1st Rate Friday's #9

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!

I'm so glad Carla wrote this post: Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say It's a perfect reminder to just be yourself, and not only in the blogging world it's also an important message for life in general! Don't be afraid to say something if that's how you feel. If we all share the same opinions, life would be really boring ;)


What gems did you find?

Review: It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny han

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Released: April 27, 2010

Hardcover: 288 pages



My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

The sequel to The Summer I Turned Pretty, is one not to miss. It's summer again and normally that meant heading out with her mom to Cousins Beach. But this year would be different...her mom's best friend has just passed away. As she tries hard to keep herself busy with her friends, she gets a desperate call for help. Conrad, the ex and guy she's loved forever is missing. His brother, Jerimiah, knows if anyone can help it's Belly and they head out to find him.

Wow, Jenny's writing really sucks you in. The characters are so powerfully written and stick with you long after you've finished reading the book. I loved seeing Belly stuck between the two brothers, one willing to share everything with her, the other (the one she wants) holding himself back. What drew me into the story is the walk down memory lane as you think of friends in your life growing up. Jeremiah is the guy who is your best friend, the one that is there for you through think and thin, appreciates you, would do anything for you...and yet all you ever see is the friend when there could be so much more. I bet by the end of the book you'll be wishing he could be cloned, seriously swoon-worthy! This is a quick, fun, makes-your-heart-melt read, so quick though that you're left wanting more. If you love reading Sarah Dessen, I highly recommend checking Jenny Han out!

Scones and Sensibility Tour Stop

Interview time with Lindsay Eland! If you follow my blog, you'd know that I love all things cute...well reading Scones and Sensibility definately fits the bill (I've included my review at the bottom). It's my pleasure to have Lindsay stop by and chat with us today.

Tell us about Scones & Sensibility.
Scones and Sensibility is the humorous story of a young overly-dramatic and overly-romantic 12-year-old girl who sets to matchmaking in her small beach town with disastrous and hilarious result.

Polly, Clementine & Fran, just to name a few, are characters in S&S but not very common names. How & why did you pick the character names?
I love old, classic names like these, and felt like they blended well together in the story as well as fit the plot, theme, and voice of the story.

Polly would love to be in a Jane Austen novel and there are tons of references to her books. Being that S&S is considered an MG book, when writing did you hope/see the possibility that this may encourage a whole new generation to seek out Jane Austen novels?
Yes, most definitely! When I was younger I was pretty intimidated by classics, thinking they were only meant for adults…how untrue that is! I think that most young readers who would choose to delve into LM Montgomery and Jane Austen would find a whole new realm of books and characters that they will fall in love with.

One of my favorite things about reading S&S was that I had a smile on my face the whole time reading it. I really think this a book full of cuteness. If you had to pick one, what was your favorite scene?
I'm so glad that you liked it and smiled through it! The story is meant to be fun and lighthearted and to do just that! Now, about my favorite scene, hmmm, I really like the scenes with Miss Wiskerton and Jack the Nipper (who, coincidentally was named after a small terrier in my neighborhood growing up that bit a good friend on the ankle and was thus named "Jack the Nipper") as well as the scene when Brad Baker climbs up the tree outside Polly's window.

Are you working on anything new?
I am! I have a contracted book 2 with my editor at Egmont USA that I recently turned in to her. Right now it's called A Teaspoon of Rosemary and though it is a contemporary middle grade like Scones and Sensibility, it is very different. The main character, Rosemary Cubbins, is a shy, introverted girl who, in the midst of becoming a wonderful young chef, learns about the strength and confidence that she has inside herself. It was so much fun to write and I was able to do some yummy baking and cooking as research for her story.

Thanks Lindsay for stopping by :)

Thank you so very much for having me!

Thanks to Lindsay for sharing this yummy recipe:

Lindsay Eland’s Favorite Scone Recipe
Eland is author of Scones and Sensibility published by Egmont USA

2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 stick chilled butter cut into pieces
1 cup chocolate chips
½ cup buttermilk
1 large egg, and 1 for egg wash
½ teaspoon vanilla
cinnamon and sugar
powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

2. Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder together in a large bowl then cut in butter with a pastry blender or two knives. Stir in chocolate chips.

3. In a separate bowl whisk buttermilk, egg, and vanilla together. Drizzle over the flour mixture and stir with a fork until dough comes together.

4. Turn onto a floured work surface and knead a few times then pat dough into a 1-inch thick circle.

5. Cut into triangles, brush with egg wash, and then sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.

6. Bake 22 minutes.

7. Optional: Turn oven to broil and then dust with powdered sugar and broil for a few minutes...watch carefully though so the sugar doesn't burn.

Please go to The Hiding Spot tomorrow to see the next stop on The Scones and Sensibility Blog Tour!

My Thoughts:
Polly's love for all things romantic takes over as she decides to use the knowledge she's gained from reading Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice & Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series to play matchmaker. There's her sister whose current boyfriend is not good enough for her, her best friends father who is looking for love in all the wrong places (the Internet) and two people in town that are single. Using deliveries from her parent's bakery as a guise, she sets out to ensure everyone finds their true love.

This was such a cute story that had me smiling from beginning to end. I couldn't help but giggle at Polly's conversations with others, as she tries so hard to sound like she's from a Jane Austen novel. She really was in her own little world, wanting to right things that weren't wrong and sticking her nose in places it doesn't belong. After a few traumatic events, she realizes that not everyone will be the same as the characters in her favorite books. A great debut novel by Lindsay that shows how cute & innocent kids can be.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 26, 2010

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to join in this weekly event if you'd like as well as use the picture above. Thanks Sheila for hosting!

Last week:

I read Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony, Starlighter by Bryan Davis and The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy.

This week:

I am going to read The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong and White Cat by Holly Black.

Ack, I still need to review It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han and Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready and I've now added Restoring Harmony & The Cinderella Society. I hate myself when I get this behind on reviews :(



And last by not least, in case you missed it last week, my Thank You contest is up (click here to enter)

1st Rate Friday's #8 & YA Thanksgiving

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!

After all the negativity recently, I was so happy to see this post by Adele:YA Community Thanksgiving - Come One, Come All

First Rate Fridays was created as a way to highlight & thank bloggers for their great posts. I love the book blogging. It's not only about finding great books to add to my ever growing wishlist & TBR piles, it really is about a community! I love chit chatting about non-bookish things on Twitter with people from all over the world whom I never would have met otherwise! I love being a YA reader who is not so YA anymore (ok, trapped in a 30-something's body but still young at heart) and not feeling out of place, that we stick together and stand up for YA when the genre gets attacked. And last but not least, I love that even though we all have different tastes, that we embrace & encourage eachother to be true to themselves! Heck, it would be boring if we were all the same ;)

Thank you YA community, you guys are the best!


What gems did you find?

Giveaway & Guest Post by LM Preston

Just thought I'd give you guys a heads up, over at http://book-lovers-inc.blogspot.com/ today, LM Preston is talking about writing male & female charaters. She's also generously provided a giveaway for The Pack and an ARC copy of Bandits (out next year!) Enter here!

My 250 Follower Thank You Giveaway!

Woot, I recently reached 250 followers! I thought this was the perfect time for me to give back with a big thanks to everyone who has stopped by and enjoyed my posts.

My giveaway is a sort of surpise giveaway. Just to make it a little more fun, I've pulled a quote from the ARC (hint: this book is published this summer) and although you don't have to correctly guess the book title, it will get you an extra entry if you do! I KNOW you guys are going to love this book :)

"Last Christmas, though, I hadn't made any resolutions. I'd spent the month trying not to look through the glass door at the woods, trying not to think about the wolves and Sam." (pg 19 of ARC)

And since this is a follower giveaway, should I reach 350 followers by the end of the contest, I will have a second winner added!

• The first place winner can pick from the surprise book OR an ARC of The White Cat by Holly Black


• the second place winner will receive the one not picked

Although I <3 comments, please use the form to enter. I will not be looking at the comments for entries into the giveaway :)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 19, 2010

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to join in this weekly event if you'd like as well as use the picture above. Thanks Sheila for hosting!

Last week:

I reviewed Hex Hall by Rachael Hawkins.

I read Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

This week:

I started reading Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony this morning.

Next up is The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy.

I need to review It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han and Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready.

Watch out for my 250 Follower Thank You contest tomorrow :)

In My Mailbox - April 18, 2010

In My Mailbox is a meme hosted by The Story Siren where we show what books have found a new home with us!

My goodies this week:

Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus

His love captivated her... his secrets might kill her.

Since her sister’s mysterious death, Persephone “Phe” Archer has been plagued by a series of disturbing dreams. Determined to find out what happened to her sister, Phe enrolls at Devenish Prep in Shadow Hills, Massachusetts—the subject of her sister’s final diary entry.

After stepping on campus, Phe immediately realizes that there’s something different about this place—an unexplained epidemic that decimated the town in the 1700s, an ancient and creepy cemetery, and gorgeous boy Zach—and somehow she’s connected to it all.

But the more questions she asks and the deeper she digs, the more entangled Phe becomes in the haunting past of Shadow Hills. Finding what links her to this town…might cost her her life.

Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony

The year is 2041, and sixteen-year-old Molly McClure has lived a relatively quiet life on an isolated farming island in Canada, but when her family fears the worst may have happened to her grandparents in the US, Molly must brave the dangerous, chaotic world left after global economic collapse—one of massive oil shortages, rampant crime, and abandoned cities.
Molly is relieved to find her grandparents alive in their Portland suburb, but they’re financially ruined and practically starving. What should’ve been a quick trip turns into a full-fledged rescue mission. And when Molly witnesses something the local crime bosses wishes she hadn’t, Molly’s only way home may be to beat them at their own game. Luckily, there’s a handsome stranger who’s willing to help.

Restoring Harmony is a riveting, fast-paced dystopian tale complete with adventure and romance that readers will devour.

And last but not least, I was so excited to get...

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabel, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole. At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love -- the light and the dark, the warm and the cold -- in a way you will never forget.

I had WoW'd Shadow Hills way back in October so was so excited to finally have a chance to read this!!! Restoring Harmony was a book I recently came across (and was excited to see the author is a fellow Canadian!). Linger, well like so many others, I've been waiting for this since I read Shiver last summer.

What goodies did you get?

1st Rate Fridays #7

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!

Well this week I fail. Work had me almost blow a gasket, which is super rare! My brain is fried and I didn't hink to keep track of all my posts, heck I even came to work without my suit jacket on yesterday and just buggered up last weeks 1st Rate post a minute ago :O

I was disappointed to see quite a few shocking posts and since I'm not one to like contoversy I'm not going to link them. I thought about it, but really, what good is sharing that?

...and if you know me, I like things more Happily Ever After. I saw a few bloggers talk about offering/composing blogger tips which is fun to see. I <3 this community and think it's so nice to see people giving back. Here is the link to Lori's at Pure Imagination.

Just a reminder that Rebecca at The Book Lady's Blog, along with Brett Sandusky, Digital Marketing Manager at Kaplan Publishing are looking for your input! If you haven't already has the chance to fill out this survey, don't forget (open until April 20th): Book Blogger Survey for Improving Blogger-Publisher Relations!


What gems did you find?

Witchy Worries #2 Deleted Scene & Giveaway Winner!

I hope you have enjoyed the week of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams! To end the week here is a deleted scene from Rhonda's work on book two. Don't worry, if you follow my blog you will know that I do not add spoliers so even if you haven't read book one, this will not ruin anything for you - just give you a taste for the Adam's family adventures! Thanks to Rhonda for the fun week, I look forward to sharing many more adventures with Abbie. And thanks to all those who entered the contest, the winner is announced below!

This is actually a deleted scene from Abbie 2, in which Abbie’s parents and Mrs. Drake are removing a spell from Abbie that prevents her from sharing the secret of magic with anyone. I can’t tell you why they’re doing it though...because it will ruin a big surprise.


“Okay, Abs,” said my dad, snapping open his medical bag. “I wish we could say we knew exactly how removing this spell will affect you, but since none of us, even Mrs. Drake, has ever seen it done before, we can’t really tell for sure. Don’t worry though, honey. Mrs. Drake and I went into the time warp together and did a lot of research. So, we figure we’re as up to speed as we can get, on the correct removal technique. Your old dad’s on the case here, don’t you worry.”

“I’m not worried, Daddy,” I said.

But I was.

Munch’s eyes were big and round and he wiggled behind the cushion in the easy chair.

“Good job, buddy,” said my dad, stepping over to ruffle his curls. “You stay right there till this is all over.”

“Now Abbie. We’ll need you to close your eyes and empty your mind as much as possible,” said Mrs. Drake in a soft, soothing voice.

I closed my eyes but it was hard to clear my mind because way too many things were rushing through it right then, like worrying whether it was going to hurt… and...and worrying whether it was going to hurt!!…. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly like I do in drama club when we’re doing our relaxation exercises.

“That’s good sweetheart,” whispered my mom, still stroking my hand. “Just take another deep breath like that and on the exhale, let your whole body sink into the couch.”

My dad and Mrs. Drake started to mutter then, quiet words that I couldn’t make out. It sounded like they had a lot of syllables in them. The air thickened up around me, as it if were a muggy, summer night, just before a big thunderstorm. From somewhere in the walls, a deep hum began to throb. It got louder and louder and I felt myself start to shake. A lot.

“Marley?” my mom asked worriedly, her voice trembling.

It’s okay, Tildy,” answered my dad. “We expected some physical reaction. I’ve got my eye on it.”

I shook harder and harder and then…WHAM…my head slammed back… my eyes shot open….And I discovered that I wasn’t in my own homey living room, surrounded by people who loved me.

Uh uh.

I was somewhere dark, and cold, and SCARY!!!

There were huge, creepy shadows moving toward me, and the ground where I was lying was full of jagged, sharp edges and points.

Fear shot through me.

I pushed myself up with my hands, jumped to my feet, and screamed, “Daddy!!!??”

There was a terrible, shrieking ROAR behind me, and I screamed again and leapt forward… into the arms of my dad, who came slamming out of nowhere, right in front of me. He snatched me up and swung me around the other way. A storm of blue sparkles eddied around us.

And there I was… back in our living room, standing in front of the easy chair, with a white-faced Munch staring at me, clutching his pillow to his chest.

....and the winner is......
Jennifer G.!!!!

Congrats Jen, I'm sending you an email now :)

Surprise guest, meet Tom!

I had a chance to talk to Tom before he....well, you'll have to read the story ;)

What did it feel like when Abbie looked in your eyes and realized what you really were?

I don’t mind saying I was powerful lonely right up to that moment but then it was as if the front door had opened and Abbie invited me in. Crikey! That Abbie’s a grand girl. Just grand.

While living with the Adams you read many books, which book was your favorite?

By Jings, it’s a bully high school textbook Doctor Adams secured for me, called Physics: Principles with Applications. I stayed up all night with that one and learned a powerful amount. I tried and tried to tell Abbie all about it but she kept pretending she was snoring.

Being transported from the 19th century, what was the strangest thing you saw?

It gave me a terrible turn but when I first arrived in the 21st century, I got lost in a parking lot. It scared the dickens out of me because I had a hard time figuring what all those big metal things with wheels were. But I quickly deduced that they were rolling conveyances of some sort. I was just desperate to study on what made them move but since I happened to be fleeing for my life just then, I didn’t get much of a chance. And I love a microwave. Just love it. To see those cheesy, bready things Abbie calls pizza turn round and round like that. The way they start bubbling up and steaming. I’m so glad the fella who invented the microwave thought to put a window in it. That was a great notion. Wish I’d had it.

Of all your inventions, what is your favorite?

Well of course I’m only thirteen, so I haven’t invented too much of anything just yet, and blame it all, when I get back to the past, I’ll forget everything that happened to me in the 21st century so I’ll have no idea what I’m going to invent. But I’ve been doing some Google-searches on myself and it seems my assistants in my lab and I will tackle inventing a Kinetograph and a Kinetoscope. That’s the first motion picture camera and a box to view the moving pictures in! I love the movies. Did you know you can see them in all three dimensions now?! That’s some bully inventing right there.

What do you wish you invented?

Since everybody’s always clapping me on the back about inventing the light bulb, I sure enough wish I truly had! The truth is, in 1840, a British fella named Warren de la Rue invented the first electric light bulb but he used platinum coil in it so it was too costly to manufacture. In 1879, I came along and got the notion of using a long-burning carbon filament. Well, after getting the notion for about a thousand things that didn’t work so well first. I sorry to say I didn’t invent the light bulb, I only perfected it.

Who knew, I learned something new today! Thanks for popping in Tom.

(Just a reminder that the draw for a signed copy of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams ends tomorrow morning at 8 AM EST!)

An Interview with Rhonda Hayter

I hope you have enjoyed the week of Witchy Worries so far! Today we have an interview with the author, Rhonda Hayter.


Tell us about the book

It’s a middle-grade novel about a fifth-grade girl who has all the same problems as any girl with a strict teacher, too much homework and a little brother who can make life difficult. But Abbie and her family all happen to be witches and so there are a lot of magical complications to her life too. And because there are certain shenanigans involving time travel, she gets to meet someone very famous from the past. So although the book is funny, I’ve snuck in a little education as well.

What was the inspiration for The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams?

When my younger son was little, he was the most cherubic, adorable, curly-headed little sweetheart you’ve ever met...except when he wasn’t. He had a very hard time managing big feelings and he’d just melt down so that you’d hardly even recognize him. During one of these major tempests, I turned to my poor stressed husband and said, “My God. It’s like he turns into a werewolf.” And that gave me the idea for a little boy who really did turn into a werewolf when he couldn’t manage his anger. And for a sister who might have to cope with it. That was really the seed for the whole book. Oh, my son eventually grew out of the meltdowns I’m happy to say.

What was your favorite scene to write?

There’s a scene when Abbie does something she shouldn’t do and she has to face her parents when they find out. And what she learns is that even if she makes poor decisions, they’re still on her side. It doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences for her misbehavior, it just means that they love, support and understand her no matter what. It’s how I try to parent my own kids and I’m kind of embarrassed to say I wept when I wrote it and I tear up every time I read it.

You did a great job capturing the spunk, curiosity & energy of a 5th grader. How hard it was to get back into a 10 yr olds frame of mind? (It's so long ago for me!)

It’s plenty long ago for me too, believe me. But I have to confess I was able to cheat because at the time I first wrote it, I had a fifth-grader coming home telling me about what was going on at school, talking a mile a minute and sharing fifth-grade concerns with me.

If you could travel in time, where would you go?

Ah but I do travel in time—in books. And I love going back to Jane Austen’s time, and Charles Dickens...with all that elaborate, beautiful language. I’ve been trying to turn my kids onto them...but they ain’t havin’ it. Not yet anyway.

What are you working on next? Are there any plans to make this into a series?

Well I have very big plans for it. I’m on revisions for the second one, in which Abbie encounters Harriet Tubman and I’ve made a good start on the third, in which Susan B Anthony drops by. No contracts are signed yet though, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

(Don't forget there's a chance to win a signed copy - click here to enter!)

Review: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Publisher: Hyperion Book

Released: March 2, 2010

Hardcover: 336 pages

ISBN: 978-1423121305

Teaser Quote:

"After I had a full-on drama queen meltdown.
By which I mean I burst into tears. And not tragically beautiful, elegant tears either. No I had the big messy ones involving a red face and snot." (pg 124)

My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

Sophie has lead a unique life. She lives with her mom & moves around, a lot, and only recently found out she's part witch. She hardly knows anything about her warlock Dad, actually she's never met him in person & rarely talks to him! But the day she performs magic at school changes everything. As punishment, she is sent to Hecate Hall, a reformatory for witches, shifters, faeries, werewolves etc...oh and the odd vampire! Oddly enough, weird things are happening at the school & Sophie seems to be caught in the middle of it all.

I love this cover (my favorite in 2010 so far), the premise & had been waiting for months to read it. The only problem with books like that is sometimes the hype you've created sets the bar too high & the book, no matter how amazing, just can't live up to your expectations. I am so excited to say, that was not the case for Hex Hall and after reading it, I love it even more! I loved the snarkiness of Sophie & the flirting with Archer (the resident hottie - swoon!). I loved the Mean Girls thing going on and not knowing who to trust. I loved all the twists and turns and trying to figure it all out. Can you tell I loved this book? LOL This is one of those books you won't want to put down & will devour in one sitting. A 'must read' and an amazing debut by Rachel :) I can't wait for the series to continue and know already this is going to end up on my top books of 2010 list!

Meet Abbie Adams!

Abbie Adams is the main character in The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams. She is in the 5th grade and one curious little girl. Without further ado, here's my interview with Abbie! (Don't forget there's a chance to win a signed copy - click here to enter!)

What is the hardest part about being a witch?

Well, gee, I don’t want to get all poor me or anything because... well sure, I can do stuff like zap myself onto a beach in Hawaii any old time I feel like it. But just try never being able to tell your best friend about who you really are. Sometimes I even have to lie about it. To my best friend!!

Of all the spells you know, which is your favorite & what does it do?

I’ll tell you the truth, it’s one my mom hardly ever lets me use...but it’s a really sweet one that involves a little wiggling of the fingers and thinking about a dish towel. In two seconds flat, all the dishes are done and completely put away, counters cleaned and all. Am I right? Sweet? Mom only lets us use it on special occasions though. Since it’s a non-witch world we live in, she’s a big stickler about my brother and I learning to do things without magic. Sigh.
Oh. I bet you were thinking about something a little more glamorous weren’t you? But come on! Getting out of doing the dishes? You gotta admit, that’s a good one.

Can you tell us about your most embarrassing moment?

My dad says it’s not that unusual in a young witch but I have a little problem sometimes with buildup of excess magic charge in my fingertips. It drives me crazy! Just to make it extra horrible it always gets worse when I’m nervous. And I happened to be kind of nervous one day at school, when I was about to deliver my oral report on Betsy Ross...because the truth is, I didn’t really have a lot of time to do any research because all week long my brother Munch had been...well...that’s another story.
Anyway, while I was in the middle of a sweeping gesture showing how big the first flag was, a HUGE bolt of magic charge suddenly discharged from my fingertips—and it zapped my teacher Miss Linegar right on the rear end. She jumped about a mile and was looking around to see what had stung her...and I had to pretend I had no idea what had happened. That’s while I was right in the middle of trying to pretend that I had plenty of ideas about Betsy Ross..., which I unfortunately didn’t. I’m hoping I grow out of that one soon.

If you were allowed to use magic to turn yourself into anything for just one day, what would it be?

Um...I hate to seem braggy, but..well...I kinda can turn myself into anything any old time. It’s always fun but I think the most fun I ever had was when Munch and I turned ourselves into wild mustangs in Montana and joined a herd there. We spent the whole day running races against each other through the canyons.
Will you ever go back in time to visit Tom?

You know I’d like to, but I’m afraid it would make me really sad. You see when we go back in time, we’re not allowed to talk to anyone there because it would change the past. We always have to disguise ourselves as pillars or something and just watch. And just watching somebody you’re dying to hang out with...it would be awfully disappointing I think.

What would you like to be/do when you grow up?

That’s an easy one. I’m going to be an actress like my Aunt Sophie. She’s really famous and gets to be in all kinds of movies. And well... I mean here I go getting braggy again, but after Aunt Sophie saw me in my play...um, you don’t have to go telling everyone this or anything, but she said I was a born actress.

Thanks for stoppong by Abbie!

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams + Giveaway

I am excited to host a week of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter. This is a super cute, middle grade book which I reviewed last week. I hope you enjoy what we have planned. To start it off, I thought you'd like to know a bit about the book & author plus a chance to win your own copy :)


The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams

By Rhonda Hayter

Dial Books for Young Readers

Released: April 1, 2010


Synopsis

Abbie Adams is a regular eleven-year old girl with normal problems like a really strict fifth-grade teacher. (Meet Miss Linegar. Rhymes with vinegar.) She’s chronically behind in homework, forced to keep a big secret from her very best friend and hoping like heck she can remember all her lines in the drama club play. But Abbie also happens to be a witch and in addition to everything else, she has to cope with stuff like her little brother morphing into a werewolf and trying to eat his first-grade teacher...not to mention figuring out what exactly is up with her very, very peculiar cat.


About the author:

Rhonda Hayter was born in St. Jean, Quebec. She was an actress for some time, appearing in plays on tour and in New York and Los Angeles. Now, she works as a story analyst for a famous movie producer. When she and her husband found themselves with two little boys, one of whom morphed into a werewolf one day, The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams was born. Rhonda now lives in Los Angeles with her family. This is her first book.

To learn more visit: rhondahayter.com

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? April 12, 2010

It's Monday! What are you reading? is a weekly event to celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week. Feel free to join in this weekly event if you'd like as well as use the picture above. Thanks Sheila for hosting!

Last week:
I reviewed The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting, Hourglass by Claudia Gray and The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams by Rhonda Hayter.

I read Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (review pending) and Never Blame The Umpire by Gene Fehler (for an interiew at Book Lovers Inc. this Wednesday.

This morning I just finished It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han (a must read for those who loved The Summer I Turned Pretty OR Sarah Dessen fans!)


This week:

I'm reviewing Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins and It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han.

I'm reading Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready and one more older book from my shelf, not sure what yet (I may have to close my eyes, twirl around & just pick the 1st one I point too LOL)

What are you reading this week?

1st Rate Friday's #6

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!


Rebecca at The Book Lady's Blog, along with Brett Sandusky, Digital Marketing Manager at Kaplan Publishing are looking for your input! If you haven't already has the chance to fill out this survey, don't forget (open until April 20th): Book Blogger Survey for Improving Blogger-Publisher Relations!

What gems did you find?

Review: The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams

Publisher: Dial

Released: April 1, 2010

Hardcover: 256 pages

Reading level: Ages 9-12


My Rating: 4 / 5

My Thoughts:

Abbie is trying to cope being a witch and living a 'normal' life. She finds it hard to keep such a big sercret from her friends and often has to rescue her little brother from his magical tantrums. Her dad comes home with great news one day, and a present for Abbie...the pet cat she'd been asking for forever!! But one day Abbie notices something different about this cat and the family knows it's up to them to do everything in their power to undo the spell.

The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams is a cute story I think kids will love - who didn't wish they couldn't perform magic when they were younger? Written from the perspective of Abbie, a 10 yr old girl, Rhonda did a great job capturing the energy & excitement that kids have. Ok, maybe Abbie rambled on but to me this added a little excitement when reading. The plot moved along at a nice pace, with hints along the way as to who cast the spell. Although magic may appear to fix many problems, the whodunit did not appear from thin air :) A great book that teachers will love and could use in class as Rhonda (not so subtly but in a fun way) threw in a few english lessons and the historical references. Without giving too much away, I can tell you that the cat is an infamous inventor whom they must rescue and bring back in time, which offers lots of discussion opportunities!

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Next week I'll be hosting a week of The Witchy Worries of Abbie Adams for YA Roundup with some fun interview (and a contest)!

Review: A Spy in the House (The Agency, #1) by Y.S. Lee

Publisher: Candlewick

Released: March 9, 2010

Hardcover: 352 pages



My Rating: 4 / 5

My Thoughts:
Mary is caught stealing & sentenced to death...but someone notices that Mary just might have more to offer. She is rescued and given the opportunity to receive an education - only to discover that the school is really a cover for a spy operation. Mary's first mission is to act as a companion for a rich merchant's daughter in order to discover what is causing his ships to sink.

Set in 1850's, this story surprisingly had a much more modern feel to it. What I loved so much about A Spy in the House was Y.S. Lee's ability to take her Victorian background and make something brand new. This isn't a historical novel, but given her PhD in Victorian literature and culture, historical details are found throughout (i.e. the Great Stink, child labour, class structures etc).

I absolutely loved the main character Mary! She was feisty & so not what I expected for a woman in the Victorian era. Add in James, their banter, the tension between the too plus the twists & turns as Mary discovers the cause of ship wrecks and you have the perfect ingredients for a fun historical mystery.

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Today at Book Lovers Inc you will find an interview with the amazing Y.S. Lee so go check it out here!

"Waiting on" Wednesday - April 7, 2010

This weekly event is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

I can't wait to read Guardian of the Gate (Prophecy of the Sisters, Book 2) by Michelle Zink. I loved the first book and am so excited to see what happens next!

Release Date: August 1, 2010

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

The ultimate battle between sisters is nearing, and its outcome could have catastrophic consequences. As sixteen year-old Lia Milthorpe searches for a way to end the prophecy, her twin sister Alice hones the skills she'll need to defeat Lia. Alice will stop at nothing to reclaim her sister's role in the prophecy, and that's not the only thing she wants: There's also Lia's boyfriend James.

Lia and Alice always knew the Prophecy would turn those closest to them against them. But they didn't know what betrayal could lead them to do. In the end, only one sister will be left standing.

What are you waiting on?

Review: Hourglass by Claudia Gray

Publisher: Harperteen

Released: Mar 1 2010

Hardcover: 352 pages



My Rating: 5 / 5

My Thoughts:

The 3rd book of the Evernight series picks up with Bianca & Lucas now hiding out with the Black Cross. Hoping this is only temporary until they can make it on their own, they are struggling to keep the truth (that she is a vampire) from these Vampire hunters. Thanks to a tip, Mrs. Bethany and a crew of vamps locate the Black Cross and attack for revenge, forcing Bianca & Lucas to run for their lives. When Bianca starts feeling a little strange, Lucas puts his pride aside & asks Balthazar for help.

Ok, bad news is that we are left with a cliffhanger, good news is there is a book #4 AFTERLIFE and she's working on Balthazar's book! Claudia has a great knack for sucking the reader into her world, I've gotten totally immersed in this series. The action began on page one and kept going. The twists & turns, the love story - this book has it all. If you ever questioned who was right for Bianca, Balthazar/Lucas this may put you at ease, as their love for each other is tested time and time again. Let's just say the ending was shocking. Once I finished the book, I wanted more. I feel like a junkie looking for their next fix :S

1st Rate Fridays #5

A weekly meme to share favorite posts you've come across recently. Although it's impossible to follow every book blogger, this is a great opportunity to highlight exceptional posts you find. Hopefully along the way you'll find some great new-to-you blogs as well. Let's spread the love and support those awesome posts out there!

This was inspired by Cindy at Tynga's Reviews, Jennifer at Reading With Tequila, Lisa at The Little Reader...and me!

Let the fun begin!

Well not much fun happened for me this week - we all got struck with the flu :( I just woke up after sleeping 14 hours, yikes!!

I didn't make it into my google reader too often but found a funny post thanks to a tweet by Cindy. Thanks Lenore for all the chuckles...How to win followers and influence fellow book bloggers.

What gems did you find?

Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

• Publisher: Harperteen
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• Released: Mar 16 2010
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• Hardcover: 336 pages
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• ISBN-13: 978-0061779817

My Rating: 4.5/5

My Thoughts:

It first happened when Violet was a young girl & out for a walk with her father in the forest, she found the body of a young girl. As years went by, she noticed that she could hear echos of dead things and that the killers are also left with an 'imprint'. When a serial killer begins terrorizing her small town, Violet knows she must use her ability to catch him.

A majority of the story revolves around the love story of Violet and her best friend, Jay. Violet & Jay's relationship is just too cute. They have been best friends forever but teenage hormones have kicked in and feelings have developed into something more then friends. Jay is the kind of guy a girl dreams of: sweet, sexy, always there for you etc. But funny thing, I must say as much as I loved Jay, I found him to be too nice & therefore not so realistic, he needed some more edge to him. I thought the angst and shy/awkwardness of being together was brilliantly done, you can't help but blush & feel so happy for them as their relationship progesses. Another huge bonus for me was Violet having the support of not only Jay, but also her family. In so many YA books, the parents seem to be out of the picture! Throughout the story, we are given a glimpse into what the killer is doing. This was a such a great addition as it take the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride, the contrast of Violet & Jay's love & the fear instilled by the killer. This was an incredible debut by Kim which had me on the edge of my seat, and feeling all warm and fuzzy at the same time. I can't wait to see whats in store in the sequel, Desires of the Dead.