To Read, or Not To Read

Check out these great contests. If you have a contest you want listed email me @ loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com and I'll add it to the list. The Story Snoops gives away a book every Friday http://storysnoops.com/ Whatt....more books is giving away Linger and the Sky is Everywhere   http://whatmorebooks.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-giveaway-ends-august-31-2010.html  ends Aug 31 Sarah's Scribbles has ten prizes up for grabs ends Aug 31 http://sarahnfisk.blogspot.com/2010/08/end-of-summer-book-giveaway.html Beck's Book Picks are giving away 20 signed copies of  Moon Rising by Laurie Bowler  ends Sept. 3, 2010 http://becksbookpicks.blogspot.com/2010/08/author-interview-giveaway.html Good Coice Reading is giving away signed copies of the first three books in Lara Adrian's Midnight Breed series ends Sept. 3, 2010 http://goodchoicereading.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-boston-trip-giveaway.html Kidsmomo is holding a Birthday Bash Book Giveaway open to kids under 18. They

Title: Dracula, My Love Author: Syrie James Publisher: Harper Collins Publication Date: July 20, 2010 Paperback, 427 pages ISBN:  978-0-06-192303-6 Many have read and loved Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But questions remain. What is the true story of Dracula’s origin? What if Mina could not bring herself to record the true story of their scandalous affair—until now? In Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker, Syrie James explores these questions and more. A vibrant dramatization, told from Mina’s point of view, brings to life the crucial parts of Stoker’s story while showcasing Mina’s sexual awakening and evolution as a woman, and revealing a secret that could destroy her life. Torn between two men—a loving husband and a dangerous lover—Mina struggles to hang on to the deep love she’s found within her marriage, even as she is inexorably drawn to Dracula himself—the vampire that everyone she knows is determined to destroy. I picked this book because I love Dracula. It&

Sunday Confessions is a weekly meme. It's a way to share a little bit about myself and to get to know my followers. This is all in good fun. So please feel free to comment. I look forward to your responses!!!! I have not read Harry Potter. I can hear your gasps from here! LOL. It's true. I have all the Harry Potter books but I have not read them. Why? Because I love the movies.  I have a problem:   I am not a big fan of books that have been made into movies.  The books are always better and the movies, most of the time, are lacking.  I know once I read the Harry Potter books I will feel differently about the movies. Whenever I watch a movie based on a book, I can't help but compare the two. I go into the movie with certain expectations. I try to keep an open mind too, but sometimes I wonder if the directors/screen writers have even read the book they are making a movie of.  I could rant for hours on this subject, however this Sunday Confession is on books that made a good

Over the past few weeks I have been given a couple of awards. I think it's so double rainbow that you like my blog enough to give it an award.  I feel honored to have you all as followers and to follow you as well.  If you get a chance please visit these blogs:   Thank you to: Amanda from Another Book Junkie         Yara Santos from Once Upon A Twilight Stephany from Stuck Between the Pages       Jackie from Housewife Blues & Chicuahua Stories Baily from IB Book Blogging The awards come with some rules: 1. Accept the award. Post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link. 2. Pay it forward to 15 other bloggers that you have newly discovered. 3. Contact those blog owners and let them know they've been chosen. I pass both awards to these blogs: 1. The Zen Leaf 2. The Michelle Show 3. My Jane Austen Book Club 4. A Girl Reads A Book 5. Book Faery 6. I Heart Monster 7. The Naughty Book Kitties 8. The

Where did the time go?  Since Sept. is right around the corner, it's time to get ready for my contest/giveaways around the blogging world post.  If you have a giveaway/contest  going on in Sept. let me know and I will help spread the word. Email me your giveaway details. Include prize, end date and a link to your giveaway. Please put Sept. Contest in the subject line. My post will be up the first week of Sept. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. My email address is loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com.

As you might have read, I have had Bleak House sitting on my bookshelf for some time. I found this readalong and thought "What a great idea!" so I signed up for it. Then a couple day ago I thought "What have I done? How am I going to find time to read this?" Well, I finally found some quiet time time and I am glad I did! How did my first seven chapters of Bleak House go? Well I am glad you asked!  I really liked the characters of Bleak House.  Esther is my favorite. My heart broke for her in the beginning. I look forward to seeing her character grow and develop more.  Mr. Skimpole is my least favorite. He drove me up the wall! Maybe it's because I know people like him in my life. People who don't take responsibility for their lives and expect other people to clean up the messes they made. GRRRRR  Anyway, Charles Dickens described London in such a way that I feel like I have been there.  In my mind I could see the streets, the fog, people walking on the sid

Title: A Season of Eden Author: J.M. Warwick Publisher: Grove Creek Publishing Publication Date: October 20, 2008 Paperback, 248 pages ISBN: 978-1-933963-90-7 He's my teacher. I shouldn't be alone with him. But I can't help that he's irresistible. I let the door silently close at my back. He stared at me, and a taut quiet stretched between us. "I like hearing you play," I said, moving toward him. He turned, in sync with my slow approach. He looked up at me but didn't say anything. I rested my clammy hand on the cold, slick body of the baby grand. "May I?" The muscles in his throat shifted, then he swallowed. "Eden." My knees weakened, like a soft tickling kiss had just been blown against the backs of them. "Is it okay?" I asked. His gaze held mine like two hands joined. He understood what I was really asking. "Let me stay," I said. "Please." "You're going to get me in trouble," he said.

Title: Mercy's Embrace: The Lady Must Decide Author: Laura Hile Publisher: Wytherngate Press Publication Date: June 4, 2010 paperback, 208 pages ISBN-10: 0-97288529-9-9, -13:978-0-9728529-9-9 As the news of Elizabeth Elliot's broken engagement becomes known, the storm of social disapproval descends and Elizabeth is left to wonder how she, with every claim to birth and beauty, has made such a muddle of her life. Even worse, why has dear Mr Gill suddenly become so distant? Patrick Gill has dropped many a hint that he is not the lowly clerk he has pretended to be, but Elizabeth Elliot will have none of it. His playful jest has gone too far, for him as well as for her. But her father has fled from his creditors, leaving her in disgrace. Now "Mr Gill" must force a meeting between Elizabeth and the man he truly is--Admiral McGillvary, a man she claims to despise. Have I mentioned how much I have enjoyed this series?  This is third book in Laura Hiles's Mercy'

This is a follow up post to my Sunday Confessions.  Thank you to all the people who commented and voiced your opinions on this subject. I have lost a few followers but I've gained some as well. I am okay with that. I would rather you follow me because you like my blog and not for any other reason. Thanks for sticking with me! I promise I will not get too preachy. However I wanted to let you know about some cool book blog sites that are bringing attention to the censorship of books. Adam from Roof Beam Reader has a Saturday Uncensored post.  "This weekly post is meant to bring renewed attention to the still prevalently present practice (alliteration!) of challenging and censoring books - in our libraries, our schools, and elsewhere." - quote taken from Adam's blog and Donna from Bites is hosting Ban This! Click on the button below to find out more info. "As you may or may not be aware, the American Library Association's Banned Books Week is fr

I was all set to do my Sunday Confessions post on another subject. However I came across some things this week that really ruffled my feathers: A YA author was uninvited to a book event because of the contents in her book and bloggers ragging on other bloggers about their book subject choices and/or genre choices. It’s your purgative what you read. You should read what makes you happy. But do you have the right to make that decision for someone else? My answer is a big, fat NO. Take a second to think about this: A world where everyone reads the exact same thing and has the exact same opinions. Are you bored? I am. One thing I love about the book blogging world is visiting different blogs and seeing what they are reading. I have found some excellent books of all genres that way. Books I might not have known about otherwise. I also love reading the different opinions everyone has. You can agree or disagree on my reviews. It’s cool. We all have different opinions. It’s what makes the

Title: Mercy’s Embrace: So Lively A Chase. Author: Laura Hile Publisher: Wytherngate Press Publication Date: November 25, 2009 Paperback, 214 pages ISBN-10: 0-9728529-8-0 Twelve-thousand a year and an extensive estate can gild a sow's ear, or so Elizabeth Elliot has always supposed. But now that she's fallen for the dashing Patrick Gill, Elizabeth is almost ready to give up Mr. Rushworth's fortune. Painfully aware of her bruised pride and vulnerable heart, Elizabeth can only despise herself for loving so common a man. But it has never occurred to her that darling Mr. Gill guards a secret of his own--and that he might be responsible for her father's disappearance. So Lively a Chase is book 2 of Laura Hile's delightful series Mercy's Embrace: Elizabeth Elliot's story base on Jane Austen's Persuasion This is the second part of a three part novel. Incase you missed my review of Book One So Rough A Course check it out here . I really enjoyed the sec

A couple years ago I watched Bleak House on PBS and LOVED it.  I bought the book with every intention of reading it for the past few years, but alas it just sat upon my shelf.  Early this week I came across The Zen Leaf blog and discovered that Amanda is doing a Bleak House readalong. I thought this would be a fun way to finally read this book. You can participate too, just sign up at the The Zen Leaf .  Here is the reading schedule: Bleak House was originally published over the course of 19 months, in 20 installments (the last month being a double installment). Instead of spreading this out for 19 weeks, though, as that would take until Christmas, I think two installments per week would work. We would post on the following schedule: Aug 25 - Chapters 1-7 Sept 1 - Chapters 8-13 Sept 8 - Chapters 14-19 Sept 15 - Chapters 20-25 Sept 22 - Chapters 26-32 Sept 29 - Chapters 33-38 Oct 6 - Chapters 39-46 Oct 13 - Chapters 47-53 Oct 20 - Chapters 54-59 Oct 27 - Chapters 60-67

I am so excited to have Lauren Hammond stopping by today on her blog tour. She is here promoting her latest novel Love Sucks.  Check out what Lauren has to say about her new novel: The sun rises on the last day of your life just like any other, but nightfall lasts forever unless you are awake to it. Love Sucks isn’t your typical vampire-romance novel. When I began writing Love Sucks, I wanted to create a character that not only I could relate to but, my readers could relate to as well. So from there, Cara Jones was born. I remember sitting down to write this and thinking from the very first paragraph, okay Lauren, You’re trapped in box, buried under the earth. How would you react? What would you do? I honestly think by putting myself in Cara shoes and feeling everything she feels, I was able to create a great, loveable character. I wanted my readers to the same thing I did when they read Love Sucks. I wanted them to really put themselves in Cara’s shoes. I wanted them to feel

First I want to say thank you to everyone who entered this giveaway! An extra thank you to everyone who spread the word about this contest. You all ROCK ! In my contest post I said there would be FOUR winners, but I changed my mind. Instead of FOUR winners there will be EIGHT. That's right, you read that correctly there are EIGHT winners. 1. Lesley(confirmed) 2. Brittany(confirmed) 3. Elise(confirmed) 4. Lora1967 (confirmed) 5. Reena Jacobs (confirmed) 6. Amanda (confirmed) 7. Dee(Good Choice Reading) (confirmed) 8. Kelsey (confirmed) I will be contacting you be email shortly with instructions on how to claim your prize. If you didn't win this contest, check out Contest Around the Blogging World for other great giveaways. * Don't forget to check your spam

Title: Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow Author: Jessica Day George Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books Publication Date: January 8, 2008 Harcover 328 pages ISBN-10: 1-59990-109-9 Blessed—or cursed—with an ability to understand animals, the Lass (as she’s known to her family) has always been an oddball. And when an isbjorn (polar bear) seeks her out, and promises that her family will become rich if only the Lass will accompany him to his castle, she doesn’t hesitate. But the bear is not what he seems, nor is his castle, which is made of ice and inhabited by a silent staff of servents. Only a grueling journey on the backs of the four winds will reveal the truth: the bear is really a prince who’s been enchanted by a troll queen, and the Lass must come up with a way to free him before he’s forced to marry a troll princess. This is the second book I have read by Jessica Day George. I have to say that I am a fan. I love her writing style. Her books are so easy to read and very entert

I recently decided to add a new weekly feature to my blog called Sunday Confessions. I wanted to find a way to share a little about myself and learn more about my followers. Some of my topics will be book related, others not so much. This is all in good fun so please feel free to comment. So without further ado, my first question is: Who was your first supernatural/paranormal crush? My first supernatural crush was Dracula played by Gary Oldman. I was just a teenager when I first watched the movie Dracula and Gary Oldman rocked my world. I wanted to be Mina so bad. After I saw the movie I read the book. In the book Dracula is cold, cruel, and calculating. Although Gary Oldman did portray the character with some of these qualities, he was a lot more sensual. To this day my heart flutters a little every time I see him. So now it's your turn. Who is your first supernatural/paranormal crush? * pictures from photobucket

Title: Mercy's Embrace: So Rough A Course Author: Laura Hile Publisher: Wytherngate Press Publication Date: March 21, 2009 Paperback 219 pages ISBN: 10:0-9728529-7-2 Twenty-nine winters' revolving frosts have brought no change to Miss Elliot's matrimonial state. Elizabeth Elliot is as beautiful as ever, yet no gentleman of proper stature has requested her hand. Lady Russell claims she is too particular, but Elizabeth begs to differ. She is not about to settle for a gentleman of no distinction like her sister Mary. Nor will she follow her heart and marry a commoner with no title but Captain--that was Anne's mistake. As for romance and the tender stirrings of the heart, why, only a simpleton would fall prey to such foolishness! But when the proud Miss Elliot encounters a pair of smiling Irish eyes in a most unsuitable man of vulgar connections, she is tempted to change her opinion. Almost. Jane Austen's beloved Persuasion provides the backdrop for this delightful ro

Title: Catching Fire Author: Suzanne Collins Publisher: Schoolastic Publication Date: Sept. 1, 2009 Hardcover 391 pages ISBN-13: 978-0-439-02349-8 Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. This is the second book in The Hunger Games trilogy. If you read my thoughts on The Hunger Games you know that the book took me by surprise. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but instead I loved it. I was eager to read Catching Fire, but it sat on my bookshelf for a few weeks. At last the time came and I read it. Let me tell you I was not disappoi

Title: Dragon Slippers Author: Jessica Day George Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books Publication Date: March 20, 2007 paperback 352 pages ISBN: 13:978-1-59990-275-3 Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel's enormous talent at embroidery, and you can't help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it's up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom. Creel's f

Title: Werelove: Dusk Conspiracy Author: By Lakisha Spletzer Publisher: Createaspace paperback 370 pages ISBN: 1449900879 Seventeen-year-old Laylah Le Croix has a rich father, mansion, and servants. Yet she is lonely and neglected. Her father would rather work than speak to her. At the academy she is bullied and mistreated.When Weres attempt to kidnap Laylah, she is saved by the mysterious Donil Silentshadow. Donil rouses feelings in Laylah that make her question her life and her father's animosity toward her handsome rescuer. Confused by these emotions, she seeks answers from those closest to her and is rebuffed.She must make a choice. Obey her father's edicts or follow her heart to learn the truth about her past. In the spirit of trying something new I am going to list the top ten reasons I think you should read this book: 1. Lots of action – Lots of drama. I didn’t want to put the book down 2. Britta- everyone should have a BFF like her. 3. Lions and tigers and bears-

This is a list of contest that are going on right now. If you have a contest you would like to list, please email me @ loves2read54(at)yahoo(dot)com with the contest details. Win a Paranormal Pre Order @ Book Obsession ends Aug 18 @ http://booksobsession.blogspot.com/ A Sizzlin Summer Book Giveaway @ The Prarie Library ends Aug 21 http://theprairielibrary.blogspot.com/2010/07/things-are-hoppin.html The Story Snoops gives away a book every Friday http://storysnoops.com/ Whatt....more books is giving away Linger and the Sky is Everywhere http://whatmorebooks.blogspot.com/2010/07/book-giveaway-ends-august-31-2010.html ends Aug 31 A Sizzlin Summer Book Giveaway @ Simply Ali ends Aug 30 http://simplyali.blogspot.com/2010/08/sizzling-summer-nights-giveaway.html 50 followers contest Vamps, Weres, and Cassey Oh My ends Sept. 21 at midnight (mst) http://vampsweresandcassay.blogspot.com/2010/08/50-follower-contest.html Prize: Choose your own book. It's International

I have cleaned off my overstuffed bookshelves! Closed- Will Post Winners Soon Here is a list of books up for grab: Ironside by Holly Black Tithe by Holly Black Valiant by Holly Black The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman *Hollywood Wives by Jackie Collins The Smoke Theif by Shana Abe Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause Glimmerglass by Jenna Black Jane Eyre's Daughter by Elizabeth Newark Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier *Sex and The City by Candace Bushnell Untamed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler Evermore by Alyson Noel Blue Moon by Alyson Noel Kept by D.J. Taylor Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange *Lover Unbound J.R. Ward *Lover Awakened J.R. Ward *Lover Revealed J.R. Ward *Lover Enshr

I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the Radiant Shadows contest. Ladytink_534 I will be contacting you be email. You have 48 hours to respond.