My 2016 Reading Resolutions

• To read at least 50 books
• I know that this number may seem a bit low.  Especially for someone who is running a
  book blog.  But remember that I also have 4 kids & my husbands a truck driver.  haha...  In 2016, I was only able to read 16/25 for my Goodreads Reading Challenge.  Personally though, I write this up as a personal challenge.  This coming year though- I'm gonna ROCK it! 
   
• Finally read Catcher in the Rye & the Harry Potter series
• Yes, you read that right...  I have never read Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or any of the Harry Potter books.  It pangs me to admit these short comings but I am truly hoping to redeem myself this coming year.  2016 will be the year that I join the rest of humanity by finally checking out these highly raved about books.
  
  
• Participate in the 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge
• I have never participated in any sort of reading challenge.  Then again, I just started back to reading earlier this year.  There have been many different kinds of challenges that I have come across recently but the one that I have decided to dedicate myself to trying is the 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge.  It covers 40 different "topics" & I'm looking forward to giving some of the less popular ones a try.
   
• Review all books I read on the following outlets: this blog, Amazon, & Goodreads
• I know that this should be a given since I am a book blogger.  However, it's not always easy to remember to share with all of these outlets.  This new year is going to be more organized & I've already created a new system to insure that I'm able to share my reviews more efficiently.
  
  
• Interview at least 5 authors
• This 2016 Goal appeals to both the writer side & the reader side of me.  I'd love to be able to share something as awesome as an author interview with y'all!  If anyone knows any new up & coming authors who are interested in doing an email interview, please let me know in the comments below.
• Read a little every day
• Yet another resolution that should be a given...  But I'll be the first to admit that I often put other things before reading.  & I'm not talking about the important things.  I'm talking about the endless time sucks that are Facebook, Big Farm, & any of the numerous games that are installed on my phone.  I always plan on reading before bed but once I am down for the night, I can hardly hold my eyes open.  So, I'm not sure if I'm going to set a certain amount of time aside each day or what.  I just know that I need to start reading DAILY.  No matter what!
• Finally finish writing MY novel, What the Heart Wants
• Things are finally starting to come together for me where my novel is concerned.  I'm not going to go too far into detail but feel free to swing by Wattpad to check out the first two chapters.  I'll be adding a new chapter about every couple weeks until it's done.  Then I start the editing/revising phase.
  
  
  What are some of your 2016 Resolutions?? 
  Bookish or other?? I wanna know!
   
  
   
  

Merry Christmas to You & Yours

Just wanted to touch base to let everyone that I have decided to take the rest of this year off.  I will, however, be returning in the new year re-energized & ready to rock 2016!  While you await my return, feel free to check out some of the older book reviews & book lists.

I hope each & every one of you have a great Christmas holiday.  As well as bring in the New Year however you wish!  I plan on spending my holiday season with my family.  Especially my 'Bonus Son' because this is our first Christmas with him <3

Also, be sure to check out my new novel that's in the works... 

What the Heart Wants on Wattpad!

 

Frankie Liked to Sing by John Seven & Jana Christy: Book Review

 Frankie Liked to Sing

 Words by: John Seven

Pictures by: Jana Christy

Genre: Biography

Print Length: 32 pages

Publishers:  Harry N. Abrams

Publication Date: October 13, 2015

Age Level: 4 - 8 years
Format Read: Hardcover

Received Copy via: via Author/Publisher

Connect with the author(s):

Website  // Twitter // Facebook

Frankie Liked to Sing celebrates the life of Frank Sinatra, whose iconic voice changed popular music forever and influenced generations of listeners all over the world. From his early days in Hoboken, New Jersey, to making it big in New York City, Sinatra was determined to follow his dream of being a singer and moving people with his voice. And now, one hundred years after his birth, his legacy lives on with this spirited and loving tribute.

- Courtesy of Amazon

I want to start out by saying that I am a HUGE fan of the late Frank Sinatra... When I saw that this book existed, I was so excited!  It truly is one of a kind.  Add the fact that this year (today to be exact) marks what would have been the crooner's 100th birthday and I knew I had to have a copy.

After contacting the author, I was delighted when he replied that he'd have the publisher send over a copy for me.  And when the package arrived in the mail, it was like Christmas had come early this year.  This book is both beautiful to look at & wonderful to read.

I am impressed with all that this book entails.  Not only does it tell about Frank Sinatra's love for music throughout his life but it also teaches that it is okay to be different.  Not everyone is going to agree with your style and/or passions but that is alright.  Frankie Liked to Sing is also inspirational in the fact that it tells how Frank went from living in small town Hoboken, New Jersey to making it big all over the world.  Because he loved to sing & wanted everyone to hear him.

This book has certainly earned a 5 Cups of Tea rating from me.  I will continue to recommend it to anyone & everyone willing to listen.  It has been added to my ever-growing collection of Ole' Blue Eyes memorabilia & items.  John & Jana have certainly made my year with this one!

{5 Cups of Tea: One of the Best!!}
 PURCHASE HERE

**Enter to win a 9in x 12in sketch of the late Frank Sinatra {ends 12/27}**

 

Death Wish by Megan Tayte: Book Review

                 

Death Wish

by Megan Tayte

Series: The Ceruleans (Book #1)

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Print Length: 305 pages

Publishers:  Heaven Afire

Publication Date: February 7, 2015

Age Level: 13+
Format Read: E-book

Received Copy via: Megan Tayte (author)

Connect with the author:

Website  // Twitter // Facebook

IN SEARCH OF THE MEANING OF DEATH, SHE’LL FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE.

The Ceruleans: mere mortals infused with power over life and death. Five books; one question: If the might of the heavens were in your hands, would you be sinner or saint?

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Blake is haunted by death. Her estranged sister has made the ultimate dramatic exit. Running away from school, joining a surfing fraternity, partying hard: that sounds like Sienna. But suicide? It makes no sense.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Scarlett comes to an isolated English cove with grand plans to uncover the truth. Alone. But she hasn’t reckoned on meeting two boys who are determined to help her. Luke: the blue-eyed surfer who’ll see the real Scarlett, who’ll challenge her, who’ll save her. And Jude: the elusive drifter with a knack for turning up whenever Scarlett’s in need.

As Scarlett’s quest for the truth unravels, so too does her grip on reality as she’s always known it. Because there’s something strange going on in this little cove. A dead magpie circles the skies. A dead deer watches from the undergrowth. Hands glow with light. Warmth. Power.

What transpires is a summer of discovery. Of what it means to conquer fear. To fall in love. To choose life. To choose death.

To believe the impossible.
- Courtesy of Amazon

I can say that I went into this book completely blind.  I had never heard of Death Wish or the rest of the Ceruleans series.  After being contacted by the author, and reading the synopsis, I decided to give the book a try anyways.  It sounded quite interesting.  Unlike anything else I've ever read, in fact.

Once I started reading, I was quickly pulled under & caught up in the waves of the story line.  The story that Megan Tayte tells is nothing short of stunning.  I laughed.  I cried.  I was overwhelmed by a flood of emotions as I followed the main character, Scarlett, through her journey of coming to terms with her sister's death.

Death Wish is full of mystery & amazing characters.  I may not have known what to expect before submerging myself into this book but I was honestly blown away by what I read.  Especially the end!  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good Young Adult Paranormal Romance that's not like any other out there.

 

Purchase Now On: Amazon    

         

Fooling Around with Cinderella: Book Tour, Review, & Giveaway

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FOOLING AROUND WITH CINDERELLA

Storybook Valley #1

Stacy Juba

Released November 9th, 2015

Self Published

What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella's toes?

When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom.

First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun.

Fooling Around with Cinderella is a wonderfully cute read. I wish it would have been a bit longer but despite its short length, it was still enough to tell a lovely story. 

Jaine is a character that the reader can relate to on so many levels. And even if you can't find a way to relate to her, you can at least see things from her perspective. She is the perfect example of a real life Cinderella. Dylan seems, to me, to be the All-American type of guy. A perfect Prince Charming if he wasn't too busy running the entire kingdom & trying to prove himself. After finishing this first book, I look forward to getting to know more about the other characters in the books to follow.

I'd recommend Fooling Around with Cinderella to anyone looking for a quick read full of love, laughs, & a wonderful amusement park that will remind you of the one you attended as a child. And oh yeah- Gnomes! We can't forget the gnomes <3

{4 Cups of Tea: Recommendable Brew}

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Stacy Juba got engaged at Epcot Theme Park and spent part of her honeymoon at Disneyland Paris, where she ate a burger, went on fast rides, and threw up on the train ride to the hotel. In addition to working on her new Storybook Valley chick lit/sweet romance series, Stacy has written books about ice hockey, teen psychics, U.S. flag etiquette for kids, and determined women sleuths. She has had a novel ranked as #5 in the Nook Store and #30 on the Amazon Kindle Paid List. 

When she’s not visiting theme parks with her family, (avoiding rides that spin and exotic hamburgers), or writing about them, Stacy helps authors to strengthen their manuscripts through her Crossroads Editing Service. She is currently writing the next book in the Storybook Valley Series, Prancing Around with Sleeping Beauty.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

The Ruby Iyers Diaries (.5) by Laxmi Hariharan: Book Review

 
The Ruby Iyer Diaries (Ruby Iyer #0.5)
"This novelette is a companion book to The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer. A peek into the soul of an angry, young girl, who will come of age in a city on the verge of total annihilation. Ruby kept a diary from the age of ten till she ran away from home at sixteen. It is from here that I picked out a few diary entries for The Ruby Iyer Diaries. This short series of vignettes from Ruby's life, tells you more a little more about the origins of Ruby Iyer."

This is the first novelette that I have reviewed.  I was nervous that I wouldn't have enough to share as far as opinions because of the length.  Boy was I mistaken!

Laxmi Hariharan has a wonderful style of writing.  I would even call it powerful.  In a short number of pages, she managed to draw me in completely.  By the end of the novelette, I was left yearning for more to read.

My interest has been awakened in this series.  Immediately after finishing the novelette, I had already added the entire series to my "to be read" shelf on Goodreads.  I know that this is only going off of a short part of these books but I would still recommend this series by Laxmi Hariharan.

Read for FREE via Amazon

{4 cups of tea: Recommendable Brew}

Could possibly even be a 5 cup rating if I had reviewed an entire novel.

I Was a Teenage Ghost Hunter: Book Review

I Was a Teenage Ghost Hunter

by Brian K. Henry

Print Length: 250 pages
Publication Date: March 11, 2014
Age Level: 13 and Up
Format Read: epub from Smashwords
Received Copy via: Author
Brian K. Henry's Goodreads

Moody sixteen-year-old barista Devin Mulwray is doing his best to ignore bizarre manifestations at his job in the chilly Northern California town of Arcata. Already teased about his recurrent ‘phase-outs’, the last thing he needs is to get pegged as a guy who sees ghosts. It doesn’t help his state of mind that his boss is a sarcastic slacker, his single dad is always on the road with clients and local occult fan girl Nayra is spreading ‘ghost boy’ rumors about him online.

But when violent paranormal activity badly spooks teens at an abandoned estate, Devin’s pushed into investigating by his eccentric friends Clive, a budding composer, and Rex, a tech head excited by ghost hunting gadgetry. At first reluctant to get involved, Devin’s encouraged when Emily, one of the more empathetic girls at Grey Bluff High, is impressed with his daring.

Together the friends explore the creepy Rousten manor. But as the only person able to perceive the manifestations, Devin soon finds himself going one-on-one against a powerful spirit who attacks the locals and infiltrates Devin’s own dreams.

Devin must face his fear of confronting the spirit world and get to the bottom of the hauntings before the specter unleashes more havoc on him and his friends.

I'm very appreciative for Mr. Henry allowing me to review this book.  In my opinion, the story line is both enjoyable & entertaining.  Everything seemed to flow smoothly.  Each character is written well & I found it simple to follow each one through the story.

The only real issue I had with this book is that the first chapter seemed a bit too wordy for me.  Also, some of the words throughout seemed too difficult.  Especially since the target audience is 13 and up.  I mean, there were quite a few words that I had no clue what they meant.  More than I am comfortable with.

Despite my issues with the difficult words, I still found the book to be interesting.  The suspense & mystery kept me intrigued.  I pushed through the tough words because I had to know what was going to happen next.  I would recommend this read to anyone interested in a supernatural aimed for those in their teens and older.

{4 cups of tea: Recommendable Brew}

Sinful by Jennifer Dawson: Book Tour & Review

 

Sinful

by Jennifer Dawson

Series: Undone (Book #2)
Genre: Contemporary Romance Hear Level 4
Publication Date: November 17, 2015

Age Level: Mature (18+)

Format Read: e-book

Received Copy via: Caffeinated Book Reviewer for book tour 

I’ve wanted my brother’s best friend, Leo Santoro, for too many years to count.

No matter what I do, he won’t confront the attraction that burns between us.

It’s time to put him behind me once and for all.

I have no choice but to call his bluff.

And then I will walk away.

The last woman I should want is my best friend’s baby sister, Jillian Banks.

No matter what I do, she won’t ignore the attraction that burns between us.

It’s time she learns the real me.

The only promise I can make is that her fantasies are no match for reality.

And then I’ll watch her walk away.

Purchase Sinful by Jennifer Dawson: Amazon // B&N // Kobo // iTunes

     Let me begin by saying that if you haven't yet read Crave, the first book in the "Undone" series, you definitely should.  They can each be read as stand alones but I highly suggest reading them both.  You can check out my review of Crave HERE.

     I decided to start reading Sinful one night after the kids had gone to bed.  HaHa!  Big Mistake!  There was no putting my Kindle down until my eyes refused to stay open.  It was 2:30a when I finally went to sleep.  The next day was rough because I was literally running off of only 3 hours of sleep... with 4 kids!  haha... But what did I do instead of napping while the oldest were in school?  You're correct if you said "finish the book".  It may sound like I am complaining to some but if you're an avid reader, you know that this speaks VERY highly of the book in reference. 

     Every character in this book is amazingly written.  Each so complex in their own way.  They each have their strengths and weaknesses.  The chemistry between Jillian and Leo is feisty, fun, and quite complicated.  Even the supporting characters are given such individual personalities.  Especially my favorite, Brandon... Oh my Goodness, Brandon!  But you'll have to read to find out more about everyone.

     Jennifer Dawson as created an entire world of characters & story lines that I have absolutely fallen in love with.  The "Undone" series reads as if you could merely be observing the personal life of a friend or close family member.  It's a truly awesome story of friendship, family, love, & lust.  I highly recommend it!     
    

{5 Cups of Tea: One of the Best}

About the Author:

Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains she was NOT checking him out. Now, over twenty years later they’re married living in a suburb right outside of Chicago with two awesome kids and a crazy dog. Despite going through a light FM, poem writing phase in high school, Jennifer never grew up wanting to be a writer (she had more practical aspirations of being an international super spy). Then one day, suffering from boredom and disgruntled with a book she’d been reading, she decided to put pen to paper. The rest, as they say, is history. These days Jennifer can be found sitting behind her computer writing her next novel, chasing after her kids, keeping an ever watchful eye on her ever growing to-do list, and NOT checking out her husband.

Connect with the Author:  Twitter // Facebook // Goodreads // Amazon Author Page
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A "Bookish Bevil" Update

Hi!

I want to apologize for being away for so long.  My laptop needed some repairs before the protection plan expired.  Never did I expect to still be without my computer almost three weeks later.  And then I received a call this morning to let me know that the new LCD screen isn't estimated to arrive until December 9th!!!!  I'm not pleased.  And that's really an understatement.

Not wanting to stay away from you guys any longer, here I am.  I'm typing this from my Kindle & trying to figure out how to make it until December without my clipart images, Photoshop, etc.  I can't promise my posts will be all pretty but I plan on trying to still share some posts while I wait for my computer to return.  I will edit the posts later to add images.  Please forgive me!

It has been rough not having access to my laptop, as you all can imagine, but I haven't been ignoring my book blogger duties.  There are many reviews to share with you & other bookish things.  I look forward to finally getting back into a semi-swing of things....

Thanks for stopping by!!

A Storybook Writing Update

Hiya, Pals!  I wanted to take some time to elaborate some more on my newest endeavor.  If you read my 'October Recap' post, you already know that I have recently started working on writing a children's book series.

     

This has been on my mind for a few months.  However, it wasn't until this past week that I actually set to work on getting the first book written.  It's still a rough draft (meaning, it could still change a bit) but I am super excited, none the less!

I'm not going to give an in-depth description but here is a quick run down:

• It's a series featuring cute, adorable insects.
• Each book is about a different insect.
• The insect is faced with some issue that children can relate to.

The overall purpose of the series is to give children a cute way to see that they are not alone in what ever situation they are dealing with. 

I'm really not sure how many books there will be or how long each book will be.  It's still a new brainchild even though I've already put the first book down on paper.

My main top 3 goals at the current moment are:

- Find an illustrator.  Our roommate has said that he'd be interested in working with me but I'm still not 100% sure what I'm going to do.

- I need to learn more about the process of getting a children's book published.  This is all new to me.  I honestly never really planned on writing a children's book, let alone an entire series.

- I'd love to compile a list of main characters & their main "struggles".  This is something that I believe would be helpful when working on each book.  Especially for the illustrator.

Well, I look forward to sharing more details with y'all as things unfold.  This may all be something that I've only been planning on doing for a few months but it feels so good that it's all starting to come together... I have faith. I CAN do this!!

Thanks for listening!!

Cover Reveal: Numbers Ignite by Rebecca Rode

Numbers Ignite
Rebecca Rode
(Numbers Game, #2)
Publication date: January 26th 2016
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

Treena and Vance think they’ve pulled out of the numbers game forever. They’re wrong.
After Treena’s disastrous attempt to unite the nation, she has the deaths of hundreds haunting her dreams. Now, with hatred and accusations following her past the border, she’s determined to leave that horrible day behind and find a peaceful, uneventful life with Vance and the settlers. But when she starts seeing mysterious figures hiding in the abandoned cities at night and uncovers a strange desert population, she realizes there’s a danger much greater than NORA to worry about—and she just abandoned her people to their fate.
Vance is a prisoner. Being rejected by the girl he loves and put on trial for betraying his clan are bad enough, but now he’s been framed for a crime he never committed. Their less-than-perfect refuge has become the political game of a madman, and Vance is the only one who can stop it—if he can keep from being executed first.
Treena and Vance are still very much in the game, and this time it will take everything they have to save those they love.

*Numbers Ignite is the sequel to the runaway Amazon #1 Bestseller, Numbers Game.
Sequel to:

Add to Goodreads

Author Bio:
REBECCA RODE is an award-winning author, journalist, and mother of four. She is the author of the YA dystopian novel, NUMBERS GAME, and the inspirational book, HOW TO HAVE PEACE WHEN YOU'RE FALLING TO PIECES. She also writes for Deseret News, KSL.com, FamilyShare, and Provo Daily Herald. However, her true love is writing for teenagers. She enjoys traveling, reading, and martial arts, and she has a ridiculous addiction to chocolate-banana shakes. Visit her at www.AuthorRebeccaRode.com.

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