tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14697100805151001432024-03-18T23:11:58.838-04:00Jess's RamblingsMostly book reviews,
but the occasional
tech toy or rantJess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.comBlogger521125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-35040549492147952542009-09-06T15:43:00.001-04:002009-10-03T13:39:08.833-04:00Contest: ARC of Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CONTEST CLOSED! WINNER ANNOUNCED </span><a style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/09/winner-dreaming-anastasia-by-joy-preble.html">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">!</span><br /></p><p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQQy60hcDI/AAAAAAAAAkg/mA7NRCn3i4Y/s1600-h/Dreaming%20Anastasia%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dreaming Anastasia" alt="Dreaming Anastasia" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQQzOK76yI/AAAAAAAAAkk/IaR-6ZOsqZU/Dreaming%20Anastasia_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" border="0" height="244" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a> by Joy Preble</p> <p>Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)</p> <p>320 pages, paperback</p> <p>$9.99 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 09/06/09)</p> <p>I just <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/09/dreaming-anastasia-by-joy-preble.html" target="_blank">reviewed</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a> and I want to giveaway my copy of the ARC! It was a great read and I’m sure anyone would enjoy it as much as I did. So I’m going to share!</p> <p><big><big><b>How to Enter:</b></big></big></p> <p><strong>There’s a form embedded into this post.</strong> To enter please fill it out completely.</p> <p>Entries are available for:</p> <ul> <li>Following my blog </li> <li>Commenting on <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/09/dreaming-anastasia-by-joy-preble.html" target="_blank">my review</a> </li> <li>Linking the contest online </li> <li>And lastly, please leave a comment on this post letting me know you filled out the form! </li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">RULES:</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Entries will be accepted until <b>Midnight, Sept. 13th </b>(one week) </li> <li>Entries are open to <b>US & Canada only</b>, sorry. NO P.O. Boxes. </li> <li>The winner will be randomly selected via random.org. </li> <li>The winner will be announced on Sept. 14th (or soon thereafter) </li> <li>The winner will have 3 days to email me their shipping info or they will forfeit their winnings and a new winner will be selected. </li> </ul> <p></p> <p>So if you’re interested in reading <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a> by Joy Preble fill out the entry form! </p> <center><iframe marginheight="0" src="https://spreadsheets.google.com/embeddedform?key=tIJu6VWjwZ_fTQ5FU_ZlqYg" marginwidth="0" width="500" frameborder="0" height="1015">Loading...</iframe></center> <p>Good luck!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQQzSAhJTI/AAAAAAAAAko/whx0x6NatQM/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQQzystgqI/AAAAAAAAAks/X8DxTwsqCsI/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" border="0" height="57" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-17793667900833501182009-09-06T15:16:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.681-04:00Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank"><img alt="Dreaming Anastasia" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQKd-j8kYI/AAAAAAAAAkU/-oppORmt5H8/Dreaming%20Anastasia%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dreaming Anastasia" border="0" height="484" width="324" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a> by Joy Preble<br />Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)<br />320 pages, paperback<br />$9.99 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 09/06/09)<br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Plot: 5</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Setting: 5</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Writing: 5</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Originality: 5</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Characters: 5</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Passion: 3</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Overall: 28/30 = 93% = A</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:small;" >Cover/Title Bonus: 5</span></b><br />I picked this up while at BEA in May. I read it a few months ago. I’ll be giving away my copy of the ARC in the next post.<br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Summary (</span></b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Amazon.com</span></b></a><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >):</span></b><br /><blockquote><b>What<i> really </i>happened to Anastasia Romanov?</b><br />Anastasia Romanov thought she would never feel more alone than when the gunfire started and her family began to fall around her. Surely the bullets would come for her next. But they didn't. Instead, two gnarled old hands reached for her. When she wakes up she discovers that she is in the ancient hut of the witch Baba Yaga, and that some things are worse than being dead.<br />In modern-day Chicago, Anne doesn't know much about Russian history. She is more concerned about getting into a good college—until the dreams start. She is somewhere else. She is someone else. And she is sharing a small room with a very old woman. The vivid dreams startle her, but not until a handsome stranger offers to explain them does she realize her life is going to change forever. She is the only one who can save Anastasia. But, Anastasia is having her own dreams…</blockquote><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Plot:</span></b><br />Anne dreams about Anastasia being locked inside a hut with an old, ugly woman with a cat. She meets Ethan, a “wicked hot”, blue eyed guy who is pretty much stalking her. Strange things begin to happen. They are pursued by crazy men who want to kill Anne.<br /><br />I enjoyed the plot immensely. It was full of mystery. The pace was great. I read this pretty fast because I wanted to see how everything merged together.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Setting:</span></b><br />The majority of the story takes place in Chicago where Anne lives. There are the flashes back to Anastasia that’s being held in the strange land where Baba Yaga’s hut is located.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Writing:</span></b><br />This is another book written from multiple POVs. It switches between Anne, Ethan, Anastasia and Anastasia’s letters to her family. It’s pretty cool and I enjoyed being able to understand what was going on in the other characters thoughts. I thought that was a great choice for the writer to do considering the plot was pretty crazy with everything going on.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Originality:</span></b><br />This was a pretty awesome book. I learned a lot about the Russian Romanov family and it was handled with great creativity that just worked my brain like crazy! The story line of Anastasia being captured for all those years by Baga Yaba and the ones that helped capture her was a true piece of work. The detail that Joy put in to make it all work together was awesome.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Characters:</span></b><br />Anne was a pretty average teenager. She had a cool best friend, Tess. Learning about Anne’s family history was pretty cool. It all came together in the end.<br />Ethan is a cool guy. I enjoyed him in this book. He’s very strong and handsome. He helps Anne work through everything and in the end he realizes all the truths. It’s refreshing. I know I’m being vague, sorry! :) I don’t want to say too much and give it all away.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Passion:</span></b><br />There’s a real attraction between Anne and Ethan. Although it’s really not the point to the book in the least. The mystery behind the dreams is the main focal point. However, it’s another refreshing thing to see their relationship evolve around the huge issue at hand.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Overall:</span></b><br />This book was very interesting. I loved the history element to it. I loved the action. And I enjoyed the underlying romantic element to the story. I’m a huge fan of historical fantasy and this did a wonderful job of keeping me interested.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Cover/Title Bonus:</span></b><br />The cover is what stopped me while roaming the Sourcebook Jabberwocky booth at BEA. I love the slight insert of Ethan’s profile in on the left hand side. It’s very cool. I also like the title. It’s not my preferred title but it works.<br />This was Joy Preble’s debut novel. She did excellent! I will be following her and seeing what she has in store for future books.<br /><br /><b><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:medium;" >Connect with Joy:</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.joypreble.com/" target="_blank">Website</a><br /><a href="http://joysnovelidea.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Blog</a><br /><a href="http://twitter.com/joypreble" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br /><a href="http://www.classof2k9.com/" target="_blank">Class of 2K9</a><br /><br />What do you think? Have you read it? Did you enjoy it as much as I did?<br />Giveaway coming up next! Enter to win my copy of the ARC of Dreaming Anastasia!<br /><br /><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQKeBz-pkI/AAAAAAAAAkY/UhcdbuNsRI4/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqQKfQNC0MI/AAAAAAAAAkc/GJAZkL_z3Yw/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" border="0" height="57" width="68" /></a>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-69367720631938400212009-09-06T12:40:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.710-04:00In My Mailbox<b><span style="font-size:medium;">I bought:</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023491?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023491" target="_blank"><img alt="catching fire" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqPl8Inor0I/AAAAAAAAAkA/hqGAc2F_8N4/catching%20fire%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="catching fire" border="0" height="244" width="165" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023491?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023491" target="_blank">Catching Fire (2nd Book of the Hunger Games)</a> by Suzanne Collins<br />This was pre-ordered! I finished it last night. Suffice it to say that it was awesome. I’m dying for book 3. Again, if you haven’t read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023483">The Hunger Games</a>, hop to it!<br /><b><span style="font-size:medium;"><br />I Won:</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738714844?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738714844" target="_blank"><img alt="Ballad" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqPl8ckK5GI/AAAAAAAAAkE/obwoLh_axAM/Ballad%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Ballad" border="0" height="244" width="159" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738714844?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738714844" target="_blank">Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie</a> by Maggie Stiefvater<br />Flux (October 1, 2009)<br />360 pages, paperback<br />$9.95 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738714844?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738714844" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 09/06/09)<br />This is the follow up book to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738713708?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738713708" target="_blank">Lament</a>, which I read and <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/lament-by-maggie-stiefvater.html" target="_blank">reviewed</a> a couple of weeks ago.<br />Summary (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0738714844?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0738714844" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>):<br /><blockquote>James Morgan has an almost unearthly gift for music. And it has attracted Nuala, a soul-snatching faerie muse who fosters and then feeds on the creative energies of exceptional humans until they die. James has plenty of reasons to fear the faeries, but as he and Nuala collaborate on an achingly beautiful musical composition, James finds his feelings towards Nuala deepening. But the rest of the fairies are not as harmless. As Halloween—the day of the dead—draws near, James will have to battle the Faerie Queen and the horned king of the dead to save Nuala's life and his soul.</blockquote>I started it last night.<br /><b><span style="font-size:medium;"><br />For Review:</span></b><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578027119?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0578027119" target="_blank"><img alt="White as Bone Red as Blood" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqPl8wP-VSI/AAAAAAAAAkI/IVkJYBpC8V0/White%20as%20Bone%20Red%20as%20Blood%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="White as Bone Red as Blood" border="0" height="244" width="164" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578027119?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0578027119" target="_blank">White As Bone Red As Blood (The Fox Sorceress)</a> by Cerridwen Fallingstar<br />Cauldron Publications (July 27, 2009)<br />378 Pages, paperback<br />$15.56 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578027119?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0578027119" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 09/06/09)<br />Summary (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0578027119?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0578027119" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>):<br /><blockquote>In twelfth century Japan, Seiko Fujiwara, a young woman believed to be a sorceress, is caught in a deadly conflict between the Heike and the Genji, two clans battling for control of the throne. The peaceful Heian period is giving way to the rise of the Samurai; Japan teeters on the edge of a time of darkness. Seiko's mother, priestess of Inari, the deity of abundance and sorcery, predicts that if Lord Kiomori's daughter Tokushi, Seiko's closest friend, becomes Empress and gives birth to the next Emperor, their world will be saved. If he lives... It is Seiko's responsibility to make sure the prophecy comes true. Journey with Seiko as she navigates through a world of assassins, palace intrigue, warfare and enchantments, struggling to honor her giri, her sacred destiny, while longing for the fulfillment of love.</blockquote>Not my usual picking but I’ll give it a try!<br />What did you get?<br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqPl9BtuCsI/AAAAAAAAAkM/dz_L_SUgAj4/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqPl9Q_dW8I/AAAAAAAAAkQ/PhJfRFKbk5Y/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" border="0" height="57" width="68" /></a>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-9533064098702741622009-09-05T22:27:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.735-04:00Miss Percy Parker Tour WInner!<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqMeFcQ3ITI/AAAAAAAAAjw/zY2aeGMIsJw/s1600-h/strangely%20beautiful%20Tale%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="strangely beautiful Tale" border="0" alt="strangely beautiful Tale" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqMeF-zxsKI/AAAAAAAAAj0/jf1wusYrWBw/strangely%20beautiful%20Tale_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Thanks again to Leanna Renee Heiber for the blog tour stop!</p> <p>The luck winner of the signed copy of The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker is:</p> <p align="center"><font size="4"><strong>Juju from Tales of Whimsy!</strong></font></p> <blockquote> <h4>List Randomizer</h4> <p>There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:</p> <ol> <li>Juju from Tales of Whimsy </li> <li>Morning Glow </li> <li>Cherie J </li> <li>Tina </li> <li>throuthehaze </li> <li>Paradox </li> <li>Wanda </li> <li>bigcabgirl </li> <li>emjay79 </li> <li>webbgirl </li> <li>HODGEPODGESPV </li> <li>donnas </li> <li>Kimberly B. </li> </ol> <p>Timestamp: 2009-09-06 02:23:47 UTC</p> </blockquote> <p>Congrats Juju! I have your email address and will be contacting you for your mailing address. Please have that to me by Tuesday, Sept. 8, noon EST. I’ll then forward it to Leanna! :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqMeGMTFp3I/AAAAAAAAAj4/AcXTqY9Yj6k/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqMeGWa32tI/AAAAAAAAAj8/DRGbpKPzbEo/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-52915406633124145972009-09-05T11:35:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.746-04:00Cover Art: Twice As Hot by Gena Showalter<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373774370?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373774370" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Twice as Hot website jpeg" border="0" alt="Twice as Hot website jpeg" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqKFRylqQ-I/AAAAAAAAAjg/2WTtGOArD6Q/Twice%20as%20Hot%20website%20jpeg%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="308" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>Oh, shiny!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373774370?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373774370" target="_blank">Twice As Hot</a> by Gena Showalter is follow up novel to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373773919?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373773919" target="_blank">Playing with Fire</a>, which I read way back in <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/03/playing-with-fire-by-gena-showalter.html" target="_blank">March 2008</a>. Gena is by far one of my most favorite authors. She does a phenomenal job writing action and romance and it usually incorporates a slight mystery. I will be reading this as soon as it comes out January 26, 2010. </p> <p>Blurb (<a href="http://genashowalter.blogspot.com/2009/09/twice-as-hot-cover.html" target="_blank">Gena’s blog</a>):</p> <blockquote> <p>Set the world on fire? With Belle Jamison, it’s always a possibility. Literally.</p> <p>Planning a wedding is tough. Especially when the bride can shoot fireballs from her eyes and accidentally torches her dress, the groom returns from a dangerous mission with selective memory loss and the man responsible now desires Belle for his own.</p> <p>Any other time, Belle would turn to her ultra sexy fiancé Rome Masters for comfort. But the only thing he can’t remember is her – and now his ex is determined to win him back. With the help of her trusty empath sidekick, an optimistic Belle continues to plan her wedding, fight a new band of supervillans, and tries not to accidentally on purpose start too many fires. . . except when she gets Rome into bed. . .</p> </blockquote> <p>Haven’t read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373773919?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373773919" target="_blank">Playing with Fire</a>?! Well read it! :) It’s also available in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref%255F%3Dnb%255Fss%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3DPlaying%2520With%2520Fire%2520by%2520Gena%2520Showalter%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957"" target="_blank">Kindle Edition</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0373773919?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0373773919"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="play with fire" border="0" alt="play with fire" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqKFSf2TwfI/AAAAAAAAAjk/qpVgnnqa59w/play%20with%20fire%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="155" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqKFSjTrumI/AAAAAAAAAjo/2voQKwqJ2Dg/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SqKFSyszPkI/AAAAAAAAAjs/p6-KGkrGpzc/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-84577810213503259502009-09-03T08:42:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.758-04:00Gadget: Bookmark II<p>I saw this on <a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/09/03/the-bookmark-ii/" target="_blank">OhGizmo!</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/09/03/the-bookmark-ii/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="oh_gizmo_logo_large" border="0" alt="oh_gizmo_logo_large" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp-5lhn_1mI/AAAAAAAAAjM/C0LVTD-mUHY/oh_gizmo_logo_large%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="204" height="84" /></a> </p> <p>It’s a pretty cool bookmark. There’s no information on how to obtain it but it’s allegedly produced by <a href="http://www.propagandaonline.com/" target="_blank">Propaganda</a>. Check out <a href="http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/09/03/the-bookmark-ii/" target="_blank">Oh Gizmo!</a> for the other pictures.</p> <p>Notice the line that’s being “marked”. ;)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp-5mt8JtKI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/x-s_XpOdAUw/s1600-h/bookmark_2_propaganda%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bookmark_2_propaganda" border="0" alt="bookmark_2_propaganda" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp-5m6JE8GI/AAAAAAAAAjU/iu9kVs4RZ5E/bookmark_2_propaganda_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="484" height="484" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I think it’s pretty cool. What about you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp-5nBRcGVI/AAAAAAAAAjY/vwF9vnsxDzQ/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp-5nn2BkSI/AAAAAAAAAjc/QeflTABcW4M/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-6198222758440756252009-09-02T09:13:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.771-04:00I Love Morning Glories!<p>Just needed to share this, so I am.</p> <p>I love morning glories, specifically 'Star of Yelta' morning glories.</p> <p>I started with them just around my light pole out front. But one year I decided to plant them around the porch railing at the front door. Well, this year and last, they have really taken off! It’s like a forest of morning glories! You can’t really tell how <em>dense</em> they are from the pictures but they are! </p> <p>I have to keep an eye on them so that they don’t wander off and strangle nearby plants, which they do to the potted petunias you see in the pics. However, I did leave a large cooler out on the porch to dry out but left it there too long and now the vines have consumed it’s handle. I don’t want to break the vines to get it free. It’ll just have to stay there a bit longer. :) </p> <p>The vines work so well to conceal our fire wood that we didn’t remove after winter but can’t do now because we’ll be needing it again very soon!</p> <p>Here are some pictures of my 'Star of Yelta' morning glories! </p> <p>I love, love, love when they take off like in the picture of them headed around the pond and then a branch of them headed across the sidewalk! :)</p> <p>I glow each morning when I see them. They are smiles in a plant.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vY5tyx2I/AAAAAAAAAiU/iFYTebFiwPw/s1600-h/100_0458%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="100_0458" alt="100_0458" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vZWNUfCI/AAAAAAAAAiY/uwuWgXTZebA/100_0458_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="484" width="644" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vZ-sP5pI/AAAAAAAAAic/NMSwp_4htpo/s1600-h/100_0450%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="100_0450" alt="100_0450" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vaQ78rzI/AAAAAAAAAig/kFID2ptPj5U/100_0450_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="484" width="644" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vahJlLZI/AAAAAAAAAik/NpX15rVfVZw/s1600-h/100_0453%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="100_0453" alt="100_0453" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vbPOzw2I/AAAAAAAAAio/NuOyR0YiNPA/100_0453_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="484" width="364" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vbrtKOkI/AAAAAAAAAis/-7LsU4GlDTo/s1600-h/100_0456%5B5%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="100_0456" alt="100_0456" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vbwrtTyI/AAAAAAAAAiw/bjB4og5eyAY/100_0456_thumb%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="484" width="644" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5vdJlZwsI/AAAAAAAAAi8/-oisXRHlbrs/s1600-h/100_0457%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="100_0457" alt="100_0457" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5veOXx9yI/AAAAAAAAAjA/3DzAQx3kpO8/100_0457_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="484" width="644" /></a> Do you plant flowers? What are your favorites and why?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5veTwnWUI/AAAAAAAAAjE/vIBVZ-KFqAQ/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp5ve0_5DkI/AAAAAAAAAjI/tyRewe4NYu0/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="57" width="68" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-88199536794647911592009-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.782-04:00Wow & Cover Art: Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs<p>Patricia Briggs has displayed her next Mercy Thompson series cover, Silver Borne, on her <a href="http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/books.shtml" target="_blank">web site</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDdLumJQI/AAAAAAAAAfc/Jo8LO2TMAyA/s1600-h/Silver%20Borne%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Silver Borne" border="0" alt="Silver Borne" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDd35nSKI/AAAAAAAAAfg/3q9vYEMxSaY/Silver%20Borne_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>This author has gotten lucky with her covers. Each one keeps getting better and better. Although, they aren’t exactly the same in every aspect but they are true to Mercy’s character.</p> <p>Silver Borne is slated to release March 30, 2010. Patricia also announced that Ace, the publisher, “has contracted for a total of seven Mercy novels, and it's possible the series could go even longer.”</p> <p>There’s no summary for this installment yet but I can assume it’ll be just as great as all the previous books in this series.</p> <p>I can’t wait to get my hands on this one!</p> <p>My Reviews for this series:</p> <p><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/04/moon-called-mercy-thompson-series-book.html" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="mooncalled300" border="0" alt="mooncalled300" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDeF7bFdI/AAAAAAAAAfk/IHdBqHPSaK8/mooncalled300%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="244" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/04/moon-called-mercy-thompson-series-book.html" target="_blank">Moon Called (Mercy Thompson, Book 1)</a> by Patricia Briggs</p> <p><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/05/blood-bound-mercy-thompson-series-book.html" target="_blank"> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bloodbound300" border="0" alt="bloodbound300" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDefuwAZI/AAAAAAAAAfo/yAS5YyEJRSw/bloodbound300%5B18%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/05/blood-bound-mercy-thompson-series-book.html" target="_blank">Blood Bound (Mercy Thompson, Book 2)</a> by Patricia Briggs</p> <p><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2008/05/iron-kissed-mercy-thompson-book-3-by.html" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="ironkissed300" border="0" alt="ironkissed300" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDetsGDEI/AAAAAAAAAfs/cWflNpu00-g/ironkissed300%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="152" height="244" /> Iron Kissed (Mercy Thompson, Book 3)</a> by Patricia Briggs</p> <p><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/03/mercy-thompson.html" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="bonecrossed_big" border="0" alt="bonecrossed_big" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDfPymEOI/AAAAAAAAAfw/vlGK3NZDC2c/bonecrossed_big%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/03/mercy-thompson.html" target="_blank">Bone Crossed (Mercy Thompson, Book 4)</a> by Patricia Briggs</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDfM7TQ0I/AAAAAAAAAf0/Ix4xCZPeCl8/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SptDftJ19DI/AAAAAAAAAf4/moy7yATi6hE/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-36775638912909067332009-09-01T16:13:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.796-04:00Madison’s First Day of Kindergarten<p>Today was the day!</p> <p>I watched our baby girl hop onto a big, yellow school bus that took her away….</p> <p>To her first day of kindergarten!</p> <p>It was a bittersweet moment for me. I was so happy for her! She was glowing with anticipation. Ready to embark on the first day of 13 years of learning. Although, I doubt she understands that. </p> <p>I asked her how her day was when I brought her home. She said they colored first. Then they had circle time, which was the reading of a book called “I DON’T WANT TO GO TO BED!.” I hope it was informative for her because getting her into bed at time can be a struggle sometimes! </p> <p>She had Art Class today. She colored her name with crayons. She didn’t bring it home so I’m assuming they keep them at school or toss them? Not sure.</p> <p>She said she used the potty in the classroom and it was old. It had a shelf with cleaning supplies and a duster. </p> <p>She said there were two boys who were bad. They kept talking and got in trouble for it. I asked her if she raised her hand to talk, one of Mrs. High’s rules, and she said she did but Mrs. High didn’t call on her. I asked if she held her hand up high so Mrs. High could “see” it and she said, “No. I only held it up a little." So I showed her how to properly hold up her hand. ;)</p> <p>So there you have it. First day of kindergarten from a five year old. Here are some pictures from this morning! She’s the little one with the short hair wearing a pink stripped sweater.</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: none; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:66721397-FF69-4ca6-AEC4-17E6B3208830:a9244c03-fa2b-4c14-a0a5-e2522f4e8914" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a style="border:0px" href="http://cid-7f74dcede9550704.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=7F74DCEDE9550704!120&ct=photos"><img style="border:0px" alt="View Madison's First Day of Kindergarten" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp2AdHc59SI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Qt3987nULhU/InlineRepresentation5d5cfe74-3461-4b66-9f18-34598a1cbc85%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" /></a><div style="width:400px;text-align:right;" ><a href="http://cid-7f74dcede9550704.skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?page=browse&resid=7F74DCEDE9550704!120&ct=photos">View Full Album</a></div></div> <p>We’re taking Friday off to spend the day at Hershey Park with Jennifer and baby Wyatt. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp2Adm1jZkI/AAAAAAAAAiM/RevfYyAu5Sc/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp2AeeT66KI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/oJ_f3cpkKsc/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="72" height="61" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-15553374636634169732009-09-01T09:35:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.808-04:00Teaser Tuesday: Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow<p><a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Teaser Tuesday" border="0" alt="Teaser Tuesday" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0jEiQTXvI/AAAAAAAAAho/Mcbf_F2TbmI/Teaser%20Tuesday%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="145" /></a> </p> <li>Grab your current read </li> <li>Open to a random page </li> <li>Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page </li> <li>BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (<em>make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!</em>) </li> <li>Share the <strong>title & author</strong>, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! </li> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0jFOmtBgI/AAAAAAAAAhs/AhzwWnUfRjs/s1600-h/Strange%20Angels%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Strange Angels" border="0" alt="Strange Angels" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0jFgqNuuI/AAAAAAAAAhw/0dRccN9Olyc/Strange%20Angels_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I finished this book a few days ago but wanted to share it with you anyway! Again, not two sentences. Seriously, two sentences is not enough! I guess that’s why it’s called a “teaser” though, huh? Oh well! I’m actually going to give you TWO excerpts instead! These are two of my favorite scenes of the book. Something very cool or important happens immediately before or after each of these excerpts.</p> <blockquote> <p>Steam drifted in great eddies from the once-placid water. The fountain bubbled and buzzed. I scrabbled for the stone ledge and just made it, hopping up and perching like a frog with trembling legs.</p> <p>“Holy shit,” someone was saying, someone with a high trembling voice very much like mine. I felt my lips shape the words, numbly. My hair dripped in my face and something warm and sticky was in my eyes. “Holy <em>shit</em>. Jesus Christ.”</p> <p>page 85, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow</p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <blockquote> <p>He looked down at me,  fangs sliding beneath his upper lip, his eyes burning. The highlights had bled out of his hair, slicking it back against his head, and his eyes were actually <em>glowing</em> in the bruised, ugly light slanting through the kitchen.</p> <p>“I’m being patient,” he hissed, the <em>t’</em>s lisping slightly because of the fangs. “I’ll get you and your pet through this alive, but you have to do <em>what I say</em>. Got me?”</p> <p>page 255, Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow</p> </blockquote> <p>This book was awesome! Action packed and very cool. There’s a lot of cursing though as seen from above. I’ll be reviewing it sometime soon. :)</p> <p>Did you do a Teaser Tuesday? Put a link in the comments so I can see!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0jFyeA06I/AAAAAAAAAh0/wOGeiWQM2ew/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0jGK09fvI/AAAAAAAAAh4/4TgSERYU4KE/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-13670587455348704912009-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.722-04:00The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour day 10!<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contest is closed! Winner announced </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/09/miss-percy-parker-tour-winner.html">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">!</span><br /></p><p>Today I’m hosting the <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/haunted-london-blog-tour-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">Haunted London Blog Tour</a> Day 10 for the amazing author Leanna Renee Hieber. I read and reviewed her amazing book, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, back in July. You can read it <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/07/strangely-beautiful-tale-of-miss-percy.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvkKFmNLjI/AAAAAAAAAf8/-Fd53Whhy5E/s1600-h/strangely%20beautiful%20Tale%5B4%5D.jpg"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="strangely beautiful Tale" alt="strangely beautiful Tale" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvkKVv5xmI/AAAAAAAAAgA/yXIOSQJ6gaw/strangely%20beautiful%20Tale_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" border="0" height="244" width="153" /></a> </p> <p>From the back cover:</p> <blockquote> <p>What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death….</p> </blockquote> <h3>The Strangely Beautiful Haunted London Blog Tour Day 10!</h3> <p>Thank you, Jess, for allowing the <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/haunted-london-blog-tour-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">Haunted Tour</a> to roll into your fine blog, you were one of my earliest <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/07/strangely-beautiful-tale-of-miss-percy.html" target="_blank">reviews</a>, and such a glowing one at that, it's something I'll never forget.</p> <p>The Ten Bells – 84 Commercial Street, E1 “Jack the Ripper’s Local”</p> <p>For those of you just joining us, the purpose of this Haunted tour is to celebrate the release of my Gothic Victorian fantasy debut, <i>The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker</i>. This Tour will introduce you to some of the real, documented London haunts who “ghost-star” in my book. When Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of London phantasms. Since these characters are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get to tell their full story in the book, here I can give them their due. Leave a comment and you’ll be entered to win a signed copy of the novel, first in the <i>Strangely Beautiful</i> series!</p> <p>Today we discuss the haunted Ten Bells, said to be a favourite of Jack the Ripper.</p> <p>In the early hours of November 9<sup>th</sup> 1888 Mary Kelly left The Ten Bells pub. Later, across the street from the pub, in Miller’s Court, off Dorset Street, a body nearly unrecognizable as a human female was found, mutilated beyond all recognition. It was thought perhaps the killer followed her from The Ten Bells and into Miller’s Court.</p> <p>Numerous live-in staff in the upper stories of the Ten Bells told fearsome tales of being awoken by dread in the middle of the night only to find a spectre of an old man dressed in 19<sup>th</sup> Century clothing lying beside them! Many people saw him, no one was quite sure who he was until in the year 2000, an antique metal box was found hidden in a corner of the cellar. Inside were the effects of George Roberts, along with a press cutting that spoke of his being murdered (with an axe) at a Welsh cinema. A man named George Roberts had kept The Ten Bells in the transition between the 19<sup>th</sup> and 20<sup>th</sup> centuries and it was assumed the ghost was the former pub owner.</p> <p>While Mary Kelly doesn’t get the time and full homage she deserves in my book, as her death comes right near the climax of the novel, her death is mentioned in <i>The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker </i>as such:<i></i></p> <p><i></i></p> <blockquote> <p>The air was sick. A virulent force was tearing through the streets toward a specific destination, ready for a reckoning. It growled and roiled and cut a path like a whirl of ancient blades. Its casualty would be an unspeakable shame. Neither Alexi nor his cohorts had any inkling that there would be another mutilated corpse in the morning, nor that this would be the worst. </p> <p>There would be nothing, when all was said and done, to ever suggest that this woman, torn utterly to pieces, had once been a human being. The Ripper had struck again, swiping ferocious, merciless, unthinkable paws down Dorset Street, en route to the evening’s festivities.</p> </blockquote> <p>I’m indebted to Richard Jones, founder of the fabulous Discovery Walks of London and author of the fantastic compendium “Haunted London” and “Walking Haunted London” published by Barnes & Noble Books, a main resource for my research. </p> <p>Visit him at <a href="http://www.haunted-london.com/">www.haunted-london.com</a>. </p> <p>Come visit me at <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/">www.leannareneehieber.com</a> to find out more about <i>The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker</i> and follow along on the rest of the <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/haunted-london-blog-tour-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">Haunted London Blog tour</a>! While you're at my website, if you have a copy of my book why don't you enter my <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/contest/" target="_blank">CONTEST</a>? I hope you’ll love this book as much as I loved writing it! </p> <p>Be sure to comment to be entered to win a signed copy!</p> <p>Blessings!</p> <p>Leanna Renee Hieber</p> <p><a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/">www.leannareneehieber.com</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.twitter.com/leannarenee">www.twitter.com/leannarenee</a></p> <p>Leanna is an awesome author. If you haven’t picked up a copy of this yet then you must! Start out here by commenting to be entered into the signed copy from Leanne Renee Hieber. <strong>One entry per person. You have until 9/2 to enter!</strong> </p> <p>Don’t forget to follow along on the <a href="http://www.leannareneehieber.com/haunted-london-blog-tour-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">tour</a>! There’ll be more chances to win this amazing book! </p> <p>Here’s the very cool book trailer too!</p> <div style="padding: 0px; width: 425px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:0e995e84-1f83-4b51-b415-7b02c34b915a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="4790ebab-cdb1-43c8-b3a0-78408e7ad840" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFclwoZGhtY&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Sp0bzewyrbI/AAAAAAAAAhk/XV-brflQSg8/video2e6c90e4b5f5%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('4790ebab-cdb1-43c8-b3a0-78408e7ad840'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AFclwoZGhtY&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/AFclwoZGhtY&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt="" /></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvkLGuXC5I/AAAAAAAAAgI/NTMf9wAD-Kc/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvkLVJrsVI/AAAAAAAAAgM/v5bk_oaeVcA/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" border="0" height="57" width="68" /></a><p></p> <p></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-59192254937040838982009-09-01T00:49:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.818-04:00September 2009 Smashing Mag Desktop Calendars<p>I use a new desktop wallpaper calendar every month thanks to the amazingly cool monthly desktop calendars hosted at <a href="http://daa85203.linkbucks.com/" target="_blank">Smashing Magazine’s</a> web site.</p> <p><a href="http://daa85203.linkbucks.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Smashing Mag" alt="Smashing Mag" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpynvOqnW_I/AAAAAAAAAhU/tVEXKoPUNkU/Smashing%20Mag%5B3%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="229" border="0" height="83" /></a> </p> <p>Each month people create desktop wallpaper calendars for anyone to use. It’s awesome. There’s usually at least 10 – 20 to chose from. </p> <p>This month I’ll be using “Colors of Autumn”. I don’t love the calendar starting with Monday but it’s too cute to not use! Also, I’ve switched them through out the month if there are others that I like too.</p> <p><a href="http://daa85203.linkbucks.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="september-09-colors-of-autumn-calendar-1440x900" alt="september-09-colors-of-autumn-calendar-1440x900" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpynvSl6mmI/AAAAAAAAAhY/_xlriR3ujb4/september-09-colors-of-autumn-calendar-1440x900%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" border="0" height="222" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://daa85203.linkbucks.com/" target="_blank">Check them out</a>! Will you use one?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpynvoA04SI/AAAAAAAAAhc/sPnuJgMROxo/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spynv2KMX9I/AAAAAAAAAhg/ykzsjRvJBAI/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" border="0" height="57" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-27710086981528549982009-08-31T11:31:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.847-04:00Contest Results: New Moon…er…Blue Moon by Alyson Noel<p>So we had a few takers for my author signed copy of Blue Moon by Alyson Noel. I’m glad there are others that might enjoy it a bit more than I didn’t.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spvs4r4E5nI/AAAAAAAAAgg/6cD_0NmjU0o/s1600-h/Blue%20Moon%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Blue Moon" alt="Blue Moon" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spvs49N18AI/AAAAAAAAAgk/vq_chTHlv5M/Blue%20Moon_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" border="0" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I used random.org/lists to get the winner. She was also the first person to fill out the form, so congrats on that!</p> <blockquote> <h4>List Randomizer</h4> <p>There were 11 items in your list. Here they are in random order:</p> <ol> <li>Katie </li> <li>Jill F. </li> <li>J. Stribling </li> <li>Raelena </li> <li>Wendy Cueto </li> <li>Lynda Smith </li> <li>Alexa - hipgirl2 </li> <li>Kate </li> <li>Alexa - lovinfitch </li> <li>Debbie's World of Books </li> <li>Cynthia Wang </li> </ol> <p>Timestamp: 2009-08-31 15:25:00 UTC</p> </blockquote> <p>Katie, I have your email address and will be emailing for your mailing address. You’ll have until Friday morning to send me your shipping information. If I do not receive it by Friday, 12:00 pm (noon) EST I will have to pick a new winner, # 2.</p> <p>Thanks for taking this off my hands. It’ll give up limited space on my bookshelf for good books such as Ballad by Maggie Stiefvater that I JUST got in the mail today!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spvs5dqeNRI/AAAAAAAAAgo/_lBASCnXSs8/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spvs5qsJ8HI/AAAAAAAAAgs/dAUUmjePqQo/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-13793969446866197732009-08-31T11:21:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.886-04:00Contest Results: Intertwined by Gena Showalter<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvqePSobBI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/pFTIpIFNTrI/s1600-h/Intertwined%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Intertwined" border="0" alt="Intertwined" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvqegTMxaI/AAAAAAAAAgU/ybznGuwssUQ/Intertwined_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Thanks to random.org/lists here’s the random list of entries for the ARC of Intertwined by Gena Showalter. #1 is the winner!</p> <blockquote> <h4>List Randomizer</h4> <p>There were 70 items in your list. Here they are in random order:</p> <ol> <li>Jennifer </li> <li>Tina </li> <li>Wrighty </li> <li>Kristen </li> <li>Kate </li> <li>gaby317 </li> <li>soundistheword3 </li> <li>throuthehaze </li> <li>a flight of minds </li> <li>Tynga </li> <li>Jessica </li> <li>smck27 </li> <li>Wendy C. </li> <li>Kytaira </li> <li>Jessica </li> <li>Kate </li> <li>Marie </li> <li>throuthehaze </li> <li>Jessica Secret </li> <li>a flight of minds </li> <li>Jill of The O.W.L. Blog </li> <li>Kristen </li> <li>Jennifer </li> <li>Jamie </li> <li>Christine </li> <li>Tina </li> <li>Alexa </li> <li>Chelsea B. </li> <li>Kate </li> <li>Wanda </li> <li>Debbie's World of Books </li> <li>Pamk </li> <li>Jennifer </li> <li>DeNiSe MaDnEsS </li> <li>Jill of The O.W.L. Blog </li> <li>Wrighty </li> <li>Tynga </li> <li>shal </li> <li>DeNiSe MaDnEsS </li> <li>Debbie's World of Books </li> <li>DeNiSe MaDnEsS </li> <li>smck27 </li> <li>shal </li> <li>Paradox </li> <li>Jamie </li> <li>Erica </li> <li>Book Sp(l)ot </li> <li>Jessica Secret </li> <li>soundistheword3 </li> <li>Erica </li> <li>Wendy C. </li> <li>Jessica </li> <li>shal </li> <li>Christine </li> <li>Kytaira </li> <li>gaby317 </li> <li>Paradox </li> <li>Tynga </li> <li>Taste Life Twice </li> <li>smck27 </li> <li>Alexa </li> <li>Tina </li> <li>Debbie's World of Books </li> <li>Book Sp(l)ot </li> <li>Taste Life Twice </li> <li>Christine </li> <li>a flight of minds </li> <li>Jamie </li> <li>Pamk </li> <li>Jessica Secret </li> </ol> <p>Timestamp: 2009-08-31 15:14:36 UTC</p> </blockquote> <p>Congrats to Jennifer for winning! I have your email address and will be emailing for your mailing address. You’ll have until Friday morning to send me your shipping information. If I do not receive it by Friday, 12:00 pm (noon) EST I will have to pick a new winner, # 2.</p> <p>Thanks to everyone for entering! There are always contests on my sidebar for you to enter for a chance at some great books.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spvqe_z79-I/AAAAAAAAAgY/A895jEqBVSY/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpvqfYYajkI/AAAAAAAAAgc/g_p-flZWWTs/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-52457836715717827822009-08-29T23:35:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.902-04:00In My Mailbox<p>I bought two books this week!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595142517?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1595142517" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Strange Angels" border="0" alt="Strange Angels" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzeTOukgI/AAAAAAAAAe4/rkW6r160ZKw/Strange%20Angels%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1595142517?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1595142517" target="_blank">Strange Angels</a> by Lili St. Crow</p> <p>Razorbill (May 14, 2009), Young Adult, 304 pages, $9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/29/09), Kindle Ed. $7.99(<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strange-Angels/dp/B00273BHLY/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1251602946&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/29/09))</p> <p>Summary (<a href="http://www.lilithsaintcrow.com/journal/the-books/strange-angels/" target="_blank">Lili St. Crows web site</a>)":</p> <blockquote> <p>Dru Anderson has been “strange” for as long as she can remember. She travels from town to town with her father, hunting the things that go bump in the night and eat the unwary. It’s a weird life, but a good one–until it all explodes and a zombie busts into her new house.</p> <p>Alone, terrified, and trapped in an icy town, Dru’s going to need every inch of her wit and training to stay alive. Can she trust the boy who is just a little too adult–and just happens to get bit by a werwulf? Or the strange blue-eyed boy who tells her she’s heir to a long-forgotten power? Can she even trust her own instincts?</p> <p>Because Dru is not the first in her family to be killed by the darkness of the Real World. The monsters have decided to hunt back–and now Dru has to figure out who to trust, who to fight, and when to run. And not incidentally, she has to figure out how she’s going to get out of this alive.</p> <p>And she has to do it by sundown, or it’s all over…</p> </blockquote> <p>I’m reading it now and it’s AWESOME! :)</p> <p>And:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spnzeh1FOMI/AAAAAAAAAe8/HI8JvsXO8IU/s1600-h/Hunting%20Ground%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Hunting Ground" border="0" alt="Hunting Ground" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spnze2admTI/AAAAAAAAAfA/lWM1TFABzGs/Hunting%20Ground_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="153" height="244" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044101738X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=044101738X" target="_blank">Hunting Ground (Alpha & Omega, Book 2)</a> by Patricia Briggs</p> <p>Ace (August 25, 2009), 304 pages, $7.99 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044101738X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=044101738X" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/29/09)</p> <p>Summary (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/044101738X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=044101738X" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>):</p> <blockquote> <p>Mated to werewolf Charles Cornick, the son -and enforcer -of the leader of the North American werewolves, Anna Latham now knows how dangerous being a werewolf is, especially when a werewolf opposes Charles and his father is struck down. Charles's reputation makes him the prime suspect, and the penalty for the crime is execution. Now Anna and Charles must combine their talents to hunt down the real killer -or Charles will take the fall.</p> </blockquote> <p>I received a few books for review:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzfFiA1xI/AAAAAAAAAfE/0Li9uwYNzOA/s1600-h/Karma%20for%20Beginners%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Karma for Beginners" border="0" alt="Karma for Beginners" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzfdBmpvI/AAAAAAAAAfI/lCg2nJjmiPk/Karma%20for%20Beginners_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Karma For Beginners</a> by Jessica Blank</p> <p>Hyperion Book CH (August 18, 2009), 320 pages, Young Adult, $11.55 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/28/09)</p> <p>Here’s a summary description from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Fourteen-year-old Tessa has never had a normal life. Her mother, a frustrated hippie with awful taste in men, has seen to that. But when her mom pulls her out of school to live at an ashram in the Catskills, Tessa goes from being a freak among normal people to being an outcast among freaks. Freaks who worship an orange robe-wearing guru. And while her mom is buzzing with spiritual energy, and finding a little too much favor with the guru, all Tessa feels are weird vibes.  </p> <p> <br />Unless she's with Colin, the gorgeous boy who fixes trucks for the ashram. The connection they share is the most spiritual thing Tessa has ever felt. But he's older-like illegally older-and Tessa's taking dangerous risks to spend time with him. Soon her life is blooming into a psychedelic web of secrets and lies and it's clear that something's about to give way. When it does, will she have anyone to hold on to? Will she even know herself?</p> </blockquote> <p>A few are ebooks:</p> <p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Middlewitch" border="0" alt="Middlewitch" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzfmedG_I/AAAAAAAAAfM/Y7ppDj7RFkQ/Middlewitch_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Middlewitch-ebook/dp/B002J256BU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251602433&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Middlewitch</a> by Heather Parker</p> <p>Drollerie Press (July 24, 2009), Kindle Ed. $3.03 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Middlewitch-ebook/dp/B002J256BU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251602433&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/29/09)</p> <p> Summary (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Middlewitch-ebook/dp/B002J256BU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251602433&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>):</p> <blockquote> <p>Being a witch isn't always easy. She's managed to learn love potions with only one real mistake, and that was hardly her fault. She can whip up a mean maths retention spell, but it's not all cake and roses. Take dating, for instance. As Alicia Meldrew puts it, how does one even bring it up? -Hobbies? Yes, I usually practise the black arts on Mondays, Thursdays and every other weekend. You?- </p> <p>Alicia is a young witch with a mission: to protect the citizens of Middlewitch, a sleepy little hamlet consisting mostly of a church, a senior citizen's home, a pub, and two constables. You'd think such a small town wouldn't have problems with dark forces, but you'd be wrong. With the help of her cats, Domino and Tango, the Women's Institute, and even the Vicar, Alicia faces down demons, vampires, satanists, an American...and even the City.</p> <p>She finally has a boyfriend, but is she really able to learn to share her life with James? And if she can, is she strong enough to learn to get on with his mother?</p> </blockquote> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I started this and am enjoying it. It’s light and British, which is always fun!</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616230797?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616230797" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Three Seeds" border="0" alt="Three Seeds" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spnzf3gksjI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/kxO7EM4FGYI/Three%20Seeds%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="173" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616230797?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616230797" target="_blank">Three Seeds</a> by <a href="http://www.gabrielmadison.com/" target="_blank">Gabriel Madison</a></p> <p>eTreasures Publishing (August 19, 2009), 290 pages (I have the PDF), $15.00 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616230797?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616230797" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/29/09)</p> <p>Summary (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1616230797?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1616230797" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>):</p> <blockquote> <p>An unnatural cold front grows each day, bewildering world leaders and scientists, while leaving people across the world in a state of panic. All of North America is covered in snow, as Earth slowly reverts into a frozen oasis, causing religious groups to scream of the end of days, while others believe it’s the beginning of a new and foretold era. Rosemary Anderson finds herself working as a receptionist, living on an old southern plantation and wishing for excitement. David, the man claiming to have rescued her from a car wreck three years earlier, has maneuvered himself into her life, but only shows up occasionally to ask Rose strange and cryptic questions about a past she no longer remembers. Rose’s desire for adventure comes true, when strange men arrive at her plantation, and suddenly assaults her. Rose narrowly escapes with the help of her mysterious friend, David. David flees to Atlanta as he leads Rose through a hidden and treacherous world filled with death, power, secrets and passion. While trying to protect her from immortals shrouded by shadows, a secret society and ancient beings from a forgotten time determine to either capture, or kill her.</p> </blockquote> <p>I LOVED this summary! The author has a <a href="http://www.gabrielmadison.com/" target="_blank">great site</a> with some excerpts and a promo video. I’ll be reading this one very soon! </p> <p>I’m excited about all of these! I’m really enjoying Strange Angels and I’ll probably start Karma for Beginners next, then maybe Three Seeds. Depends on when Catching Fire arrives! :)</p> <p>What did you buy or receive?</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzgN7JvOI/AAAAAAAAAfU/gxHjilAV1Xw/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpnzgUHWALI/AAAAAAAAAfY/4IxKJUiUVwQ/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-88128573983407275782009-08-29T16:48:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.917-04:00Create A Cover<p>I saw this first on <a href="http://theladybugreads.blogspot.com/2009/08/create-cover.html" target="_blank">The Ladybug Reads</a>, her’s is good, but she saw it on <a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/2009/08/create-cover.html" target="_blank">The Story Siren</a>….I either missed hers or haven’t gotten to it yet….not sure. Anyway, it was fun!</p> <p><strong>Create Your Debut YA Cover:</strong></p> <p>1. Go to “Fake Name Generator” or click <a href="http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/">http://www.fakenamegenerator.com/</a></p> <p>2. Go to “Random Word Generator” or click <a href="http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml">http://www.websitestyle.com/parser/randomword.shtml</a></p> <p>The word listed under “Random Verb” is your title.</p> <p>3. Go to “FlickrCC” or click <a href="http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php">http://flickrcc.bluemountains.net/index.php</a></p> <p>Type your title into the search box. The first photo that contains a person is your cover.</p> <p>4. Use Photoshop, Picnik, or similar to put all together. Be sure to crop and/or zoom in.</p> <p>5. Post it to your site along with this text.</p> <p>Here’s what I got:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmUE1bJY8I/AAAAAAAAAeo/wJjnuXiapPY/s1600-h/Ruffle%20by%20Kathy%20J.%20Reese%20%28my%20book%20cover%29%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Ruffle by Kathy J. Reese (my book cover)" border="0" alt="Ruffle by Kathy J. Reese (my book cover)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmUFv7GYuI/AAAAAAAAAes/MIHenBYwolU/Ruffle%20by%20Kathy%20J.%20Reese%20%28my%20book%20cover%29_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="210" height="305" /></a>Pretty fun huh?! I don’t like the image much. I could do without the bareback, bra showing but didn’t have much choice when I had to use the first image with a person in it. :)</p> <p>Did you do one? Link in comments! </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmUGxqhA9I/AAAAAAAAAew/db6pm3BmHbs/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmUHE2Y8jI/AAAAAAAAAe0/OeXrAyv6qbo/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-17292721568924336272009-08-29T15:49:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.829-04:00Contest Round Up<p>Here’s a round up of all the contests I’ve come across recently. Check my sidebar often to see what’s new. I update as I come across them but I don’t always do this round up post. :)</p> <p>If you do nothing else you MUST check out this awesome interview hosted by Kim at <a href="http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-jessica-packwood-of.html" target="_blank">The Book Butterfly</a>. She interviews Jessica Packwood of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152063846?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152063846" target="_blank">Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side</a> by Beth Fantaskey. She’s also hosting a contest to win a copy of the book and a t-shirt!</p> <p>This is one of my favorite YA vampire books and Beth is an amazing author. I first saw her guest post at <a href="http://cityofbooks.blogspot.com/2009/04/guest-blog-beth-fantaskey.html" target="_blank">Wondrous Reads</a>. Check that out too. And if you haven’t read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152063846?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0152063846" target="_blank">Jessica’s GT Dating on the Dark Side</a>, you should! Read <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/05/jessica-guide-to-dating-on-dark-side-by.html" target="_blank">my review</a> if you missed it.</p> <a href="http://www.glitter-graphics.com/myspace/text_generator.php" target="_blank"><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/c.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/o.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/n.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/t.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/e.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/s.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/t.gif" border="0" /><img src="http://text.glitter-graphics.net/mixed/s.gif" border="0" /></a> <ul> <li><a href="http://thewrittenword.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/sex-and-the-austen-girl-a-big-giveaway/">Sex and the Austen Girl Giveaway! (8/29)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://thebooksmugglers.com/2009/08/guest-author-and-giveaway-leanna-renee-hieber-on-inspiration-and-influences.html">The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber (8/29)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest-arc-of-intertwined-by-gena.html">Intertwined by Gena Showalter (8/30)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/blue-moon-immortals-book-2-by-alyson.html">Blue Moon by Alyson Noel (8/30)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://jocelynndrake.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest-round-7-tracey-ohara.html">Night's Cold Kiss by Tracey O'Hara (8/30)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://tvandbookaddict.blogspot.com/2009/08/giveaway-fade-to-blue-by-sean-beaudoin.html">Fade to Blue by Sean Beaudoin (8/30)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://awaitingserenity.net/?p=1251">Shiver, The Hollow, OR Rage (8/31)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://bookalicio.us/2009/08/my-first-give-away-dreaming-anastasia-bran-hambric/">Bran Hambric by Kaleb Nation (9/1)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://bookalicio.us/2009/08/my-first-give-away-dreaming-anastasia-bran-hambric/">Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble (9/1)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-signed-copy-of-meridian-by-amber_05.html">Meridian by Amber Kizer (9/1)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/2009/08/hush-hush-contest.html">Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (9/5)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://feedyourimagination.blogspot.com/2009/08/catching-fire-contest.html">Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (9/5)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://reveriemedia.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-signed-shiver-by-maggie-stiefvater.html">Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater (9/10)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://lushbudgetproduction.blogspot.com/2009/08/this-is-sparta-300th-celebration-with.html">Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick & Wings necklace (9/13)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://bethshobbies.blogspot.com/2009/08/first-official-giveaway-contest-hush.html">Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick (9/15)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-jessica-packwood-of.html">Jessica's GT Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey (9/16)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://omgbookreviews.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest-candor-and-15-amazon-gift-card.html">Candor by Pam Bachorz & $15 Amazon (9/16)</a></li><li><a href="http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/2009/08/never-cry-werewolf-contest.html">Never Cry Werewolf by Heather Davis (9/21)</a></li> <li><a href="http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2009/08/mega-palooza-contest.html">Mega Palooza Contest! TONS of books! (9/27)</a> </li> <li><a href="http://ajourneyofbooks.blogspot.com/2009/08/win-signed-copy-of-blood-promise.html">Blood Promise by Richelle Mead (9/30)</a> </li> </ul> <p>So, take a few minutes and enter for some awesome books! Don’t forget to mention I referred you! :)</p> <p>Two of the above are my own contests: <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest-arc-of-intertwined-by-gena.html" target="_blank">Intertwined</a> and <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/blue-moon-immortals-book-2-by-alyson.html" target="_blank">Blue Moon</a> (author signed to me) and end tomorrow at midnight, EST! :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmGQAUkAEI/AAAAAAAAAeg/08RXZEfEC10/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B5%5D.png"><img style="border-width: 0px; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpmGQXWrlcI/AAAAAAAAAek/CIuv8BGcgzs/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B3%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" border="0" height="57" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-2332704014433321012009-08-28T13:08:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.930-04:00First Line Friday: Karma For Beginners by Jessica Blank<p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Karma For Beginners</a> by Jessica Blank</p> <p>Hyperion Book CH (August 18, 2009)</p> <p>320 pages, Young Adult</p> <p>$11.55 (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>, 08/28/09)</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Karma for Beginners" border="0" alt="Karma for Beginners" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgPJ66cgYI/AAAAAAAAAeU/2LLlaoXBmwM/Karma%20for%20Beginners%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <blockquote> <h2>I had to fight for this hamburger.</h2> </blockquote> <p>Here’s a summary description from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1423117514?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=142311751" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a>:</p> <blockquote> <p>Fourteen-year-old Tessa has never had a normal life. Her mother, a frustrated hippie with awful taste in men, has seen to that. But when her mom pulls her out of school to live at an ashram in the Catskills, Tessa goes from being a freak among normal people to being an outcast among freaks. Freaks who worship an orange robe-wearing guru. And while her mom is buzzing with spiritual energy, and finding a little too much favor with the guru, all Tessa feels are weird vibes.  </p> <p> <br />Unless she's with Colin, the gorgeous boy who fixes trucks for the ashram. The connection they share is the most spiritual thing Tessa has ever felt. But he's older-like illegally older-and Tessa's taking dangerous risks to spend time with him. Soon her life is blooming into a psychedelic web of secrets and lies and it's clear that something's about to give way. When it does, will she have anyone to hold on to? Will she even know herself?</p> </blockquote> <p>Interested? Check it out. I just received it today from Disney (Hyperion Book CH) for review. I’ll be starting it soon. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgPKCwuGcI/AAAAAAAAAeY/YRA84RgINKg/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B4%5D.png"><img style="display: inline" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgPKgGtb0I/AAAAAAAAAec/vm2RIYX3NK4/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B2%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-66498566285534277562009-08-28T12:05:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.941-04:00Book Review Blogging 101 with Dear Author’s Jane<p>I had to share this.</p> <p><a href="http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/08/28/how-to-get-into-book-reviewing-as-a-blogger/" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dear Author logo" border="0" alt="Dear Author logo" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgATlcL0_I/AAAAAAAAAeI/-XmykSkYJN4/Dear%20Author%20logo%5B6%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="352" height="136" /></a> </p> <p>Jane at Dear Author wrote an amazing post on <a href="http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/08/28/how-to-get-into-book-reviewing-as-a-blogger/" target="_blank">Book Review Blogging</a>. If you’re a book review blogger you should read this! </p> <p>She has some awesome tips and a lot of it is common sense. It’s important to remember to be professional and respectful when handling requests and reviews.</p> <p>Hope you find it as informative as I did.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgAUJGBc8I/AAAAAAAAAeM/om_YxEU--bQ/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpgAUX8rzXI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/HMT3PZrWPRM/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-116618418817022282009-08-26T21:35:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.863-04:00Blue Moon (Immortals, Book 2) by Alyson Noel<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAY is Closed! Winner Announced </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/08/contest-results-new-moonerblue-moon-by.html">HERE</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">!</span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312532768?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312532768" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);"><br /></span></a></p><p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0312532768?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0312532768" target="_blank"><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);">Blue Moon (Immortals, Book 2)</span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);"> by Alyson Noel</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);">St. Martin’s Griffin (July 7, 2009)</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);">304 pages</span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);">$9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/26/09)</span></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpXi-cPOSxI/AAAAAAAAAdg/JBNVLp2rbmc/s1600-h/Blue%20Moon%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Blue Moon" alt="Blue Moon" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpXi-gioIBI/AAAAAAAAAdk/P11IP1J4e-E/Blue%20Moon_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" border="0" height="323" /></a> </p> <p>I won this signed copy from a contest held by <a href="http://butterflybookreviews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Book Butterfly</a>. It’s such a nice blog I couldn’t help but enter even though I wasn’t a fan of the first book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031253275X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=031253275X" target="_blank">Evermore</a>. You can read my review of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031253275X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=031253275X" target="_blank">Evermore</a> <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-contest-evermore-by-alyson-noel.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I honestly didn’t think I’d win but I did. I read the book. I wasn’t a fan of Alyson’s first book but since I won the book I was willing to give this series a second chance.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Plot: 1</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Setting: 5</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Writing: 2</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Originality: 4</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Characters: 3</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Passion: 4</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Overall: 19/30 = 63% D</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:100%;" >Cover/Title Bonus: 5</span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Summary (</span></strong><a href="http://www.alysonnoel.com/IMMORTALS/blue-moon.php" target="_blank"><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Alyson’s web site</span></strong></a><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >):</span></strong></p> <blockquote> <p>Just as Ever is learning everything she can about her new abilities as an immortal, initiated into the dark, seductive world by her beloved Damen, something terrible is happening to him. As Ever's powers are increasing, Damen's are fading—stricken by a mysterious illness that threatens his memory, his identity, his life.<br />Desperate to save him, Ever travels to the mystical dimension of Summerland, uncovering not only the secrets of Damen's past—the brutal, tortured history he hoped to keep hidden—but also an ancient text revealing the workings of time. With the approaching blue moon heralding her only window for travel, Ever is forced to decide between turning back the clock and saving her family from the accident that claimed them—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows weaker each day...</p> </blockquote> <p>Read an <a href="http://www.alysonnoel.com/IMMORTALS/blue-moon1.php" target="_blank">excerpt</a> on her web site.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Plot:</span></strong></p> <p>So Ever has powers and Damen is teaching her how to use them. They are also trying to “get closer”, if you know what I mean. If you read <a href="http://bookreviewsbyjess.blogspot.com/2009/03/review-contest-evermore-by-alyson-noel.html" target="_blank">my review</a> of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/031253275X?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=031253275X" target="_blank">Evermore</a> you might have remembered that I thought this would be addressed in the follow up novel but I was guessing that it wouldn’t. I was right. They do make plans but they run into the issue of Damen’s “illness”. There’s a new guy character who’s shaking things up. It is all so horribly and terribly predictable. I couldn’t wait to get to the end. I almost DNF this book but I wanted to see how Alyson wrapped it all up. Alyson takes the LONG way around a plot line.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Setting:</span></strong></p> <p>Summerland is awesome. That I will give to Alyson. She has created a place that I would love to go to for a few hours a day. Damen’s house is another great place. These are two places that I would recognize instantly if I were suddenly dropped into either. </p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Writing:</span></strong></p> <p>It’s final. I can not read another book by Alyson Noel. I gave this one a try because I won it. I had no intention of buying it to read it. The beginning was great. Then we meet Roman and the story goes to shit. The middle of the book is fluff, procrastination, self blame, denial, second guesses and complete rubbish. The end of the book was just terrible! Why even write this book!? It got us no where but back at the beginning but now with a whole new obstacle to overcome. I have no faith in Ever and Damen’s relationship. It’s too sad and I will not wait around while the author drags me through the chaotic mess she’s made of Ever’s life.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Originality:</span></strong></p> <p>The Immortal concept is good. The land of Summerland is amazingly original. The new twist that will be the major issue in the next book is a BIG issue and I can just see how that’ll turn out.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Characters:</span></strong></p> <p>Ever and Damen are cuter than ever in the beginning. Then they’re introduced to Roman the new kid at school. Roman seems transfixed on Ever. Ever is instantly repelled from Roman either because she’s jealous or because he’s dangerous…..</p> <p>Damen suffers from his oh so “mysterious” illness. Ever is a complete moron but it’s not her fault. I blame the author. I know I’m mean and I can’t stand that I’m reacting this way to this book but I can NOT help it. The book infuriated me.</p> <p>MAN! This is the hardest review I’ve written since Evermore! I couldn’t stand Ever in this book. Is she blind? Why is she so slow at solving this not so mysterious mystery? Yes, I’m writing a review with QUESTIONS! Questions that are abundant in this book! </p> <p>Ever says it nicely on page 278:</p> <blockquote> <p>“Get to the point,”</p> </blockquote> <p>Yes! Please, get to the POINT!</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Passion:</span></strong></p> <p>Yes, there’s passion very early in this book. Ever and Damen want to get it on but Ever is hung up on the fact that Damen is, like OMG 600 years old! And she’s a measly 16 years old with no experience in “that” department. </p> <p>I freaking couldn’t stand this! Sure if I were her I’d be like “yikes” but I would look beyond that fact and if I truly loved the guy I’d get over it fast. You know, hormones and everything are RAGING at that age.</p> <p>After watching True Blood and seeing that the vampire Jessica was a virgin before being turned and she loses it with Hoyt but then her hymen grows back because of her healing abilities. Will Ever suffer from the same thing? We probably will NEVER find out so why am I even thinking that far ahead?! Has Alyson thought of this though? Have you?</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Overall:</span></strong></p> <p>I hated it. I think the concept was good but the outcome was terrible. Am I ruined because I’m older? (26 years old) Or is Alyson’s vision of the fantasy so twisted that she removed her self and didn’t think about how smart her readers are? I was literally skipping entire paragraphs towards the end of this book. I’d had enough of the fluff and wanted results. I was tired of hearing what Ever didn’t know and was questioning herself about. GET A MOVE ON! I honestly think this book should NOT have been written in the first person. A third person point of view would have been a lot better. Or at least trying to make it UNpredictable. You think?</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Cover/Title Bonus:</span></strong> </p> <p>The title and cover are perfect. Although the reasoning for the Blue Moon are still all wrapped around the poorly handled plot.</p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Other Reviews:</span></strong></p> <p><a href="http://bookreader4.blogspot.com/2009/08/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">The Book Reader </a>- New Moon copy cat</p><p><a href="http://tickettoanywhere.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">Ticket to Anywhere</a> - 5 out of 5 stars</p><p><a href="http://shootingstarsmag.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">Shooting Star Mag</a> - 5/5</p><p><a href="http://lushbudgetproduction.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">Ravenous Reader</a> - YYY 1/2</p><p><a href="http://thesweetbookshelf.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon.html">The Sweet Bookshelf</a> - 3</p><p><a href="http://bloodybookaholic.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon-by-alison-noel.html">Blood Bookaholic</a> - 4.5 hearts</p><p><a href="http://freneticreader.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">Frenetic Reader</a> - 8.5/10</p><p><a href="http://www.greenbeanteenqueen.com/2009/06/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">GreenBeanTeenQueen</a> - 5/5 stars</p><p><a href="http://sarahbear9789.blogspot.com/2009/07/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">Sarah's Random Musings</a> - 88/100 or B</p><p><a href="http://www.thestorysiren.com/2009/06/blue-moon-by-alyson-noel.html">The Story Siren</a> - 5 stars = It was amazing</p><p><a href="http://theladybugreads.blogspot.com/2009/07/review-blue-moon.html">The Ladybug Reads</a> - 1.4 out of 5<br /></p><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >Trailer:<br /></span></strong></p><p>Heck, don’t bother reading the book! Just watch this trailer!</p> <div style="padding: 0px; width: 425px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" id="scid:5737277B-5D6D-4f48-ABFC-DD9C333F4C5D:9e516c2d-7559-44dd-b819-d82a51469d36" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><div id="ff3f4caa-ef26-4ef2-b2d7-03e535a26555" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; display: inline;"><div><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFlQBBy8C5o&feature=player_embedded" target="_new"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/Spb-PUEcdPI/AAAAAAAAAeE/9Xi-MpaOYLI/videobdff4c99bfab%5B2%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-style: none;" galleryimg="no" onload="var downlevelDiv = document.getElementById('ff3f4caa-ef26-4ef2-b2d7-03e535a26555'); downlevelDiv.innerHTML = "<div><object width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IFlQBBy8C5o&hl=en\"><\/param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/IFlQBBy8C5o&hl=en\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"425\" height=\"355\"><\/embed><\/object><\/div>";" alt="" /></a></div></div></div> <p></p> <p>I know this review was harsh. I apologize to both fans of Alyson and to Alyson too. She must connect with readers because she is selling books. I applaud her for that but I just don’t get it. I know I’m not alone as I’ve had some people comment on my Goodreads status updates agreeing with me.</p> <p>Did you read this series? Do you agree with me about it being so predictable? Or do you disagree completely? Did you review Blue Moon? Put your link in your comment. I’m interested in other’s reviews.</p> <p><strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 255);font-size:130%;" >WANT MY COPY?</span></strong></p><p>There was an embedded form here, before I closed entries!<br /></p> <p><br /></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpXi_OAq0NI/AAAAAAAAAds/oXZm7DSrkLU/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border: 0px none ; display: inline;" title="Jess Sig" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpXi_hv0zKI/AAAAAAAAAdw/64LB9e1jKAM/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" border="0" height="57" /></a></p>Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-56482710976107046952009-08-26T08:00:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.954-04:00WoW: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins<p>Yeah, I tried my hardest to enter every ARC contest for this book but there just weren’t enough! Alas, the book will be released in less than a week. I’ve already pre-ordered it and am awaiting it’s arrival very patiently.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023491?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023491" target="_blank">Catching Fire</a> by Suzanne Collins</p> <p>September 1, 2009</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023491?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023491" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="catching fire" border="0" alt="catching fire" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpFs3VI95NI/AAAAAAAAAa8/Uw0CFYdOVfg/catching%20fire%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I never really did a formal review for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023483" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a>. There are a ton of them out there. If you’ve heard that it was good that is only the beginning of what I would praise it with.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023483" target="_blank">The Hunger Games</a> by Suzanne Collins</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023483"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="The Hunger Games" border="0" alt="The Hunger Games" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpFs3uTJWeI/AAAAAAAAAbA/2YUUn-tHqig/The%20Hunger%20Games%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="163" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>It was raw, emotional, adventurous, mysterious, awesome, and encouraging. It was one of the best books I read this year. </p> <p>I’ve since then loaned my copy out to my good friend Kevin, my mother-in-law, my husband, who hasn’t opened the book yet but doesn’t know what he’s missing, and a cousin of my husbands. And I actually have two copies of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0439023483?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0439023483">The Hunger Games</a> because I had ordered it just before I won a contest for it! They arrived within days of each other.</p> <p>Therefore, if you haven’t read this book you really should. It does not disappoint. The fact that Lionsgate has purchased the movie rights shows that it has been recognized. I just hope they stay true to the book, even if that means an R-rated rating. They might get away with a PG-13. </p> <p></p> <p>What are you waiting for?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpFs4MduylI/AAAAAAAAAbE/8YTZcM6OLE8/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpFs4U4OwZI/AAAAAAAAAbI/XN-vstm0j4Y/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-22911781251157509382009-08-25T08:00:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.976-04:00Teaser Tuesday: Dreaming Anastasia by Joy Preble<p><a href="http://shouldbereading.wordpress.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Teaser Tuesday" border="0" alt="Teaser Tuesday" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpLHrmC2YeI/AAAAAAAAAc4/ruSDeaUKG9s/Teaser%20Tuesday%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="233" height="145" /></a> </p> <ul> <li>Grab your current read</li> <li>Open to a random page</li> <li>Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page</li> <li>BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (<em>make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!</em>)</li> <li>Share the <strong>title & author</strong>, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! </li> </ul> <p>I can’t stop with just two sentences! And I’m actually not reading this right now but I’ll be doing the review later today!</p> <blockquote> <p>And then there’s Anne.</p> <p>I glance down at the mark still visible on my forearm, now faded to a dim red circle—the mark that links me to this girl, who has for so long been just a ghost, just a vague hope year after year. But now, I’ve found her. She’s real, solid, and more powerful than she understands.</p> <p>In the past two days, I’ve taken her entire life and managed to turn it inside out.</p> <p>Page 190, “<strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a>”</strong>, by Joy Preble</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dreaming Anastasia" border="0" alt="Dreaming Anastasia" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpLHdG5pYEI/AAAAAAAAAcs/oCymCcj337o/Dreaming%20Anastasia%5B3%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1402218176?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1402218176" target="_blank">Dreaming Anastasia</a> by Joy Preble</p> <p>320 pages</p> <p>Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (September 1, 2009)</p> <p>$9.99 (Amazon.com, 08/24/09)</p> <p>I think I’ll give away my copy of the ARC too, so stay tuned! :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpLHdSIGvRI/AAAAAAAAAcw/iUqV93PVhJ8/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpLHd39SEyI/AAAAAAAAAc0/FigMyj0X0qI/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-22305641673681567382009-08-24T12:07:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:26.990-04:00YALSA’s Teen's’ Top Ten<p>Did you vote?<img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="yalsanew2" border="0" alt="yalsanew2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpK6tPjfJvI/AAAAAAAAAcc/-GMPxgHgBj0/yalsanew2%5B3%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="240" height="101" /></p> <blockquote> <h4>About the Teens' Top Ten</h4> <p>Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous year! Nominators are members of teen book groups in fifteen school and public libraries around the country. Nominations are posted on Support Teen Literature Day during National Library Week, and teens across the country vote on their favorite titles each year. Readers ages twelve to eighteen can vote right here, online, anytime between Aug. 24 and Sept. 18; the winners will be announced in a webcast featuring WWE Superstars and Divas during Teen Read Week. </p> </blockquote> <p> </p> <p>Go vote for your top 3 picks. Voting ends Sept. 18th.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/teenreading/teenstopten/teenstopten.cfm"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="teenstopten" border="0" alt="teenstopten" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpK6tU6BriI/AAAAAAAAAcg/6fjQ0OiPkHI/teenstopten%5B3%5D.gif?imgmax=800" width="129" height="69" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpK6t56ALPI/AAAAAAAAAck/4NSWxPzgMJQ/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpK6uGvBmDI/AAAAAAAAAco/amDXdtfRv_E/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-73085651633401953732009-08-24T11:04:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:27.000-04:00Living Your Five<p>Heard of this yet? It’s a very cool thing a few of our favorite authors have joined forces to create.</p> <p>Check out <a href="http://www.livingyourfive.com/" target="_blank">the site</a> and see what it’s all about!</p> <p><a href="http://www.livingyourfive.com/"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="livingFive_02" border="0" alt="livingFive_02" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpKsAi5fcfI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/dCM6fTvxRbg/livingFive_02%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="161" /></a> </p> <blockquote> <p><big>LIVING YOUR FIVE IS HERE!</big></p> <p>We know, we know… we’ve been hinting about it for weeks. The super secret project of Kay Cassidy, Tera Lynn Childs, Alyson Noel and Becca Fitzpatrick. The #fivers hashtag. The Founding Fiver badges. The huge top secret contest. So many secrets!</p> <p>Good news. <em>The secret’s out.</em></p> <p>Join us for the worldwide launch of <a href="http://www.livingyourfive.com">Living Your Five</a>! Living Your Five is an online community dedicated to changing our world one person at a time. You don’t have to cure the world of cancer or banish world hunger in a single day. It’s about working together, each of us taking one more step every day. It’s about knowing what you care about–what you’re passionate about!–and stepping away from the sidelines of your life to make your mark on the world.</p> <p>To celebrate the launch of the official Living Your Five web site, we’re even hosting a contest with awesome daily prizes and a MEGA grand prize all courtesy of our Founding Fivers! Find out all the details at <a href="http://www.livingyourfive.com">www.livingyourfive.com</a>.</p> <p>We’re ready to change the world. Now it’s up to you. Will you watch from the sidelines or join us on the ride? <em>(Come on, we know you want to!)</em></p> </blockquote> <p>They are so excited about this new development that they are having a contest to celebrate! Enter by 8/28 by 9:00 pm EST.</p> <p>The prizes are:</p> <ol> <li>A $100 Barnes & Noble gift card <br /><em>(because we know you love books!)</em> <br /></li> <li>A $100 donation in your name to the non-profit of your choice <br /><em>(because we know you love making a difference!)</em> <br /></li> <li>And the latest book (or ARC) from each Founding Fiver <br /><em>(that's four signed books!)</em></li> </ol> <p>Go forth and learn about the <a href="http://www.livingyourfive.com/">Living Your Five</a>!</p> <p>I’ll be doing my best to join. It sounds easy enough! :) What about you?</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpKsBPEXbII/AAAAAAAAAcU/Fz39AGcaUzw/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpKsBW4qqEI/AAAAAAAAAcY/kT9EgUUMEmQ/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1469710080515100143.post-76595808837850453502009-08-23T19:34:00.000-04:002009-09-07T12:47:27.010-04:00Contest Alert: The Dark Divine by Bree Despain<p>I sooo want to read <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606840576?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1606840576" target="_blank">The Dark Divine</a> by Bree Despain! After reading the sneak peek of the <a href="http://www.breedespain.com/The_Dark_Divine_Chapter_1.pdf" target="_blank">first chapter</a> on her <a href="http://www.breedespain.com/The_Dark_Divine_Chapter_1.pdf" target="_blank">website</a> I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it! What an awesome <a href="http://www.breedespain.com/The_Dark_Divine_Chapter_1.pdf" target="_blank">first chapter</a>!</p> <p>Anyhow, the cover to this upcoming book is gorgeously purple. And now Bree has matching nail polish! To celebrate she’s hosting a contest! </p> <p>The prizes are:</p> <ol> <li>A pedicure kit complete with my new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606840576?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1606840576" target="_blank">THE DARK DIVINE</a> nail polish! + An autographed ARC of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1606840576?ie=UTF8&tag=jesssramb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1606840576" target="_blank">THE DARK DIVINE</a> + $15 gift card to Barnes & Noble. <br /></li> <li>Signed copy of MY BIG NOSE AND OTHER NATURAL DISASTERS by Sydney Salter + Signed copy of LIFE IN THE PIT by Kristen Landon <br /></li> <li>A $30 gift card to Barnes & Noble</li> </ol> <p>Head on over to <a href="http://breebiesingerdespain.blogspot.com/2009/08/countdown-to-dark-divine-contest-and.html" target="_blank">her blog</a> and find out all the details!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpHR6bSVbjI/AAAAAAAAAcA/Ieuw9E2hPuU/s1600-h/Dark%20Divine%20Nail%20Polish%20005%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Dark Divine Nail Polish 005" border="0" alt="Dark Divine Nail Polish 005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpHR6tWWFTI/AAAAAAAAAcE/hyshRiugPkE/Dark%20Divine%20Nail%20Polish%20005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>If you enter from my link please let Bree know that I sent you over! Thanks!</p> <p>Enter by August 29th!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpHR6wu2JpI/AAAAAAAAAcI/6wD4rnNboJ0/s1600-h/Jess%20Sig%5B3%5D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Jess Sig" border="0" alt="Jess Sig" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pCHDD7t20Jc/SpHR7cYKsXI/AAAAAAAAAcM/I586IQ4on8w/Jess%20Sig_thumb%5B1%5D.png?imgmax=800" width="68" height="57" /></a></p> Jess (The Cozy Reader)http://www.blogger.com/profile/09952470536106390326noreply@blogger.com0