Wednesday 30 May 2012

Review: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella
Publisher: Bantam Press
Pages: 384
Format: Hardback

A special Thank you to my friend Catriona for letting me borrow her book!

I've lost it. :( The only thing in the world I wasn't supposed to lose. My engagement ring. It's been in Magnus's family for three generations. And now, the very same day his parents are coming, I've lost it. The very same day. Do not hyperventilate, Poppy. Stay positive!! :)
A couple of glasses of bubbly with the girls at a charity do and Poppy's life has gone into meltdown. Not only has she lost her engagement ring, but in the panic that followed, she's lost her phone too. As she paces shakily round the hotel foyer she spots an abandoned phone in a bin. Finders keepers! Now she can leave a number with the hotel staff. It was meant to be!
Except the phone's owner, businessman Sam Roxton, doesn't agree. He wants his phone back, and doesn't appreciate Poppy reading all his messages and wading into his personal life. As Poppy juggles wedding preparations, phone messages and hiding her left hand from Magnus and his parents, can things get any more tangled?

Review:
I've been waiting for a new Sophie Kinsella for awhile now and I was very exited to receive this book in that mail from my friend Catriona! It was so nice of her to let me borrow it!

I really liked the preface of this book. Girl finds phone in bin; girl starts snooping the emails in said phone. She basically becomes Sam's PA. I love how nosey Poppy is! I mean, I'd do the exact same thing. I really would ;) She is very real. Poppy is a totally normal girl.I love this about her. She is totally relateable.

The plot is fun. There are a lot of funny one liners.  Some surprises, but mostly you're waiting for "the thing" tp happen. It is a bit predictable, but I don't necesarily think that's a bad thing. I like predictability. I thought the romance needs to be beefed up a bit. We only really got it at the very end and just a tiny sliver really. Not what I would expect from a Kinsella, but the ending was sweet.  just wanted more.

I'd say this is not as good as some of Kinsella's older work, but it is still good. It is a bit more on the serious side, and not as funny. But, there are plenty laughable moments and fun to be had.

I liked it! Makes me want to read some of her other books! Did you read it? What did you think?

Quote:
"It's his mother's birthday? But he didn't tell me. I don't have a card. I don't have a gift. How could he do this to me?  Men are crap."

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Top 10 *NEW* Classics

Top Ten Tuesday is an original meme at The Broke and the Bookish

The classics are the classics for a reason. They were beloved then and are even more cherished now. I'm hoping these ten picks are still being talked about in ten years time. Have you read them?

Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Why? If you don't know why, then you need to read it. I feel it should be required reading for all human beings.


Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Why? Think Harry Potter meets Narnia. Awesome-ness! This is an adventure series I'd love to live in. If the Fablehaven series never died, I'd be happy. 

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Why? I think this one has already reached Classic status. Best Cinderella re-telling ever written. Every girl needs to read it.

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
Why? I think this one has also made Classic status. A retelling from the Brother's Grimm. The series is for all ages and there is something so classic about it. I'm saying classic a lot aren't I?

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Why? I hope teenagers are still enamoured with Paris and St. Clair in 10 yrs. I think what makes this story so great is that Paris is a character in this book. You feel like you are there. And the love story is pretty great too!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Why? This is a phenomenon. I wonder what they think of our views of a dystopian future in 10 yrs? Will they find it barbaric? I hope they will be still loving this story. If you've not read, you should. It should be required reading.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Why? I love Twilight. There I said it. People can say all they want about the writing not being good etc. But, there is something there. We all were sucked into it until someone said it wasn't cool any more. Now people pretend they never liked it. I even love it when they say they hate it but read all 4 books. WHY would you read the whole series if you hated it? I'm still in love with Edward. The love story spoke me to. I hope people will love the books in yrs to come.

These is My Words by Nancy Turner
Why? This book is made of classic material. It is timeless. I feel women everywhere should read it. This is my favorite book ever. I felt every emotion here. I hope more people enjoy it!

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Why? I think this one has also already hit classic status. It is one of the best known non-fiction travelogues out there. Once you read it, you want to travel the world! I want to find more books like this.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Why? Come on!! It's Cassandra Clare people! Shadowhunters for the win! I hope people are still enjoying these books. They are so fantastic! I'm all over them!


Monday 28 May 2012

Audio Book: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by JK Rowling
Narrator: Stephen Fry
Length: 20 hrs 45 min

It is Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As Voldemort's sinister forces amass and a spirit of gloom and fear sweeps the land, it becomes more and more clear to Harry that he will soon have to confront his destiny. But is he up to the challenges ahead of him? In this dark and breathtaking adventure, J.K. Rowling skilfully begins to unravel the complex web she has woven, as we discover more of the truth about Harry, Dumbledore, Snape and, of course, He Who Must Not Be Named

Review:
I have a confession to make...I've not read the last 2 books in the Harry Potter series. Until now! I was very excited to get into this audio book. I knew nothing about it. I purposefully didn't see the film so I wouldn't ruin the book when I finally did read it. I went in blind.

This book is so full of adventure!I'm practically obsessed with this world. To be fair, I think most people are. It is so creative and eevrything about it intrigues me.

The narration is very good. I think Stephen Fry is getting better. I'm really feeling the different character voices he's created. It truly is an enjoyable audio book. I'm listening while I do my chores and it helps me take my mind off the mundane. Totally worth it to me.

You need to add Harry Potter to your list of audio book must haves. I'm blown away! One more book! How will it all end?! I don't know, I've not read it or seen the film so don't tell me anything!


Thursday 24 May 2012

Review: The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins

The Homeschool Experiment by Charity Hawkins
Publisher: Familyman Ministries
Format: Kindle


A special Thank You to author Charity Hawkins for sending me her book to review. 


Julianne Miller feels God nudging her to homeschool her three children. The only problem is, she has no idea what she’s doing. Julianne was her high school valedictorian, graduated from college with honors, and had a successful career in the business world. How hard could first grade possibly be? 

Her plans and schedules all look so good on paper. But when it comes to avoiding her preschooler’s public meltdowns, keeping her toddler alive and in a clean diaper, and getting through the morning without everyone dissolving in tears, Julianne is thinking she might not be quite up to the task. 

Can her co-op friends help her before she loses her mind or ruins her children for good? Or should she give up this crazy idea and prove her mother-in-law right? 

With refreshing humor and honesty, Charity Hawkins offers moms encouragement in their noble work at home, a chance to laugh at the moments only a mom would understand, and a reminder to cherish those gifts right under their roofs— those wild, irrational, precious people—their own children. Though the book deals with homeschooling, it also addresses the larger question, “What happens when you feel called to do something that seems entirely too big for you?”



Review:
I'm not a home schooler, nor do I plan on being one.My sister is though, and if I felt that it was needed I'm sure we'd consider it. But this book really isn't a how-to. Although it did have a forward from Todd Wilson of Familyman Ministries and ends with a list of resources for home schooling families. 


I read it as fiction. A story to be enjoyed. As a mother, I laughed out loud through most of the book. The stories are so...real. Hilariously so. If they happened to me I'd probably cry or something. But, happening to someone else's kids is just fine. Yet, we've all been there. Kids are unpredictable! If you're a Mom you'll really identify with this book. A lot of really great one-liners. 


I didn't really understand why Julianne was homeschooling to begin with. She stated she was doing it because her husband wanted her to do it, but then he wasn't involved in any formal way. Why do it then? I wanted to see more of a reason for undertaking such a daunting task as well as more fatherly participation if he was indeed the reason for it all.


This book is entertaining and fun. There are lessons to be learned and characters to identify with. I've not read a cute chic-lit-ish  book in awhile. It was fun!


Quotes:



"Indeed. I hate that store-bought baby food too. Which is why we feed our baby pizza."


"Vacations are so exhausting. They aren't vacations at all for the mom. They're just a week of stress in a new place preceeded and followed by a week of laundry,"


Tuesday 22 May 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite Non-Bookish Blogs

Top Ten Tuesday is an original meme at The Broke and the Bookish.

We talk so much about books that it is going to be nice to show you some other things I'm interested in. Here are a list of blogs that I read and enjoy on a regular basis.

  1. My Life in Scotland- This is my personal blog. Holla! I write about living abroad in Scotland and include pictures of my son--he is super cute!  
  2. The Departure Diaries- Our very own Friday reviewer, Christy's blog! Did you know she's a world traveler? Well, she is! Christy has been to 46 different countries and is making plans to move to Rome next year. This is her journey.
  3. Windtraveler- A couple sailing around the world! 
  4. Life is a Balancing Act- One of my friends and Christy's sister! She's pregnant with twins and has geat style and design. I come for the pretty pictures. 
  5. Honey We're Home- Design! I wish my home was as pretty as hers. She has some great ideas and tips. I think I just might try some.
  6. Post Secret- an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a homemade postcard. Reading Post Secret on Sunday morning has been my ritual for the past 4 yrs. 
  7. Bakerella- Home of the Cake Pop. I've never made a cake pop and I don't plan on it--looks way too hard. But she has lots of other sweet recipes and my mouth salivates.
  8. The Pioneer Woman- She lives on a ranch and does pretty much everything. Modern day Superwoman. I'm in awe.
  9. Making It Lovely-a blog about living a stylish life and transforming the so-so. 
  10. a la mode- attempting the magazine cover life as a maven mom and wife.
As you can see, I like to read about travel, motherhood, design, baking, and Post Secrets! I'm also a blog stalker. I love to see how other people live! What blogs are you reading?

Monday 21 May 2012

Review: Knee Deep by Jolene Perry

Knee Deep by Jolene Perry
Publisher: Tribute Books
Format: Kindle
Buy the Book: Kindle | Nook | Smashwords

A special Thank you to Tribute Books for sendin me this book to review.

Shawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.


Review:
I'm always excited about a Jolene Perry book. Her stories really speak to me. They always feel realistic and I can feel it happening to me. Not just reading about them.  I do have some personal experience with Ronnie's tale. 


Knee Deep is a very raw story. Emotional. There were times when I wanted to put it down. My heart was hurting a bit and memories were flooding back. I would say author Jolene Perry got it spot on. Abuse is a tricky thing. Those whom have never experienced it don't understand why someone could "stay" in the situation. The victim just doesn't see it that way. It's different. I felt a kinship with Ronnie because of this. I got her. I understood. The mother in me wanted to help her.


From the beginning I knew whom I liked better--Luke or Shawn. I knew from the first few chapters. There was a bit of The Summer I Turned Pretty vibe to it--which I loved! I don't want to give anything away, os I'll stop there. But, Jolene Perry writes the best kissing scenes! Love it!


If you are looking for something deeper, something with feeling, then this is your book. I consider Jolene Perry one of my favorite author's for a reason. I trust that she'll tell the best story possible. I've not been disappointed yet!

Website | Twitter  | Facebook | Blog
Jolene Perry's Bio:
Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of Night Sky and The Next Door Boys.

Saturday 19 May 2012

Mini Interview with Kristan Higgins

I'm a new fan f Kristand Higgins, but I love her already! Her contemporary romance novels are always believable. I love her characters and I can always find one I can relate with. If you've not picked up any of Kristan Higgins novels, you're in luck. I'm giving one away!! Let's get this sweet party started shall we?

What is the best part about being a published author? The worst?

The best part varies from day to day…sometimes it’s a letter from a reader, sometimes it’s tapping into the heart of the story. I love meeting readers and other writers, but the best moments are generally when I’m alone with my doggy, tapping away at my computer. If I can make myself cry, that’s usually a great moment.

The worst parts? The worst day writing is still pretty great. My process, for lack of a better word, consists of a lot of doubt and pondering, and there are times when I really wonder if I’ll be able to pull off the story. But I’ve come to realize by now that this is just what I do, so I don’t panic quite as much as I used to.  

What are some of your favorite books?

Oh, man, there are so many! I love anything by Eloisa James, Sherry Thomas, Jill Shalvis, Susan Andersen, Robyn Carr, Elinor Lipman, Elizabeth Strout…I should throw in a guy here, because I don’t want to seem sexist…I love Carl Hiassen. That man makes laugh till it hurts.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

I spend 4-6 hours writing (basically, when my kids are in school), then come home and do the other things most moms have to do—take my kids to lessons, make sure they’re all set with homework, fold laundry, etc. I work every day, even weekends. Even if I don’t have my laptop, the old brain is churning away.

Can you share a little bit about your road to publication - for your first book and for SOMEBODY TO LOVE?

Well let’s see. I started writing FOOLS RUSH IN about ten years ago. It took a lot longer, because my kids were tiny…maybe a year and a half before it was really ready for the world to see it. I was really determined to write a book that I loved and would sell, so romantic comedy seemed like the way to go.


It took about six months to find an agent, and she made a multi-book deal with HQN. FOOLS came out in 2006; CATCH OF THE DAY came out the next year. I wrote JUST ONE OF THE GUYS (2008) after throwing out 265 pages and starting over (that one hurt, let me tell you), then TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, which came out in 2009. Both CATCH and TOO GOOD won the RITA Award, which was a huge honor and a shot in the arm that I was doing something right. THE NEXT BEST THING and ALL I EVER WANTED came out in 2010, and I started writing two books a year. MY ONE AND ONLY was my first New York Times bestseller, which was a bucket-list dream. UNTIL THERE WAS YOU followed that in 2011. And now, in 2012, SOMEBODY TO LOVE!


The thing I’ve learned is that writing is always essentially the same. We don’t crank books out, because writing is really hard! It require a deep connection to a character we know inside and out, and a plot that keeps this character moving forward toward the person he or she was meant to become. So whether you’re Nora Roberts, who’s written 200 books, or a person trying to write a first manuscript, you’re in the same boat! Although Nora probably has better jewelry and a bit more confidence. 

If you weren't a writer what would you do?
 
I always thought I’d be a pediatric surgeon, but I’m starting to wonder if I’m a bit too old to start medical school. I wouldn’t mind being a gardener, especially at this time of year.      

Thanks for stopping by The Sweet Bookshelf Kristan! I can't wait to read what you come up with next!  

Thursday 17 May 2012

Confessions {2}

I love this tumblr!
  1. When that girl messed up my book blog design, I wanted to punch her in the face. I've been trying to get it back to normal ever since. I may have cried a little bit. Back up your blog people!! I feel like 3 yrs of hard work just got screwed.
  2. All my posts are always scheduled. I'm usually ahead 1-2 weeks. I like that. But, sometimes I need to take a blogging break for a week and get some reading done. That's what I'm doing this week. 
  3. I love to re-read books. Sometimes I need to re-read it right after I turn the last page. I just need to get into the story again. Some may say this is a waste of time. It is my time though, and I want to hold on to the magic just a little bit longer. 
  4. I read to escape. Sometime's I'd rather live in a book. 
  5. I want another series like Harry Potter or Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. I need some good adventure! Where are those books?!
  6. I currently have 14 books in my NetGalley queue and that makes me feel guilty. It has been a lot higher, but I'd like it to be 0!! I also have a small stack of paperback ARCs waiting. They're staring at me on the shelf.
  7. I really want to read City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare, but I'm waiting until I clear some of my TBR pile. It will be my reward. 
  8. I still prefer reading on my Kindle. I'm reading a paperback and it is totally taking me forever because it feels weird.
  9. I think I'd like to read some Non-Fiction. Maybe an interesting travelogue or something. 
  10. I donate almost all of the books I receive from publisher's. I wish I could keep them but I just don't have the space. I'm glad I get to donate but sometimes I wish I could keep everything. EVERYTHING. I'd love a library.

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Teaser Tuesday: I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella

Teaser Tuesday is an original meme from Should Be Reading




"I have no idea what to say next. I don't speak Japanese, I don't know anything about Japanese business or Japanese culture. Apart from sushi. But I can't exactly go up to him and say "Sushi!" out of the blue. It would be like going up to a top American businessman and saying "T-bone steak!" 


"It's his mother's birthday? But he didn't tell me. I don't have a card. I don't have a gift. How could he do this to me?  Men are crap." 

Monday 14 May 2012

Mini Interview with Julie Kagawa

I'd like to welcome author Julie Kagawa to The Sweet Bookshelf. I'm a huge Iron Fey fan and was eager for The Immortal Rules. I'm even MORE excited about the new Iron Fey series coming out this fall. Let's get this sweet party started!


SB: What is the best part about being a published author? The worst?

Julie Kagawa: My favorite aspects of being a published author is being able to do something I love every single day and to share that work with fans. It sounds trite, but I really would be writing whether or not it was my job. The fact that those stories are being read and (I hope) enjoyed by people all over the world is just… well, it’s incredible. There are days when I still don’t believe it.
There are lots of challenging aspects to being a published author. The biggest challenge for me is probably trying to juggle everything – writing (and meeting deadlines), interviews, signings, blog tours, etc… It’s funny, because I enjoy doing all of those things, but sometimes trying to do them all at once can get a bit overwhelming.

What are some of your favourite books?

I have too many to count! I’d say the author that’s influenced me most though is Neil Gaiman. I’d love to be able to write like him.

What does a typical writing day look like for you?

Average depends on whether or not I turn off the internet. J When I leave it on, I sometimes get distracted by the goings-on on Twitter. In general, though, I try and get at least 1,000 words per day. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes less, but that’s what I shoot for. If I’m doing something like NaNo (National Novel Writing Month), that jumps up to 1,667 words per day. And the business side of writing can make that number less sometimes… I love doing signings and marketing and interviews, but all of them take time away from the word count thing.

As for where I write, I have a home office. That’s pretty much where I do all of my writing. Sometimes I think about going outside to write, but the reality quickly outweighs the romance. Turns out, that’s where they keep all the heat and bugs. Who knew?

Can you share a little bit about your road to publication? If you weren't a writer what would you do?

I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was about 16. That’s when I started seriously trying to write novel-length manuscripts. Trust me, those early works were not things that should ever see the light of day.  Writing is a craft that takes a long time to learn and improve, and it took me fifteen or so years to get to the point where my work was of a publishable quality.
During that time, I pursued many different jobs… but most gravitated towards books or animals. Right before getting published, I was working as a dog trainer, and if I wasn’t writing, I would probably want to be training animals. All of my pets are trained (even the cats) and can do a variety of tricks in addition t the basic commands. Of course the cats only do what I want them to do when they feel like doing it… I think they have a little Grim in them.





Thursday 10 May 2012

Review: Uneasy Fortunes by Mandi Ellsworth

Uneasy Fortunes by Mandi Ellsworth
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Pages: 240
Genre: Adult Historical Romance
Format: ARC-Kindle

A special Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.

Battered by his past, Pete knows he has no business falling for anyone. But when time can’t heal a wound, love steps in to make it right. Based on a true story of the post–Civil War South, this gentle rustic romance will pull you in from the first page and leave you with a renewed hope in the power of real love. 


Review:
I have so many things going through my brain right now with this book I almost want to re-read it before I write my review. I just might. 


Uneasy Fortunes is set in one of my very favorite time periods and places. The wild west and late 1800's. Think, Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman time period. Don't laugh, I love that show. There is something that really speaks to me about this setting. I'm always in awe of the trials the women had to bear as well as all the hard work that goes into keeping up a farm or ranch. I love everything about it. 


I love the cover. It really shows what this book is about. Pete and June have both had a troubled past.  They have literally been beaten down and have risen from the ashes. Pete is my favorite character. He is quiet, reserved, hard working and loving. Not to mention he's got the muscles and body of a man who does manual labor for a living. What's not to like about that?! Oh, and he's patient. Very very patient. At times, he's too patient!! 


The story has a lot of flashbacks. I'm not really a fan of lengthy flashbacks. There were points when I was really getting into the story and then we were taken into a long flashback.  I really didn't want to go back 4,5,6 yrs. I wanted to keep going forward. I thought the story could have been told with not so much info in there.  You'll get the point across without so much back info on the characters. The flashbacks did hold pertinent information for the present story though. You learn why the June and Pete are the way they are. It's for character development purposes. 


I was really pulling for Pete and June. I wanted them to be together. I really wanted them to be happy and finally overcome everything they had been through separately and start a new life together. It was just the waiting game. Come on guys!! Get together already!! 


There is an Epilogue. It felt a little trite. Is that bad to say? I didn't feel it was needed, and it didn't leave room for another book. Not that all books need a sequel, I actually love stand alone books, but this book could have warranted a sequel--maybe. I know I'd enjoy more of Pete and June's story! 


Overall, great story. The character development is good and I fell more in love with Pete on every page. I'm pretty sure he'll be in my dreams tonight. If you've not read a Historical Romance with a western feel to it, then you should pick up Uneasy Fortunes. You'll fall in love with the time period and Pete! 

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Review: Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins

Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 384
Genre: Adult Romance
Pub Date: 24 April 2012
Format: Kindle

A special Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for sending me this book to review.


After her father loses the family fortune in an insider-trading scheme, single mom Parker Welles is faced with some hard decisions. First order of business: go to Gideon’s Cove, Maine, to sell the only thing she now owns—a decrepit house in need of some serious flipping. When her father’s wingman, James Cahill, asks to go with her, she’s not thrilled…even if he is fairly gorgeous and knows his way around a toolbox.

Having to fend for herself financially for the first time in her life, Parker signs on as a florist’s assistant and starts to find out who she really is. Maybe James isn’t the glib lawyer she always thought he was. And maybe the house isn’t the only thing that needs a little TLC…

Review:
I'm on a romance kick and I knew Kristan Higgins would deliver. Parker grew up privileged. No wait, filthy stinking rich. I can not relate. Her father loses all her money--and her son's--and all she is left with is an old shack in Maine that her aunt left her. Who also happened to be a hoarder. Ha ha! I smell a challenge! 

I actually think that would be amazing. A beach house in Maine. A fixer upper. It is picturesque! What Parker didn't plan on was her father's attorney coming to help her fix the house up. His young hot attorney. Hello! I'm game. I am so into this. They have a history too. There are plenty of flash backs to give us bits and pieces into how Parker and James know each other and the time they've spent together. They are spending the summer together fixing up this old house--well James is really doing all the work. What will happen?! 

I enjoyed it. My favorite character was James. I couldn't get enough of him. I wanted more and more of his point of view. I wanted to know what he was thinking all the time. I wanted him to get the girl! The setting is what is really great. The town and all the neighbours really made the story work. I felt there was sufficient character development to make a good story and I thought the romance aspect was delish! It is a bit more 'adult' so just be aware of that. 

Kristin Higgins is becoming one of my favorite romance authors. I can't wait to read more of her work! 

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Top Ten Tuesday: Favorite-ish Quotes From Books

Top Ten Tuesday is an original meme from The Broke and the Bookish.


I love quotes! I can often be found on GoodReads reading quotes from my favorite books. It almost feels like I'm reading the books again. I can just enjoy my favorite parts. Here are some of my fun quotes from my favorite books! What are yours?



"A nice girl should never go anywhere without a loaded gun and a big knife." ~ Sarah Agnes Prine. 



"You love me. Real or not real?" I tell him, "Real." 



"Seriously, I don't know any American girl who can resist an English accent." 



"When you walk on the beach at night, you can say things you can't say in real life." 



"I wanted you to go away, because it hurts to be with you when I can't see you." 



"For Frito-Lay!"



"Emma, I'm sorry, I can't help you. This is a disaster. You're completely vulnerable. It's like going into battle in a nightie." 



"Rock Canyon OB-GYN: We're GYNO-MITE!"  


 
"I want to be with you forever and beyond..." 


"Is this the part where you start tearing off strips of your shirt to bind my wounds?" "If you wanted me to rip my clothes off, you should have just asked." 

Monday 7 May 2012

Review: The Most Important Catch by Jaclyn Hawkes + eBook Giveaway

The Most Important Catch by Jaclyn Hawkes
Publisher: Spirit Dance Books
Pages: 287
Genre: LDS Romance
Format: Kindle


A special Thank you to The Book Bug for sending this book for review. 
Run or die!
She knew too much, and she’d seen too much.
And the police refused to help.
Knowing that she was to be the next scheduled death, Kelly Campbell hid under head to toe black leather and a tinted motorcycle helmet and ran for her life.
When the weather turned cold, she turned south.
She ended up in North Carolina, home to one of the most famed and eligible NFL football stars in the whole league; only she didn’t know that. She thought he was a businessman. Not being a huge fan, all she knew was that he was incredibly attractive, kind, generous, and that she was safe with him.
Or was she?
His brand of fame proved to be all but deadly, but his fame wasn’t nearly as lethal as his attraction. He kept her safe and protected. All except for her heart.
Review:
I have a lot to say about this book. This is a Latter-day Saint contemporary romance and I really do enjoy them. I'm a Mormon--if you didn't know--and I do like stories about my own peeps. The religious aspect is kept to a minimum and I also like that. It isn't drowning in stereotypes. The main characters just happen to be of a certain religion. That's it.

The cover is pretty good. Matches the story. That's important. I would have liked to have had a cover with the gorgeous long red auburn hair that Kelly has. It is a feature talked about the whole of the book. Now I wish I had red hair!! Like Anne with an 'E'.

The story starts out with Kelly seeing some illegal activity and she needs to literally run for her life. At the beginning I wasn't quite sure if this felt plausible. I wasn't truly feeling the danger she was in. It became more apparent at the end of the book just how much though. Kelly finally needs to stop in a small North Carolinian town. She gets a job as a caretaker of an old farm house. This is where the story got good for me.

I honestly think it would be amazing to fix up an old farm house. I'm from the east coast and I miss it a lot. I miss the simpleness of life. You'll get the feeling of that here. One thing that did bother me was that Kelly seemed to be a contractor by trade, to do everything she was really doing. Alone at that. One line did actually offend me. Kelly says, "...construction isn't the most technical of all occupations and decided to try my hand at it." Um...OK! I've never done any home repair or know anyone who has but I almost felt like she was calling contractors stupid! Not to mention that she refurbished the whole home by herself. Without any knowledge of how. Not an easy feat. I didn't feel it was believable.

OK, back to the story. Kelly spends time refurbishing the old farm house with owner--and all star professional football player--Robby. They get to be friends. Which I loved, but there were several moments that scenes could have been pushed further. They were always being held at arms length. I realize the point is to create a longing and tension between the couple. But I honestly didn't feel it. They were just friends. There could have been several "moments" that they should have almost kissed or held hands or all manner of showing a bit more feelings toward one another, other than friendship. But we weren't taken that way. I felt that the scenes really called for it. We were practically drawn to these conclusions that never happened. I would have liked to have seen--and felt--more of that from the main characters. It should have happened. Two single people in the middle of nowhere...why haven't they been trying to get together?!?! WHY?!?!!? Not even a small tiny kiss???!!

I really did like the book. It was cute. I liked the characters and I liked the farm house. I have a great picture in my mind of it and I wish I owned it!! The ending was sweet. I wished Kelly didn't fight it so hard. Take the goods and run with it gurl! He's a keeper!!!

*****************eBook Giveaway*****************
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Saturday 5 May 2012

Discussion: Book to Film Adaptations

In honor of the recently released 'The Hunger Games' film, it got me thinking about book to film adaptations. Which ones are really good, which ones are...not so good. I like nothing more than to enjoy a movie once I've read the books. I've always felt like they are an extension of the book themselves. Another part of the story. Something more to enjoy. I've never been so stuck on them needing to be exactly like the book either. Some things are easier to create in your mind and not on film.

I want to show you a few book to film adaptations that I've personally enjoyed as well as some I didn't.


North and  South by Elizabeth Gaskell 

Holy hotness Mr. Thornton. He kicks Mr. Darcy's butt any day in my book. The film is a mini series. I love a good mini series. You can spend the time to get all the good stuff in. The casting is more perfect than any movie I've ever seen. Everything is as I pictured. LOVE! If you've not read or seen the mini series, please do! You won't be disappointed!


Harry Potter by JK Rowling

Best. Series. Ever. Period. The imagination that is evoked in the books is something short of a miracle. There are so many details that make this fantasy amazing! Although much had to be left out of each film, it is seamless. Minute details are shown and the amount of money spent of the films to get it right is astronomical. What a great book to film adaptation! Bravo! Now, we can all enjoy a box set of both the books and movies! Hallelujah!


Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Book was amazing! A Cinderella re-telling better than I've ever read. One of my favorite books of all time. The film, starring Anne Hathaway, a flop. It was so weird. I can't even describe it. It was just... wrong. Almost felt like a farce! Even author Gail Carson Levine has said it isn't at all like the book and not to compare the two. Not a very good book to film adaptation.


Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

I LOVED the books! OMG! This was my first taste of chic-lit and nobody does it like Kinsella! I was laughing so hard at parts that people were looking at me. It is such a relate-able book. Makes me want to re-read it just talking about it! Although I loved the film, it wasn't a very good adaptation. There were so many changes that the story line actually changed. They added elements that made the main character look stupid and the focus on the film wasn't even anything in the books. As a stand alone movie, it was great. But, I'd read the books and I was expecting it to stay somewhat truer to the original storyline.

So, what are your favorite Book to Film Adaptations? The Worst? Let's discuss Books and Movies!
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