Must Monday

Here is what I am waiting for this week!

Wicked Girls

by Stephanie Hemphill

What? (Amazon)

What started out as girls' games became a witch hunt. Wicked Girls is a fictionalized account of the Salem witch trials told from the perspectives of three of the real young women living in Salem in 1692.

Ann Putnam Jr. plays the queen bee. When her father suggests that a spate of illnesses within the village is the result of witchcraft, Ann grasps her opportunity. She puts in motion a chain of events that will change the lives of the people around her forever.

Mercy Lewis, the beautiful servant in Ann's house, inspires adulation in some and envy in others. With a troubled past, she seizes her only chance at safety.

Margaret Walcott, Ann's cousin, is desperately in love and consumed with fiery jealousy. She is torn between staying loyal to her friends and pursuing the life she dreams of with her betrothed.

With new accusations mounting daily against the men and women of the community, the girls will have to decide: Is it too late to tell the truth?

Why?
I have never read a book around the Salem Witch Trial time so this really interests me!

When? June 29 2010

Another book to tv?

ABC Family would like for me to tell you that they have another TV show to premier this summer based on a book. Huge by Sasha Paley will premier on June 28th. At this time I have not been given tons of stuff to release to you but I have been given some links!

Official show site: http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Huge/page_Detail

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/ABCFhuge

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/abcfamilyhuge

Love is the Higher Law

Love is the Higher Law

David Levithan

Knoph

$15.99

August 2009

FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 15/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 90% A

Sexual content: moderate

Violence: heavy (terror attack)

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: moderate

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary:(Amazon)

First there is a Before, and then there is an After. . . .

The lives of three teens—Claire, Jasper, and Peter—are altered forever on September 11, 2001. Claire, a high school junior, has to get to her younger brother in his classroom. Jasper, a college sophomore from Brooklyn, wakes to his parents’ frantic calls from Korea, wondering if he’s okay. Peter, a classmate of Claire’s, has to make his way back to school as everything happens around him.

Here are three teens whose intertwining lives are reshaped by this catastrophic event. As each gets to know the other, their moments become wound around each other’s in a way that leads to new understandings, new friendships, and new levels of awareness for the world around them and the people close by.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading this book and felt I gained some knowledge that I didn't have before. I was alive on September 11th but I was only a second grader. I was unable to comprehend just how devestating this was, especially in small town, Oregon.

The only problems I found with this book was diversity in characters. If you need to have 3 main characters I think they should be a little more diverse than they were in this novel. The ending also seemed a bit skippy but it was not bad.

I recommend this to everyone as a refresher on 9/11.

More Pretty Little Liars

Today I have a few Pretty Little Liars (The TV Show) things for you!

Want to follow Pretty Little Liars on Facebook? http://www.facebook.com/prettylittleliars

Want the official TV show site? http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Pretty-Little-Liars/page_Detail

I also have some pretty pictures :) Here they are!

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wish list this week :)

Miss Match

by Erynn Mangum

What?
Lauren Holbrook has found her life's calling: matchmaking for the romantically challenged. And with the eclectic cast of characters in her world, there's tons of potential to play "connect the friends." Inspired by the recent success of matching her sister and new husband, Lauren sets out to introduce Nick, her carefree singles' pastor, to Ruby, her neurotic coworker who plans every second of every day. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything. When Lauren's foolproof plan begins to unravel, she learns that a simple introduction between friends can bring about complicated results. And as she reconsiders her new role as Cupid (as well as her vow to stay single forever), will Lauren finally decide that God's plan is always good enough?

Why?
The cover has a coffee cup and I'm an addict? Just kidding :) It just sounds really cute!

Possessed

Possessed

Kate Cann

Point

$16.99

February 2010

FTC: I received this from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: heavy (but I’m not sure if it’s legal to drink at 16 where they are)

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary: (Amazon)

Rayne can't wait to start her summer job at a remote country mansion, far from the crowded, noisy London she so desperately wants to escape. But the retreat soon turns into a nightmare -- the mansion is creepy, the legends of ghosts keep Rayne up at night, and she doesn't feel safe anywhere.

Can Rayne figure out why she's so freaked -- before she becomes a ghost story herself?

My Thoughts:

Maybe I’m converting to the dark side or maybe this book was really just that great? I usually don’t like scary books or books I don’t find real to life but this one was great! The characters were each well developed and I could feel a strong emotional connection to them. It was as if they were real, living and breathing people, not a work of fiction.

The plot was superb and not one that was easily predictable. Throughout the whole thing I was left guessing what was to come. It wasn’t any of my original predictions, that’s for sure. The setting added to the fantastic plot. I felt like I was there, it sent shivers down my spine. The cover was lacking in many ways but I guess it was alright. Average at best. I think they could have portrayed the story with a different one much better.

As for the ending, delicious! I thought it was perfect and unexpected.

So what do I have to say? “Lock your doors, turn on the lights. This book will have you shivering in your seat.”

Must Monday

Here is what I am waiting for this week!

Ruby's Slippers

by Tricia Rayburn

What?
Tricia Rayburn's Ruby's Slippers is Gilmore Girls meets The Wizard of Oz. A touching, funny novel from the author of Maggie Bean in Love.

Why?
I love Gilmore Girls AND Wizard of Oz. Perfection!!!!

When? July 20 2010

Reviews? Oh My!

A lovely author friend (who is mentioned on this list) forwarded this email to me. It listed the top 20 best reviewed YA books for the first quarter of 2010! I thought I'd let you know which one's I've had the chance to review and what they were rated on the list! Congrats authors!!!

#1 Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (I have met her a few times and she is lovely!!!! Congrats Lisa)

#6 The Life of Glass by Jillian Cantor

#14 By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

#17 In A Heartbeat by Loretta Ellsworth

#18 Sing Me To Sleep by Angela Morrison

#20 Firespell by Chloe Neill

Far From You

Far From You
Lisa Scroeder
Simon Pulse
$15.99 HB/ $7.99 PB
December 2008
FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 20/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 20/20 *hardcover*
Ending 20/20
Total grade: 100% A

Sexual content: mild
Violence: none
Drugs: none
Underage drinking: none
Swearing: moderate
Total rating: 13+

Summary: (Amazon)
Lost and alone...down the rabbit hole.
Years have passed since Alice lost her mother to cancer, but time hasn't quite healed the wound. Alice copes the best she can by writing her music, losing herself in her love for her boyfriend, and distancing herself from her father and his new wife.
But when a deadly snowstorm traps Alice with her stepmother and newborn half sister, she'll face issues she's been avoiding for too long. As Alice looks to the heavens for guidance, she discovers something wonderful.
Perhaps she's not so alone after all....

My Thoughts:
I absolutely adore Lisa. I have met her quite a few times now and each time I am in aw of how awesome she is. There is something spunky to her personality yet she also gives off the best friend/ motherly trust vibe. I also adored this book.

Far From You was adorable and the last half had me gripping my seat and not letting go. I bought this at her book signing for Chasing Brooklyn and I can’t believe I let myself go a couple months without it. Remember when you were a kid and used to imagine these crazy and extreme stories? This book reminded me of them and brought me back to that time.

Everyone should read this.

Hate List

Hate List
Jennifer Brown
Little, Brown
$16.99
September 2009
FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Characters 15/20
Plot 15/20
Setting 20/20
Cover 15/20
Ending 20/20
Total grade: 85% B

Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon)
At the end of their junior year, Valerie Leftman's boyfriend pulls a gun in the Commons, leaving six students and a teacher dead and many others wounded. Valerie is hit by a bullet in the leg trying to stop him, just before he ends his own life. Until that point, Valerie had no idea that the "hate list" that she and Nick created would be used to target victims in a vengeful shooting spree. For her, the list of tormentors was a way to ease the pain of being bullied and an outlet against the constant fighting between her parents. Although the police investigation reveals that Valerie had nothing to do with the actual shootings, many people in her community, including her parents, have a hard time believing that she is not at fault, too. With the help of a patient and insightful therapist, Valerie bravely returns to school after the summer to face the challenges before her. Told by Valerie in then-and-now chapters, with a few "excerpts" from local newspaper articles added for perspective, this is a startling, powerful, and poignant account of the incidents leading up to, immediately following, and continuing through the teen's senior year of realization and recovery.

My Thoughts:
I’m not really sure how I feel about this book. Kind of half and half I guess. It was good about half the time and average the other half. The best parts were during the school shooting and the newspaper articles. I do believe that it was a unique topic and handled in a good way but certain parts could have been sped up a bit. I recommend this book to fans of deep and dark books.

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Shopaholic Ties the Knot

Sophie Kinsella

Delta

$11.95

Release:

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review of this book.

Characters 20/20

Plot 10/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 80% B

Sexual content: mild

Violence: none

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: heavy

Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Amazon)

Life has been good for Becky Bloomwood: She’s become the best personal shopper at Barneys, she and her successful entrepreneurial boyfriend, Luke, are living happily in Manhattan’s West Village, and her new next-door neighbor is a fashion designer! But with her best friend, Suze, engaged, how can Becky fail to notice that her own ring finger is bare? Not that she’s been thinking of marriage (or diamonds) or anything . . . Then Luke proposes! Bridal registries dance in Becky’s head. Problem is, two other people are planning her wedding: Becky’s overjoyed mother has been waiting forever to host a backyard wedding, with the bride resplendent in Mum’s frilly old gown. While Luke’s high-society mother is insisting on a glamorous, all-expenses-paid affair at the Plaza. Both weddings for the same day. And Becky can’t seem to turn down either one. Can everyone’s favorite shopaholic tie the knot before everything unravels?

My Thoughts:

To be honest I was pretty disappointed with this book. I thought the first installment was good, the second amazing, but this one was just so-so. It took to long to get going and once it did it just seemed too out of control. I love Becky but I don’t think anyone would let their life spiral that far out of control.

I still adored the characters and the story was at times fun but it was not keeping me attached. I actually was ready for it to end. That made me super sad since I adored the last book.

I recommend this to fans of the series.

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wish-list this week!

The Cupcake Queen

by Heather Hepler

What?
When her mother moves them from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, Penny's life isn't what she expected. Her father has stayed behind, and Mom isn't talking about what the future holds for their family. And then there's Charity, the girl who plays mean pranks almost daily. There are also bright spots in Hog's Hollow—like Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. But just when it looks as though Penny is settling in, her parents ask her to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A sweet novel about love, creativity, and accepting life's unexpected turns.

Why?
Can you say TOO cute to pass up?

Pretty Little Liars a TV Show Part 1

I have some character introductions to make today!

First we have Aria. She likes older men and is not a fan of guys her age. Her only problem is the guy she likes... is totally of limits. You can see her video:



Next we have Emily. She is a swimmer with a secret too juicy for her parents to accept. You can see her video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnqfKSCOL9Y



Hannah is also a pretty little liar. Hannah has a best friend but just how tight are they? You can see her video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXDZh1hILmQ




The final Pretty Little Liar is Spencer. She is super smart but that's got to put a lot of pressure on a girl. She's also hiding something from her sister... See her video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CZjsZQKJZY

Must Monday

Here is what I am anxiously awaiting this week!

You Wish

by Mandy Hubbard

What?

Kayla McHenry's sweet sixteen sucks! Her dad left, her grades dropped, and her BFF is dating the boy Kayla's secretly loved for years. Blowing out her candles, Kayla thinks: I wish my birthday wishes actually came true. Because they never freakin' do.

Kayla wakes the next day to a life-sized, bright pink My Little Pony outside her window. Then a year's supply of gumballs arrives. A boy named Ken with a disturbing resemblance to the doll of the same name stalks her. As the ghosts of Kayla's wishes-past appear, they take her on a wild ride . . . but they MUST STOP. Because when she was fifteen? She wished Ben Mackenzie would kiss her. And Ben is her best friend's boyfriend.

Why?
Doesn't the drama just sound delicious? AND the cover is oh-so-cute!

When?
August 5th. Pre-order your copy now!!!!

Bloggers

Today I thought I would offer some advice to bloggers based on what I have been seeing a lot of in new bloggers these days.

1) If you have under 50 followers your primary goal should be reviewing books you have and getting more followers. This is not the time to start hounding publishers for ARC's.

2) If someone gets and ARC before you (even if you were promised a copy) calm down. There is no need to flip out. A lot of the publisher's I have talked to send based on merit. It is more important for the bloggers with a bigger following to get a copy of the book than the person who has 20 followers. I myself dont have as many followers as some and I just feel grateful for every book I get.

3) If you want a book ask the publisher. Authors get tired of request after request AND they only get a limited supply of books. The difference would be if you know an author personally.

4) If you are confused ASK! Us older bloggers (I've been blogging for 2 years) are not scary. We love answering your questions and sharing the love of reading. If you need help please contact us!

Anyways that's all I wanted to say for now :) LOVE YOU ALL!

If you have any questions comment or email me at princessashley9@gmail.com

Book to TV? Part 2

Today I have some Pretty Little Liars pictures to share with you!
> >

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Also if you want a first look check out http://community.abcfamily.go.com/watch/pretty-little-liars/pretty-little-liars-first-look

Stay tuned for post 3

Princess For Hire

Princess for Hire
Lindsey Leavitt
Disney Hyperion
$16.99
March 16 2010
FTC: I received this from the publisher with the understanding that I would provide an honest review for no compensation.

Characters 15/20
Plot 20/20
Setting 15/20
Cover 20/20
Ending 15/20
Total grade: 85% B

Total rating: 12+

Summary: (Amazon)
When an immaculately dressed woman steps out of an iridescent bubble and asks you if you'd like to become a substitute princess, do you

a) run
b) faint
c) say Yes!

For Desi Bascomb, who's been longing for a bit of glamour in her Idaho life, the choice is a definite C--that is, once she can stop pinching herself. As her new agent Meredith explains, Desi has a rare magical ability: when she applies the ancient Egyptian formula "Royal Rouge," she can transform temporarily into the exact lookalike of any princess who needs her subbing services. Dream come true, right?

Well, Desi soon discovers that subbing involves a lot more than wearing a tiara and waving at cameras. Like, what do you do when a bullying older sister puts you on a heinous crash diet? Or when the tribal villagers gather to watch you perform a ceremonial dance you don't know? Or when a princess's conflicted sweetheart shows up to break things off--and you know she would want you to change his mind?

In this hilarious, winning debut, one girl's dream of glamour transforms into something bigger: the desire to make a positive impact. And an impact Desi makes, one royal fiasco at a time.

My Thoughts:
The whole premise of this book is just adorable. The thought of a fill in princess is great! I enjoyed many parts but I do suggest this book mostly to younger readers. I noticed too much and tried to get to much from it when really it should just be a fun, light read.

I recommend those in middle school go buy a copy… NOW!!!!

Book to TV?

I have some exciting news! I was asked to share some information with my readers with regarding two wonderful new ABC Family shows based on books. The first is Pretty Little Liars which is what I will be talking about today.

You can watch this show June 8th and it is based upon the series by Sara Shepard. The time for the premiere is 8/7c. I highly recommend checking it out. This show stars Lucy Hale as Aria, Shay Mitchell as Emily, Troian Bellisario as Spencer, Ashley Benson as Hanna, Sasha Pieterse as Allison, and many more.

Stay tuned for post two with more information.

Wednesday Wishlist

Here is what is on my wishlist this week!

Pop!

by Aury Wallington

What?

Marit has decided: It's time to lose it. Being a virgin is getting in the way of holding on to a boyfriend. So who better to get it over with than her best guy friend, Jamie? They've known each other forever. It's pressure-free.

But doing the deed changes everything. Jamie falls for Marit! Not only does he ruin her chances with the guy she had in her sights, now she's in danger of losing her friends too. If only there was a way to un-do it!

Why?
I've wanted to read this one FOREVER. Now's as good a time as any!

Boy Toy

Boy Toy

Barry Lyga

Graphia

$8.99

September 2007

FTC: This is my book. I am not being compensated in any way for reviewing this.

Characters 15/20

Plot 15/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 15/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 85% B

Total rating: 16+

Summary: (Amazon)

When Josh was a 12-year-old seventh grader, he was sexually abused by his history teacher, the young, beautiful (and married) Eve, who manipulated him into believing they were in love. Josh, now a senior learns that Eve is being paroled. Years later, he still struggles: he flies into rages and he experiences flickers, brief moments which feel like actual immersions in the past. Josh also has trouble pursuing Rachel, who seems like a perfect match, because he cannot trust his physical instincts; he is, as his psychologist puts it, afraid to do anything at all because it might be the wrong thing.

My Thoughts:

To be honest I do not have a ton to say much about this book. I went in with such high expectations and came out without them fulfilled. The book was good, don’t get me wrong. It just wasn’t great.

If this is your type of book check it out but don’t go in expecting perfection because there was just too much lacking.

Must Monday

Here is what I am waiting for this week!

Invisible Girl

by Mary Hanlon Stone

What?
When poor Boston girl Stephanie is abandoned by her abusive mother and taken in by Annie's Beverly Hills family, she feels anything but home. Her dark complexion and accent stick out like a sore thumb in the golden-hued world of blondes and extravagance. These are girls who seem to live life in fastforward, while Stephanie is stuck on pause. Yet when a new rival moves to town, threatening Annie's queen-bee status, Stephanie finds herself taking sides in a battle she never even knew existed, and that feeling invisible is a wound that can only be healed by standing up for who she is.

Why?
I adore fresh start books and you cant deny the cover is awesome!!!!

When?
May 27th :) Make sure you pre-order today!!!

Happy Mothers Day

I just wanted to stop in and wish everyone a Happy Mothers day. This includes all who have kids, had kids, or are pregnant. Thanks for all you do!

Author Interview

Today Piper Banks is here for a chat! She wrote Geek High, Geek Abroad and Summer of the Geek. Read what she has to say.

1. When you started writing Geek High did you already know you wanted it to be a series or did it just turn out that way?

I definitely envisioned Miranda’s story as a series from the beginning. I’ve loved her from the minute she took root in my imagination, and I really wanted to see how she grew as character.

2. Miranda is what you call a geek. Were you a geek in high school or popular?

I was somewhere in-between. I was a good student, but I don’t think I ever fully got my geek on.

3. In 10 words or less tell my readers what your series is about:
A girl genius who attends a school for gifted teens.

4. When it comes to math are you a "human-calculator" or is that living through Miranda?
No, I am definitely not a human calculator! I can barely balance my checkbook.

5. In book two Miranda heads off to London. Where is the coolest place you have traveled and why was it so awesome?
Definitely London. I lived there for a semester when I was in college, and have travelled back several times since. It’s my favorite place in the world! I love the mixture of history and modern culture.

6. Everyone's nightmare is their parents forgetting their sweet 16, which happens in your book! Did your parents ever forget something important of yours?
They definitely remembered all of my birthdays. I can’t remember them missing anything too important – so if they did, it didn’t leave any scars!

7. What do you think of summer "flings"?
I am whole-heartedly in favor of them. You’re only young once!

8. Any advice for those who want to write?

My best advice would be to read, and read across different genres. It’s the best way to get a feel for language. I was a reader long before I was a writer.

Fences

Fences

August Wilson

Publisher:

Penguin

1986

FTC: This is a school book. I am not being compensated in any way for reviewing this.

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 10/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 90% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: mild

Drugs: none

Underage drinking: none

Swearing: heavy

Total rating: 14+

Summary: (Barnes and Noble)

Troy Maxson is an angry man. He is an embittered ex-con who has built inner fences around his emotions that no one—neither his son Gory, his wife, Rosa Lee, nor his best friend, Jim—can cross. A proud and bitter man who was prevented by racism from playing major league baseball, Maxson is at fifty- three years of age a garbage collector. While his job allows him to successfully provide for his family, handling garbage represents for him a grim metaphor of his life. As he did during a bit in prison, he once again feels confined, and those who love him most, who depend on him most, suffer most for it.

My Thoughts:

Anyone who knows almost anything about me knows how I feel about assigned school literature. We wonder why so many kids and teens hate reading but the books we force down their throats at school only feed the hatred. I did not feel that way about Fences.

It was a great book that I felt offered real life lessons as well as educational. You could read it as a play or a book. I read it as a book. The characters were so vivid and bold. Nothing was left to the imagination when it came to them. The plot was honest and true.

I adored the ending. I felt that it was perfect and brought all to a close. The only thing I didn’t like was the cover, but I try to remember that covers weren’t so important in the 80’s.

I recommend this book to everyone.