Small Blogs, Big Giveaways (4th Ed.) • Winners Post

October 30, 2011 •

Thank you to all the 2 900 people who entered to win the awesome prizes!

And the SBBG4 winners are...

The first winner will choose 15 items from the prize list
 Entry #2270desi reilly
The 2nd will choose 13 items after the 1st winner has chosen 
Entry #678sue brandes/katsrus
The 3rd will get 12 items after the 2nd winner has chosen 
Entry #846Martina K
The 4th gets 10 items after the 3rd winner has chosen
Entry #82 LJ Kentowski
The 5th gets 10 items after the 4th winner has chosen  
Entry #4116Orsayor L. Simmons
The remaining books and/or giftcards will be given to our hosts.

And the giftcard winners are...
$25 gift certificate to Amazon or The Book Depository
Entry #4062Kulsuma
$15 Barnes & Noble eGift Card (US & Intl) or Gift Card (US)
Entry #3054Mary Preston
$15 in books from the Book Depository
Entry #4897Maureen
$10 in books from the Book Depository
Entry #355Jeanne
$10 gift certificate to Amazon
Entry #2928Linda Thum
results powered by Random.org

contest powered by Rafflecopter

The winners have 48 hours from the date the email is sent to reply and claim their prizes. If you do not contact me within two days a replacement winner will be selected. NO EXCEPTIONS.


A big thanks to our hosts and all the following featured authors:



Want to be the first to be contacted when the sign ups start? Leave your info here and you'll receive the information about the 5th edition: November 18 - 25.  


LIST OF PRIZES (SBBG4): 

$5 gift certificate to Changeling Press for a book of the winner's choice
(x2) $ 5 gift certificate to Amazon
BOOKS:
* with the option of being signed with Kindlegraph (for the Kindle ebook version).
Fractured Time by Alan Draven (ebook)
Ghost on Black Mountain by Ann Hite (paperback)
Grey’s Lady, Carte Blanche Series Book One by Natasha Blackthorne (ebook)
Guardian Angel by Julie Garwood (paperback)
(x2)Hawthorne by Sarah Ballance (ebook)
Heart of Glass by Christy Hayes (ebook)
Heiress by Susan May Warren (paperback)
(x3)High-Risk Reunion by Gail Barrett SIGNED(paperback)
How A Cowboy Stole Her Heart by Donna Alward SIGNED(paperback)
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (paperback)
(x4) Justice For Emily by Sandy Wolters (ebook)
Misconception by Christy Hayes (ebook)
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (paperback)
Notorious Eliza by Barbara Monajem (ebook)
*Off The Clock by Donna Alward (ebook)
One Night in Milan by Michelle Reid, Kate Hewitt, and India Grey (paperback)
Practice Makes Perfect by Julie James (paperback)
Saving Grace by Julie Garwood (paperback)
(x4) Secret Bloodline by Talia Jager (eBook)
Shoe Strings by Christy Hayes (ebook)
Sunrise in a Garden of Love and Evil by Barbara Monajem SIGNED(paperback)
Tastes of Love and Evil Barbara Monajem SIGNED(paperback)
(x3) Tempted By Trouble by Liz Fielding (paperback)
Wild Fire by Liz Fielding (ebook)
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What Would Bridget Do? • Bridget Jones's Diary

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Bridget Jones's Diary book cover
Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding
Series: Bridget Jones #1
Publisher: Penguin Book
Publication Date: June 1, 1999
Source/Format: Bought || Paperback

Bridget Jones's Diary is the devastatingly self-aware, laugh-out-loud account of a year in the life of a thirty-something Singleton on a permanent doomed quest for self-improvement. Caught between the joys of Singleton fun, and the fear of dying alone and being found three weeks later half eaten by an Alsatian; tortured by Smug Married friends asking, "How's your love life" with lascivious, yet patronizing leers, Bridget resolves to reduce the circumference of each thigh by 1.5 inches, visit the gym three times a week not just to buy a sandwich, form a functional relationship with a responsible adult and learn to program the VCR. With a blend of flighty charm, existential gloom, and endearing self-deprecation, the diary has touched a raw nerve with millions of readers the world round. Read it, laugh and crash your head onto the table before you cry, "Bridget Jones is me!" 


I had a tremendous amount of fun reading Bridget Jones's Diary, mostly because of the star of the show herself Ms. Bridget Jones. As the title hints, the book is basically a well-written tome containing the diary of a woman in her thirties who is trying to live her life in the best possible way - a concept that any of us, no matter what age we are, can probably relate to.

Bridget was a character that was easy to love because she's just so darn ordinary. I found her range of experiences to be of an interesting variety - one day she could be excited about a date with her boss; the next she was a mopping, sobbing mess of a girl. Her thoughts were also quite entertaining, especially the ones injected with a bit of humor and sarcasm. It was a pleasure to read her thoughts because I could easily relate to them and connect with the emotions that she herself experienced.

Because I watched the movie before I read the book, I obviously knew how the romance aspect was going to end. It didn't stop me from feeling all warm and fuzzy at certain points (especially towards the end). I always will be on Mark Darcy's team and though he only appeared in the book in short increments, that still holds true.

The secondary characters - Bridget's mom and dad, her friends Sharon, Jude and Tom, to list a few - were all fun additions to Bridget's already interesting day-to-day life. They added some color and a certain level of depth to Bridget's diary, wisely turning the book into a novel that wasn't only about romance, but also about family and friendship. I'd definitely recommend that fans of chick lit pick this one up! It's a nice, quick read.
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Small Blogs, Big Giveaways (4th Ed.)

October 29, 2011 •

The Biggest International Bookish Giveaway Online

62 prizes split between 5 winners + 6 Gift Card Giveaways!

Follow the event on Twitter

Hosts, Featured Authors & Other Giveaways

Organized by: Reading Romances*
Hosts:
(* Having Other Giveaways During The Event)
Thank you to our featured authors:
Want to be the first to be contacted when the sign ups start for the next edition?
Leave your info here and you'll receive the information about the 5th edition: November 18 - 25. Go to the website to know more.


PRIZES 
BOOKS (60):
GIFT CARDS:
$25 gift certificate to Amazon or The Book Depository
$15 Barnes & Noble eGift Card (US & Intl) or Gift Card (US)
$10 gift certificate to Amazon
$15.00 in books from the Book Depository
$10 in books from the Book Depository
$5 gift certificate to Changeling Press for a book of the winner's choice
(x2) $ 5 gift certificate to Amazon
READ THE FULL LIST OF PRIZES HERE.
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TGIF (5): Spooktacular Reads

October 28, 2011 •

TGIF at GReads is a feature by the fabulous Ginger, who asks us a fun question to answer every week. It's always a joy to be a part of this, and I think everyone certainly should try it out!

Which books do you consider festive Halloween reads? Which stories have chilled you to the bone?

Honestly, off the top of my head, I'd consider these books/stories creepy, festive Halloween reads:

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson  (See my review!)
Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
The Tell-Tale Heart//The Cask of Amontillado by Edgar Allen Poe

What are your suggestions for a festive/scary Halloween read?

ON THE BLOG

Reviews:
Momentary Mother by Lisa de Niscia
A Royal Match by Tyne O'Connell
The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger
Starlighter by Bryan Davis
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster

Giveaways/Events:
Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon
Small Blogs, Big Giveaways
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Nowhere To Go But Up • Bitter is the New Black

October 27, 2011 • , , ,

Bitter is the New Black book cover
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster
Publisher: NAL Trade
Publication Date: March 7, 20016
Source/Format: Bought || Paperback

Jen Lancaster was living the sweet life-until real life kicked her to the curb. She had the perfect man, the perfect job-hell, she had the perfect life-and there was no reason to think it wouldn't last. Or maybe there was, but Jen Lancaster was too busy being manicured, pedicured, highlighted, and generally adored to notice. 

This is the smart-mouthed, soul-searching story of a woman trying to figure out what happens next when she's gone from six figures to unemployment checks and she stops to reconsider some of the less-than-rosy attitudes and values she thought she'd never have to answer for when times were good.


Jen Lancaster has an amusing, witty writing style that will either instantly appeal to the reader or turn one off from reading her book. In my case, obviously, it was the former, as I hurriedly devoured Bitter is the New Black, the tale of her adventures in unemployment. 

What I liked most about Bitter is the New Black is the personal journey Jen is forced to go on in the face of her unemployment problems - we get to see a marked change from the bratty, self-centered, bossy, wisecracking smartass that she is in the beginning to the more money conscious, less bratty and bossy and more likeable Jen she is in the end. For me, I went through the whole I-sort-of-hate-her-but-then-feel-sorry-for-her-and-now-after-a-big-change-in-personality-I-actually-like-her while I was reading (and yes, I know that was a mouthful, sorry!). 

Jen has a fantastic way of telling her story, bringing us smack dab into the middle of her situation and helping us understand what she's going through. It's also great how she manages to give life to her characters and add a dimension of reality to it all. Bitter is the New Black is a funny, witty, sassy read, this book would be perfect for fans of chick lit and memoirs.
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The Importance of Dragons • Starlighter

October 26, 2011 • , , ,

Starlighter book cover
Starlighter by Bryan Davis
Series: Dragons of Starlight #1
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Source/Format: Bought || Hardcover

Jason Masters doubted the myths that told of people taken through a portal to another realm and enslaved by dragons. But when he receives a cryptic message from his missing brother, he must uncover the truth and find the portal before it's too late. At the same time, Koren, a slave in the dragons' realm, discovers she has a gift that could either save or help doom her people. As Jason and Koren work to rescue the enslaved humans, a mystic prophecy surrounding a black egg may make all their efforts futile.


I like dragons. I like magic and fantasy. I like strong heros or heroines. That having been said, I thought the premise behind Starlighter was pretty awesome - I mean, for goodness sake, it combines all three of those things. 

I think one of Starlighter's strongest points is its characters. Jason Masters is definitely the hero you'd want on your side - dashing, brave, charming, a good heart and yet, still possessing human flaws. Koren, on the other hand, is the underdog, the one you root for, the one you find yourself happy for when good things or fortunate things come her way. Then there are the myriad other characters who come into play - Randall, Elyssa, Arxad and Tibalt, to name a few - who make things a heck of a lot more interesting. 

I also enjoyed the exploration into the mythology/legends that the whole story was built upon. It was a fascinating new way to view the dragons and the humans, and I thought it definitely added a whole new dimension to the tale. I do wish it had been explained a little better or clearer, just so that I didn't have to scramble to put it together on my own. Starlighter was fast-paced, interesting and fantastical. I wouldn't run out and buy the next book in the series, but I wouldn't not read it either.
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The Superstitious Type • The Seven Rays

October 25, 2011 • , , ,

The Seven Rays book cover
The Seven Rays by Jessica Bendinger
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 24, 2009
Source/: Bought || Hardcover

You are more than you think you are. 

That is the anonymous message that Beth Michaels receives right before she starts seeing things. Not just a slept-through my-alarm-clock, late-for-homeroom, haven't had-my-caffeine-fix kind of seeing things. It all starts with some dots, annoying pink dots that pop up on and over her mom and her best friend's face. But then things get out of control and Beth is seeing people's pasts, their fears, their secrets, their desires. The images are coming at Beth in hi-def streaming video and she can't stop it. Everyone thinks she's crazy and she's pretty sure she agrees with them. But crazy doesn't explain the gold envelopes that have started arriving, containing seeing keys and mysterious tarot cards. To Beth, it all seems too weird to be true. You are more than you think you are? But here's the thing: What if she is?


I picked The Seven Rays up for two reasons - the intriguing yet simple title and the shiny, eye-catching cover. It looked interesting enough and when I read the synopsis, I was pretty much sold on the book.

Tarot cards play a large role in this novel; as someone who doesn't really know much about them, I did appreciate getting to see the illustrations and trying to understand/distinguish between one card and the next. However, the connection between the cards the rest of the magical stuff happening in the book was a little confusing, especially when the mention of other cultural beliefs and religions popped up. I tried putting things together in my head, but I just ended up wandering around in a confused muddle.

I liked the idea of the "seven rays", but I thought it could have used a little more focus and exploration. The abilities that Beth possessed were interesting though, if a little creepy/strange - I liked trying to figure out what it meant right alongside Beth herself. Visualizing what she sees and the situations she's in is kind of fun to do. Her character apart from her abilities, however, is difficult to relate to.

Bendinger characterizes the other people in the story in a definitive manner, showing us specifically what kind of people they are (except maybe Beth's mother). It confused me at first when some random character's name would pop up in the middle of Beth's saga, but I gradually grew accustomed to the pattern. That having been said, even if Beth is the important one, I would have liked to have more interactions with the others.

Though I tried really hard to like The Seven Rays, it didn't work for me, apart from the abilities and a few interesting moments scattered here and there. While there was a great premise to start with, I feel like I just finished it because I wanted to know what the heck was going on with Beth (and though I found out towards the end, I'm still not really a fan).  Unfortunately,  The Seven Rays didn't live up to the promise of its cover and synopsis.
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The 24 Hour Readathon

October 22, 2011 •


For the first time ever, I will be participating in Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon, which is basically what it says it is - reading for 24 hours straight.  Here's a brief history of the event taken from the blog:

"For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October.
It was created by the beloved Dewey (her blog has since been taken down, so the link won’t work). The first one was held in October 2007. Dewey died in late 2008. We’re still saddened by her absence, but the show must go on. The read-a-thon was renamed to honor its founder in 2009.
Dewey’s 24-Hour Read-a-thon is hosted by Trish and Shesten, with help from volunteers."


I found out about the event through a whole slew of my Twitter friends who will be participating as well and thought I should join in the fun! It's going to be tough staying up and concentrating on reading for 24 hours, but I'm just as game as everyone else who signed up.

The challenge starts at 8AM EST for me, so I'm going to be up bright and early, munching on toast, sipping on tea and a good book in hand.  In fact, here's the list of books I have on hand for tomorrow:

Paperback/Hardback Books
1. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
2. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards - p.375
3. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
4. The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
5. Donut Days by Lara Zielin

Ebooks
1. The Calling by Ashley Lynn Willis
2. With Good Behavior by Jennifer Lane
3. Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb by MJA Ware

I'll be updating via this post, so expect to see this on your feed/reader all day.
Good luck to all my fellow participants!

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HOUR 1

1)Where are you reading from today? 
New Jersey, USA

2)Three random facts about me…
I love to travel. My dream vacation would be to spend months backpacking around Europe.
I like reading magazines from back to front.
I am probably one of the clumsiest people you'll ever meet, though I'm definitely more careful now.

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours?
As you can see, I have 8 books on there, but mostly for variety.

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)?
I want to comment on at least 25 blogs and read for at least 15 hours.

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time?
I'm a newbie, so I'm pretty psyched!
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HOUR 5

I just joined the "Share a Book" mini challenge. Because I really liked the question - about how I share books with others - you can also read my answer here:

My favorite way to share books, apart from my book blog, is by taking my family and friends to bookstores and personally helping them find new books to read! I love being able to discuss what they want/like to read and finding a book that they end up enjoying :)


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HOUR 10


I joined the mini-challenge on Reading Romances that Nat has titled "My Perfect Anthology".
In order to enter the challenge, we had to say which authors we'd want to see together in an anthology and a give a theme for the book. Here's my answer:

Hmm, this is an interesting challenge! I'd choose the theme of mythology.  And my chosen authors would be Rick Riordan, Meg Cabot, Leigh Fallon, Aimee Carter and Colleen Houck.


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HOUR 11


I joined another mini-challenge, this time on Quirky Girls Read. The "Book Trailer Challenge" asked us to share our favorite book trailers, which was easy enough for me.  Mine is the trailer for Forever, by Maggie Stiefvater and you can see it here.

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HOUR 12


I can hardly believe I've it halfway! The readathon has been fun so far, and I love visiting other people's blogs to comment and cheer them on.

I joined another mini-challenge, this time on Erin Reads. "Hodge Podge Proposals" asked us to (1) choose a character's name from the book we were reading, (2) the name of a car we wanted to own and (3) an occupation that fascinated us in order to cobble together a book proposal for submission.  I had a lot of fun with this one, as you can see below:

Character name: David Miatta
Occupation: Gravedigger


It was bad enough that the traditional occupation of being a gravedigger had been passed down from one generation to the next in his family - which meant that someday, eventually, he would take his father's place. But to top it all off, they didn't bury just any old people - they buried crazy paranormal beings too.  A graveyard filled with zombies, vampires and more of their kind? Definitely not his cup of tea.


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HOUR 13


For this mini-challenge, we had to answer the mid-event survey and leave a link.
See my answers below.

1. What are you reading right now?
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards


2. How many books have you read so far?
I've finished 2, and I'm almost done with the one I'm currently reading.


3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
I can't wait to read The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin.


4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
Nope, not really. It just so happens I'm kind of sick (and should technically be resting).


5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
Just one, when I had to join my uncle and aunt for lunch. I read while I was eating though.


6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
I think it's how fast the hours are flying by.


7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
As of the moment, I can't come up with anything. The team behind the event is doing a fantastic job.


8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
I'd formally sign on as a cheerleader. I didn't do that this year, but I've been visiting many of my fellow readers' blogs and leaving a comment or two.  


9. Are you getting tired yet?
Not at all. I'm a bit of a night owl, so I'm only really waking up now.


10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders - something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
I've been taking ten minute catnaps here and there; I find it very refreshing.  I've also decided to not speed through my books and am finding that a tremendously joyous experience.  I love getting cheered on by my fellow Readers and Cheerleaders alike, so I'd definitely encourage that!


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HOURS 13-15


I kind of took an extended break to go to Walmart. I shopped for dog party dresses, ate some Mcdonald's and basically relaxed.  I loved taking a break - but I'm equally happy to be back in the game :)

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END OF READ-A-THON MEME


1. Which hour was most daunting for you?
Getting up to start at 8AM was definitely a challenge since I never usually get up early on Saturdays.


2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
The Hunger Games trilogy, The Heroes of Olympus series


3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Off the top of my head, nothing. I think it was very well-organized!


4. What do you think worked really well in this year's Read-a-thon?
I liked the number of times we could add our links up so that we could hop on each other's blogs. It was fun to visit my fellow Readers and cheer them on.


5. How many books did you read?
I read 3 and started a fourth before I fell asleep.


6. What were the names of the books you read?
Donut Days by Lara Zielin
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards


7. Which book did you enjoy most?
I loved Middle School - it was so entertaining and the illustrations were amazing.


8. Which do you enjoy least?
Though I loved the theme of The Memory Keeper's Daughter, it was definitely a tough one to read.


9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year's Cheerleaders?
I thought the Cheerleaders were fantastic! It made me want to be one.  Their enthusiasm and their encouragement were great.


10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
There's no doubt that I will be participating again in April. And I'd still be a Reader, but I'd sign up as a Cheerleader too.


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My first read-a-thon was incredibly fun! I thoroughly enjoyed my experience, even though I didn't make it to the 24 hour mark (I only managed until hour 19, which is even more than I hoped for).  I finished three books in total and started a fourth, commented on way more than 100 blogs (in fact, I probably hit 200) and just had a lot of fun.  I'm definitely going to be joining the next one!
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Finding Your Prince Charming • A Royal Match

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A Royal Match book cover
A Royal Match by Tyne O'Connell
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Publication Date: February 15, 2011
Source/Format: Bought || Paperback

Calypso Kelly is known as the 'American freak' at her British boarding school, St. Augustine's, so this year she's armed with a plan to become popular: a very hot, very imaginary boyfriend back home in LA. Once she sets her plan in motion, Calypso is shocked at how easily she joins the inner circle of Britain's most elite girls. And though her popularity comes with a price... it also comes with a prince. After an event with the nearby boys' school, Calypso starts getting texts - and fancy royal letters - from heir to the throne Prince Freddie! Not everyone is so thrilled with the idea of an American girl dating the prince of England though - especially when a photo of Calypso kissing Prince Freddie winds up in the tabloids. It will take some quick thinking (and a safety pin) to save her reputation and her royal romance...


A Royal Match was a quick, charming read that I breezed through in about four hours. It combined many of my favorite elements - London, British culture, boarding school, pranks and other hijinks, fun female characters and swoon-worthy male characters - so it's really not a surprise that I genuinely enjoyed it. 

It was really a whole lot of fun to read about the crazy things that Calypso, Star, Georgina and their other friends got up to at St. Augustine's (although I didn't really personally approve of all the focus on pulling boys, drinking and drugs). It's always cool to read about the shenanigans that a group of friends get up to, because it always serves to remind me of the joys of having such a tight-knit group of friends.  As for the romance bit, well, there are only a few very notable encounters with the boys in question in the novel, which I thought was a bit of a waste. However, I do think I got a good read on part of their characters and so, I can safely say that I have a soft spot for both Freddie and Billy. 

A Royal Match was a light read, a deliciously funny and entertaining one at that, and I really liked it.
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No One Like Mom • Momentary Mother

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Momentary Mother book cover
Momentary Mother by Lisa de Niscia
Publisher: Self-published
Publication Date: May 12, 2010
Source/Format: Author (Thanks) || e-book
[I received this book from the author. This in no way affects my review.]

Los Angelena Lulu Rosetti, a thirty-three year old word processor and tarot reader, is urgently summoned by her mother to her New Jersey childhood home to help Lulu’s only sibling, her younger sister, recover from a vitamin-induced suicide attempt. Over the course of Lulu’s one week stay with her too-close family, she’s sure that moving to California was the right thing to do. She’s as certain about this as much as she’s certain that terminating her pregnancy twelve years ago was the right thing to do though she obsessively wonders about her aborted fetus.Lulu’s not alone in her wondering. Other women who wonder seek her out, and through tarot readings Lulu reassures these momentary mothers that they too did the right thing. Lulu can’t tell her family about these women who request readings, but the fun really begins when Lulu finally makes it onto a plane back to her grownup world on the West coast with her mother right behind for a visit of her own.


It took me quite some time to get through Momentary Mother, if I'm to be perfectly honest. I had to adjust to the writing style, plus I did have to work a little bit harder to make sense of everything and put it all into the right context in my head. Though the themes that I really wanted to read about were very much present, I feel like the editing was slightly lacking and the story ended up a bit confusing.

What drew me to the Momentary Mother initially was the promise of a book about family issues. Who doesn't have family issues? I always enjoy reading books that focus on family ties, especially in dysfunctional families. This book was no exception - it did touch on a lot of big issues in families. 

We have the mother that works so hard keeping everything together and perfect and just so; then there's the father who's a man of few words and just goes along with whatever the women of the family want; the daughter that is afraid to embrace life in its entirety and chooses to stay where she's comfortable and pampered and well taken care of. These characters are all written out to be specifically the way I've described them.

And then we have our protagonist, Lulu, who's the wild card, the rebel, the one who's trying to escape all of these issues by living independently and as far away as possible from her family. Lulu is the character that made me want to stick it out and finish the novel just to find out what happened to her. She's independent (or tries to be), she's smart, but most importantly, she loves her family (despite her constant complaints and diatribes about them). I think what I liked most is that I felt I could relate a lot to her, especially being the oldest in my family and (despite sometimes complaining about it) trying to save them and ensure they're all okay.

The deal with the tarot cards was a little bit confusing for me. I appreciated how it helped define certain situations, but it was also just kind of random. 

Overall, I thought Momentary Mother was okay; it actually has a workable premise. It could use a little more work when it comes to the writing to make it a cohesive whole though.
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TGIF (4): You Make Me Smile

October 21, 2011 •

TGIF at GReads is a feature by the fabulous Ginger, who asks us a fun question to answer every week. It's always a joy to be a part of this, and I think everyone certainly should try it out!

Pick 5 book blogs you visit often that you you think other should too.

This one's pretty much a no-brainer for me. Here are some of my favorites:

(1) The Story Siren
I know that just about everyone knows who Kristi is. She posts awesome reviews, has great giveaways and gives really good advice for us blogging newbies.  But her book blog is what inspired me to start my own, so she definitely deserves a spot on my list. (Random anecdote: I saw Kristi in person last May at the This Is Teen event in the Scholastic Store in Soho but was too shy to say hi. Next time for sure!)
(2) One More Page
One of my good friends in college suggested this blog to me since she knew how much I liked to read chick lit.  Amanda has some great recommendations in chick lit (and occasionally other genres) and I love her reviews to pieces.  Every single time I visit her blog, I find something new to add to my reading list.  And, as a bonus, she's from the UK!
(3) The Reader Bee
Christy has one of the cutest book blogs I've ever seen and I love her blog name. Her reviews are succinct and I tend to agree with most of her assessments after I read a book that she's reviewed before.  Her blog is one of my favorites to visit!
(4) Stories & Sweeties
Becky's blog is one of the newer ones I've come across, but what I've read from her so far is so cute! Plus, hello, cupcakes + books is the best (and sweetest) combination EVER.

(5) GReads
I had to put Ginger on here because I check her blog every single day. I love her reviews, her personal posts and her memes! Her blog is definitely one of my favorites too!


What are some of your favorite book blogs?
Share in the comments!
Thanks for stopping by :)
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Adventures in Childcare • The Nanny Diaries

October 20, 2011 • , , , ,

The Nanny Diaries book cover
The Nanny Diaries by Nicola Kraus & Emma McLaughlin
Publisher: Penguin
Publication Date: March 18, 2003
Source/Format: Bought || Paperback

In between looking after four-year-old Grayer and running a thousand errands for Mrs X, his rich, uptight Manhattanite mohter, Nan is trying to have a life. There's college, shopping, her friends, her cat George. And the gorgeous Harvard boy from the sixth floor...

But the X family's dramas keep intruding - visits from Mr X's predatory mistress, catastrophic family outings and, as a final straw, the case of the marriage-destroying panties. As Divorce looms, Nan realises how attached she's become to the Xs' unloved son - and how nannying has become more than just a job.


I've seen the movie for The Nanny Diaries once or twice before, but I saw the book and snapped it up because I've always liked seeing how the book is in comparison to the movie. The Nanny Diaries was a light, playful read, although it did tackle some surprisingly emotional issues that hit very close to home for me.

I found the voice of our main character Nanny quite frank, unique and funny. She had opinions on just about every single little thing about the families she worked for, and I thought her descriptions and her characterizations were quite witty. Though at times I wanted to toss things at her head (especially whenever she'd let Mrs. X boss her around and when she couldn't just say no), I could understand her actions in lieu of her love, affection and concern for Grayer.

Grayer is an adorable child, if on occasion a bit of a brat. I loved him almost immediately, what with his witticisms, silliness and his thirst for life, love and affection, so it was incredibly difficult for me to watch him go through what he did because of his parents. Just like Nan, I was angry on his behalf and, just like her as well, I would have tried to do my best to be the one solid comforting presence in his life.

The Nanny Diaries warmed my heart, as the movie does, because I grew up with a nanny of sorts and I love that woman as if she were a part of my own family. Though my parents were way more involved than Mr. and Mrs. X, my yaya is still a very important person to me. I like how The Nanny Diaries illustrates the relationship between a nanny and her charge, emphasizing how they often end up being considered family.

The Nanny Diaries was nicely written, although it did sound like an anecdote that a friend would have told me over dinner for the most part. There are a bunch of scenes that warmed my heart, another set that made me want to tear my hair out and another that just made me feel so, so, so very sad. The Nanny Diaries was a nice, easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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In the Span of One Breath • One Dance with a Duke

October 19, 2011 • , , ,

One Dance with a Duke book cover
One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare
Series: Stud Club #1
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Publication Date: May 25, 2010
Source/Format: Bought || Kindle e-book

A handsome and reclusive horse breeder, Spencer Dumarque, the fourth Duke of Morland, is a member of the exclusive Stud Club, an organization so select it has only ten members—yet membership is attainable to anyone with luck. And Spencer has plenty of it, along with an obsession with a prize horse, a dark secret, and, now, a reputation as the dashing “Duke of Midnight.” Each evening he selects one lady for a breathtaking midnight waltz. But none of the women catch his interest, and nobody ever bests the duke—until Lady Amelia d’Orsay tries her luck. In a moment of desperation, the unconventional beauty claims the duke’s dance and unwittingly steals his heart. When Amelia demands that Spencer forgive her scapegrace brother’s debts, she never imagines that her game of wits and words will lead to breathless passion and a steamy proposal. Still, Spencer is a man of mystery, perhaps connected to the shocking murder of the Stud Club’s founder. Will Amelia lose her heart in this reckless wager or win everlasting love?


I love a good romance novel tossed into my reading pile every now and then. It's a refreshing break from the many contemporary, classical and young adult novels I read, and plus, it usually only takes me a day or two to finish. I discovered Tessa Dare through The Ballroom Blog and decided one day to randomly try reading one of her novels, One Dance with a Duke.

Ms. Dare writes a beautiful little love story between Amelia d'Orsay and Spencer Dumarque, the Duke of Moreland. While there are a great many things that happen through the course of One Dance with a Duke, I was intensely drawn to the story of the love affair between these two, rooting for them, even when there seemed to be no hope! It's a crazy, emotional ride and one I thoroughly enjoyed taking.

I found it a little difficult to like Amelia d'Orsay at first, but then I realized it was mostly because she reminded me a bit of myself - caring deeply for her family, clinging on to fond memories and choosing to be happy in spite of her unfortunate circumstances. It was lovely seeing her stand up to Spencer and the others in One Dance with a Duke, and it amused me to see how strong and self-sufficient she could be.

Spencer was a bit of an enigma at first, because he appeared to be unfeeling/uncaring, except when it came to his horses. But I like how we discover a softer, more vulnerable side to him, especially when he starts realizing how he feels about Amelia. Plus, imagining how he looks in my head and knowing that he loves books AND horses? Instant addition to my romance novel heroes I love list.

Speaking of horses, I thought the premise of the "stud club" was quite interesting, to say the least. It sounds like the type of crazy thing that people of that age (especially young, privileged people) might have come up with, and it added an interesting aspect to the whole story.

It is my pleasure to report that I was instantly hooked on One Dance with a Duke and I will definitely be reading more of her novels in the future!
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Top Ten Tuesday: Book Cover Lover

October 18, 2011 •

As always, this feature is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! 
1. Divergent by Veronica Roth

2. Shiver // Linger // Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

3. Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

4. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

5. The Hunger Games // Catching Fire // Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins


6. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

7. P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

8. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

9. The Dark Divine by Bree Despain

10. Love Walked In by Marisa de los Santos 
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