Books I'm Dying to Read: August Edition

Here's a list of books I can't wait to get my hands on come August!

Crown of Midnight: The ARC I wanted most at BEA - can't WAIT to read it!

Infinityglass: Can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy! Loved this series

Rose Harbor in Bloom: Really liked the first one and like going back to Cedar Cove

Passion of the Purple Plumeria: Love this series -can't wait for Miss Gwen's tale

To Be Perfectly Honest: Really like Sonya Sones's books --looking forward to her new book!

Thinking Woman's Guide to Magic:  Read a tweet about this and thought it sounded awesome.

Cloche and Dagger: The start of a new series by Jenn McKinlay

Heirs and Graces: Excited for more in this historical series

Gated: Learned about this from Random House - sounds intriguing. 

Persephone the Daring: Really enjoy this cute MG series

What are you waiting for come August? 

Tween Tuesday Review: Wednesdays In the Tower

 * sequel to Tuesdays at the Castle*

On a Wednesday, Princess Celie finds a tower. It's unusual because it's Wednesday and new rooms appear in the castle on Tuesdays. Plus there's an egg in the tower - a large egg.

Celie secretly cares for the egg. When it hatches, she's surprised to find a Griffin starring at her. Celie wants to share her news, but it seems the castle doesn't want anyone to know about the Griffin.

Celie attempts to take care of it, on her own - feeding it, scolding it when it chews her sister's shoes, and playing with it. Her wizard brother uncovers her secret and helps her hide the truth. The Castle also helps her, creating a new tower for Rufus's room.

The Castle's in trouble - something's wrong with it. Celie wonders if it has something to do with Rufus. She's trying to learn all about griffins and the history of the Castle. Can she help the Castle before it's too late?

My Thoughts: I love the Castle- it's a character in these books. I love how new rooms appear and Celie creates a map showing all these rooms. I hate that the Castle is in trouble. I love watching Celie trying to take care of her new pet - and how the Castle didn't want most people to know about Rufus. I loved Rufus - he seemed like an overgrown dog.  He was funny and sweet.  They had a great bond. I loved the flying parts. As the book ends on a cliffhanger - I can't wait to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Perfect
Source: My Library

Top Ten Tuesday

This week's topic: Top Ten Beach Reads (however YOU define a beach read!) I love beach reads! To me, a beach read is a paperback that usually takes place in summer - with a romance and a happy ending. I'm going to focus on teen beach reads and it's going to be hard to make the list with only 10 books....

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Summer Boys

Au Pairs (reprinting this year and updating title to Beach Lane)

Truth about Forever

Boys Next Door

Sleepaway Girls

Maine Squeeze

Thrill Ride

Sleepless

Labor of Love

Pants on Fire

BEA 2013: Recap 4

I loved talked with people in line and meeting different librarians and bloggers and book people. I love meeting people who adore books as much as I do!

I started my day off with the Children's Author Breakfast (which isn't really a breakfast). I sat in the chairs behind the tables. On my chair was a Percy Jackson T-shirt and Divergent. This was my first breakfast and it was an amazing way to start the day!

Octavia Spencer was the hostess - she was funny and engaging. Her new book Randi Rhodes Ninja Detective has ninjas, mystery, and treasure-hunting. 

First speaker was Mary Pope Osborne of the Magic Tree House fame. She talked about her readers and shared several letters with us. Second Rick Riordan spoke of his sons' influence on his writing and how his students' helped him. Veronica Roth had a different tone - she was more serious and focused her talk on the value of reading for fun, but with an open mind for learning.

Back on the BEA floor, I passed by the Lemony Snicket/Daniel Handler line and snapped a picture. 

The line was already starting for Richelle Mead, so I waited for her signing. I'm excited about her adult book!

I got an ARC signed from Wendy Mass, whom readers at my library LOVE

I finally got to meet Shannon Greenland!

I got the newest Kingdom Keepers book signed, along with a picture with Ridley Pearson

I met Helen Fielding, am excited about Mad About the Boy! 

I got a signed ARC for Brandon Mull's new book - Spirit Animals

I saw R2D2 at Tom Angleberger's book line. 

Here are some great romances I got signed for the library collection

Some great looking books:

Summer Reading Prizes

Summer Reading Prizes

Summer Reading Prizes:

Summer Reading Prizes 

Middle Grade Summer Reading Prizes:

Middle Grade Summer Reading Prizes

Mini Review: Inferno

I like Dan Brown. His books are intense - full of danger and excitement. It's always hard to put the book down - making it a fast read. 

The Good: I love the fact that it's in Italy and lots of art and architecture are mentioned. I spent time looking up items and I really like when a book pushes me to research something. 

The idea behind the book is interesting and scary beyond all reason.  While I'm not a fan of Dante, I found the information about him interesting.

The Bad: That part halfway thru when....you'll know it when you get there. Annoying!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Oak and Dagger

 * Book 3 in the White House Gardener Mystery Series  *

Casey's responsible for the planting of a tree. When the President digs into the ground, he hits pipes, which causes a ruckus. Casey's held responsible, but she knows that the schematics were stolen.

They weren't the only papers stolen. Frida's accused Gordon of stealing papers from her office - papers that might proof the location of a treasure lost when the British burned down the White House in the 1812 War. Dolley Madison made plans for Thomas Jefferson's treasure moments before she evacuated the building.

When Casey finds Gordon face down in a pond, she rushes to help him. She doesn't realize that paces away lies Frida dead.  The evidence against Gordon mounts up and while he's in coma, there's not many to come to his rescue. Casey knows that she must do everything in her power to save the man who's become like father to her. 

My Thoughts: I'm such a fan of this series.  I love how this starts out with an historical moment and how it was such a significant part of the book. I loved the time with the President and his family, especially the twins.  I was not a fan of the First Lady's sister, but she did provide some comic relief.  I loved the moments with the puppy, Milo and how he played a role in solving the mystery. I loved how this book took us further into Casey and Jack's relationship.  I felt terrible for Casey as she struggled with trying to prove Gordon's innocence but I liked how her father figure needed her help while her real father appeared back into her life. I loved learning more about her past. A fabulous addition to the series and I can't wait to see where this series will go next! 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library

BEA: Little Brown Cocktail Party

The Little Brown Cocktail Party featured authors as bartenders - an unique and awesome idea! Each featured author at a table with their own drink. The line up included: Paolo Bacigalup, Holly Black, Peter Brown, Kami Garci, Daniel Handler, Megan McCafferty, and Jerry Pinkney.

I made a beeline for Megan McCafferty because I adored Jessica Darling's It List #1. It was really great  meeting her. We talked about her book, the new cover, and how she doesn't really look at reviews. I then chatted with  Daniel Handler, who was funny and had a really strong drink. I caught up with Holly Black, who was awesome at the SLJ Day of Dialog. Plus I got to meet several librarians/bloggers.

The room was packed and everyone was chatting = a very fun night!  

Here are the book cards

They feature the drink of the night on the back: