The Final Winners of Wind Warrior Blog Tour

So the final winners have been posted via Cynthia Roberts and I'll just reiterate her email here. Although we didn't win big ): I'm still very excited about the interest that was generated for Wind Warrior, Cynthia's fantastic new novel. I personally have just finished and absolutely adored the way the book was written. But here is Cynthia's email on the winners:

Tabulations are in and the grand prize winners chosen from all of your entries are as follows:

Kara Piehl - Basket for Two - from the Book of Secrets Blog

Barbara Platt - Godiva Tier - from the Shibley Smiles Blog

Jan Herberger - Necklace - from the Intense Whisper Blog

Pamela Shockley- $25 Amazon Gift Card - from Cakeblast.com

Melissa Barnes - $25 Amazon Gift Card - from the Simply Stacie Blog

The 5 hosting blogs chosen as the grand prize winners are:

Candace Redinger - Candaces Reading Blog - Basket for Two

Christie - The Fiction Enthusiast - Necklace

Aleksandra Nearing - Busy Working Mama - Godiva Tier

Carla Costa - Cuidadocomodalmata - $25 Amazon Gift Card

Yvonne - Divas Book Case - $25 Amazon Gift Card

I will contact your finalist winners to let them know of their winnings and to request their individual delivery addresses.

Again, my sincerest heartfelt thanks for taking the time to participate in my first blog tour. Your support has been so deeply appreciated. It is my hope the benefits far outweighed the few kinks that popped up along the way. I would love to do this again when Book 2 of my series - Captive Heart is released.

And we can't wait for book 2 Captive Heart. Thank you Cynthia and I look forward to reading the next in the series!

LOL=Lots Of Love

My Fab 5 Finalists!!

So September is ending and I have been running around like crazy during ratings season @ work! (For those who don't know I am a pastry cook for a fine dining restaurant and we are in the middle of food critic season ugggh). But anyways I'm blabbering on when everyone wants to know who my five finalists are I will be submitting to Cynthia! YAY! And via Random.org the lucky winners are.......drumroll please........


abitnerdy
Cindy
Dovile
Dani
Angel Jacklyn

Congrats my lovely finalists. I will be sending out emails shortly and hope to hear back from you as soon as possible so I can send your info on to Cynthia. Thank you to everyone who entered the first stage of this giveaway; and to my finalists I'll keep my fingers crossed that ya win big!

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Blog Tour/Giveaway Time for Wind Warrior

So I know I've been AWOL for about a month now and I promise an explanation later! But for now it's time to tour with the lovely author Cynthia Roberts and her new Historical Romance novel Wind Warrior. And what makes this tour huge is the amazing giveaway prizes that are being offered which you could win by leaving a comment under my post and being a follower (these are the musts to qualify to be a finalist)! For extra entries you can:

~Tweet the following text:
Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts A story of longing, wanting & a love so strong it conquers human evil. On sale now at Major Book Retailers

~Post the same tag on your Facebook and/or Myspace Profile

~For myself personally I will give an extra entry (for you to be chosen as one of my finalists) if you give me a fact based around the Iroquois Tribe (since this is the first book in Cynthia's Iroquois Series)

This contest will run from September 1st until September 30th. And guys n dolls this contest is international. We have blogs participating from all over the world!! Once I randomly choose my five finalists I will submit my Fab Five to Cynthia and she will randomly choose the winners. A lot of great blogs are participating and you can enter on any, all or just one for a chance to win! Have we peaked your interest yet? If not just get a look at these fabulous prizes:

Jewelry, a romantic picnic basket for two, chocolates ( every womans weakness), and gift cards!! Honestly what more could you need (; Well besides the man that is!

So enter away, spread the word about Cynthia's phenomenal new book Wind Warrior, and I'll keep my fingers crossed that the winners come from my blog! Hey who knows maybe a little Native American magic will pass this way! And for more information on Cynthia's new novel Wind Warrior or the giveaway you can check out her website here!

LOL=Lots Of Love

Goddess Of Spring

Title: Goddess Of Spring

Author: P.C. Cast

Reading level: Older Teens/Adults

Paperback: 326 pages

ISBN #: 9780425227084

Received From: Bought It

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

Group Genre: Mythology/Romance

Cover: A+

Overall: A+++

"Lina’s trendy bakery in Tulsa is proving to be less than lucrative, and she must come up with a plan. When she stumbles upon an Italian Goddess cookbook, Lina can’t help but think she’s found the answer to her problem – even if it means invoking a goddess to save her business. Soon enough, Lina finds herself face-to-face with Demeter, who has a plan of her own. She proposes that Lina exchange souls with Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, who will breathe new life into the bakery. In return, Lina must set order to the Underworld. Before all this, Lina’s problems mostly involved sourdough and second dates. Now that she embodies the enchanting Persephone, Lina has weightier things on her mind – like the formidable task of bringing Spring to a world of spirits. But when the handsome, brooding Hades kindles a spark in her heart, Lina wonders if this Lord of the Underworld might be the man of her dreams… "

Hands down!!! My FAVORITE of the Goddess Summoning Series. P.C. Cast delivers a stunning mythical romance following some of the guidelines to the myth of Persephone and Hades (but also throwing some of that myth to the wind). Lina the main character and heroine is so relate-able to my life (and not just because we're both bakers). She is a strong, resilient career driven woman not able to slow her 100 mile per hour life for a little romance. That is until she finds herself head over heels for the Underworld and it's enchanting ruler. And speaking of that ruler; Hades embodies female fantasy i.e. dark, brooding, handsomely masculine, but most of all he's lost and set apart until he finds that which can complete him! And I love the interwoven myths throughout the story for example Orpheus does make an appearance although not in the hero kind of way! This story definitely had me laughing, wistful, tearful, and overjoyed at times but I guarantee that you will be engrossed completely from cover to cover. This is the best retelling of Persephone's myth I think I've ever read so kudos to P.C. Cast. And since I think if there is even a glimmer of romantic twinkle in your eye YOU SHOULD READ THIS BOOK; I'm not going to say anymore to spoil this little gem for you!

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Goddess Of The Sea

Title: Goddess Of The Sea

Editor: P.C. Cast

Reading level: Older Teens/Adults

Paperback: 342 pages

ISBN #: 9780425192795

Received From: Bought It

Publisher: Berkley Sensations

Group Genre: Mythology/Romance

Cover: A+

Overall: A

"Home alone on the night of her twenty-fifth birthday, U.S. Air Force sergeant Christine Canady yearned for something to cure her loneliness. After drinking too much champagne, she recited a divine invocation to revive her humdrum life. But how was she to know the spell would actually work? When her plane crashes into the ocean, CC’s life changes forever. She awakens, bewildered, to find herself in a legendary time and place ruled by magic – and in the body of the mythical mermaid Undine. But danger lurks in the water, ready to swallow CC whole. Taking pity on her, the goddess Gaea turns CC into a damsel so that she might seek shelter on land. When a dashing knight comes to CC’s rescue, instead of falling for this dream come true, she aches for the sea and the darkly sexy merman who’s stolen her heart… "

This is the first in P.C. Casts Goddess Summoning Series! Most of you know of her other series The House Of Night Series which is excellent in my opinion. But these books are aimed more towards Adults. I love Cast's infusion of myth, magic, and romance in all her books. But this book I found fascinating because to me it mirrored my favorite childhood fairytale "The Little Mermaid". I love CC as she transforms from mortal to mermaid to human trapped in medieval Wales to Goddess Of The Sea. She is such a powerful influence on everyone's life she touches whether that be emotionally or physically. And although the book leans more towards romance and myth than inspirational; there is a great message that "All women have a divine power in themselves!" And CC is the very example of this whether she is Mermaid, Mortal or lost in between. But Romance fans fear not because there is plenty of passion pumped into this novel and True Love always conquers all as everyone knows! This is only the beginning and I cannot wait to delve deeper into this series. I have a deep love for Greek and Roman mythology, and if your also a fan or just a true romantic at heart (hey I'll readily admit I am) than this book will have you begging for more Goddess Summonings!

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Wind Warrior: Release Contest News & Book Tour

I have some exciting and delighting news to entice you with my faithful followers! In September I will be participating in a major book tour for Cynthia Roberts Wind Warrior! If you haven't read her guest post or book trailer let me just give you a brief synopsis that I found on Cynthia's website that had me wanting to know more:


"Wind Warrior plunges readers into the intimate depths of a relationship that unfolds like a live drama before their eyes while painting an insightful and intriguing portrait of Native Indian life in the 1800s. It is a story of longing, of a wanton need to survive all odds, and a love so strong it conquers human evil. Wind Warrior expresses with cunning words the simple, raw human emotions that hold readers spellbound and captivates their hearts."


But Back to the Book Tour!!! In September Cynthia will be offering You my followers (yup that's right!) a chance to win 1 of 5 outstanding prizes. 600 Dollars worth of outstanding prizes!!! She is giving away something that I know will appeal to just about everyone! And just like her new book Wind Warrior there will be something Romantic, something Succulent, something Exquisite, and something that requires a Choice! All things I'm sure that will help power up the passion inside of you! So now that everyone is as intrigued as myself I'm sure you want to know more, right? Well you can check out all the fabulous prizes and Release Contest information here along with more information on Cynthia's fabulous new novel Wind Warrior! (A big thank you to Chelsea over @ TweetPoppets for letting those of us on the tour use her graphic!)


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Blog Hop Friday

Yay Book Blogger Hop Day! Last week I found some fantastic fellow bloggers, and am ready for more awesome finds this week! If you want to join in on the fun of networking with other just hop on over to Crazy-For-Books blog and enjoy your Friday finds! Every week they do a special twist and this week's twist is to post up about some of your favorite authors. So here's my answer:

I have a great love and respect for all authors! I think anyone who puts themselves out in the public eye is worthy of praise! That being said I do have some favorite authors of my own. I truly adore P. C. Cast novels for her style of writing and ability to combine mythology, paranormal, romance, and suspense into every page of her novels. Charlaine Harris for creating The Sookie Stackhouse series which has led to my favorite TV show True Blood. Classically, I LOVE Jane Austen, her work is truly indescribable to me! And in the historical fiction department I'm obsessed over three wonderful female authors Robin Maxwell, Phillipa Gregory, and Margaret George (my current author of the month). All three lovely ladies take famous women in history and portray them for who they really were whether that be great, foolish, or just plain bad! These are probably my top six at the moment but like I said I appreciate all authors new and old! And I'm sure there is another great storyteller just around the corner waiting to be discovered!

Well hope you enjoy this weeks hop and I look forward to hearing about some of your favorite Authors as well. Have a great weekend!

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True Blood and Philosophy

Title: True Blood and Philosophy

Editor: William Irwin

Reading level: Older Teens/Adults

Paperback: 227 pages

ISBN #: 9780470597729

Received From: FSB Associates

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Group Genre: Philosophy

Cover: A+(how could it not be!)

Overall: A

"Does God hate fangs? Is Sam still Sam when he turns into a collie? Is coming out of the coffin the same as coming out of the closet? Are all vampires created evil?

Vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, fairies, telepaths -- True Blood has it all. In a world where supernatural creatures coexist with human beings, Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton wrestle with powerful desires while facing complex issues concerning sex, romance, bigotry, violence, death, and immortality. Now True Blood and Philosophy calls on the minds of some of history's great thinkers to perform some philosophical bloodletting on this thought-provoking series. From the metaphysics of mind reading to Maryann Forrester's cult of Dionysus, from vampire politics to the nature of personal identity, and from contemporary feminism to the rights of nonhuman species, True Blood and Philosophy mines the thinking of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and John Rawls to enlighten us on the intriguing themes that surround this supernatural world. You'll find no shortage of juicy metaphysical morsels to sink your teeth into!"

What a mind blowing read! Yes I figured even before starting this book that they would compare "coming out of the coffin" with "coming out of the closet"! But has anyone ever noticed the "God Hates Fangs" at the beginning credits is a direct throwback to the Fred Phelpsian slogan that bashed Gay rights activists. I sure didn't and was amazed at how many other philosophical and historical reference points the producers of True Blood draw upon. This book really brings to light (haha didn't actually mean the pun) some questions the fans of True Blood are dying to have answered! And I always enjoy a book that makes you go "hmmmmmm?" There are so many eye openers in this book that after reading I went and re-read The Sookie Stackhouse Series, then re-watched Season 1 & 2, and then finally re-read this book! And I was honestly startled at how obvious the hidden meanings are once they have been revealed in the book! If your a fan of either True Blood or the Charlaine Harris books I seriously suggest you read True Blood and Philosophy! Not only is it fun to have that "ahh-hah" moment of finally figuring something out but even after reading your left with some things to ponder! And last but not least since this only covers the first two seasons I'm sure will be seeing more in-depth looks into this phenomenal books and show!

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Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB @ Should Be Reading. This is one of my favorite meme's as I have a love for all things that hold mystery! Unfortunately I've been quite busy at work the past couple of weeks but as I said before I'm back and ready to blog! This week I'm reading Goddess Of The Rose by P.C. Cast. Just about everyone knows Ms. Cast from her House Of Night Series. However; many don't realize she also has written books for a more adult audience as well. I stumbled upon this book after checking out her official website and without too much more rambling let the teasing begin:

"Mikki knew something was wrong as soon as she approached the rose bed that had been planted so close to the stairs that led from her balcony that the roses brushed against the marble railing. It was the same sick feeling she'd had the night before, only this morning it was far stronger."

~pg 146 Goddess Of The Rose by P.C. Cast

This is a hodgepodge of a story; part Beauty and The Beast, part Greek Mythology, and pure fantasy. I'm very intrigued by P.C.'s older series of books they are exceedingly well written as were her House Of Night Series but have a little more realism to me based on my age! Plus anything that combines Greek or Roman Mythology and the modern day is my cup o' tea! but I hope you have a Terrific Tuesday and as always let me know you teasers for the week!

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Virginia

Title: Virginia

Author: Susan Hughes

Reading level: All

Paperback: 287 pages

ISBN #: 9781554533077

Received From: publisher

Publisher: KCP Fiction

Group Genre: Fiction

Cover: D

Overall: C

" Virginia Donato has always had an indefinable quality that sets her apart from anyone else Ivy Morell has ever known. But when this childhood friend and neighbor confides in her, confessing that she has been visited by an angel and asked to do something "momentous," Ivy begins to think Virginia has lost her mind. As Ivy struggles to make sense of her friends bizarre claim, she notices other strange happenings in the Donato household. Determined to find out more, Ivy discovers that Virginia's older brother Paul may have a shocking secret of his own, one that could have dangerous consequences. Can it be connected to Virginia? Should Ivy tell? And is there anyone she can turn too before it's too late?"

I really wanted to get into this book; the plot is relatable even with the paranormal element, and the author has a spellbinding way of storytelling. Unfortunately the events just played out too slow and the ending was a real let down (at least for me it was)! Also the paranormal element just took a backseat about halfway through the book, it was still in the car but just not as exciting and intriguing as it could have been. Although this book has a great message which is about one person being able to make a difference, I think I anticipated more from the novel. It reminded me of M. Night Shymalan's The Village suspense throughout and then a giant let down at the end! But like I always say "to each their own" and although this book won't be on my favorites any time soon you may find that you enjoy the novel!

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The Scarlet Lion

Title: The Scarlet Lion

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick

Reading level: All

Paperback: 548 pages

ISBN #: 9780751536591

Received From: Won through Giveaway

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Group Genre: Hit/Fic

Cover: A-

Overall: A

"Already known as a knight of uncommon skill and honor, William Marshal has earned the friendship of King Richard and the love of a wealthy heiress. But when the Lionheart dies, leaving his treacherous brother John on the throne, William and Isabelle need all of their strength and courage to face a shattered world. Their sons held hostage, their integrity at stake, the two must choose between obeying their king or honoring their hearts."

What a fantastic look into on of the most honorable man in all of history. Everyone has heard of Richard the Lionheart and the bad King John (which is where our legend of Robin Hood is supposed to have originated) but there was a greater man behind both William Marshall! And Chadwick brings him to life in her two novels The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. I truly adored William throughout The Greatest Knight and after reading The Scarlet Lion I felt as if he should be the model to which men look up to. His honor, loyalty, and above all love and compassion he shows to ALL throughout both novels surpasses any other man I've ever heard of or about. And yes, I know I am blabbering about William Marshall but it is his promises and loyalties which hold the entire book together. And no, this is not just another prince charming story. This is a rocky road of doing whats right in the face of sooo much wrong. The story was uplifting and will have you practically screaming for William and Isabelle to succeed. Will they at long last? Well I think you should read the book for yourself and find out! The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion are both on my "must reads" list and I seriously suggest this to all who are Historical Fiction buffs!

LOL= Lots Of Love

Author Of The Month: Margaret George

The first week of every month I like to introduce a new outstanding author that I have found. This month I have chosen a woman who truly can capture history in her novels along with scandal, mystery, and myth! So without further ado let me introduce you to Margaret George:

Margaret George is an historian and historical novelist, writing historical biographies. She was born in \Nashville, Tennessee. She lives with her husband in Madison, Wisconsin. She is the author of the bestselling novels The Autobiography of Henry VIII, Mary, Queen of Scotland and the Isles and The Memoirs of Cleopatra. The latter novel was adapted into a successful TV-movie starring Leonor Varela in the title role, Billy Zane as Mark Anthony and Timothy Dalton as Julius Ceasar. George is currently working on a novel about the life of Queen Elizabeth I during the later years of her reign, in the time of Shakespeare and the discovery of the New World, to be published in 2010. After the publication of her Elizabeth novel, George plans on writing a novel about Boudicca, highlighting Boudicca's conflict with Rome and Nero.
~info provided by Wikepedia.com

Margaret's novels delve into the lives of some of histories most notable figures. My favorite novel by her would have to be Mary Called Magdalene. I suggest unless your offended by religious reference books to give this one a try first! Although I must admit I was completely captivated by all her novels up to this date. If your interested in hearing more either about Ms. George or her novel you can visit her official website here!

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Divine By Mistake

Title: Divine By Mistake

Author: P.C. Cast

Reading level: All

Paperback: 571 pages

ISBN #: 9780373802470

Received From: I bought it

Publisher: Luna

Group Genre: YA

Cover: C

Overall: A+



"The only excitement Shannon Parker expects while on summer vacation is a little shopping. But when an antique vase calls to her, she finds herself transported to Partholon, where she's treated like a goddess. A very temperamental goddess…Somehow Shannon has stepped into another's role as the Goddess Incarnate of Epona. And while there's an upside—what woman doesn't like lots of pampering?—it also comes with a ritual marriage to a centaur and threats against her new people. Oh, and everyone disliking her because they think she's her double.Somehow Shannon needs to figure out how to get back to Oklahoma without being killed, married to a horse or losing her mind…."

This book made me fall in love all over again with P.C. Cast and the way she writes! This is her first book in the Divine series which introduces us to Parthalon and her world. I love her fusion of mythology and magic she uses to create her Parthalon series. The way she writes is so relatable and intriguing that you don't want to put a single book of hers down. I become so enthralled in her world she creates that it all seems so real to me. And when you put the book down it's really quite sad to have to step back into mundane reality. This series also unlike her House Of Night Series (which don't get me wrong I love!) is more adult and will hit a note with an older audience as the main characters tend to be between their mid 20's through 30. The only thing bad I have to say is I want more .....more of Parthalon and the powerful women who make the books real for me! The suspense is killing me and I have a feeling I will be heading to Barnes & Noble tomorrow to purchase the rest of the set! If by chance you haven't read any of P.C. Cast's outstanding array of series you should definitely pick up this one to start off! And if your like me and skeptical at first and don't want to spend a lot of money on a book your not sure you'll like try Target I know they had this book for around $8! (: I am now hooked as I bet you will be too if you give this series a try!

LOL=Lots Of Love

Friday Hop Time

So sorry for the sudden disappearance! I've been working on a new dessert concept for work and it's been a grueling two weeks! But I'm back and ready to blog my butt off!! But as for the twist this week:

My name is Rheanna and I've been a blogaholic since December of last year. My sister who has her own blog over @ The Book Wars informed me of all the great new reads she discovered through the blogging community and I told her to sign me up(: And since then I've met some really amazing bloggers and have fallen in love with numerous authors works. I truly believe the blogging community is one of the greatest ways to celebrate the art of storytelling. And although I'm still pretty new to the blogosphere I feel that I've made some great connections with other bloggers, authors, and people who are interested in the same material as myself. In short this is a great place to meet interesting people and to discuss the books, and entertainment that can make us laugh and cry, astound and baffle, and whats most important bring our fantasy to life!

So if your looking to find some great people with great blogs hop on over to the Blog Hop and start your own adventure here!

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I Wanna Do Bad Things With You

So I've got a fever right now and the only prescription is .........more True Blood! I just finished watching the season 3 premiere and am so psyched! And to celebrate I've posted Charlaine Harris (the lady behind the books that made this amazing HBO series) as my author of the month! Also I have to True Blood related reviews coming up this week. I've been waiting to review Dead In the Family & I have True Blood And Philosophy. And I know what your thinking "Christ, I wanna lick your mind" ~ Jason Stackhouse. Well you'll just have to wait and see what else I have for my vamped up week! So don't shift from your seats (bad pun intended) because we've got plenty of supes, sex and Stackhouses to go round for the whole week! Oh and by the way "Eric is mine!"
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Yay it's finally Friday! I am sooo excited for this weekend because Sunday is the series 3 premiere of True Blood! This week has been pretty crazy and it's only gonna get more hectic. I'll be getting a Cat Scan this week for my ear problems and hopefully it's just my allergies that are bugging me. But all things will be revealed in time! Last week I found some great new blogs and through them found some great new books to lust over. That's what is so great about the blog hop you can discover so much by just linking up! So check it out over @ Crazy For Books and enjoy your week and the hop!

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Wind Warrior Book Trailer

So this week I have the pleasure of posting the official book trailer for Wind Warrior by Cynthia Roberts. If you haven't read her guest post already you should definitely do so and get the scoop on this new and soon to be a successful historical fiction/Romance novel! June 15th is only days away so check out the trailer and pick up a copy of this Native American Romance novel:

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Burned

Title: Burned

Author: P.C. + Kristin Cast

Reading level: All

Hardcover: 323 pages

ISBN #: 9780312606169

Received From: birthday present

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Group Genre: YA

Cover: A+

Overall: A+

"When friends stop trusting each other, Darkness is there to fan the flames…. Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird’s soul has shattered. With everything she’s ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey’s fading fast. It’s seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampyre High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left…Enter BFF Stevie Rae. She wants to help Z but she has massive problems of her own. The rogue Red Fledglings are acting up, and this time not even Stevie Rae can protect them from the consequences. Her kinda boyfriend, Dallas, is sweet but too nosy for his own good. The truth is, Stevie Rae’s hiding a secret that might be the key to getting Zoey home but also threatens to explode her whole world. In the middle of the whole mess is Aphrodite: ex-Fledgling, trust-fund baby, total hag from Hell (and proud of it). She’s always been blessed (if you could call it that) with visions that can reveal the future, but now it seems Nyx has decided to speak through her with the goddess’s own voice, whether she wants it or not. Aphrodite’s loyalty can swing a lot of different ways, but right now Zoey’s fate hangs in the balance.

Three girls… playing with fire… if they don’t watch out, everyone will get Burned."

Love, Love, Love this series! My only complaint is I can't get enough, oh, and that all The House Of Night books end with cliffhangers! Which really isn't a complaint considering the fact that it leads me to intrigue and suspense. But to be honest P.C. Cast has done it again! Her books are like a magical symphony you just can't help but sway to! Every note is perfectly balanced! And what really captures you is her characters they're soo real! Which I think a lot of that credit goes to Kristin Cast for keeping the teen drama realistic. I have been pulled into every one of these two ladies books so far and this was no exception. And I've seen a lot of mixed reviews about the House Of Night series but however much people despise the books they keep reading them. And that says something!

This volume particularly caught my attention because it was rooted in Scotland for the most part. And being of Scottish decent I loved the old Folklore, symbolism, and setting. This series is a combination of so much mythology but at the same time there is complete harmony throughout the books. I love the storyline, characters, settings and references and I don't think I really can say much more besides this is a must-read series (in fact most of the Cast books are)! So I will be on pins and needles waiting until the next installment (Awakened) comes to a store shelf near me!

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Hopping Through A Galaxy Far, Far Away!

Happy Friday everyone!! I've had a kick butt weekend, one of the best in a while which is why I'm posting up my hop so late. Today I went to Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios and got to meet a crazy amount of celebrities i.e Ray Park (Darth Maul), Billy Dee Williams (Captain Lando Calrissian), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett), Matthew Wood (General Grievous), and some of the voices behind the "Clone Wars" animated series. And yes, I know I'm a total nerd but I love me some Star Wars. I even got a shirt with a storm trooper eating a mickey mouse ice cream that says "Taste the Dark Side"! Oh the irony! But anyways enough about my crazy awesome day lets get to the blogging! I found a lot of great blogs last week and can't wait to see whats new for this week! Enjoy hopping around and if you happen to stop by leave a comment so I can visit your blog as well (: May the force be with you everyone!

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Author Of The Month: Charlaine Harris

Every month I like to take a little time out of reviewing and meme's to post about a special author who impacts not only myself an this blog but also the book/entertainment community. This month I have chosen Charlaine Harris. So without further ado let me give you a little info about this amazing author:

Charlaine Harris has been a published novelist for over twenty-five years. A native of the Mississippi Delta, she grew up in the middle of a cotton field. Now she lives in southern Arkansas with her husband, her three children, three dogs, and a duck. The duck stays outside. Though her early output consisted largely of ghost stories, by the time she hit college (Rhodes, in Memphis) Charlaine was writing poetry and plays. After holding down some low-level jobs, she had the opportunity to stay home and write, and the resulting two stand-alones were published by Houghton Mifflin. After a child-producing sabbatical, Charlaine latched on to the trend of writing mystery series, and soon had her own traditional books about a Georgia librarian, Aurora Teagarden. Her first Teagarden, REAL MURDERS, garnered an Agatha nomination. Soon Charlaine was looking for another challenge, and the result was the much darker Lily Bard series. The books, set in Shakespeare, Arkansas, feature a heroine who has survived a terrible attack and is learning to live with its consequences. When Charlaine began to realize that neither of those series was ever going to set the literary world on fire, she regrouped and decided to write the book she’d always wanted to write. Not a traditional mystery, nor yet pure science fiction or romance, DEAD UNTIL DARK broke genre boundaries to appeal to a wide audience of people who just enjoy a good adventure. Each subsequent book about Sookie Stackhouse, telepathic Louisiana barmaid and friend to vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, has drawn more readers. The southern vampire books are published in Japan, Great Britain, Greece, Germany, Thailand, Spain, France, and Russia. In addition to Sookie, Charlaine has another heroine with a strange ability. Harper Connelly, lightning-struck and strange, can find corpses . . . and that’s how she makes her living. In addition to her work as a writer, Charlaine is the past senior warden of St. James Episcopal Church, a board member of Mystery Writers of America, a past board member of Sisters in Crime, a member of the American Crime Writers League, and past president of the Arkansas Mystery Writers Alliance. She spends her “spare” time reading, watching her daughter play sports, traveling, and going to the movies.

Charlaine is the perfect choice this month for my spotlight author! Not only was "Dead In The Family" hitting the bookshelves of stores everywhere this past month along with Season 2 of True Blood, but also Season 3 of True Blood start on the 13th of this month!! I am a huge fan of her "Sookie Stackhouse Series" and a glued-to-the-TV fan of True Blood. I think personally I've read everyone of her novels at least twice just to make sure I didn't miss anything. She has such a way with her character development and settings that it pulls you into the story. And now thanks to HBO I have some amazing (hottt!) images to go by while reading. (If your a fanatic like myself, you know I'm talking about Eric, Bill, Sam, and Jason.) But what I love most about Charlaine' s books is that she takes a fresh perspective on the supernatural. You're never bored or feel jaded because her view on Supes is sooo new and off the beaten path! I personally cannot wait for more Charlaine and more Sookie! A note to the author: please keep the books coming, I cannot get enough!!


LOL=Lots Of Love

Wish Stealers

Title: Wish Stealers

Author: Tracy Trivas

Reading level: All

Paperback: 281 pages

ISBN #: 9781416987253

Received From: contest

Publisher: Aladdin

Group Genre: YA

Cover: B

Overall: B+

"Griffin Penshine is always making wishes. But when a sinister old woman tricks her into accepting a box of eleven shiny Indian Head pennies from 1897, Griffin soon learns these are no ordinary pennies, but stolen wishes. This box of labeled pennies comes with a horrible curse: People in possession of the stolen coins are Wish Stealers, who will never have their wishes granted.... In fact, the opposite of what they've wished for will happen. Griffin must find a way to return these stolen wishes and undo the curse if her own wishes are to come true. But how can Griffin return wishes to strangers who might not even be alive? Her journey leads her to ancient alchemists, Macbeth's witches, and a chance to help people in ways she never imagined, but the temptation of the Wish Stealers' dark and compelling power is growing stronger. Can Griffin reverse the curse in time to save herself and the people she loves?"

I really enjoyed this novel it wasn't an in-depth, make you think kind of book. Yet it has an incredible, make- you -feel good message to put out there. This is the type of book for a younger set but can still be enjoyed by adults. The characters are relatable and the setting is your average town. The fantasy element is what elevates the book from not just being another teen high school story. I really would have liked some more character development and struggle in Griffin but you win some and lose some. All in all I'd say this book was a fun, feel-good quick read. I think that if your just looking for a book to enjoy and smile about this is for you!

LOL=Lots Of Love

Hop to it Friday!

It's Friday already and this week I feel as if I've been lax in my postings but I've been picking up extra shifts at work to try to pay off some of my doctors expenses! Uggggh don't you just hate doctors bills? Bu in lighter news its that joyous time of the week again book blogger hop time and this week I get to see some of your great blogs sooo excited to not be working(: and hopping instead! But let me know if you hop on by so I can visit you as well!

LOL=Lots Of Love

Teaser Tuesdays

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. This week I'm reading Angels, Vampires, and Douche Bags by Carla Collins. Carla is a hilarious Canadian comedian who tells it like it is in her new book. This is her uplifting and hilarious story that deals with the three great forces in our lives. But let's get to the teaser because it's practically killing me not to give ya a sneak peek:

"If you want to ward off your vampire, prayer never hurts. You could even play Duran Duran's Save A Prayer For Me Now, as Duran Duran will ward off pretty much everyone."

~pg. 85 Angel, Vampires, and Douche Bags by Carla Collins


So far I am loving this book it has a very inspirational message while letting you laugh your @$$ off. And at the end of each part of her trilogy of people in your life that influence you there is a little joke list (which is where my teaser came from). I think this might just become my favorite self-help book!

LOL= Lots Of Love