The Best Reader [Search results for quick giveaway] 

From Amazon.com...

"Rare-book theft is even more widespread than fine-art theft. Most thieves, of course, steal for profit. John Charles Gilkey steals purely for the love of books. In an attempt to understand him better, journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett plunged herself into the world of book lust and discovered just how dangerous it can be.

Gilkey is an obsessed, unrepentant book thief who has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of rare books from book fairs, stores, and libraries around the country. Ken Sanders is the self-appointed "bibliodick" (book dealer with a penchant for detective work) driven to catch him. Bartlett befriended both outlandish characters and found herself caught in the middle of efforts to recover hidden treasure. With a mixture of suspense, insight, and humor, she has woven this entertaining cat-and-mouse chase into a narrative that not only reveals exactly how Gilkey pulled off his dirtiest crimes, where he stashed the loot, and how Sanders ultimately caught him but also explores the romance of books, the lure to collect them, and the temptation to steal them. Immersing the reader in a rich, wide world of literary obsession, Bartlett looks at the history of book passion, collection, and theft through the ages, to examine the craving that makes some people willing to stop at nothing to possess the books they love."

Today's Quick Giveaway is "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much." I have shamelessly had this book for months and I just have not been able to get into it. I stuck to my review policy and made it 100 pages in, but this book is not for me. I wish I was more interested in the art of book collec

tion and the passion it involves — but I'm not.

So my loss is your gain: I'd like to give this book to a past Guest Reviewer who has participated in my holiday campaign for reviews.

All that you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com:
1. Your Name
2. Your Email Address
3. The corresponding number to the review you sent in according to the Mr. Linky (Look at Mr. Linky, find your name/number — that's what I'm looking for).

Oh, and because this was an ARC review book (and I do feel excruciatingly bad about not finishing it) I will be forwarding an email to the winner from Lydia Hirt about the book so that, after posting the review review, the winner can email the link to her so that she does get a review.

After the first person as emailed me — I will update this post and contact the winner and hopefully get the book sent out tomorrow!

UPDATE: I apologize for my email hot mess. Three people contacted me and the first was Sharon from Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews. Stay tuned for another "Quick Giveaway" early next week!

Wow, it has been FOREVER since I've done a quick giveaway!

I see all these book bloggers with tons and tons of books sitting around — and there's nothing wrong with that. But that's just not me. When I'm done reading a book I don't like to have it sit around and take up space — I love passing along books (especially books I know that I'm not going to read again).

The book "up for grabs" this time is "Mr. Darcy's Dream" by Elizabeth Aston. If you'd be interested in receiving "Mr. Darcy's Dream" all you have to do is email me at missremmeres [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Mr. Darcy's Dream".

Something added to this "Quick Giveaway" — because of my new campaign for Guest Reviews, please make sure that you also sign Mr. Linky in order to be eligible. Please make sure that the review you send me isn't on the Mr. Linky — if someone has already given me a review of the book it won't count (but there will still be a link to your review).

The winner is Joanne!

For those of you familiar with the concept of my "Quick Giveaways" (the first person to email me a guest review wins the book) — prepare to be excited. This time, due to the fact that I'm MOVING in a few weeks, I have planned a massive Quick Giveaway!

That's right, "up for grabs" this time around are SEVEN books! I have one copy of "The Sleep Lady's Good Night Sleep Tight" by Kim West, one copy of "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love," one copy of "The Recipe Club," and four copies of "Sweet Treats and Secret Crushes" to giveaway!

If you'd be interested in receiving one (or two... or three...) of these books, all you have to do is fill out the form below and donate a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this (for each book) wins — simple as that. I will be out of town until Monday, but as soon as I get back I will email you if you were the first to request a book. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar.

If you want to receive more than one book (or attempt to) please refresh this page, fill out the form AGAIN, and send in another review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Good Luck!!

The purpose of this blog is to inform reluctant readers of great literature that will get them passionate about reading.

I accept review copies from authors and publishers and I love to participate in blog tours, host contests and interview authors. As a first year teacher, my time is limited; because of this, I am not able to accept every book offered.

All my reviews are original and honest. I have never been compensated and all of my thoughts are my own.

Types of Genres I enjoy: While Young Adult and Adult literature is my main focus, I do accept and review some middle grade and children's titles. I am partial to fantasy, paranormal, chick-lit, romance, historical fiction, literary fiction, anything that addresses social issues, mysteries and thrillers.

I do not prefer to read a series out of sequence. If you have a review request that is part of a series that I have not read, I will ask that you provide a copy of each of it’s predecessors. This will allow for a more effective review, all reviews of the series will be posted as well.

Genres I don't usually pick up: I normally do not read non-fiction, memoirs/biographies or science-fiction. But, if you feel that a particular book would be beneficial and interesting towards reluctant readers — I'd be willing to consider it. Currently I do not accepting e-books or pdfs for review. I do occasionally accept self-published books.

When I accept a novel to review: It does not guarantee that I will write a review. While I strive to complete each book, if I find myself unable or unwilling to finish it, I will not force myself to read. I truly believe that reading should be enjoyable — if the book I am attempting to read becomes a "chore," I will put it down. I do promise to read 100 pages of each book accepted for review before putting it down. If I do not finish a book, I always pass it on (unless the provider of the review book asks me not to) in, what I call, a "Quick Giveaway." I simply give the book to the first responder with a Guest Review. An example of a Quick Giveaway. If you do not want a book to be passed on, please tell me before hand or I can make no guarantee that it won't be handed off to another reader.

While I try to only accept review books I think I will like, I cannot guarantee that the review will be positive, but it will be fair. I don't take pleasure in negating someone's work, but my reviews will be my honest opinion. My reviews include a synopsis of the novel (generally provided by Amazon or the publisher's website) and my personal thoughts about the book.
How long will it take for a review: I try to read the review titles that I receive in a timely manner but I do have time constraints. If the book is an ARC, I will try to review the book in the month surrounding its release date, in most cases before the book is released or shortly after. If the book is already released then it may take me anywhere from 2-4 months to read and review it.

Note of Clarification: Review if I do not plan on keeping the book in my classroom. If this is not something you want, please tell me before hand — just in case. Also, I love hosting giveaways or Author Interviews — if this is something you'd be interested in, please let me know.

Traffic Details: According to Google Analytics, I receive about 200 visitors a day and generally have 10 to 15 comments a day. This blog is not particularly meant to generate huge amounts of outside traffic. This blog is meant to introduce reluctant young readers to different novels. During the school year my students visit this blog daily and will contribute to the reviews listed. My students will use this blog as a reference when looking for a "good book to read for fun."

If you're interested in knowing a bit more about me — please visit my About Me page.

Disclosure: All of the books I receive for review are provided by the publisher or the author. I do not expect, accept, or receive monetary compensation for my reviews.

From the Back of the Book:

"The ear is 1863 during the hostile Civil War, where this riveting and tragic story takes hold of Virginia Mae Mercy, a fanatical Christian who believes her husband's death is divine justice. But when Virginia births a stillborn, she quickly denounces her faith.

Reconciled, she learns to love her only surviving daughter, Triste, a prodigious child with the power to heal.

Across this vast wasteland of severe injustice, Virginia discovers not only the startling truth about Triste's gift, but the truth about her own fate — a revelation that challenges her most profound beliefs — and ours."

Today's Quick Giveaway is "A Death for Beauty." I have shamelessly had this book for months and I just have not been able to get into it. I stuck to my review policy and made it 100 pages in, but this book is not for me. I'm blaming this bout of abandonment on brain exhaustion; after finishing finals I just want to read light books that don't induce too much thought process.

So my loss is your gain and in celebration of the last 24 hours of my campaign, I'd like to give this book to a past Guest Reviewer who has participated in my holiday campaign for reviews.

All that you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com:
1. Your Name
2. Your Email Address
3. The corresponding number to the review you sent in according to the Mr. Linky (Look at Mr. Linky, find your name/number — that's what I'm looking for).

After the first person as emailed me — I will update this post and contact the winner and hopefully get the book sent out tomorrow!

Update: Winner is Esme!:) You have been emailed.

I've been feeling a little... book clutter... going on in my small room. So I've decided to simply pass on a few books. I don't want to host ANOTHER giveaway at the same time as the "My Name is Will" Giveaway so this is going to be really simple.

I'll send a signed copy of Lizzy Armentrout's "A Vengeful Spirit" to the first person who emails me at missremmeres [at] gmail [dot] com. All you need to do is include your address AND a review of your favorite book that you'd like to 'pass on' as a Guest Review. This is really simple — check out this post to find out what is necessary. You can simply copy and paste from your own blog (with a link) or if you really want to be lazy (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!) simply put the direct URL to your review and I'll do the work. It's that easy. I'll comment on this post once I receive the first email and the book will be on it's way by Wednesday.

Check out my review of "A Vengeful Spirit" and my interview with Lizzy Armentrout.

UPDATE AUG 4: Still no one? Come on, just a simple link to a review of your favorite book. Super simple.

UPDATE AUG 5: Still no takers? Hm — this is depressing. I have another book to hand out but I don't want to have too much stuff going on at once. Somebody email me!:)

UPDATE AUG 6: And the book goes to Wanda from Canada! I went to the post office and found out that because we are so close to the border it costs about the same than to send it anywhere else — so that's perfect. I've decided to make the "My Name is Will" Giveaway open to US and Canada residents to celebrate! Wanda — as soon as you send me an email — the book will be on its way today or tomorrow!

From Amazon.com...

"Why is it so impossible to get a relationship between two middle-aged misfits to work? The answer lies in the story of Shrimp, a young widowed librarian with a sharp intellect and a home so tidy that her jam jars are in alphabetical order; Benny, a gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village’s Old Bachelor; and an unlikely love that should not be as complicated as it seems."

Well, I've sent "A Vengeful Spirit" to Wanda in Canada and am now looking to find a new home for "Benny and Shrimp." I don't want to host ANOTHER giveaway at the same time as the "My Name is Will" Giveaway so this is going to be really simple.

I'll send a (once read) copy of Katarina Mazetti "Benny and Shrimp" to the first person who emails me at missremmeres [at] gmail [dot] com. All you need to do is include your address AND a review of your favorite book that you'd like to 'pass on' as a Guest Review. This is really simple — check out this post to find out what is necessary. You can simply copy and paste from your own blog (with a link) or if you really want to be lazy (and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that!) simply put the direct URL to your review and I'll do the work. It's that easy. I'll comment on this post once I receive the first email and the book will be on it's way within two days. Open to both US and Canada Residents!

UPDATE: My 1000th visitor stopped by about ten minutes ago! Thank you for stopping by everyone!

UPDATE 8/8: Sharon, also Friday's Guest Reviewer, is the proud new owner of "Benny and Shrimp!" It will be in the mail on Monday and her review of "Chin Up, Honey" will be posted in mid September sometime! Thank you so much Sharon! Check out her blog!

Stephanie Thomas has stopped by today to tell us a little about the world we will see in her book Luminosity. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway below!

Can you describe the world we will read about in Luminosity?

Luminosity is set in a dystopian world. The first book of The Raven Chronicles mostly takes place in The City, which is… exactly what it sounds like: a city! This city was created after a war that destroyed most of what was formally known as America. The survivors rebuilt on the East Coast, in this city that is protected with a force field-like shield and an electric barrier fence.

The City is mostly a dark place. In my head, I pictured it kind of like Gothim City. The “normal” people who live inside The City are called Citizens. They are kept inside the barricades for their own safety from whatever lies outside the fences. They must abide by curfew and other rules, but they don’t think of themselves as being oppressed. In fact, they are quite happy to have a place that is deemed safe enough to thrive.

The Seers are those who have the ability to see into the future and have been tasked with protecting the Citizens to the best of their ability. They live in the Institution, which is the tallest and most central building of The City. You’ll have to read to find out more about this mysterious place!

The only other place mentioned in book one would be Aura, where the Dreamcatchers live. Little is known about Aura as it’s so far away and houses the enemy.

Technology also has a huge role to play in Luminosity, though it is staggered and a bit inconsistent at best. The Seers definitely have some advanced technology, but there are times where it might be thought the Dreamcatchers know a bit more about what they are working with in that regard. It’s an interesting element to explore, since science and technology can be used to help and to hurt depending on whose hands it falls into.

I hope you enjoy the world I’ve created! I wish I could say more, but I don’t want to give anything away, so if you are curious, you’ll have to take a peek for yourself and see! Happy Reading!

About Stephanie:
Stephanie Thomas has been writing ever since she could put letters together to form words. When she was a small child, she would present her mother and father with self-made newspapers filled up with make believe stories and pictures. Her love for writing followed her all throughout her schooling, where she entered and won writing contests of all sorts. Stephanie decided to become an English teacher and completed her B.A. at The Pennsylvania State University. While teaching, she later went on to get her Master’s in writing from The Johns Hopkins University. She completed her very first manuscript during her graduate studies, and by the end of the program, she had completed two more. Stephanie is quick to tell anyone that she’s a born and raised Philadelphian, and her heart will always belong there. She moved to Baltimore with her husband, and they’ve been living there for the last five years with their doggie, Sailor, and their rabbit, Buns (aka “T Sizzle).

Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas
Published: Entangled Publishing (November 13th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 296 pages
Series: Raven Chronicles #1
My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings. And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I think I’ve already helped them win.

Tour Wide Giveaway!
Prize: A Signed Copy of Luminosity, A Raven Pepsi Bottle Cap Necklace, and Swag.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website | Goodreads | Twitter

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

I love Tiffany King. My love for her started when I stumbled upon Unlikely Allies on amazon one day and was blown away by the story. Since then I have stalked her, waiting for her ne west books to release. Jordyn was exactly the type of book I had been craving — kick-butt heroine, unique story-line, fabulous cast of characters — it really has it all!
Today Tiffany is here, as part of her blog tour, to share with us a n excerpt found in Jordyn. Be sure to check out the giveaway below!

Excerpt:"Finished," Anthony said several minutes later, shutting off the tattoo gun.
"Wow, you're quick," I said, sitting up."I've heard that before," Anthony said, laughing."I bet you have, old man," Emrys said, clapping him on the back."At least I'm not forgettable," Anthony retorted, making me laugh. Emrys mockingly glared at us as he threw a slow punch Anthony's way."You want to see your new beauty mark?" he asked, swatting Emrys's fist aside before it could reach his bicep."Absolutely," I said, hopping up off the chair."It's the prettiest succubus I've ever seen," Emrys teased, grinning at me. My fist shot out and hit him in his own bicep before he could even get the words fully out. The force of the blow made him stagger as he tried to keep his footing."Damn girl, you are a freaking beast," Anthony said, studying me with open admiration."Either that or your buddy E here is a lightweight pansy," I quipped, following Anthony out of the room.

Jordyn by Tiffany King
Published: February 10th, 2013
Reading Level: New Adult
Summary:
Hand to hand combat training: Check
Cardio and strength training: Check
Daemon hunting: Check
Anomaly: Check

Check, check, check, check… That's all my life is. There's nothing ordinary about me. I'm"special." I know this because I'm reminded of it every stinking day. I can kick a Daemon's ass with both hands tied behind my back. I can run up a mountain without breaking a sweat. Know what I can't do? Get guys to notice me, or hang out with friends like normal people do. I can't just be ordinary because I have an Arch Angel for a mentor who is always breathing down my neck, and a family of angelic Guides and Protectors who scrutinize every little thing I do. Just for a day I want a life where I'm no longer some anomaly, where I don't have to feel like a lab rat.

And then I met Emrys. Okay, so my mentor and family hate him, but probably for good reason. After-all, he is a Soul Trader, and they aren't the most trust worthy beings. But, he is sooo hot with his green eyes, leather jacket and the sexiest tattoo you've ever seen running down his back. And-he doesn't treat me like a project.

I've got myself in quite a little quandary here. Choosing between my responsibilities and the Trader that holds my heart is something I didn't sign up for. Torn between two different worlds, I must now decide who to trust and who to walk away from. What's a girl to do? See what I mean? I am an anomaly. I am Jordyn.

Fill out the rafflecopter below for a chance to win some great prize packs!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Since I am still hosting the "My Name is Will", "Dancing with Ana", and "Boy Toy" Giveaways... I've decided to make this super simple.

I see all these book bloggers with tons and tons of books sitting around — and there's nothing wrong with that. But that's just not me. When I'm done reading a book (or Momma Remmers) I don't like to have it sit around and take up space — I love passing along books (especially books I know that I'm not going to read again).

So if you read my review and you think you'd be interested in receiving "Sugar Time" all you have to do is email me at missremmeres [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Or if you really want to be lazy (why work harder?) — a simple direct URL to the review you'd like to 'pass on' would suffice. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Sugar Time".

Please, only US residents only.

Good luck!

UPDATE 8/21: The winner is Bianca from Wicked Good Books!

From the Official Website:

"Kim West, LCSW-C, known as The Sleep Lady®, has developed a gentle and effective approach to helping infants and young children learn to put themselves to sleep without letting them "cry it out"—an option that is not comfortable for many parents.

This book, newly revised and updated, tells parents everything they need to know about sleep from newborns up through age five. It helps parents gently guide their young babies into good sleep rhythms from the start, laying the groundwork so that they can learn to “sleep through the night” It gives tips on breast feeding, night weaning older babies, scheduling meals and naps, and helping children discard the “sleep crutches” that make them wake during the night. For older children, the Sleep Lady system helps parents learn when the child is ready to move from a crib to a bed, when to consolidate two naps into one, or how and when to give up naps altogether. It helps parents decide whether, and for how long, to "co-sleep" or "room share," and how and when to move a baby or toddler into his or her own room."

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "The Sleep Lady's Good Night Sleep Tight" by Kim West. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive this great read. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

"Eternal on the Water" was released on February 16th!

From Amazon.com...

"From the day Cobb and Mary meet kayaking on Maine's Allagash River and fall deeply in love, the two approach life with the same sense of adventure they use to conquer the river's treacherous rapids. But rivers do not let go so easily... and neither does their love. So when Mary's life takes the cruelest turn, she vows to face those rough waters on her own terms and asks Cobb to promise, when the time comes, to help her return to their beloved river for one final journey."

The book "up for grabs" this time is an ARC copy of "Eternal on the Water" by Joseph Monninger. If you'd be interested in receiving "Eternal on the Water" all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Eternal on the Water". Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

The Winner is Esme! Thank you!!

I have had a wonderful time with the Crossroads tour. I can't believe it ends Sunday! It feels like we just got started: ) But now it's time for the CONTEST!! The authors were kind enough to donate some swag and a book for the tour and the book I have to give away is Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton. In order to sign up to win this prize pack just fill out the form below. This is a quick contest! It will end at midnight (ET) on Halloween!

Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton Publisher: Flux (October 1st, 2010) Reading Level: Young Adult Series: The Seer, book #6 The Final Book in Linda Joy Singleton's Popular Paranormal Series, The Seer

A whisper, too soft to swirl wispy candle smoke, carried across time, beyond life and death—and was heard."Our bargain is sealed. My secrets will be yours-when the girl dies."

In the thrilling climax to The Seer series, Sabine's psychic abilities, sleuthing skills, and courage are pushed to a dangerous edge as she deals with the mysterious disappearance of her ex-boyfriend Josh, a new threat against her boyfriend Dominic, evil magicians (both living and dead)—and a coldblooded murder.

Giveaway Prize:

• 1 winner will receive a signed copy of Magician's Muse by Linda Joy Singleton and swag from the Crossroads tour participants!

• You must be at least 13 to enter.
• Name and email must be provided and counts as 1 entry.
• Extra entries are possible and links must be provided.
• Contest is US/CANADA and ends Sunday night, October 31st.
• Once contacted the winner will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.
• The form must be filled out to enter.

Also, for the huge prize pack giveaway, each day of The Crossroads Tour, a new research question will be revealed here on The Crossroad Blog Tour main page (http://judithgraves.com/events/the-crossroads-tour/), and each day the answer to that question will be found within one of the 16 different blog posts by Crossroads Tour authors. Your job is to get the question, read the blog posts, and collect all 16 answers by the end of the tour, on Halloween.

YOU MUST send your answers to judithgraves at ymail dot com by midnight on October 31^st

"Lucifer Rising"
Barbara Fifield

From Amazon.com...

"Can Elsa ever escape cult leader Tyrell, a reincarnation of the devil? What about him does she find so mesmerizing? Tyrell has lured women into his snare over many reincarnations. Will he succeed with Elsa? Or will she be able to break away from him?"

The book "up for grabs" this time is a SIGNED copy of "Lucifer Rising" by Barbara Fifield. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Lucifer Rising". Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar.

Winner: Alexia!

Monday morning, the day after I spent all that time updating my Mac, I get an email from the Tech Center saying my PC is fixed. Well you can just imagine, I am so excited. I go pick it up, start it, and it works great! EXCEPT, my enter key is missing. MISSING! I make a phone call and they tell me it was missing when I brought it in, but if I'd like, I can bring it back in and they'll see if they can fix it. My initial reaction is this: "You've had my computer for three weeks and it's had a MISSING enter key and you didn't just think, 'hm, maybe we could fix this for her'!" Ok, not a big deal, I'm still breathing. So I continue working on my Mac — I have a paper due Tuesday morning at noon. I'm up until 5am on Tuesday working on it, I go to bed, get up at 8am and continue working on it. Ten minutes before class, I save the document to a flash drive, take said flash drive to my newly fixed PC to print it on my HP printer — and, Oh My Gosh, they deleted WORD from my computer!

It was a rough day.

Anyway, my last final was on Tuesday and I've officially finished my last week of finals (until grad school). Wow. I don't know how I managed it with a broken computer — but I did it. I got home yesterday and am enjoying every minute of it. I plan on getting a lot done during break in regards to catching up on some reading and enjoying my life a little — it was a very rough semester. Below, you will see a massive "To-Do" list in regards to break.

Again, sadly, due to finals week, I didn't get around to reviewing anything for the second week in a row (gasp! gasp!) But, I spent five hours on Saturday listening to "Confessions of a Shopaholic" on my way home to Northern Minnesota and I will finish "The Source of Miracles" tonight (my review is coming up tomorrow). I did post my review policy, please check it out (feedback is appreciated). Plus, I had a quick giveaway of "Mr. Darcy's Dream" that Joanne won!

Gina was this week's Guest Reviewer — donating her review of And Tango Makes Three. Please share some book love and visit her at Book Dragon's Lair. .

My new holiday campaign to collect Guest Reviews has been a great hit — we've acquired 43 reviews! Thanks to everyone who has donated! Campaign ends January 4th and is open to absolutely everyone!

I gained one follower and now have 31 amazing followers. Welcome and Thank you!

Like I mentioned, I am so excited to be home for break. I plan on spending a lot of time reading and doing blog related things to recuperate before next semester. My "To Do" list for blog related things — not just reading:

• Finish "The Source of Miracles"
• Finish listening to "Confessions of a Shopoholic"
• Read "Merry, Merry Ghost"
• Read "Inside Out"
• Read "Elmer, the Christmas Elf"
• Read "Lucifer Rising"
• Read "Comfort Living"
• Read "I Used to Know That"
• Read "Death Beauty"
• Read "The Man Who Loved Books Too Much"
• Read "Some Girls Are"
• Read "The Van Alen Legacy"
  
• Post all the Guest Reviews I've received for My Holiday Book Review Campaign
  

What did you finish this week?

From Amazon.com...

"Revenge has never tasted so sweet...

As a young girl, Solis Burkes is raped at the hands of ruthless school bullies-an incident that haunts her into young adulthood. Then she meets Nacio, a strikingly handsome man who seems to know everything about her-including the painful past Solis hasn't told anyone about. But what Solis doesn't know is that Nacio has been with her every step of the way, protecting her ever since that fateful episode.

It's a destiny he's been working up to for the last 257 years.

Now, as Solis enters a dark world of vampires, voodoo, and passion, she'll need all the protection she can get. Unbeknownst to her, those responsible for Solis's rape have returned. Connected to the evil voodoo Priestess Aldicia, they'll stop at nothing in their plans to spew violence and mayhem throughout the city. And an old family feud dating back centuries puts Solis first on their list of targets. But not if Solis can unravel the clues fast enough, and inflict her own brand of revenge... "

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "Embellish" by R.L. Sloan. If you'd be interested in receiving "Embellish" all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "Embellish". Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Winner: Jasmyn!

From Amazon.com...
""THE GIRL MADE OF COOL" is Fox's vibrant new novel and the centerpiece of this collection. Here, Fox tells the story of a young man and woman who are falling in love with each other, but the young woman doesn't know it. She believes that she's falling in love with the man's far more handsome, more perfect friend. As the story unfolds and deepens, we see how these two highly talented young men must suffer, struggle, and wage battle to woo this young woman. This, as all the while, she grows into an ever greater beauty, a more charismatic personality, and an all-the-more alluring woman."

The book "up for grabs" this time is "The Girl Made of Cool" by Alan Fox. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive "The Girl Made of Cool". Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar.
Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

The winner is Catherine! Thank you!!

From Amazon.com...

"From the very first page of this stunning novel, readers are drawn into the lives of eight seemingly ordinary women who pass through Manhattan's swanky Four Seasons Hotel. While offering sanctuary to some, solace to others, the hotel captures their darkest moments as they grapple with family, sex, power, love, and death.

Trish obsesses over her best friend's wedding and dramatic weight loss. Robin wants revenge after a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her older sister. Anne is single, lonely, and suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Drug-addicted rock star Louise needs to dry out. Southerner turned wannabe Manhattanite Franny is envious of her neighbors' lives. Sheila wants to punish her boyfriend for returning to his wife. Ellen so desperately wants children that she insists she's pregnant to her disbelieving husband. And Morgan, the hotel manager, haunted by the memory of her dead sister, is the thread that weaves these women's lives together."

Two giveaways in one week — no, I'm not crazy. But much like "Life After Yes," my priorities have changed since receiving "Based Upon Availability" for review. School is looming ever so close and I'm feeling the pressure begin to build. This book has great promise for an adult read, but it's not something I could easily sell to my ninth graders.

Because this was a review book, I ask that the winner be willing to forward their review link to the author/publisher. I will email the winner the contact person's name and email. This would be a great opportunity to network.

If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a link to your favorite review for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive this great read. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

From Amazon.com...

"The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer is a memoir that offers new and transforming insights into our relationships with companion animals. When Doug Koktavy reluctantly brought home two sibling Labrador retriever pups on his wife's urging, he was sure the dogs would create upheaval in his already hectic life. He could not have known the dogs would become cherished family members and take him on a wild ride that would change his life forever. The trouble began when Beezer, at age nine, was diagnosed with kidney disease and given ninety days to live. Doug, by then divorced and self-employed, tried to manage the downward spiral of his beloved pet the way he did everything--by controlling it. He called vet after vet, searching for hope. He spent hours online, researching treatments. He enlisted animal communicators to help him converse with the Beez. As Beezer worsened, Doug agonized over what he might have neglected in caring for him. Guilt crept into his life. Thinking about the future without his best friend, he grew frantic with fear. His legal work and his own health began to suffer. Yet, it was the caring for Beezer that eventually led to an awakening for this ego-driven attorney. Beezer needed subcutaneous drip treatments, which Doug administered in the evenings. As they snuggled on the couch during those sessions, Doug poured out his soul to him. He also began to listen to his buddy. Even as Beezer was dying, he was teaching Doug about life. The story does not end there. Not long after Beezer passed, the universe had another punch for Doug. Now Boomer was ill. Had Doug learned Beezer's lessons well enough? Could he meet this new challenge with acceptance and peace? Many books deal with the death of a companion animal and subsequent grieving. This groundbreaking memoir on the dying of a pet invites you to share the author's pain and discoveries during that difficult period between diagnosis and the last goodbye."

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "The Legacy of Beezer and Boomer" by Doug Koktavy. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a link to your favorite review for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive this great read. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.

From Amazon.com...

"We've all been there. A conversation with a loved one escalates into conflict. Voices rise to a fever pitch and angry, accusative words fly through the air. At times like these, it seems impossible to find the magic words that will lead to healing. Enter Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love.

A psychotherapist with decades of experience in counseling couples, Nancy Dreyfus hit upon the revolutionary practice outlined in this book during a couples-therapy session in which a wife's unrelenting criticism of her husband was causing him to become emotionally withdrawn. In the midst of this, Dreyfus found herself scribbling on a scrap of paper, "Talk to me like I'm someone you love" and gestured to the husband that he should hold it up. He did and within seconds the familiar power differential between the two shifted, and a gentler, more genuine connection emerged. Dreyfus was startled, then intrigued, and then motivated to create a tool that could help others.

This elegantly packaged spiral-bound book features more than one hundred of Dreyfus's "flash cards for real life"-written statements that express what we wish we could communicate to the person we love, but either can't find the right words or the right tone in which to say it. The statements include:

*Taking responsibility: "I realize I'm overreacting. Can you give me a minute to get sane again?"

*Apologizing: "I know I've really hurt you. What can I do to help you trust me again?"

*Loving: "You are precious, and I get that I haven't been treating you like you are."

A one-of-a-kind, practical relationship tool, Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love will help couples to stop arguing and begin healing."

The book "up for grabs" this time is a copy of "Talk to Me Like I'm Someone You Love" by Nancy Dreyfus. If you'd be interested in receiving this book all you have to do is email me at google [at] gmail [dot] com with your address AND a review of your favorite book for me to put up as a Guest Review. The first person to do this wins — simple as that. The review can be one that you've used at your own blog — simply copied and pasted. Once I get an email, I'll comment on this post who will receive the book. Please make sure that I don't already have a review of the book by looking in the left sidebar. I would also really appreciate it, since I did not review this book, if, after reading it, you sent me your review as Guest Review.

Reminder: Please read my Contest Policy — at this time I can only afford to mail books to US addresses. I apologize for this inconvenience.