight Wraps it Up by Monica Kulling

(via Tundra Books)

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Bought

Prom Queen Geeks by Laura Preble

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That's all she wrote!

So...anything catch your eye?

What did you get this past week?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!

Time to get a little....AUSTEN-TATIOUS!

2012-01-21T12:31:00.000-06:00

Hi there readers!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please your bookish tastes from A-Z...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Just what are those A-Z tastes? Hmm, that's a list for another day. ^_^

If you know me (and I think some of you do by now), you knew I couldn't stay away for long. Why? Oh let me count the ways! There are so many great books to share. Reading is a passion. Blogging is a similar passion though NOT AS intense (*hugs book*)....and all of you! That's right. All of my bloggy, bookish, and non-bookish friends out there that make it a point to stop by and say "hi", leave a comment or well-wishing thought, or simply read what I've shared. The friendliness of the blogging community is wonderful and I'm certainly glad to be a part of it. ~tear~ _tissue_ *ahem* Moving forward....

To answer a few questions, yes...I'm still under the weather. Yes, I send my thanks for all your kindness as my family treads the uncertain surgical-type waters ahead. Yes, I'll still be reading and blogging and making the most of those crazy lemons. Oh and yes, there's still a contest going on here at the site you should enter if you have a second (^_^). Last but certainly not least, YES there is moer to today's post than all of this...hehe....

Today...we're getting a little old-fashioned, a little classical literarily speaking but in a purely HERE AND NOW way. It's a soon-to-be-released work by a new-to-me author that seeks to join the ranks of the many in the more recent wave of Jane Austen inspired works. What's that? You've never heard of her? *blink*

Just kidding...or rather I know YOU are just kidding because there's simply no way that you could miss all the Darcy this and Darcy this, Jane here and Jane there that's been released in the past year or two. It's an all out craze...and that my friends is what I pondered when approached by today's featured author. You see, I'm not opposed to it all though not a fan by true fan standards but I can't help but wonder what moves an author to add themselves to the masses in a case such as this. So...author Alyssa Goodnight came calling with her new book Austen-tatious (releasing from Kensington Books, January 31st, 2012)...and I....I asked. Curious to see what she had to say? Read on my friends...read on....

Without further adieu....may I present, author Alyssa Goodnight!

*the crowd goes wild with ladylike gloved clapping*

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GUEST POST: Alyssa Goodnight

Latest work, Austen-tatious releasing January 31st, 2012

Question: What are YOUR thoughts on the "all things Austen" craze in literature in recent times?

Whether you're a fan or not, it is impossible to deny that Jane Austen has captured the hearts, minds, and attention of today's readers and authors. Her six novels, and to a lesser degree, her journals and letters, not to mention the BBC, Hollywood (and Bollywood) adaptations of her work, have garnered her legions of new fans nearly two hundred years after her death. Her work has inspired countless retellings, continuations, and spin-offs, and not only the historical sort. The slate of Austen-inspired works to be released in 2012 include my own novel, AUSTENTATIOUS, in which Jane herself takes a starring role as a modern-day fairy godmother; Nina Benneton's COMPULSIVELY MR. DARCY, in which Dr. Elizabeth Bennet mistakenly assumes Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley are a couple; Shannon Hale's MIDNIGHT IN AUSTENLAND, which chronicles a woman's Austen-inspired experience at a country house; Kim Izzo's THE JANE AUSTEN MARRIAGE MANUAL, in which the heroine wonders if it might still be possible to marry for money; and Diana Peterfreund's FOR DARKNESS SHOWS THE STARS, a dystopian retelling of Persuasion. And there are plenty more, believe me.

I have my suspicions about the Austen craze, and naturally they begin with the fact that Jane Austen was an intelligent, eloquent, witty writer with a deep understanding of the human heart and mind, a clever sense of humor, and a thorough grasp of character. In her six published novels alone she has given us, as readers and writers--not to mention producers, actors, and directors--so very much to inspire us. Many readers will only ever read a single one of her works--most likely an assignment for a literature class. Odds are it will be her masterpiece Pride & Prejudice. Very few classics are as thoroughly readable as Pride & Prejudice. Reading it feels almost as if you're having a gossipy chat with a somewhat old-fashioned, perhaps slightly wordy by today's standards, acquaintance. (I can tell you I never once felt like chatting with Ishmael, Ahab, or the whale while reading Moby Dick.) The storyline is at once intriguing and relatable: you can't help but wonder whether Darcy will overcome his pride and Elizabeth her prejudice. (And you're not alone if you fall even a little bit in love with Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy...). Pride & Prejudice is, at its heart, a romance. It's a romance that doesn't dwell on life's hardships and tragedies, focusing instead on the vagaries and love and courtship. And still, it's considered a classic.

Many people will tell you that they don't read romances. And yet they love Jane Austen. Pride & Prejudice is the story of two people who meet and immediately dislike each other. As the story progresses, they come to know each other better, overcome their differences, and eventually fall in love. Sounds like a classic romance storyline to me... And her other five novels can be similarly categorized. I think Jane Austen eases the way for readers who might be resistant to the romance genre. They can content themselves with reading a classic. Or, if they've exhausted Jane's offerings, they can move on to the authors who've taken up their pens to continue or expand upon her stories--these novels have a literary bent--they're brushing elbows with the classics. It's the perfect compromise, and everyone's pleased, because who doesn't love a happy ending?

This may explain why so many are willing to give Jane Austen a try, but it does not explain by half why Jane has developed such a devoted, almost cultish following. I believe the reason for that is her characters. A good writer may write any sort of character, but Jane's legacy is six books chock full of wonderful, memorable characters. It is not only Mr. Darcy that we love in Pride & Prejudice...although we do love him. But so too do we love Elizabeth (wonderfully witty and self-possessed) and Jane (lovely and kind), Mr. & Mrs. Bennet (the hilarity is perfection), Mr. Collins (so preposterous!), Lady Catherine de Bourgh (what presumption!), Wickham and Lydia (unbelievable!), and all the rest. They are what makes the book. Without these characters the writing might still be wonderful, but it wouldn't capture us as it does. It wouldn't have us yearning to carry on the stories, to imagine new situations and predicaments for these characters, to hold on to Jane for just a little longer.

AUSTENTATIOUS is my imagining of what might happen if Jane was still hanging around, supernaturally speaking. If she wasn't quite done with romance yet. If she was actively interceding on the behalf of the romantically challenged in the form of a fairy godmother. Fairy Jane to be exact. The book also taps into the Darcy mystique--the idea of a sexy, yet unapproachable man who, against all odds, becomes the stuff of daydreams... AUSTENTATIOUS is, at its heart, a romance--I did learn from the master.

So, why do you read Austen?

Mr. Darcy t-shirt from here; totebag from here

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So there you have it.Well said if you ask me....then again, I'm an outsider looking into the craze. What about you fair readers? Do you read the infamous works of Jane Austen? How about the continuations? Why? Feel free to share your thoughts, passions, and ramblings in the comments below! Special thanks to author Alyssa Goodnight for sharing her thoughts with us today. (THANKS!) For more information on her current works and those to come, feel free to check out her website, Facebook, or follow along on Twitter. Her latest work Austen-tatious is set for release January 31st, 2012 from Kensington Books. Here's a little peek inside the cover....

What happens when an eighteenth century literary darling magically pops up in the weirdest city in Texas? Magic and weird collide in AUSTENTATIOUS, the story of Nicola James, a left-brainer with a Jane Austen obsession and a carefully finessed life plan. A plan that doesn’t include an enchanted journal or an interfering fairy godmother, who just might be the spirit of Jane Austen herself.

When Nicola discovers her journal entries mysteriously whittled down to a cheeky bit of commentary on her life, she’s freaked first, skeptical second, and finally downright curious. She can’t help but keep writing, dueling really, with a two-dimensional fairy godmother she doesn’t totally believe in. Soon, the witty little notes start coming true, screwing with her plans, her head, and her life, and nudging her towards an impossible—and impossibly seductive—romance with a man who’s inarguably wrong for her. Nicola’s torn, trapped between a life that makes sense and a man who doesn’t, with “Fairy Jane” wedged in the middle, relentlessly rooting for another “Mr. Darcy”.

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Until next time....happy reading!

Life...

2012-01-20T23:27:00.004-06:00

Life...
....when it gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I'm cool with that...except one thing; my fridge is getting a bit full.

Still under the weather and the clouds aren't seeming to lift at the moment plus found out Mom has to have pretty significant surgery in a month or so.

*sigh*

So in lieu of rushing through a review or post that deserves it's time in the sun, I'm going to let things sit for today like one might with a big glass of the aforementioned beverage.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Until next time...happy reading...

The Roving Reader

2012-01-19T17:36:00.001-06:00

Such a cute book...and SO appropriate for how I currently feel. *ugh*

BEAR FEELS SICK
by
Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

So what have you seen when out and about?
Do tell!

Until next time....*ACHOO*....and happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Lifting the Wheel of Karma, Review + CONTEST!

2012-01-18T00:10:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the bookish place that's like a box of high end chocolates, you never know what you're going to get....but it's sure to be delicious. ^_^

Today we have a special guest on the site thanks to Tribute Books Blog Tours (thanks, Nicole!), as we play host to a stop on their current promotion for a rather unique book. It works in both the Fiction and Young Adult genres and carries a spark of something....different. How so? You'll see. Without further adieu, today's book of choice is....

Lifting the Wheel of Karma:

A Profound Spiritual Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Redemption

Paul H. Magid

From the back cover....

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape. He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India. If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy…for this sage knows far more than he admits.

Oh so many ways to go with this one. From page one, it is apparant that the author has a particular fondness for nature. Rolling hills, running streams, wild horses...the works; all are beautifully detailed as we explore Joseph's hometown in Montana. When we meet this young man, we find a troubled soul trying to make sense of the oddities that life has thrown his way...his means of escape, karate. To say he was a black belt would lower his standings...that's how good he was; of course, that's what nightmares about fighting for one's life will do sometimes, push you in real life to be able to handle everything and anything. Unfortunately for Joseph, there is one "anything" he couldn't see coming which leads to a chance (or is it?) meeting, a terrible (and strange) accident, and the beginning of a journey that would last a lifetime.

Admittedly his meeting with Lahiri and the accident that followed, through me for a loop. His desire to warn him about the impending failure was admirable....but I was left wondering, why? Who was he to him? Why would he show up out of the blue JUST to tell him not to participate in the coming fight? Then we have the fatal meeting with a GIANT deer....okay ALMOST fatal, but really a GIANT deer. I couldn't see where the animal fit into the puzzle being revealed. Was it a means to meet an end? Sort of. It's briefly touched on later in the story (thank goodness) and the explanation given makes sense even if it's more philisopical.

Once Joseph is confined to the wheelchair (told you it was a BIG accident), his spirits are dampered....understandably. It takes an unexpected news broadcast about an unusual form of "treatment" to break him from his cycle of self-pity and restore his hope. Hope is a powerful thing; it can move mountains when necessary and in this case, send a lost soul across the globe in search of a new future. His experiences with the sage (who shall remain nameless because it would spoil the surprise if I revealed it here....suffice it to say that it's a familiar face) are intended to heal his body yes, but more importantly his spirit for when balance is achieved in both areas, the soul can be at peace.

There were only two drawbacks I experienced during my reading adventure; both small, both connected but both mentionable. First, I didn't always connect with Joseph and his family. It could be the confusion that was abundant in his life from the nightmares to the fight matches but I wasn't always able to stand beside him in his adventure. That being said, the second occurance was a little outburst around page 102. It's so unlike the Joseph we came to know, so out of character that it felt off. I understand he's in a foreign land seeking out an unsual means to conquer his limitations but it simply felt like another person altogether.

Author Paul H Magid

The final reveals are unexpected but allow the journey to come full circle. Does he find enlightenment? Does he ever walk again? Yes and yes but those simple answers will not give you the same satisfaction as following Joseph's journey will. Who knows? You may even discover something about yourself along the way. A strange and at times complex journey, but one that was worth taking. It's not a story to be rushed through despite the short length of the novel. It's a story to be read, felt, and pondered. There are a lot of aspects of India's culture covered within the pages and ideas that may be foreign to you and me but if anything, that just adds a little something extra to the overall story. You're exposed to a culture far removed from many of us and yet shown the common threads we share; a surprise for certain, but an enlightening experience nonetheless.

Recommended for teen readers through adult. For more information in this title as well as the author's current works in progress, feel free to check out his official website or 'like' his Facebook page. To discover more about Tribute Books Blog Tours, be sure to visit their Facebook page. This is just ONE stop on a tour of many; to follow its progress, visit the official tour blog...and if you simply have to get your hands on a copy of this book now, it is available via Amazon (+ the Kindle version) and Barnes and Noble...but there's one more way to get your hands on a copy. CONTEST TIME!

That's right....thanks to author Paul H. Magid and Tribute Books Blog Tours, I am please to announce that YOU have the CHANCE TO WIN 1 of 3 paperback copies of the book! Exciting, isn't it? ^_^ Hang on, try to control your enthusiasm for a moment, there are a few NEED TO KNOW rules to read first. From now through midnight CST January 30th, simply leave a comment on this post with your email address, and BOOM, you're in it to win. Contest is open to US addresses only, no P.O. Boxes please.

So there you have it! Another bookish find to share and be shared...this time around it comes with a message that's good for the soul. Good luck to all that enter!

Until next time...happy reading!

Taste Testing Tuesdays

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-06:00

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...two books from the YA genre that couldn't be more different than one another and yet they both share an element of danger. Ready for a taste? Here it comes....

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I looked into his eyes -- they seemed to be on fire, not with anger, but something else. Suddenly our lemonade memory discussion seemed a lot less important.
-- pg 62, Emblem of Eternity, Book 1: Eternal Starling by Angela Corbett (ARC)

Read into that what you may, but rest assured there are some STRONG feelings bouncing around this one. Enjoying the general story, curious about the history of the characters as that hasn't quite been revealed yet...but there's also an aspect or two of Evie (our leading lady) that I'm not quit buying. Seeing as how I'm just approaching the mid point of the book....I'm keeping an open mind and enjoying the ride. Stay tuned...

It was as if the entire cavern was frozen, a nightmare tableau stripped of motion. Or maybe it was just that time slowed down, my horror so profound that one single second of gut-wrenching realization would haunt me for a lifetime.
-- pg 40, Escape from Furnance 2: Solitary by Alexander Gordon Smith (ARC)

A second helping of this fast paced title (totally blaming the slow finish on the fact that I'm reading it to someone else but hey, they're enjoying the heck out of it so that's gotta be bonus points, right?), it seems that Alex isn't the only one trying to get out of this living nightmare....or should that be, "not the only thing"? So far, as good as the first, can't wait to see where it leads...

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

In My Shopping Bag

2012-01-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

Ready for a peek inside?

Here goes....

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Review

Girl Meets Boy edited by Kelly Milner Halls

(courtesy of Lara at Chronicle Books)

He-said/She-said stories in a whole new light....sounds good to me! Released this month, check it out online or in a bookstore near you! Read and review coming soon....

Lucky by Craig Inglis

(courtesy of the author and Bostick Communications)

I have a feeling I'm going to need tissues for this little storybook despite it's positive message....that aside though, isn't little Lucky adorable?

How to Be a Best Friend Forever by Dr. John Townsend

(courtesy of Babs at PR By the Book)

Who couldn't use a few pointers on gaining and keeping a BFF? Be sure to check out the BFF Week blog tour that kicks off this week in celebration of the books release. For more details, check out their website or follow along on Twitter!

The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christopher Healy

(ARC courtesy of Kellie at Walden Pond Press)

If the title doesn't intrigue you enough, the story should. It features the Prince Charmings from four infamous fairy tales as they gain respect, notoriety and perhaps more importantly...their names! No really, haven't you ever wondered who "Prince Charming"actually was? High time we find out! This little beauty releases May 2012. In the mean time, be sure to check out their site, follow along on Twitter...and don't forget to enter to win a copy all your own on their GoodReads giveaway!

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That's all she wrote!

So...anything catch your eye?

What did you get this past week?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!

A splashy sequel worth two fins up...

2012-01-15T23:17:00.001-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to get your bookish fix any day of the week. Today we're splashing back into a series via its second installment. Book one rocked...but book two blows it out of the water, so to speak. They are mermaids after all...well some of them anyway, but before this review swims ahead of itself, allow me to introduce it properly. Get your wetsuit and surfboard, it's time to check out the choice waves with today's featured title...

MARINA'S TALES, BOOK 2:
THE MOON AND THE TIDE
By
Derrolyn Anderson

*WARNING - if you have not read book one, I suggest you do before diving into this book two. Though it could be read as a stand alone title, the character connections are just that much richer with the first "adventure" under your belt.*

We meet our friends just a short time after the last turn of the page. The excitement is high, the fashion jaw droppingly gorgeous, and the danger as real as ever. Marina's decision to have a life on land as well as at sea (temporarily at least) is about to have some serious consequences. Her love of surfing has grown...so much so that while she promises Ethan (her match made in heaven) that she will stay away from the water...especially her mermaid relatives....she just can't seem to help herself. The call of the wet and wild is too great and her desire to keep her promise leads to some dangerous nighttime activities. Ever dreamed of night surfing? Yeah...didn't think so...but that was Evie's solution to quenching her thirst so to speak and gaining that tranquility that a day on the water provided. Things were going well and Ethan was none the wiser...notice I said Ethan.

Although she may have thought her activities went unnoticed, they definitely were not. Someone was watching....waiting for just the right moment to set plans in motion so devious, so life threatening in every sense of the word..that I can't spill the beans on it here. Suffice it to say that Evie will have to call on all the powers her heritage has bestowed on her in order to escape the fate designed for her by someone else.

Sound complicated? Not really....but it adds another element of surprise and drama to the story that while unexpected, works well to keep readers on their toes. Just when you've settled in to a routine of sorts...BAM! You're sideswiped by the change of events. Good stuff indeed....now a few things to note beyond the greatness of the story....

I was right! (Oh come on...you know it's fun just to say that sometimes...) There IS something different about Evie, so be sure to pay attention for the big reveal. The revelation that there is an evil organization out to get Marina and her kind that doesn't involve the government is surprising....but just who makes up that group, even more so; again something to watch for because the details can get murky. Although Marina's personality is not manipulative or overtly flirty, it was nice to see her embracing her "talents"; she knew they'd provide the edge she needed to try and defeat the intentions of those around her...even if the results were a bit intense.

In short, a great follow up to the success that was book one (BETWEEN THE LAND AND THE SEA) and a series that Young Adult fans will want to make sure is on their radar. Marina's past may no longer be a complete mystery, but her future is still heavily veiled. She is unique in many ways and her relationship with land (Aptos sounds lovely), man (yoo-hoo...Ethan!), and sea is a rocky road at best; how it all fits into the big picture of things is gonna be interesting. Book three is definitely on my "to read" list...can't wait to continue the adventure and see what Marina's fate will be.

Recommended read for middle grade readers through adults. The PG13 nature of the writing keeps things even keel so it can be enjoyed by one and all. Ebook copy for review courtesy of author Derrolyn Anderson. (Thanks!) For more information on this series as well as her complete works, visit her online at http://www.derrolyn.com/

Until next time...happy reading!

The Roving Reader...sort of...

2012-01-14T21:19:00.000-06:00

Saw these while out shopping. Was immediately reminded of Emerson and Thoreau ala A SUMMER IN EUROPE by Marilyn Brant. Happy bookish memories indeed.
^_^

Think OUTSIDE the box...

2012-01-13T13:54:00.000-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to the Friday edition of Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers....the place to be when you could use a little bookish inspiration to start your weekend off right. Today we step into the land of imagination but not in the most usual way. It's a children's storybook from OwlKids that is bound to get readers of all ages thinking outside the box...literally. Without further adieu, today's book of choice is....

MY THINK-A-MA-JINK
by
Dave Whamond

It's Jack's birthday and like all little children he's excited to see what presents his party will bring....or rather not. You see, like many kids today who start off with a cell phone in one hand and a tablet PC in the other, the thought of another bright and shiny do it all for you toy just isn't appealing. I mean really, there's something said for being grateful one received presents at all but really....how many new serving robots or fancy musics players does one actually need? Thank goodness for one last present his sister discovers he somehow missed at the party.... (The horror!) ...for inside is the key to the adventure of a lifetime.

So...what was in the box? Ah, that's the million dollar question now isn't it? You see, it was something and nothing all at once. It was worth its weight in gold though weightless; unable to be traded yet shareable. It's not what it held (for it DID contain something) but what it unleashed...the power of IMAGINATION.

With a brief note on how to use it, a few "magical" words (*ahem*..."THINK THINK THINK-A-MA-JINK HULLA-BA-LOO RAZZA-MA-DOO!") and an open mind, Jack and his sister Marie were off on adventures like no other. Ever imagine being a 40 story tall monster bent on destroying a city? Jack did. Or how about traveling to a time before humans and the wild things roamed the earth? Jack did. How about turning your brother into Princess Stinkerbell? Marie did that...hehe....but you see where this is heading. Their creativity was set free and even when a potential disaster to their fun strikes, the potent cocktail of their creative juices could not be stopped for they had discovered the true secret to the present received, the power of imagination.

It can't be boxed...for long. It can't grow old and disappear...it merely matures. It can't be taken away from you....unless you let it be. It's an intangible gift that everyone is granted, but not everyone uses....of which the thought alone scares me. Can you imagine a world without imagination? What current and future wonders would we miss out on if this one simple element of our genetic makeup was removed? Something to ponder, yes....but that's a world I wouldn't want to live in (anyone for a trip to the moon?).

Recommended reading for all ages from the tall to the small. There's not an imagination out there that can't appreciate the message here ...and if you factor in the wonder filled drawings, you've gained those last few stragglers on that far side of the room over there (...yep, I saw you. You didn't think you could hide did you? ^_^). Review copy received courtesy of OwlKids. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, feel free to visit them online at www.owlkids.com or follow along on Twitter http://twitter.com/OwlKids

Until next time...happy reading!

The Roving Reader

2012-01-12T21:23:00.001-06:00

Okay, let's take stock on this cover a moment. First it's about an author...one point. Second, look at the bookish cover!
Verdict....love the cover art chosen and curious about the contents.

AGATHA CHRISTIE
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

How about you?
What are your thoughts?
Find anything interesting while browsing your local store recently?
My wish list is ready....do tell!

^_^

Fact, Fiction, or Just Plain Funny?

2012-01-11T13:05:00.001-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to…well, you know where you are, or you should anyway…and if you don’t perhaps you need to step away from the computer. Away I say!

What’s with the snarkiness of today’s post? I know, I know…not my usual style, but neither is the book I’m featuring and well, let’s just say some of it can rub off on you (or rub you the wrong way…take your pick). Without further fanfare and whoop-de-doo-ing because really, who needs it? Today’s book of choice...selected work…printed protégé from an author who should have known better (but didn’t because hey, it’s funny AND it sells!)….

The Internet is a Playground:

Irreverent Correspondences of an Evil Online Genius

David Thorne

*WARNING* All of today’s snarky remarks and slightly grayish humor should be taken with a grain of salt (or sugar if you prefer). They are intended to be made in good humor in light of the featured title and any offense caused to readers was unintended…unless you laughed, then THAT was intentional.*

Perhaps you’ve been to this author’s website before and witnessed his work first hand…than again, perhaps not. Hey, I don’t know what you do all day? To gain a little insight on him, in his own words (from the ARC back cover bio)…”..he reads too much, generally exceeds others’ tolerances, and listens to Linkin Park. He stays up too late, drinks too much coffee, smokes too much, hates getting up in the morning, and has offspring who thinks he doesn’t know what he has been up to when he deletes his Internet history.”

Yeah…that sounds about right…or at least it does once you’ve read his work. This is not a book to be taken seriously (hence the Humor genre in which it resides) but it is a book to be taken one sip at a time much like a dose of ill tasting medicine…you know it’s good for you, but it doesn’t change the fact that it can taste like the drippings from an oil pan. There are many topics covered within ranging from the benign to the OMG-you-did-not-just-write-about-that.

“Bill’s Guide to Everything on the Internet” is a condensed version of our multitude of social, search and shopping outlets with a penchant for the KISS method (stands for “Keep It Simple…Sally – well, in polite circles it is…) of description. Are they accurate? Some are (surprisingly) but mostly it’s just for kicks…or is it? (dun dun dunnnnn) Jetting forward some dozen pages we unearth “Ten Jobs I Would Rather Have Than Mine” that reveals the particular wonders of one day becoming a Fortune Cookie Writer (if you get a message from the future about a robot invasion in your next one…you know he met this aspiration) as well as a Forest Fire Lookout (though I’d be scared if he achieved this one…O-O), and everything in between (well not everything because then it would be called “A Million Jobs I’d Rather Have….”). Perhaps my favorite “conversation” in the collection is actually the first one you encounter about an overdue balance, an inability (or blatant refusal) to pay, and a drawing of a spider. LOL…I’m chuckling as I recall it right now…and getting strange looks from a passerby. *ahem*

Author David Thorne

Overall, a fun and funny filled read that I understood about 50% of the time…sorry, not everyone’s humor level revolves around a conversation about what type of monkey would be most useful. Yeahhhh. Scariest part? The introduction lists that the email conversations included…are all…verbatim. O-O I’ll let you digest that for a minute. *tick*tock*tick*tock* Might make you a little more wary the next time you send something out into the virtual black hole we call the Web. Anywho…recommended for older teens through adult readers. There is some questionable humor and offensive language, so it’s best to keep this one away from the kiddos. Just tell them the spider on the front will come to life if they touch it….

This little beauty was released in 2010 from Jeremy P. Tarcher / Penguin Group USA, and won via Shelf Awareness. (THANKS!) To pick up your own bright and shiny (okay, black and new?) copy of this book, visit a local bookstore near you or if you prefer, one of the multiple strands of the Web dangling before your eyes (okay, not literally…but pull up Google and believe me, they’ll dangle). For more information on the author or publisher, feel free to click on the links embedded throughout the post…I promise, they won’t lead anywhere questionable…well, not too anyway.

Until next time…happy whatever-it-is-you-think-you’re-doing (...and happy reading!).

^_^

Taste Testing Tuesdays

2012-01-10T12:36:00.005-06:00

Good morning (or whatever time it is where you are), everyone!

Welcome to another installment of Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Taste Testing Tuesdays was inspired by 'Teaser Tuesdays', a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

On the menu this week...one book I'm a little over halfway finished with that seems to hold more than meets the eye...and another that I'll be starting later tonight (hopefully), so we're BOTH getting a first taste. Ready? Time to tie the literary bib on...here come the teasers!

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Every person in the building, except Lahiri, was on their feet. They knew they were seeing something never before witnessed. Even the younger fighters who would be competing later stood mesmerized.
-- pg 46, Lifting the Wheel of Karma by Paul H Magid

So the author's love of a beautiful landscape is obvious as is his tendency to describe things in vivid detail...but answer me this; who is Lahiri? What's with the GINORMOUS deer? The dreams...prophetic? I need answers! Hopefully they are forth coming as this is the book I'm speeding through currently. Watch for the blog tour to swing by next week...in the mean time, check out the sites on this week's itinerary!

This was no time to be choosy. The monsters were so close I could hear the ragged breaths in their throats. We reached the first of the round doors, skidding on to our knees beside it, twisting the lever and lifting the heavy hatch.
-- pg 50, Escape From Furnace, book 2: Solitary by Alexander Gordon Smith (ARC)

O-O...umm, yeah. I had actually won book 1 and an ARC of book 2 some time ago, so my cover is actually scarier looking than this one (if you can believe it). Sounds like its gonna be just as good as (if not better than) the first book, which I finished this weekend and will be reviewing shortly (if I can finish re-reading the ending to a family member that I sorta read ahead of..hehe). Stay tuned...and keep the lights on.

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Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

*Grab your current read

*Open to a random page

*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

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

*Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

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Until next time....happy reading!

A tiny bookish break in your day...

2012-01-09T12:30:00.001-06:00

Hi there!

Welcome back to another exciting week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers….the place to bookishly celebrate the New Year every day of the week.

We're doing things a little different today as the featured title is a "little" different as well. Check out the book trailer below for a glimpse at the creative wonder we'll be exploring....

Today’s post may be tiny in stature but it’s big on content. It shows how much can be said with so very few words…and just how an accompanying pen and ink drawing can help to bring it all to life. In keeping with the spirit of the book, I’m aiming for a short post today (stop laughing…I can do it!). May I please introduce the book of choice? Thank you! Today's featured title is.….

The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Volume 1

From

HITRECORD and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Yes, that double take you just did WAS warranted as the “director” of the project is a famous actor (aka RegularJOE)…and yes, I said director. You see this unique little creation is a group effort in which stories submitted on their website are worked, tweaked and finalized to reveal the true splendor within. In other words, YOU can contribute, possibly be included in a future volume, and help other creative souls like yourself reach their full potential despite the miles between you. Pretty cool, right? I thought so.

From the wondrous packaging of the words to the illustrations lighting up each page with even more imagination, this is not merely a book but a work of art. Each page has some profound or amusing tale relayed in as few words as possible but always getting to the heart of the matter. My favorite? Hard pressed to narrow it down to merely one as so many will speak to you as you page your way through this one, however being the book fan that I am page 68 and 69 expressed the joy of a trip to the bookstore rather well. If I may quote….

“His hands were weak and shaking from carrying far too many books from the bookshop.
It was the best feeling.”

See? Add to that the included illustration of a young lad peering over same said stack and it’s irresistible. There’s hardly a page turned where a smile, thoughtful pause, or tear can’t be found. Don't believe me? Check out this two page spread of wonder...

...or perhaps for something a tad more sinister....

O-O.

The mini-versions of the interior images included within the front and back covers add to the overall whimsy of the book and give readers something else to explore as they prepare to take a tiny trip to the land of the written word.

At book’s end, you are left with this parting phrase….

The universe is not made of atoms; it’s made of tiny stories.

How poetic and yet so very true. So I ask you readers...what will be your contribution to the tiny story you star in today? Whatever it may be, make it count.

Recommended read for all ages as some aspect of the work can be enjoyed by one and all. Little ones will enjoy the illustrations, older children the humor, adults the combination of both as well as the tiny details included within each. It’s truly a remarkable work and plainly shows that it’s not the length of a book that matters so much as the content. Review copy received courtesy of Joel at It Books / HarperCollins Publishers. (Thanks!) For more information about this title as well as their full catalog of works, seek them out online, or follow along on Twitter.

Until next time…happy reading...stories BIG and small!

In My Shopping Bag

2012-01-08T22:52:00.001-06:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren.

Through her guidelines, your post does not actually have to be named the same and thus my post shall be..."In My Shopping Bag". (just fits with the "foodie" theme a bit better in my humble opinion)

This time around the post may be a bit longer than usual as I skipped a week or two in the posting process...but I'll keep the explanations short to help out a bit. My apologies for keeping these bookish goodies to myself. ^_^ Got your wish list ready? Let's take a peek inside my shopping bag then, shall we?.

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Purchased

After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy

Amy & Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Guyaholic by Carolyn Mackler

Knightley Academy by Violet Haberdasher

The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb

To Catch a Prince by Gillian McKnight

It's Happy Bunny: Life. Get One. by Jim Benton

Love Love Love by Deborah Reber

The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger

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Review

Lily's Little Life Lessons including...

Lucky Lily

Lily's Lucky Daddy

The Luckiest Girl

Lily's Lesson

by Rebecca Perlman Coniglio, LCSW

(courtesy of Lynn at Smith Publicity)

The Starlite Drive-in by Marjorie Reynolds

Graveminder by Melissa Marr

(couretsy of William Morrow / HarperCollins Publishing)

The Sword That Pierced My Soul by Barbara Hodgson

(courtesy of the author)

The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Vol. 1

(courtesy of Joel at It Books / HarperCollins Publishing)

...and the next grouping of ARCs and review copies came courtesy of Ksenia at Macmillan Children's Publishing Group...

52 Reasons to Hate My Father by Jessica Brody

Blood Wolf by Steve Feasey

Chained by Lynne Kelly

Struck by Jennifer Bosworth

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Minnie McClary Speaks Her Mind by Valerie Hobbs

The Magician's Apprentice by Kate Banks

Wicked Sweet by Mar'ce Merrell

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Received

...from my good friend Nayuleska ....

Sisters Red by Jackson Pearce

Perfect on Paper by Maria Murnane

Scenes From a Holiday by Laurie Graff, Careen Lissner, Melanie Murray

Alison Wonderland by Helen Smith

Declaring Spinsterhood by Jamie Lynn Braziel

Why I Let My Hair Grow Out by Maryrose Wood

............from my SantaThing Santa............

Rebel Angels by Libba Bray

....and a surprise ARC from St. Martin's Press.....

Switched by Amanda Hocking

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That's all she wrote!

So...anything catch your eye?

What did you get this past week?

My wish list is ready...do tell!

Until next time...happy reading!