Review: Sweet Venom

Grace and her brother just moved to San Fransisco. Grace's interest in computer science earned her a scholarship to Alpha Academy - a private prep school. Grace has always known she was adopted, but never imaged she'd have a twin.

She meets Gretchen by chance - right in the middle of a monster take down. Gretchen isn't interested in Grace. Gretchen is interested in learning how the monsters are breaking the rules. Previously only one monster can escape their realm at a time. But that night in the club, there are two monsters.

When Grace arrives on her doorstep the following day, Gretchen reluctantly she agrees to give Grace lessons on monster killing. She also tells Grace the history of monsters. She doesn't talk about herself much - her foster families or living on the streets. Despite not being interesting in family bonding, she does tell Grace about Ursula - her missing mentor.

Gretchen wants to know why the monster realm is changing. She wants to fight monsters- not train her sister. Grace wants to learn how to defend herself against all the monsters seeking her out. When she discovers they have another sister, she knows that the the third sister is in grave danger. Can she convince Gretchen to help her save their unknown sister?

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. I loved the darker tone, the monster fighting, the uniqueness of each sister, the snark, the fighting scenes, the lighter tones of romance and friendship, and each sister rediscovering who they are in light of each other. I didn't want to this book to end, especially after the cliff hanger! I can't wait for book two!!!

Cover Thoughts: LOVE the cover!!!!

Source: from the publisher

Sweet Venom 2 Title Hunt

Sweet Venom comes out in a week!
(Check back tomorrow for my review! Hint - it's a FABULOUS book!!!!)

Sweet Venom book 2 has a TITLE!

I'm SO happy to participate in the Title Hunt

My Letter:


Check Out Tera's website: For the full information and a list of other blogs participating

Up for Grabs: Five signed copies of Sweet Venom and a grand prize $50 bookstore gift card, and that the hunt is open internationally.

Cover Reveal: 52 Reasons to Hate My Father

Here's the cover to the new Jessica Brody novel (I LOVED her two previous YA books). This one doesn't come out until July 2012.

From her website: A spoiled teen heiress, famous for her partygirl antics and tabloid headlines, is forced by her ever-absent mogul father to take on a different low-wage job every week for a year, if she wants any hope of receiving her trust fund. Recently optioned for film by producer, Jane Startz!

Sounds very interesting - and funny! SO looking forward to it!

Review: Teenage Waistland

Eating for comfort is just the tip of the iceberg for this group of obese teens. They’ve each qualified for a weight loss trial surgery. The Land-Band procedure is currently available for adults. With this trial, the teens are required to keep a journal, write down a truthful account of their food intake, and attend weekly group therapy sessions as the surgery is only a tool and not a solution.

Told in alternative perspectives, Marcie, East, and Bobby share their ups and downs in the aftermath of the surgery. The group comes together to form Teenage Waistland, a support group. They share more than just their favorite foods. Friendships are made and broken. Romantic relationships begin. Family drama ensues. Secrets are revealed.

My Thoughts: It took me a little bit to get into this one, but once I did, it was hard to stop thinking about it. I enjoyed it - I liked how there was humor in this very serious plot line. The teens’ lives deal with significant issues which changed their eating habits. They dig down to the deeper roots of their issues and in some cases begin the healing process. It’s a satisfying emotional read that will linger will you after the pages have closed.

Cover Thoughts: Interesting

Source: reviewed for TeensReadToo

Hunger Games: VMA teaser

The ONLY reason I watched any part of the VMAs....

Sunday Matinee: Conspirator

My Thoughts:
I didn't know much about this movie before showing it at the library. I thought it was about plotting the assassination, but when the President died in the first ten minutes, I realized it was about to aftermath. I thought it was a fascinating movie - about a subject I know nothing about, but now wish to read more on it. A sad moment in time...














Likes:
Rory Gilmore was a surprise (I can not separate her from that role)

LOVED the dresses
All star cast was amazing

Justin Long's singing


Dislikes: None

Highly recommended - especially if you like historical movies.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Skirting the Grave

Maddie's sister has convinced her to take on a new intern. While Maddie's skeptical, she heads for the train station to pick her up. There she discovers the body of a young woman who looks like someone ready for the fashion police. She's shocked to discover the woman is actually her intern.

She's even more shocked to discover said intern on her doorstep in the middle of night. Dumbfounded, she learns that Isobel has a twin sister. Now she's trying to figure out if the body identified is the wrong body. Maddie's certain the intern who appeared is Isobel - she has fashion sense and the right vocabulary.

Isobel has no idea who would want to murder her. Is the murder an case of mistaken identity and is the killer still after her?


My Thoughts: I really enjoy this series. I love the fashion descriptions and the storyline of Maddie being able to read fashions. I love the store and the customers. I love the relationship between Maddie's father and her aunt. Maddie's love life becomes a little complicated in this chapter. I love the strange death and how hard it is to identify the body. A fun addition to the series!

Cover Thoughts: Love the cover - especially that yellow dress.

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Ten Things: Looking Forward to Fall

I LOVE Fall


Here are ten things I love about Fall:

Jeans and sweatshirts/sweaters
Pumpkin bread/muffins
Cold Brisk Air
Walks with the puppy in the woods
Leaves changing colors
Cuddling under covers
Cowboy Boots
the possibility of snow
apple pies
all the amazing books coming out this fall (Sweet Venom, Lola and the Boy Next Door, Vanish, The Hidden, and Name of the Star - just to name of few)

What do you Love about Fall?

Trailer Thursday: Abduction

This was on last Fridays - 10 movies I'm looking forward to watching this fall.
Check it out:

Thoughts?

Adult Cover Reveal: A Rogue by Any Other Name

I just LOVE her books! Check out Sarah MacLean's new book cover. It doesn't come out until February 27th, which is SUCH a long wait.

Isn't it beautiful?????

Read about the book here at her site

Adult Review: It Happened One Autumn

Lillian Bowman and her family are to be the guests of Lord Marcus Westcliff - the most eligible bachelor in London. They will be attending a large house party. Last time, the Bowmans visited Lord Westcliff's house, the man of the house and a friend caught the Wallflowers playing rounders - without all their proper clothes.

This time, Marcus catches Lillian and her sister playing rounders with the stable boys. He's unable to stop himself from joining in or giving Lillian some pointers on her game.

Lillian's never seen this playful side of Marcus. It doesn't last too long. Soon the game ends and they are rushing back to the house for dinner. Marcus and Lillian become stranded in the garden as they attempt to sneak back into the house. Before she knows what's happening, Marcus kisses her.

Lillian isn't any more fond of Marcus than he is of her. She's exceedingly puzzled by his kisses. Is there something drawing them together or could it be her new perfume with the magic ingredient that's attracting Marcus to her?

My Thoughts: The second in series of books - I wanted to read these after I saw The Wallflower Christmas and realized it was part of a series. I love the idea - of four girls, who normally sit on the sidelines of society and watch form a friendship. They make a vow to help marry each other off in order of age. I love the American sisters - Lillian is loyal, fierce, stubborn, daring, and quite determined. I love how her sister tries to smooth away any parental concerns. They have a great relationship. I love Marcus and how he learns to let go of himself - just enough. I adore this series but the ending of this one left me a little scared for Evie - which shows how deeply attached one can become to these characters! I am becoming a HUGE fan of Lisa Kleypas!!!!

Cover Thoughts: Beautiful - I love how it takes place in the garden

Source: my library

Painting in the library

If any of you follow me on twitter, you know for the last week of so, I've been talking about painting a mural. It's a GIANT mural for a fall display (and also a contest). It has to be finished by the beginning of next week.

I'm starting to get a little nervous because I'm a little over halfway there and I'm starting to run out of ideas.

So I'm asking you for a little


I would greatly appreciate it if you would leave a comment saying the first thing (or several things) that come into your mind when you think of fall.

Here's a few of the things I've already painted:
Covered Bridge
Barn
Cows that apparently look like sheep
Sheep
Church and graveyard
pumpkin patch
farm stand
apple orchard
football field
lots of trees with their leaves changing


Also being so creative at work leaves me little creativity at home. I tried to make a few Halloween cards last night, but I was having a hard time with them, until I realized the painting was zapping my creatively for the moment.


And when it's done, I'll show it off!

Tween Tuesday Review: Athena the Wise

When a mere mortal arrives at Mount Olympus Academy Athena is called to her father's office. Principle Zeus asks her to keep an eye on Heracles. He doesn't mention that the boy has 12 impossible labors to complete before admission into the school.

Athena takes their talk as a sign to help Heracles perform his tasks. Athena being to care for Heracles and looks forward to spending time with him. However, she's concerned.

She's not able to hang out with her friends. She's struggling to keep up with her studies. Another mortal has challenged her weaving skills. Athena wants to keeping helping Heracles, but not at the cost of giving everything else up. Still she doesn't want to let Heracles or her father down. What's a Goddess Girl to do?


My Thoughts: I LOVE this series - it's sweet, charming, and funny. I love the blend of mythology, friendship, drama, and a touch of romance. It's hard to pick a favorite Goddess Girl because they are all so unique, but Athena might be mine. I liked how Athena influences Heracles and how he influences her. I liked how Athena found unique ways to complete the labors. I also liked how she pulled back when she felt everything spinning out of control. I love the friendship of the Goddess Girls and how they all come together.

Cover Thoughts: Adorable!

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Review: Ten Things We Did (And Probably Shouldn't Have)

April doesn't want to move with her father and his wife to Cleveland. She doesn't want to leave her friends. She wants to finish high school in the same school. She can't bear the thought of leaving her boyfriend of two years - especially since they were going to lose their virginity together the very night her father tells her the news.

April and her friend Vi come up with a plan. She'll stay at Vi's house for the year. The only problem- Vi's mother won't be there. She'll be touring with a theater production.

They cover it up with a gigantic lie. Vi pretends to be her mother and over the phone convinces April's father that everything will be just fine and that she'd LOVE having April stay with them.

April's terrified of her father learning the truth. But that doesn't stop her from moving into the basement. April and Vi have the place to themselves and nothing to stop them from living out their wildest dreams.

Will they get caught?

My Thoughts: I love Sarah Mlynowski's books. As usual, I was hooked! I didn't want to stop reading. I loved April and her crazy ideas. I loved watching her get into and out of scrapes. I loved watching her relationships develop and change. I couldn't stop turning the pages! If you haven't read this or any other of Sarah Mlynowski's books - RUN out and get them!

Cover Thoughts: Love the cover and the Title!

Source: Bought at a book signing from RJ Julia's

Sunday Matinee: Downton Abbey

I meant to post this last week, but I ran out of time before heading to Nashville for the weekend. Here are my thoughts on Downton Abbey

This is an EXCELLENT series and quite addictive. I love the drama (hate all the backstabbing - but also enjoy it just a little), the romances, the friendships, and the relationships between the upstairs and the downstairs.

I don't have PBS, so I watched it on Netflix. I imagine it would be hard to wait in between the shows. I know the wait until Winter 2012 will be brutal.

The Likes:
Lady Sybill and her rebellious nature
Bates and Anna
Gwen and her desire to better her career
Mr Carson
Daisy
Branson and his interest in Lady Sybill
Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham - for her snark, her wit, and her ability to change
The set - both the upstairs and the downstairs
Here's a look at Highclere Castle used during filming
The costumes (I think Mary has the best costumes most of the time)



The ending - so excited to see what will happen next (the new season takes place 2 years later)

The Dislikes:
How cruel the sisters are to each other
Thomas and O'Brien
All the backstabbing secrets
Daisy (how she's manipulated by Thomas)

The PBS website is also excellent - containing a family and servant trees, information about each character, and Q&As with the actors/tresses


If you like period dramas, I highly recommend this series.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Interrupted

Grace's day if off to a rocky start when she has to have two women intent on revenge escorted off the property. They're annoyed with Zachary Kincade, a member of the Civil War re-enactors on the manor grounds for week, for dumping their friend via a text message 15 minutes before the wedding. Even Grace is disgusted with him.

After the women leave, Zachary Kincade gets into another altercation. This time, it's with the Embers brothers. It appears they have a past history - a past that could involve murder.

When Zachary turns up murdered, Jack Embers is the number one suspect based on the case 13 years ago. Grace and Jack have been trying to find time to date, but so far haven't succeeded. When the altercation happens, she realizes she doesn't know much about his past.

After he confides in her, Grace can't imagine he's responsible for either murder. She hopes he isn't guilty and sets out to prove his innocence.

My Thoughts: Another charming addition to the Manor House mystery series - this is the 2nd book in the series. I love the re-enactors of this book. I love the talk of Farby. I love that Francis went undercover in costume to ferret out gossip. I loved the intertwining of the two murders. I found the history between the two families painful yet fascinating. Bootsie is an adorable addition to the books. I do wish we saw more of her two roommates - as they are wonderfully entertaining. I loved how the relationship between Jack and Grace unfolds. I can't wait to read more in this series.

Cover Thoughts: I really like this cover - although the cat doesn't look quite real

Source: Inter-Library Loan Up Next: Book 5 in the White House Chef series out January 3rd

Ten Things: Movies Coming Out this Fall

The EW Fall Movie issue hit news stands, which made me drool over all the movies I'm dying to see. Most I will wait and see on Netflix, but there are several that I might see in theaters. Here's a list in no particular order of movies now on my radar.

1. Contagion: Looks so disturbingly interesting
2. Real Steel: I LOVE Hugh Jackman
3. One Day: Love Anne Hathaway - see a snippet here
4. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol - love these action/spy thrillers
5. Tinker Tailor Solider Spy (ditto - plus I really liked the book)
6. Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows - LOVED the first movie!
7. New Year's Eve - I love these movies with several plots that finally come together in the end, like Love Actually
8. Three Musketeers - love this story - hope the movie rocks
9. Young Adult - about a YA author- LOVE
10. In Time - Love Amanda Seyfriend and find JT amusing - can't wait to see them together

What movies are you waiting to watch???

Trailer Thursday: One Day

I'm a huge fan of Anne Hathaway and this looks super cute! The trailer has been all over Goodreads, but here's a short snippet that's quirky, funny, and charming.

It comes out on Friday

Adult Review: Already Home

Jenna impulsively buys a store front. She's hoping to make it into a cookery store. It's a change from her chef position, but change it what she needs right now.

Her marriage just fell apart. Jenna's just starting to realize how damaging it was. She no longer has confidence in herself. She no longer has confidence in her cooking. Rarely does she experiment with food due to fear. Maybe this shop will break her out of her rut.

She hires Violet on the spot. Violet has lots of great ideas, but at first Jenna isn't willing to listen to them. When her opening flops, Violet swoops in a suggests they do things differently.

This time Jenna listens. They close the store for a rebooting. They add cooking classes of all kinds. They stock ingredients used in the recipes. Violet becomes the mastermind behind the store and Jenna becomes the teacher and slowly the chef.

Just as the store's reopening gets underway, Jenna's hippy birth mother makes an appearance in her life for the first time. Jenna must deal with meeting a new side to her family, in addition to opening her store, and mending her broken heart.

My Thoughts: There a lot going on this book, but it's an engrossing read. I love the differences between Jenna and Violet and how they're able to overcome their differences to become good friends. The story is predictable, but enjoyable. I loved Jenna's reaction to her birth mother - snarky yet sweet at times. I loved Violet - watching her move forward and become happy. I loved Jenna's real mother and how she struggled with her relationship with Jenna and Jenna's birth mother. I do hope there's a sequel to this book - in Violet's point of view.

Cover Thoughts: Simply beautiful - this drew me in

Source: BEA - signed by the author!

Books I'm Dying to Read: October edition

Here are the books out in October that I can't wait to get my hands on:

David: I have a copy of this one. I adore the Renaissance time period and anything to do with Michelangelo. Plus I love the idea of figuring out the model. And SPIES! GoodReads - out October 11th

Lost in Time: I love this series - so looking forward to more of Mimi and Jack and Schuyler. GoodReads - out Sept 27th

Bunheads: I actually have a copy of this one too. It sounds super good - an in depth look at the ballet world and I can't wait to read it. I love the cover - it's so unique. GoodReads - out October 10th

Audition: Sounds really cute - another ballet book, about a girl questioning her dreams. In Verse! Love the romantic cover GoodReads - out October 13th.

Glass Swallow: I LOVED Dragonfly. So looking forward to this companion novel. abotu a girl defying her world and designing amazing glass windows, even though it's forbidden for females to be part of the guild. GoodReads - out October 28th

Home For the Holidays: The ending of the Mother/Daughter book club series - which I just adore! GoodReads - out October 4th

Deadly Cool: Sounds like a great mystery - just when Hartley discovers her boyfriend''s a big fat cheater- he's accused of murder. The bad part? She know he's innocent and investigates to clear his name. GoodReads - out October 11th


Seizure: So curious to what happens next, I really enjoyed the first book GoodReads - out October 18th

Au Revoir Crazy European Chick -What happens when your mousy prom date turns out of the a trained assassin? Sounds exciting! GoodReads - out October 25th

Desert Angel: I really liked Dead Connection so I'm interested in what this one will bring. GoodReads - out October 25th


Tuesday at the Castle: The start of a new series where the castle creates a new room on every Tuesday. Cute cover and I LOVE her other books GoodReads - out October 11th

Liesl and Po: A middle grade read from Lauren Oliver. I adored her book Before I Fall. Plus I've heard great things about this one. GoodReads - out October 4th


Tris and Izzie: I have a copy of the gorgeous book too - it's a retelling of the Tristan and Isolde tale. GoodReads - out October 4th

Just Your Average Princess: I LOVE this cover. Plus I adored Esspressologist. GoodReads - out October 11th

Tween Tuesday: Medusa Plot

It's been two years since the 39 Clues search ended. Amy and Dan have tried to go back to normal life. It hasn't been easy.

Amy's been learning how to defend herself - taking martial arts classes. She's broken out of her shell a bit and even has a boyfriend. She's kept him in the dark about the truth of her family.

Dan's had a harder time adjusting. Life seems boring. School is pointless. He has no friends -except one boy he met online. In truth - real life is tame compared to the 39 Clues search.

Unfortunately, things are about to change. The Vespers kidnap one person from each family - and Nellie. They don't harm anyone. Instead, they make an impossible demand of Amy and Dan.

Amy and Dan get the old team back together - the young ones of the family. Together they must steal a priceless piece of art from one of the most guarded museums in the world. Amy and Dan thrive on the impossible tasks, but is this one out of their league?

My Thoughts: The start of a new 39 Clues series is off to a fabulous start. It has all the crazy action and danger as the first series. Amy and Dan are a little wiser, a little tougher, and a littler more determined. I love the art heist. I love the significance of the art itself. I love how the team comes together again. I simply love this series, I'm so happy to have more adventures of Amy and Dan!!

Cover Thoughts: LOVE!

Source: BEA -signed by the author!

This book comes out: August 30th

The next one: King's Ransom comes out in December

Mysterious Sautrday Review: Pie a la Murder

Della's boyfriend just informed her he has an 18 year old daughter. Her mother has sole custody and she lives in Europe. However, she's asked to move in with him. Della's dumbfounded at the idea. Still she hopes to make the best of it.

She invites Nicholas and Celeste to her cooking show. She debuts easy to make pies.

Hoping to make it in Hollywood, Lindy and Della invite her to a luncheon. There Celeste meets a prominent photographer. She makes an appointment to have her photo taken.

Before long, Della finds Celeste's mother fuming on her doorstep. Apparently the photographer took a very risque photo of Celeste holding a pie.

Now her parents are fuming and want to confront the photographer. It's unfortunate that Nicholas finds his body and Della arrives at the house soon after. Now the police are sure Nicholas murdered him. Can Della keep the police from arresting the wrong man?

My Thoughts: This is the 4th in this delightful series. I love Della. I love her cooking show and her prep work for it. With her connection to the police force, she's very good at figuring out clues and poking her nose in dangerous situations. I love her friendships with her honorary daughter and her two girl friends. Plus there are yummy recipes to try! The romance between Nicholas and Della go through some real ups and downs in this book, but remain true to their characters. Another wonderful addition to the series!

Cover Thoughts - Clever and fun as always

Source: Inter-Library Loan

Review: Seventeen Ultimate Guide to Style

Ideas on style for different fashion senses: Classic, Edgy, Girly, Glam, Sporty, Artsy, and Boho

My Thoughts: I really liked this book and think teens will love it. The photos are amazing - the beginning of each section has a collage showing off the sense of style. Each section also have must have pieces for any fashion collection, various models/celebrities/regular people displaying the sense of style, as well as a celebrity showcased at the end.

It's a fun quick read with great advice, fun photos, and lots of entertainment

Cover Thoughts: Cute!

Source: My Library - it's the perfect addition to my teen nonfiction collection

Review: Touch of Frost

Gwen's life has been turned upside down in the past few months. She's misused her gift (touching objects tells her secrets) - which saved a girl. Knowing the truth kept the girl save, but it also involved her mother in a deadly car accident.

Now, Gwen's attending the private Mythos Academy where the student are all deadly warriors -all them except her. She has her Gypsy power, but it's not much in comparison. Their powers are all about strength, deadly weapon training, magic, and descedants from mythical creatures. In short, Mythos Academy is the training ground for a deadly battle against good vs. evil.

Gwen doesn't believe in the hype. She doesn't believe the stories from lessons actually occurred.

She also doesn't have a single friend on campus.

When a girl dies during her shift at the library and an important and valuable actifact stolen, Gwen can't believe the lack on concern. The next day, life goes on as usual. Sure, everyone's talking about Jasmine - how mean and horrible she was or wondering who will take her spot in the running for the Homecoming Queen. Gwen didn't like Jasmine, but even Jasmine deserves come closer to her murder.

Gwen's determined to solve the reason for Jasmine's death.


My Thoughts: I really loved this book. I loved learning more about this world based deep in mythology. I loved watching Gwen uncover clues about her life and blossom. I loved watching her turn into a friend to Daphne. Their relationship evolved from the first chapter - as they traded insults and snarky banter to a friendship. I loved the library scenes (as usual). I loved the relationship between Gwen and her grandmother. I really loved the banter between Gwen and Logan! All in all, lots of laughs, danger, and mystery. I'm super excited for the next book coming out in a few months

Cover Thoughts: I LOVE this cover. I especially love the sword at the end of Frost. The cover is mysterious with a hint of danger

Source: my Library

Up Next: Kiss of Frost coming out November 29th

Adult Review: Overbite

Meena broke up with her vampire boyfriend and hasn't seen him in months. She does however see the future death of another ex-boyfriend. She calls him to warn him. They agree to meet.

Meena doesn't realize he's a vampire until it's too late. He's attacking her. All of sudden Lucien comes out of nowhere and deals with him. Now Meena's hiding the fact that she's seen Lucien - otherwise known as the Prince of Darkness.

Meena's been trying to convince the Palatine that there is good in vampires. They can choose to love. Deep down she knows that Lucien does love her. She wants to protect him, but something's changed in him.

He tells her the Palatine is using her as bait, trying to make her doubt her employer. Could it be possible? Have they planned this elaborate game with her as a pawn? Or is Lucien trying to manipulate her into his arms again?


My Thoughts: A cross-over A/YA title dealing with vampires. I liked this a little better than the first book, Insatiable. There's more of a mystery, more danger, more double crossing, and still the love triangle with Meena at the center between Lucien and Wulf. I loved the bits with Meena's brother. I love Meena struggling with her "gift" and deciding how to tell people their future deaths. I love the parts with Meena and Wolf, although there weren't as many in this book as I would have liked.

Cover Thoughts: LOVE it! I love the redesign of the first book to match this one as well. It's creepy, yet elegant. I love the addition of the book in her hands.

Source: my Library

Catching Fire coming 2013

Lionsgate dates 'Hunger Games' sequel

Oh, I can't wait to see the Hunger Games and Catching Fire on the
big screen. I have several teens buzzing about it already!

Doesn't the picture above look awesome????

Adult Review: Just Like Heaven

Honoria always wanted to hang out with her brother and his friend. She never wanted to be left out of the fun. Now she's grown up and still hates being left out.

Her brother's exiled for a crime he committed. Honoria and her mother don't talk about him. Honoria doesn't like to think how her life might have been different if he was still living with them. Honoria is disappointed with her prospects and her lack of marriagability. She's come to realize that she needs to marry and soon. Honoria's willing to help a potential suitor.

She sets a trap for a potential husband only to have Marcus stumble upon it. She still sees Marcus at society events - he's almost like a brother to her. She's comfortable in his company - as comfortable as she with her musical quartet. As he recovers from the incident - Honoria begins to wonder if she could possbily have feelings for him.

Could their friendship turn into something more?

My Thoughts: I met Julia Quinn at BEA - where I stood in line with several women singing her high praises. This isn't the first Julia Quinn book I've read, but I've quickly come to the conclusion that I need to read more of her work and soon!

I really enjoyed this one. I loved the banter between Honoria and Marcus - from the time they were children to their present behavior. I loved the idea of the musical night as a family tradition, especially since all the musicians are terrible. I love the relationship between the girls performing in the quartet.

* It's the first in a new quartet with characters from her popular Bridgerton series (which I REALLY need to read)

Cover Thoughts: Adorable! And I do understand about the shoes! I love it when cover make sense AFTER I've read the book. It's like belonging to a secret society :)

Source: BEA - signed by the author herself!!!!

Cover Reveal Out of Sight, Out of Time

I HEART this series So Much! And the ending of that last book was such a cliff hanger. I can't wait to get my hands on this one!!!!!

In stores March 20, 2012

March is SO far away

I love this cover - the boots, the scarf blowing in the wind, and that cute skirt. I love how all the covers come together.

Thoughts?

Review: Stepping On Roses volume 1

Sumi's brother keeps bringing home young children. They're orphans. Sumi loves her new family, but they can barely afford to feed themselves.

Then she learns that her brother has taken credit against her name. The landlord wants to kick them all out.

Sumi doesn't know what to do.

An answer comes in the form of a marriage proposal.

It would be a marriage in name only - Sumi isn't supposed to fall in love with her potential husband. He certainly won't love her. Marriage would mean financial ease for herself and her family, but it also means leaning how to become a lady.

While Sumi's heart belongs to someone else, she's not sure this is the best opportunity. However, she needs to solve her money issues fast!

My Thoughts: I don't read many graphic novels, I'm trying to start reading more. Earlier this year, I purchased a large order of them. This series I bought because it caught my eye. It's been pretty popular so far. I liked it. There are some heavier issues mentioned in this series. I loved the art. The review from SLJ compares Sumi to Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady - I love that assessment. I checked out book 2 and 3 to read, perhaps later tonight.

Cover Thoughts: Really Cute!

Source: My Library

Sunday Matinee: Soul Surfer

I'm not sure I would have seen this movie on my own - but I showed it to my teens at the library. To my surprise, it was the most popular movie of the summer.

I quite enjoyed it.

It was inspirational and sweet with amazing surfing scenes.

The main attack wasn't gruesome (I was actually more frightened of the preparing food scenes involving the knife.)

I loved the friendship between Bethany and her BFF
and surfing competition.



I loved the family dynamic - the teasing and the playful banter, but also their loyalty and strength.

I LOVED the surfing scenes - they were amazing!



I loved the shots during the credits - of the real Bethany Hamilton and her family.

Mysterious Saturday Review: Murdered, My Sweet

Jenny's mother, Madeline Jakes, is a famous mystery writer.

They're traveling to hear the will of wealthy cousin Arnold Harmony. Arnold owns the famous Harmony Chocolate company - and he's not dead. He's made some changes to his will and wants his family to know.

After dinner, right before the reading of the will, news comes that Mr. Harmony died. Only it's not Arnold Harmony - it's his son Porter.

All of the guest for the reading of the will are suspects. Madeline Jakes thinks she can solve this crime. Jenny, however, knows that while her mother can plot out a great mystery book, solving a real crime isn't the same thing. When Madeline voices her willingness to help the police, Jenny groans.

She knows that she'll have to help out behind the scenes to make sure her mother doesn't ruin her reputation.

My Thoughts: I read this for a middle school book club for the library. I've always thought it looked good and this gave me the perfect excuse to read it! I loved reading about Madeline Jakes - the great writer, but not so great at uncovering real clues. I loved Jenny's frustration with her mother, especially while she finished her mother's sentences and clarified her mother's thoughts. The cast of characters was great and kept me entertained. A fun read!

Cover Thoughts: I like it - I like how it connects to the story.

Source: My Library

Quick Reviews from Otis Library Teens

It's A Mall World After All by Janette Rallison
8 Stars
This book is a comedy and romance combines. It has a lot of twists and turns, so you won't know how it ends.
~ Rena, age 15

Hadassah by Tommy Tenney
10 Stars
A biblical book that tells the story of a peasent girl Hadassah who becomes Esther, Queen of the mighty empire of Persia. A story filled with adventure and suspense as well as love and gold. It gives the age old bible story of Esther a new life.
~ Liliana, age 13

8th Grade Bites by Heather Brewer
10 Stars
It's a perfect book with vampires!
~ Adrien, age 12

Gimme a Call by Sarah Mlynowski
9 Stars
It's unusual and unique and highlights the theme of the book.
~ Rena, age 15

Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
7 stars
The book's storyline is pretty interesting. However, about halfway through, it grew flat. Still since I liked the beginning, I continued to read and was very much pleased by the ending.
~ Liliana, age 13

The City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
10 Stars
This book was very interesting and very thrilling. I couldn't put the book down!
~ Rena age 15

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
8 Stars
The book grabbed me right from the start and then I read nonstop until I finished the book.
~ Cameron age 14

My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
8 Stars
I never read a book with this kind of concept and the book was not too predictable.
~ Rena age 15

Adult Review: Beach Lane

Susie and Mack have been "not dating" for years. They spend all their free time together, but insist they are just friends.

Each wants something more, but they are both afraid to say anything that could destroy their friendship.

Then Mack loses his job. He's not sure of anything at the moment - including his future in Chesapeake Shores. He's pushing everyone close to him away - especially Susie.

Susie's annual doctor's appointment turns into something serious. She's keeping her information between herself and her mother until she knows more.

Can the two of them admit their secret longing for each in the midst of all life throws at them?

My Thoughts: This one hit a little too close to home for me with the illness, but it's still a great story. I loved how this book had Susie as the main character - she's a cousin to Jess, Abby, and Bree. The meddling doesn't stop just with daughters and sons. The O'Briens are known for their love, loyalty, friendship, and inability to keep secrets. I absolutely LOVE this series.

Cover Thoughts: It's adorable - but it's supposed to be Fall and this looks like Spring

Source: my Library

Up Next: An O'Brien Family Christmas (takes place in Ireland)
Out September 27th.