Monday, February 27, 2012

Review: First Date

First Date by Krista McGeeFirst Date by Krista McGee
Source: Net Galley
Summary: The last thing Addy Davidson wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President's son.
She's focused on her schoolwork so she can get a scholarship to an Ivy League college, uncomfortable in the spotlight, never been on a date, and didn't even audition for it.
But she got selected anyway.
So she does her best to get eliminated on the very first show. Right before she realizes that the President's son is possibly the most attractive guy she has ever seen in person, surprisingly nice, and seemingly unimpressed by the 99 other girls who are throwing themselves at him.
Addy's totally out of her comfort zone but that may be right where God can show her all that she was meant to be.

Review: A book that has a religious aspect to it is not something that I usually read. I have nothing against it, but for some reason every one I've picked up hasn't been the best which in the end made me stop reading them. Yet, when I saw this summary I had to pick it up. My weakness has always been cute romance novels and that's what First Date was. A romance novel to make you smile.


The main character, Addy, doesn't want anything to do with this T.V. show but she was nominated anyway and can't get out of it. When she gets there he automatically attracts the attention of the media and the presidents son and gains every other girl their as an enemy. From this plot you get some funny reality T.V. moments and cute romance from Addy and the president's son. 


While this novel was cheesy and predicable, sometimes that's just want to need. This is the perfect book for rainy, gloomy days to cheer you up. Also, First Date is a Christian fiction novel and if that's not your cup of tea, maybe this isn't the book for you. The religion isn't over done and it doesn't take over the whole novel but it is there. 



Sunday, February 26, 2012

In My Mailbox (71)

IMM is hosted and created by The Story Siren.      

For Review:

This was just my waiting on Wednesday so I'm obviously excited to read this one!

The Library:

I'm just addicted to Harry Potter now, I really need to hurry up and finish the series so I can get some review books read.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday

Wanderlove

Summary: Are you a Global Vagabond?

18-year-old Bria wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a tour of Central America--the wrong one.
Middle-aged tourists are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. So when Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspoken sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path. Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel through Mayan villages and remote Belizean islands, they discover they're both seeking to leave behind the old versions of themselves. The secret to escaping the past, Rowan's found, is to keep moving forward. But Bria realizes she can't run forever. At some point, you have to look back.

Wanderlove is a book that I have seen around other blogs for awhile now, after seeing so many raving about it, how could I not be dying to read it? I've heard some great things about Kirsten's writing and can not wait to read this book. 


Also the author has some fun stuff going on right now, and if your a tumblr addict like me, this is something you'll want to check out. Kirsten is traveling back to Central America again to go back tot he places in the book and she made a Tumblr just for the trip! She'll be posting pictures and videos while she's there. Also you can post your own pictures and enter to win a copy of Wanderlove! So go check out http://wanderlove.com/

What books are you waiting for?

--Danielle

Monday, February 20, 2012

Breathless Reads Tour : Interview with the Authors

Hello everyone! On Saturday I went to the Breathless Reads Tour in Collegeville PA. While there I got to do the most incredible thing, interview the authors. Now I've done some really amazing things since starting my blog, reviews, ARCS, BEA, and giveaways are a few but this was different. Actually seeing these talented authors and being able to sit down with them in person to do an interview was something I hadn't thought I would be doing anytime soon. 

First a little bit about the authors at the tour. 

Andrea Cremer, the authors of the Nightshade series that the final book has just been published. 
Beth Revis, the author of the Across the Universe series, the second book A Million Suns was just released. 
Marie Lu, the author of Legend the first in her series that came out over the summer. 
Jessica Spotswood, the author of the Born Wicked Series, which the first one was just, released this month.

All of these ladies are incredibly talented and it shows in their novels, which really do leave you breathless (just as the tour name suggests). When I first sat down with the four authors, I have to admit I was extremely nervous (I was freaking out on the hour and a half ride to the bookstore). I had never interviewed someone in person before, just through email, and I was starting with four at one time! However, once we started talking, I realized how nice and funny they all were and I instantly relaxed and it became much easier. 

First I had asked them to describe their novels in 5 words, which they all had fun quirky answers for. Beth Revis described her series as a "murder mystery in space", Andrea Cremer's trilogy as "forbidden love and false history", Marie Lu's Legend as "teenage criminal v. detective", and finally Jessica Spotswood's Born Wicked as  "witches, sisters, and kissing." Each description describes their books perfectly and would make anyone want to pick them up. 

Next I had asked the four about how they were enjoying the group tour. These particular kinds of tours seem to be getting more popular and luckily the authors seem to love doing them together just as much as the readers love seeing them all at one time. As they talked about the tour there were laughs all around the table and you can tell how close these authors have become in the past week. Marie Lu says touring as a group "helps with the nerves" and they all seemed to agree. They also agreed they enjoyed each other’s company. Beth said "nothing will bind you like a book tour" which seemed to be very true. 

When asked for advice for aspiring authors they all had great recommendations for anyone who dreams of becoming an author. “Write what you want…don’t think you have to write a certain way,” stated Andrea. Beth says to “write a book you feel passionate about.” Marie tells us “don’t be afraid to write something bad,” and Jessica says, “find critique partners…someone who will give you honest feedback.” Since they are all talented and published authors this is advice aspiring authors will want to remember.

Seeing as I didn’t have much time left with the four, I decided to ask some fun questions to close out the interview. First, I asked each author her favorite novels. Andrea’s was Watership Down by Richard Adams; Beth enjoys the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, Marie’s favorite was Mattimeo and says “it got me into reading fantasy”, and Jessica’s was the classic Gone With the Wind. 

Lastly, given that in about a month the highly anticipated movie, The Hunger Games, will be released I thought it would be fun to end the interview finding out if these authors were Team Peeta or Team Gale. Almost all around the table agreed with Team Peeta except Andrea who is on Team Finnick. This seemed to be a topic they were all passionate about, and have discussed before.

After this wonderful experience, I would recommend everyone to go see these authors. There are still a few stops left on the Breathless Reads Tour, and if they are coming to a city near you, this is something you do not want to miss. But, if you can’t see these authors, make sure you read their books. Their fun personalities shine through in their talented writing. Nightshade, Across the Universe, Born Wicked and Legend are all novels that are worth reading. 





A short clip from The Breathless Reads Tour


--Danielle

--Now I have to thank my friend Brittany for coming with me to PA! She was a life saver and incredibly awesome, she even took notes during the interview catching things that I didn't get. So a HUGE thanks to her :) 

Sunday, February 19, 2012

In My Mailbox (70)

IMM is hosted and created by The Story Siren.     





Books: 
Wolfsbane by Andea Cremer
Born Wicked by Jessica Spotswood
A Million Suns by Beth Revis
Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally 

Tomorrow: My Interview with the Breathless Reads Authors! 

Then I promise some actual reviews on my blog this week! It's been forever since I've had actual reviews on the blog since I had a week of interviews and guest posts last week...

What did you get in your mailbox?

--Danielle

Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the giveaway for the signed copy of For Always is 

*drum roll*

Jessica (Peace Love Books) 

I'll be emailing the winner shortly. I'm not a big fan of the answer within 48 hour rule. (what if their power is out or internet connection not working?) So I'll give the winner a decent amount of time to get back to me but if for some reason she does not. I will pick a new winner. 

If you didn't win this giveaway, don't worry, I'm planning some more fun stuff in the future! 

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Breathless Reads Tour

Good morning everyone! I'll be leaving in about an hour to make my way to the Breathless Reads Tour today in PA. I"m super excited and can not wait to meet some of my favorite authors today!



Legend, Across the Universe and Nightshade are some of my favorite books, and I recently bought Born Wicked because it just looks so good! I think Penguin has come up with a perfect name for this tour because all these books do leave you Breathless.

Is someone else going today? Leave a comment (I get them on my phone) or tweet me! Can't wait to meet some bloggers there!

Friday, February 17, 2012

Interview: Alissa from The Grammarian’s Reviews


The Grammarians Reviews


Today I have an interview with the awesome blogger Alissa from the Grammarian's Review


1) Tell us a little about yourself and your blog
Well, firstly… Hello! I’m Alissa, creator of The Grammarian’s Reviews book review blog. I realize TGR isn't a very catchy/cool name, but it reflects my love for all things grammar. Yes, I said grammar. There’s just something about punctuation and tenses and word structure that’s really lovely! Wouldn’t you agree? ;P

2) What is your favorite non-blogging/reading thing to do?
COOKING! I’m helplessly addicted to watching Food Network and cooking/baking as often as possible. I really enjoy trying new recipes, especially those that include foods I’ve never tried before.

In another life I’d probably be a chef.

3) Do you have a favorite place to read?
Not particularly. As long as I’m curled up on a nice armchair, I’m good.

4) Since Valentines Day is coming up, are you pro or anti-Valentines Day?
Can I be both anti and pro-Valentine’s Day? I have mixed feelings about it. I’m not okay with it being a commercialized holiday, although I do think it can be cute to celebrate.

5) Ebooks or print copies?
Print. There’s nothing better than the smell of a new book and getting to physically hold it. Although, having been a book reviewer for a while now, I’ve gotten more accepting of e-books.

6) Currently what is your favorite book cover?
Playing Hurt by Holly Schindler. I love that it makes me think of summer. I’m also a fan of really clean, simplistic covers, and the crisp colors and simple text are visually pleasing to me.


7) You recently made the switch to WordPress. Would you recommend this
for other bloggers?
Yes and no. I’ve said it many times in my posts and guide: it’s a trial-and-error kind of situation. I advise making a dummy account on WordPress before deciding whether to make the move. Some people may simply not like WordPress.

However, I’m very happy at WordPress now and I think it’s worth looking into. I was very comfortable with Blogger before I switched, and I switched in only a matter of days, but I don’t regret it. WordPress has a lot more to offer, and it’s much easier to navigate and operates much more smoothly.

While I didn’t hate Blogger or anything of the sort, I was blinded to the fact that there are better blogging options out there. It all depends what you want to get out of your blogging experience.

Thanks for having me on your blog, Danielle!
Thanks for the interview Alissa!


You can find Alissa at http://thegrammariansreviews.com/.



Thursday, February 16, 2012

Interview: Cate Tiernan author of Immortal Beloved!

Hey everyone! Today I have one of my favorite authors for an interview! Cate Tiernan, the author of The Immortal Beloved Series, Balefire Series, and the Sweep Series. All amazing books, that I loved.

1) Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Cate Tiernan BioUm . . . I'm a writer . . . I have a husband and kids and pets and a pretty normal life. But I do like creating other worlds, and imagining different realities.

2) Can you describe the Immoral Beloved Series in 5 words or less?
Troubled immortal finds new hope.

3) What books did you enjoying reading while growing up?
Almost anything--I read all the time. I went through all the classics, like Ramona, and the Secret Garden. I loved mysteries and fairy tales and lots of nonfiction.

4) You have published many books in the past. Does it get easier with each one?
No, I wish. In some ways it gets harder and harder, because I learn with each book, and then want to make the next book even better. It was a lot easier when I didn't know as much.
Immortal Beloved
5) The Sweep Series (one of my favorites!) has 15 books. Was it hard to leave them to work on new series?
Yes, it was super hard, like losing friends. I had more stories I wanted to tell about Morgan and everyone--Sky and Hunter. I'll always love Morgan and Hunter.

6) What made you decide to write about Immortals instead of Wiccan and witches like you’ve done in previous books?
I try to do something different each time--though of course I have my familiar patterns or themes. I like exploring new worlds, new ideas.

7) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Figure out why you want to write, what you want to say through your writing. Figure out who you want to say it to, and why. Try to understand yourself as much as possible, because it helps you understand other people.

Thanks for the interview Cate!
You can find more about Cate and her books HERE on her website.

If you haven't read any of her books yet, I highly recommend them!

Tomorrow: Alissa from the Grammarians Reviews


--Danielle

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Interview: Harmony from Radiant Reads

Today, I have another book blogger stopping by, Harmony from Radiant Reads! She is such an fun blogger, I love reading her posts and she even started the youtube channel, Totally Booksessed. Which is a youtube channel dedicated to talking about books. You should go check that out if you haven't already!




1) Tell us a little about your self and your blog:
Oh, I suck at these! Okay, my name is Harmony, I’m 15, and I run the blog Radiant Reads.
I’ve been blogging for almost two years now and I read and review Young Adult books. I’m
slightly insane, a romance lover, and I find myself terribly amusing (and hopefully you will too! Haha)


2)What is your favorite non-blogging /reading this to do?
I kind of have an addiction to youtube! I watch Philip DeFranco, Charlie, Nerimon, VlogBrothers, MissGlamorazzi, etc etc. Plus, I do write on occasion so there’s that! Not enough to call myself a legit author or anything but it’s something I enjoy doing and think I’m good at.


3)Do you have a favorite place to read?
As crazy as it sounds, school. The noise comforts me while I’m reading because it’s incredibly easy for me to just get lost in the world of a book. I hate reading at home and I never do; the lack of noise makes me nervous and unable to concentrate.


4)Since Valentines day is coming up, are you pro or anti-Valentines Day?
I love Valentine’s Day! Even if you don’t have someone to spend it with, it’s a nice holiday and a chance for people to step back from their busy lives and spend some time their significant other.


5)Ebooks or print copies?
Print! I’m not only a book reader but a collector, so I like displaying my books and having physical copies. I have a Nook but my sister uses it most of the time since I never do.


6)Currently what is your favorite book cover?
I think right now it’s Timepiece by Myra McEntire. Her book covers (and her books!) are so amazing and I just love looking at them. I have a poster of her first book and they’re so mind-bending!


7)Many bloggers have been switching to Wordpress recently, have you been thinking about doing this too?
Nope! Apparently bloggers been giving a lot of people problems but I haven’t had much problem with him in my years using so I won’t be switching anytime soon! Plus, I just got a great layout and I don’t want to change anything about it! Haha.


Thanks so much for stopping by to do an interview today! 


You can find Harmony at http://harmonyradiantreads.blogspot.com/


Tomorrow: An Interview with Cate Teirnan!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Guest Post by Danielle Sibarium

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I have to admit this is one of my favorite holiday's, but it would take awhile to explain why, instead for Valentine's Day, Danielle Sibarium, the author of For Always agreed to stop buy and do a guest post! 




Thank you Danielle, for having me. I am honored to be here as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  It is this special holiday that leads me to wonder, what is love?
Heart cookies
                                  
Books, poems, songs of love are everywhere you go. But what is love? Is it real? Is it forever? Is love the funny feeling in your stomach like butterflies fluttering with wild abandon when you see that special someone? Is it a romantic walk on the beach under the full moon and a sky full of stars?


It is both of these and neither.  Love is intangible and immeasurable. You cannot see it, but see that it exists. You cannot touch it, but be touched by it. We will sacrifice for it, war over it, and yet we cannot hide it away or protect it.


Love can be defined as a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.  Another definition reads; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child or friend.  The problem is there is not one all-encompassing definition of love, just as there is not one specific way of loving. This is why we remain captivated with the search for this intriguing enigma.


We seek love from our family, friends and romantic partners. Love makes us feel safe and warm and wanted. It helps us feel worthy that we are part of a unit. Love acts as a binding agent keeping us connected to others.


But, no matter how loved we are, it is never enough, because we cannot hold or measure it. It has no physical properties for us to see.  When others tell us they love us, we must take them on their word based on their actions. No matter how much we are loved, we always want more because like us love can grow. It is limitless and we often find ourselves pushing those limits.


Love sets us free. It gives us the confidence to let our hair down and be ourselves.  Love calls us to serve others, whether it is the romantic love of a soul mate, love of parents or children, or even love of our fellow man. It motivates us to go out and do good in the world and be the best we can be.


There are many ways to show our love for others, a kind word or deed, going out of our way to do something special. So go out and tell someone you love them. Spread love and celebrate the fact that you are loved. Love! Love! Love!


Happy Valentines Day!




Thanks Danielle for stopping by today! The giveaway for her novel For Always will be open until late this afternoon (when I get home from school). So make sure you enter while you still can! (Giveaway here)


Tomorrow: interview from Harmony from Radiant Reads!

Monday, February 13, 2012

Interview: Katie from Katie's Book Blog!


Hey everyone! Today, I have an interview with Katie from Katie's Book Blog! It's one of my favorite blogs to read, you should go check it out it you haven't already :)


1) Tell us a little about your self and your blog.



I am twenty years old and just starting the second half of my sophomore year of college.  I am hoping to one day work in publishing.  Not sure yet about editing or publicity.  I love both.  My blog is dedicated to reviewing and promoting YA books.  This past month was my three year blogoversary and it is hard to believe it has been that long.  Hopefully there will be many more years of blogging in my future!

2)What is your favorite non-blogging /reading thing to do?



I love spending time outside.  I like walking, hiking, playing in the snow (although I can't ski or snowboard, sadly), and yes, sometimes I do just go outside to read.  I can't help myself if it is a beautiful day and I'm in the middle of a good book. 


3)Do you have a favorite place to read?


My favorite place to read is curled up in my bed under a pile of blankets surrounded by enough pillows to prop me up where I won't be tempted to fall asleep.  =)


4)Since Valentines day is coming up, are you pro or anti-Valentines Day?


I am neither.  I don't really care for Valentine's Day but I don't hate it.  Although that is my view now.  If you had talked to me in high school I would have told you how much I hated Valentine's Day.  =P

5)Ebooks or print copies?


Print copies, all the way! 



6)Currently what is your favorite book cover?

Oh gosh.  This is such a hard question.  At the moment, my favorite book cover is Wrapped by Jennifer Bradbury.  It's not exactly a newer book but I just recently got it and I can't stop staring at the cover.  It is so unique and gorgeous.   


7)Many bloggers have been switching to Wordpress recently, have you been thinking about doing this too?

Nope.  I have been with Blogger for three years now and I have had no problems with it.  It doesn't seem logical to me to switch when there is no issue with Blogger.  I'm a Blogger fan and I will continue to be one until they actually screw me over.  =P
Thanks Katie for the interview! :) 


Check out Katie's Book Blog HERE!


Tomorrow is a guest post by Danielle Sibarium about Valentine's Day so make sure you stop by! Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway for a Signed copy of Danielle's book For Always HERE.

--Danielle

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Interview: Melissa Jensen (The Fine Art Of Truth or Dare)

Hey everyone! This is kicking off my week of awesome, all week I will have interviews and guest posts by some amazing authors and bloggers. 



Melissa Jensen is here to start off the week with an interview! 


Can you tell us a little about yourself?
You can find my "official" bio here. Beyond that... How 'bout this. What I would carry out of my house if it were on fire, in order: My family. The dog, cat, and hermit crab. My iPhone. My antique "Pride and Prejudice" and Oz books. Anything I own made by Alexander McQueen. My passport.

Can you explain The Fine Art of Truth or Dare in 5 words?
Girl, Guys (1 Dead), Art  

What books did you enjoy reading while growing up?
I absolutely LOVED the Wizard of Oz books. Way too few people know there are 13 more books in the original Baum series, and that they're all better than the first. And James Herriot's "All Things" series. Still adore both and often revisit them. I liked mysteries and was heartbroken as an adult to discover that the Nancy Drew books weren't quite what I remembered. (Her boyfriend gets to go to college; she gets a car and, frequently, rescued. Hmm.) Then I discovered Jane Austen. I will never, ever get tired of "Pride and Prejudice".  

Since the 14th is coming up, are you pro or anti Valentines Day?
That question made me laugh. I have no idea. I have a lovely (and hunky) husband, which means I am all for Love. But my lovely husband isn't a Valentine's Day kinda guy, so... Okay. You know what I think everyone should do on Valentine's Day? Go out with as many people you love as possible. No couples on their own. Lots of friends, maybe a family member or two. Drink a little, eat too much, celebrate how amazing it feels to love people who love you back.  

The main character off your novel has an appreciation for art. Are you at all like Ella in this aspect?
Not to her degree. The Arts have certainly figured into my life. Both of my parents are talented artists, my husband is a photographer, and all of my siblings are singers--two have done it professionally. Me? I'm just dramatic. Or I used to be, anyway. I love art museums; the National Portrait Gallery in London is one of my fave places in the world. I have music playing almost all the time. But wannabe, expert, or addict? Nope.  

Do you have a favorite quote from a novel?
Actually, my all-time fave bookish quote is about a novel. The ever-clever Dorothy Parker: "This is not a novel to be tossed aside lightly. It should be thrown with great force."  

 Do you have any advice you aspiring writers?
Read. Readreadreadreadread. Everything you can get your hands on, in your genre and beyond. That's the all-important thing. Then, second, FINISH a book. I can't tell you how many aspiring writers tell me that they have pieces of twenty books in their hard drives, but have never gotten to "The End". Look at it this way, if you write a page a day, just a page, you'll have a book plus editing time within a year.  

Thanks so much for the interview! 

Absolutely my pleasure.   


Melissa's novel A Fine Art of Truth or Dare comes out on February 16th! This Thursday (and my birthday!) 


Tomorrow: Katie from Katie's Book Blog!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

In My Mailbox(69)

IMM is hosted and created by The Story Siren.    



For Review:
My Favorite Mistake by Georgina Bloomberg and Catherine Hapka
Just Flirt by Laura Bowers

Library:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Tomorrow: Interview with Melissa Jensen the author of The Fine Art of Truth or Dare


So make sure you stop by!

Link to the signed copy of For Always HERE.

What did you get in your mailbox?


Friday, February 10, 2012

BookExpo America and Age Limit Rumors

I know this post is a bit early. I just wanted to let you know, I will be attending BEA again this year. There has been rumors going around that they are going to be stricter with the age limits this year however, I have called and they confirmed that as long as you have an adult blogger (or another industry professional) with you, you'll be fine!

If you are a young blogger, like me. You can still go to BEA! The rumors are VERY untrue. Just find an adult blogger to drag along with you.

Now, who else is going to BEA this year? I wasn't very good at socializing last year. I want my experience this year to be MUCH different. I have to learn not to be so shy. So if you are going to BEA this year, let me know, maybe we can meet up at the exhibit.

I was also wonder if you recommend BBC?

Hope to see you all in June!

--Danielle

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday


Can't lie, the main reason I'm looking forward to this novel is how much it sounds like Downton Abby. I have only watch the first season, I've been meaning to catch up on the second one, but I live every second of it. It seems like most bloggers have been watching and loving it. There has to be some sort of parallel with YA blogging and TV... but I'll save that for another post. Maybe last this week. 

Summary: The prettiest people often have the ugliest secrets…
Eighteen-year-old Maggie Darlington has turned into an entirely different person. The once spirited teen is now passive and reserved. A change Lord and Lady Darlington can’t help but be grateful for.
It’s 1912, and the Darlingtons of Wentworth Hall have more than just the extensive grounds to maintain. As one of Britain’s most elite families, they need to keep up appearances that things are as they have always been…even as their carefully constructed façade rapidly comes undone.
Maggie has a secret. And she’s not the only one…the handsome groom Michael, the beautiful new French nanny Therese, the Darlingtons’ teenage houseguests Teddy and Jessica, and even Maggie’s younger sister Lila are all hiding something. Passion, betrayal, heartache, and whispered declarations of love take place under the Darlingtons’ massive roof. And one of these secrets has the power to ruin the Darlingtons forever.
When scandalous satires start appearing in the newspaper with details that closely mirror the lives of the Darlingtons, everyone is looking over their shoulder, worrying their scandal will be next. Because at Wentworth Hall, nothing stays secret for long.


I believe this one comes out in May.

--Danielle




Monday, February 6, 2012

Thoughts: The Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
By: J.K. Rowling


Thoughts: I hoped the second book would be better then the first since the first novel only started off so-so for me. Well I felt like the writing improved so much in this novel, maybe it's just because I was getting use to the middle grade writing and getting lost in the world of Harry Potter. 


Now compared to the movie their was a few things that were different and things that were cleared up while reading the book. I love them both but I have to say the book is so much better. Just like with (almost) any book to movie. 

I'm enjoying this series imensly and can't believe I waited to long too start them. Off  to the next one....Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban. 

Sunday, February 5, 2012

In My Mailbox (68)



IMM is hosted and created by The Story Siren.   


Good-morning guys! It's Superbowl Sunday! (not that I really care...I'm not much of a football person. don't understand it. But I will watch it today. I'm going with the Giants since there is a chance my marching band will be asked to march in their ticker tape parade on Tuesday!) Anyway, this isn't a blog about football it's about books! (which is much better then football, honestly) so here are the books I got this week!
Already finished this one. I really want to start the 4th one but I have other library books to read first!

Loooove the private series. Can't wait to read the prequel 

What did you get this weekend?
--Danielle

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of For Always (a signed copy!) here. And stop back next week for a whole week of interviews and guest posts! 



Friday, February 3, 2012

Breathless Reads Tour - PA stops!

I've only been to one book signing if you don't count BEA. That was the release for For Always (which I have a giveaway for a sign copy HERE) that was so much fun. Most book tours and author signings do not come near me in New Jersey (New York is a bit out of the way). When I heard that the Breathless Reads Tour would be an hour from me, how could I pass that up? All of my favorite authors in one place!

Marie Lu, Beth Revis and Andrea Cremer. I have read and loved the first book in each of their series. I am SOOOOO excited to get to meet them. I haven't read Born Wicked but I've heard great things about it and really want it. This is the perfect time to get it!

I will be going to the stop on Saturday the 18th in PA. Anyone else going? I would love to see some bloggers there!

For the people not going, I'm going to try and get some footage on my new video camera for you! I haven't had much change to use it yet, this is the perfect opportunity.

For anyone else in the New Jersey, PA area their is also a signing for Ally Carter and Rachel Hawkins on March 14 in Fairless Hills, PA. That is only 33 minutes from me. (I'm going to work on my parents for that one...it is a school day...)  but Ally Carter will be by herself on the next Friday in Philadelphia, so maybe that one.

Anyone else planning on going to one of these book signings? Let me know!

Anastasia's Secret for 2.99!

Do you have an e-reader? Well one of my favorite books is only 2.99 on e-book right now! Anastasia's Secret is a cute, and sad if you know how the story ends, historical fiction.




Here's my review for Anastasia's Secret if you want to check that out. 

Also there is 100 cheap e-books on Amazon (I think they have a new one every month). Go Check it out! I bet you'll be able to find something. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Thoughts: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone



Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
By: J.K. Rowling

Thoughts:
As you know, I have been reading Harry Potter. I even joined a challenge for this year. Well I have fallen in love with them! The magic, and world, the characters, really there is nothing not to love in these novels.


However, I have to admit, I didn't enjoy reading the first book for the first 50 pages or so. I'm just so use to reading novels with endless descriptions, and mostly in first point of view. I do like 3rd person, but it was a simpler writing then I was use to. Yet, once I got use to the flow of the novel I just couldn't put it down.

I also watched the move when I finished the novel. I loved how true to the book they were. Now I have seen the movies before but it's different watching it after you read the book. You have more of the background story and it's not as confusing.

It was also nice to read the novel after seeing the movie since I had a picture and a voice for each character. I also loved how the acting stayed true to the characters. Besides Dumbledore, I loved his funny and random comments, I didn't find that as much in the movie. Other then that I love the book and movie! Can't wait to read more (I'm on #3). My thoughts of #2 will be up soon!

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