Interview: Kate Cann

Today Kate Cann, who has written novels such as California Holiday, Diving In, Possessed and many more, is here to chat.

1. Where did your ideas for Possessed come from? I know this is a common question but the answers each author gives always blows me away. Strange how stories come from so many places!

Like all my books, Possessed came from several unconnected things colliding. I was intrigued by the whole idea of manipulation between people and the power friends can hold over each other … a friendship group can behave a bit like a cult. I moved out to the countryside and felt my link with nature deepening. I went to the autumn fire festivals in Sussex and was blown away by the time-honoured (sp), half-forgotten traditions - they still have such resonance. (Check out the photos on my website!) And then I spent a night at the 1000 year old haunted mansion that I’ve based Morton’s Keep on ….. one of the most frightening nights of my life ….

2. Do you believe is the ideas of Ghosts and Possession?

I don’t really think that a dead person can come back looking just as they did in life – and walk through walls. But you only have to go to a place where something tragic happened to know that energies can linger. I think people leave some kind of trace behind them. The air at the old mansion house really did seem clotted with its past. As for the idea of possession …again, it’s all about energies and influences. In my book LEAVING POPPY, the twisted old ghoul in the attic could be possessing Poppy …or maybe Poppy’s just affected by what she finds out about the old lady …it all works as a kind of metaphor.

3. Were you ever so wrapped up in the story while writing that you got creeped out?

Great question! I did wonder where all the ideas for the hideous past of the Keep were coming from …I was a little concerned I had a nasty mind …

4. The sequel, Consumed, is coming to the US February 2011. What do you want fans of Possessed to know about Consumed?

That they have to read it! The two books are really two halves of a whole; when I wrote the sequel, in some ways it felt not so much a progression as going deeper into the first book – uncovering deeper, darker layers. It was almost spooky the way it all unravelled (sp), as though I’d planned it subconsciously. It was very exciting to write. Oh – and Ethan takes a far bigger role ….

5. Were you involved with picking the cover? How do you feel about the cover?

No, not at all. I like it, although I’m not sure how much it reflects what’s going on in the book.

6. When writing what are your must haves? (A mocha, a song, etc?)

A long walk, a big breakfast, then silence for three hours.

7. Have you been faced with rejection over a book you have written? How did you handle it, if so?

I’ve been very lucky. After my first book DIVING IN was taken up, I’ve always had a contract for the book I’ve been writing. But things are getting tougher and I’ve just had an idea for a new book called WITCH CRAG turned down, so I’m not sure what’s happening now. It’s hard!

8. Any last thoughts you wish to share with my readers?

Just to say thank you again, Ashley, for such a great review and an interesting interview! And to encourage them to give Possessed a go …mini synopsis coming up …Rayne flees from inner city hell and a possessive boyfriend to work in at Morton’s Keep, deep in the English countryside, where she gradually learns about its bloodstained past and dark secrets. She meets a glamorous new group of friends in the nearby town – they’re very seductive but are they interested in her - or the house – and if it’s the house - why? The woods draw her, but frighten her too. She’s not sure who she can trust – evil’s coming but she’s not sure where from - and she’s going to need all her courage to get through.

9. Would you direct us to your website, please?

www.katecann.com. And I always reply personally to any email I get!

Thanks so much for coming Kate! I encourage my readers to try Possessed. It was amazing!

Blog Hop 2

I am able to hop to you guys while on vacation this week! Yay!

This week's question was who is my favorite new to me author this year. I met her just under a year ago, Suzanne Young. She is so sweet and way adorable. She also has a very diverse writing. I love The Naughty List Series.

Guest Post

I first want to thank Ashley for allowing me to talk with you today.

My name is Sean McCartney and I am the author of the new young adult action adventure series entitled THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS which is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and my publisher's web site www.mountainlandpublishing.com. You can also check out my web site at www.treasurehuntingclubbook.com to see more about the series.

I’ve been asked what it has been like working for a small publisher like Mountainland? I’ve got to say it has been both rewarding and frustrating, and at times those same feelings in the same day.

I liked the idea of a small publisher from the start. I felt I would get more personal attention, and you do; I also felt a small publisher would have more interest in my book succeeding because they would have a vested interest.

The other thing I didn’t realize you get from working with a small publisher is input. I have been with my publisher through every aspect of the book. I’ve been asked my opinions and they are taken seriously and sometimes even used. The other nice thing is they always get back to you in short amount of time.

Of course this leads to some drawbacks with working with a small publisher. Some are obvious and others not.

You don’t get huge distribution or large promotional budgets to spread the word. In many instances you get a small to no advance. In fact I don’t receive any up front money, however, my royalty rate is much higher than other authors.

To be honest that doesn’t mean all that much to me. I’m about the number of books sold. If I can make The Treasure Hunters Club the next great series that every kid wants to read I would have done my job as a writer. It could also lead to me doing this as a full time job.

I believe it’s different for everyone and you have to make the choice on how you want to proceed. There are many ways to get your voice out there. Find what works for you and go for it.

Remember the only who can tell you “you can’t” is yourself and you don’t have to listen.

Thank you again for your time. I won’t beg, that’s undignified, but go out and pick-up a copy of THE TREASURE HUNTERS CLUB: SECRETS OF THE MAGICAL MEDALLIONS, or pick up two or three and make some friends. It’s a read you’ll enjoy.

Sean

Texas!!!

Just wanted to let you all know I am in Texas until the 10th. There will still be posts, because I worked hard to get them done in advance so please keep reading and commenting. If you are in the Austin or San Antonio area please email me with the subject TEXAS if you want to meet up for lunch or coffee. This includes bloggers, fans and authors :)

If you MUST get a hold of me email me with URGENT in the subject.

All other emails will only get answered IF I end up with some free time.

Wednesday Wishlist

Crowned

by Julie Linker

What?

Smile. Wave. Dominate.

Presley loves the pageant world. She knows how to work the crowd and looks gorgeous in an evening gown. But really, she needs the pageant world — for its scholarships and opportunities. The only thing standing in her way? Her archrival, Megan, who was practically born wearing a crown and sash. Megan may be the nastiest girl on the circuit, but she has one thing that Presley doesn't: connections. And she won't hesitate to use them.

What happens when two girls will stop at nothing — including scandalous Internet pictures, vicious message board rumors, or "accidentally" ruined hair — to be crowned the winner? Strap on your stilettos and tuck in those shoulder pads...it's going to be a bumpy ride.

Why?
When I was younger I always wanted to be in a pageant, heck I'd still be in one. I enjoy fantasizing within the lives pageant books represent.

Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea

Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea
Chelsea Handler
Gallery
$16.00
December 2009
FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

Total grade: B

Sexual content: heavy
Violence: moderate
Drugs: moderate
Underage drinking: mild
Swearing: heavy
Total rating: 16+

Summary:
When Chelsea Handler needs to get a few things off her chest, she appeals to a higher power -- vodka. You would too if you found out that your boyfriend was having an affair with a Peekapoo or if you had to pretend to be honeymooning with your father in order to upgrade to first class. Welcome to Chelsea's world -- a place where absurdity reigns supreme and a quick wit is the best line of defense.

In this hilarious, deliciously skewed collection, Chelsea mines her past for stories about her family, relationships, and career that are at once singular and ridiculous. Whether she's convincing her third-grade class that she has been tapped to play Goldie Hawn's daughter in the sequel to Private Benjamin, deciding to be more egalitarian by dating a redhead, or looking out for a foulmouthed, rum-swilling little person who looks just like her...only smaller, Chelsea has a knack for getting herself into the most outrageous situations. Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea showcases the candor and irresistible turns of phrase that have made her one of the freshest voices in comedy today.

My Thoughts:
This book was damn funny, I will give it that. There was especially one part where I could not stop cracking up. A few of the stories left me saying, “okay?” Most of them were hilarious. The things Chelsea has faced in her life make an interesting life story, that is for sure. From Lesbian kisses in jail to having a thing against men with red hair you will experience quite the story.

The book is crude and rude, but what else would you expect Chelsea? Anyone who would want to read her memoirs would know she is gonna be down and dirty. Come on, she has a book about one night stands!

I recommend this to fans of Chelsea Lately.

Playlist:
1. I Am NOT a WHORE (LMFAO)
2. Stripper (SoHo Dolls)
3. Little Freak (Usher)
4. Flashing Lights (Kanye West)
5. 3 (Britney Spears)

Must Monday

Losing Faith

by Denise Jaden

What?

A terrible secret. A terrible fate.

When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don't know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but.

As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith's final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.

Why?
This sounds like my kind of book. I have a sister so I always feel connected to books that revolve around the relationship between other sisters.

When?
September 7th, 2010

Contest

While I am in Texas I have decided to host a contest. It starts today and ends August 10th (the day I fly in). Winners will be contacted within a few days. You must either live in the US or have a place where your books can go within the US.

Remember, you must be 13 to enter and of my contests or enter using a parents email.

This contest is pretty much 3 contests in 1. I have three books and you choose one. YOU DONT GET TO KNOW THE TITLE ;) I know I'm so mean.

Options 1: Fantasy (ages 12+ recommended)

Option 2: Girls (ages 12+ recommended)

Options 3: Holiday (older teens and adults recommended)




I'm not sure if that will work and since I am headed out of town, if the entry form does not appear here please go to: https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dHdiVzVTSjVtWUU3QkQyVERSWm1CMEE6MA

Enter If You Dare

Enter If You Dare

Ripley Authors

Ripley’s Publishing

$28.95

Release: August 10^th 2010

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

Total grade: B

Total rating: 12+

Summary:

For the legions of dedicated Ripley’s fans, and anyone else on the planet who loves unbelievable facts and jaw-dropping images, the latest annual in our bestselling series is a feast of delights. Be amazed at a pink dolphin, the student no bigger than her school bag, an island of lost dolls, and sword swallowing feats past and present.

A compendium of incredible and bizarre facts, stories, interviews and features, presented in a stunning new design, this book also offers access to our fully-integrated website featuring astounding video clips. Icons throughout the book direct the reader to the clips on the website, where they can see some of our subjects in action.

There are intriguing interviews with some of the astounding individuals who are featured in the book spotlight their achievements and reveal more about what motivates them.

A dramatic eight-page gatefold section presents some extraordinary true tales about vampires, and how these fiends have been dispensed with in the past. Two additional 4-page pullouts feature life-size images that will astound you.

Informative “Ripley’s Research” boxes give the scientific explanation behind some of the most incredible tales in the book, such as the girl who is a fraction of the size of her school friends.

“Ripley’s Reveal” spreads give an insight into the world of some of the Ripley performers—past and present—that feature in the book.

Gallery spreads contain multiple images focusing on particular subjects such as Ripley’s waxwork heads, Mona Lisa replicas made from replica materials.

Additional black and white Ripley archive photographs feature throughout the book, and miscellaneous lists are also scattered throughout.

My Thoughts:

I enjoy the strange facts Ripley has to offer! There are the weird and the quirky. The biggest problem I have is how long they are. I feel that a few “not so strange” could be cut so by the time you make it half way through the book you are not fully drained. I recommend this to people who love odd but true.

I live fairly close to Newport, Oregon, which houses a Ripley’s Museum. While reading this book I learned that there are only a little over a dozen Ripley’s in the US. Makes me wonder why a small beach town in cold Oregon would be chosen (:

Book Blogger Hop

I am going to start doing this every Friday but this will be my only one for a couple weeks. I will be in Texas with limited internet and so I will not be able to see the questions.

This weeks question is.... Tell us about the book you are currently reading!

I am currently reading Glimpse by Carol Lynch Williams. It is about the relationship two sisters share and how the younger sister reacts when the older sister attempts suicide. She is sent off to a hospital shortly after the book begins. From here we are uncovering what would drive a young girl to attempt to kill herself. Oh, the mom is also a prostitute. The book is written in verse so it is a fairly quick read.

Alpha Bet

Alpha Bet

Stephanie Hale

Flux

$9.95

April 1^st, 2010

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

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: moderate

Violence: n/a

Drugs: mild

Underage drinking: moderate

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

Some teenagers use drugs or sex to escape overbearing parents. I used books.

All my life my mother has been hovering over me, afraid to let me experience ANYTHING. So I got really good grades, graduated from high school when I was sixteen, and escaped to a new life—my own life—at college.

To jump-start my social life, I decided to rush the Alphas, the most exclusive sorority on campus. Things started to get complicated when I told one little white lie. (Okay, maybe not so little.) Then one of the sisters invoked the Alpha Bet, a super-secret set of alphabetical tasks we pledges have to complete to prove our loyalty. Now, the Alpha Bet has taken over my life.

Can you spell B-E-T-R-A-Y-A-L?

My Thoughts:

This was one I wasn’t sure I would buy so I checked it out from the library. I will tell you right now, I will be purchasing this for my personal collection. The story was super fun and pretty fresh. I have always has an interest in the Greek system so reading a fictional tale about it was fun.

Grace was a unique heroine. You could tell from the start that all her crap was going to blow up in her face but you just had to love her. She is 16 and braving the world of college. That in itself is an accomplishment. Being brave enough to make some of the choices she does after the fact that she had the childhood she had was amazing. I really had an appreciation for who she was.

The ending became pretty predictable but I wouldn’t have chosen a different one. I recommend this book to fans of chick-lit. You will receive an awesome book with a heroine that is irresistible.

Playlist:

1. Spinning Around (Jump 5)

2. Jump Then Fall (Taylor Swift)

3. Seventeen Forever (Metro Station)

4. The Little Things (Colbie Calliet)

5. In My Head (Jason DeRulo)

Tangled

Tangled

Carolyn Mackler

Harper Collins

$16.99

December 2009

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

Characters 20/20

Plot 20/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 95% A

Sexual content: Heavy (lots of referencing)

Violence: N/A

Drugs: mild

Underage drinking: moderate

Swearing: heavy

Total rating: 16+

Summary:

Paradise wasn't supposed to suck.

Not the state of being, but a resort in the Caribbean.

Jena, Dakota, Skye, and Owen are all there for different reasons, but at Paradise their lives become tangled together in ways none of them can predict. Paradise will change them all.

It will change Jena, whose first brush with romance takes her that much closer to having a life, and not just reading about those infinitely cooler and more exciting.

It will change Dakota, who needs the devastating truth about his past to make him realize that he doesn't have to be a jerk just because people think he's one.

It will change Skye, a heartbreakingly beautiful actress, who must come to terms with the fact that for once she has to stop playing a role or face the consequences.

And it will change Owen, who has never risked anything before and who will take the leap from his online life to a real one all because of a girl he met at Paradise. . . .

From confused to confident and back again, one thing's certain: Four months after it all begins, none of them will ever be the same.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book. I will be buying a copy for sure. I thought it was cool seeing how these four lives intertwine. The characters were so very lovable and each had their own story to tell me. I loved each and every one. I felt a bit deceived, Paradise was not a big part of the book, but it didn’t really bother me because it was still superb. I know the cover is bit plain but it just really seems perfect to the story.

Because of how the story was split it had a great ending. As you moved on to each person’s story you saw the ends of the other person being tied up within theirs. The very end was awesome. It left everything at a perfect close.

For some reason I am coming up short on words. Maybe it is the fact that this book was so good it has refreshed my desire to read. Go buy a copy… NOW!

Playlist:

1. T-Shirt (Shontelle)
2. Cinderella (Play)
3. Ridin’ Solo (Jason Derulo)
4. Fearless (Colbie Caillat)
5. Miss Independent (Kelly Clarkson)

Wednesday Wishlist

Not Like You

by Deborah Davis

What?
How do you learn to love the person who scares you the most?

Kayla’s mom calls their moves as, “Starting a new chapter.” Five in the past two years. Each time it’s the same: Marilyn promises to stop drinking, breaks her promise, and they’re off again.

This time it’s New Mexico. But something feels different. Kayla is putting down roots, starting her own dog-walking business, and spending time with Remy, a twenty-four-year-old musician. He’s her refuge from Marilyn’s daily struggle with sobriety. But Kayla is only fifteen. Does an older man really offer Kayla the refuge she needs? Or is the safety she craves actually with the person who scares her most?

Why?
I really enjoy the books that involve family issues. Also a "relationship" between an older guy and younger girl is exciting.

Author chat

COME MEET BESTSELLING MYSTERY AUTHOR
TANA FRENCH

. . . WELL, AT LEAST MEET HER VIRTUALLY VIA
A LIVE ONLINE CHAT ON JULY 2O AT 1:30 PM ET

Penguin Books invites you to join the celebrated mystery author, Tana French, for a chat at the Penguin Water Cooler on Tuesday, July 20th at 1:30 PM ET, hosted here on the Penguin USA website!


So far French has received rave reviews in The New York Times (Janet Maslin, July 12) as well as The Wall Street Journal and Marilyn Stasio’s Crime column in the Sunday New York Times Book Review. On Saturday, July 10 Tana French was interviewed by Lynn Neary on NPR’s “Weekend All Things Considered.” I’ve included some quotes and links to the reviews below:

“Faithful Place is her best by a long shot…[an] expertly rendered, gripping new novel…”
—Janet Maslin, The New York Times


“Tana French’s mysteries are like big old trees: the deeper their roots, the more luxurious the foliage they wave in your face.”
Marilyn Stasio, The New York Times Book Review

Full Reviews here:
NY Times

NPR

Review

FAITHFUL PLACE

by Tana French

“French’s emotionally searing third novel of the Dublin murder squad (after The Likeness) shows the Irish author getting better with each book.”
—Publishers Weekly (starred)

“[French] revisits, evocatively and lyrically, themes she’s used before: love, loss, memory, murder, and life in modern Ireland. French’s writing remains brilliant, and her dialogue is sharp, often lacerating, and sometimes mordantly funny. Faithful Place is her best book yet.”
—Booklist (starred)


With two novels (both New York Times bestsellers) under her belt, Tana French has certainly made a name for herself among American psychological mystery readers—not to mention readers who just enjoy a great story that’s beautifully told. Her first novel, In the Woods, won a slew of prestigious mystery prizes: the Edgar, Anthony, and Macavity, and the Barry awards for Best First Novel. As with In the Woods, critics took note of The Likeness, declaring that “The Likeness [is] a book even better than the first, which was very good indeed. . . . The suspense is gut-grinding, but it may hurt more to know who did it. That’s an awful dilemma—and a wonderful book.” (New York Daily News)

Now, she’s back, this time focusing on Frank Mackey, the hard-edged, straight-shooting and fearless boss whose insane, brilliant idea for Cassie to go undercover lent The Likeness its intriguing premise. FAITHFUL PLACE (Viking; strict on-sale: July 13, 2010; 432 pages; $25.95; 978-0-670-02187-1) takes Frank Mackey back to 1985, when he was nineteen, growing up poor in Dublin’s inner city, and in love with his neighbor on Faithful Place, Rosie Daly. Unlike so many members of the large, poor Catholic families that share their neighborhood, Frank and Rosie have bigger dreams. They hatch a plan to escape one night and depart for London, never to return to Faithful Place or the anguish of poverty and abuse of their families. Except Rosie doesn’t show up, and in her place Frank reads a letter that leads him to believe that she’s abandoned him instead. He leaves Faithful Place on his own, determined never to come home again.

Twenty-two years later, Frank, the grizzled head of his own police squad, gets a call from one of his sisters. She is frazzled and barely able to get the words out that a suitcase has been recovered behind a fireplace in the same abandoned house where Frank was supposed to meet Rosie so many years before. By the time Frank arrives at Faithful Place, the case has been identified as belonging to Rosie.

Frank is immediately sucked back into the dark tangle of relationships he left behind so long ago: alcoholism, wife-beating, the most profound emotional abuse imaginable. The cops working the case want Frank out of the way, and Frank finds himself caught between the woman he loved and the family he has spent his adult life denying.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TANA FRENCH grew up in Ireland, Italy, the United States and Malawi. She trained as an actor at Trinity College Dublin and has worked mainly in theatre. Her first novel, In the Woods, was published in 2007; it won the Edgar, Anthony, Macavity and Barry awards for Best First Novel and the IVCA Clarion Award for Best Fiction. In the Woods and her second novel, The Likeness, were both New York Times bestsellers. She lives in Dublin with her husband and daughter.

FAITHFUL PLACE
by Tana French
Viking / On-Sale (strict): July 13, 2010 / ISBN: 9780670021871
$25.95 / 432 pages

Must Monday

The Julian Game

by Adele Griffin

What?

All new girl Raye Archer wants is a way into the in crowd, so when ice-queen Ella Parker picks her to get back at her ex, the gorgeous Julian Kilgarry, Raye is more than game. Even if it means creating a fake Facebook identity so she can learn enough about Julian to sabotage him. It's a fun and dangerous thrill at first, but Raye hadn't counted on falling for Julian herself--and igniting Ella's rage.

As Raye works to reconcile the temptress Elizabeth with her real-life self, Ella serves up her own revenge, creating an online smear campaign of nasty rumors and trashy photographs. Suddenly notorious, Raye has to find a way out of the web of deceit that she's helped to build, and back to the relationships that matter.

Why?
This sounds like a fun, dramatic novel. Sounds smutty in a good way and I have heard awesome things about it!

When?
August 26th, 2010

Review Rewind

Here are some reviews that want another look. Please feel free to comment on them :) I adore the comments!

Love You Hate You Miss You

Wifey

The Agency

Alice In Wonderland

Not Quite What I Was Planning

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

J.K. Rowling

Scholastic

$14.99 (Paperback)

July 2009 (Paperback)

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

Characters 20/20

Plot 18/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 98% A

Sexual content: mild

Violence: heavy

Drugs: N/A

Underage drinking: N/A (The drinking age is different there)

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

After the death of Hogwarts beloved Headmaster Harry, Ron and Hermione are left with a tremendous task to perform. As we found out in book 6, Voldemort has split his soul into 7 parts. It is up to Harry to find and destroy all of the missing pieces before there is any chance Voldemort can die. This book leaves us with many dead and more than a few lives destroyed.

My Thoughts:

This is my second reading of this book. Since it is such a huge book I feel that I got a lot from reading it again. Although I didn’t remember things getting such a slow start is was just as delicious this second time. You are really able to get lost in the world J.K. Rowling has created for us and no focus on the fact that the book you are reading is so long (the same can not be said for Stephanie Meyer). I applaud her incredible writing abilities and the finish to the series she has created.

The end of this book will leave readers satisfied, their desires fulfilled. I recommend this book to everyone, even those who have already read it. Refresh yourself before the movie.

Speaking of the movie, 2 parts?! Come on, LAME!

Playlist:

1. You Belong With Me (Taylor Swift) ß This book has romance, okay?
2. Stronger (Britney Spears)
3. All We Are (Matt Nathanson)
4. When It All Falls Apart (The Veronica’s)
5. Sticks and Stones (The Pierces)

Review Rewind

Here are some reviews I did that want some more attention :) If you missed them check them out now and please feel free to comment!!!

What Kind of Love

Jumping Off Swings

Ashes

Linger

Hold Still

Runaway

Wednesday Wishlist

Forbidden Boy

by Hailey Abbott

What?

Julianne's Summer Rules:

• Finish all art projects by August
• Survive summer job surrounded by cute boys
• Hit the beach every day
• Avoid the new neighbors (even though their son is hot!)

When Julianne falls for Remi at a bonfire party, her summer is off to a perfect start. Sure, her obnoxious new neighbors are muscling her family off their beachfront property, but she has weeks of fun in the sun to look forward to, a painting to finish, and an amazing guy to get to know. Then Jules discovers that her awful new neighbors are Remi's parents. That makes him a forbidden boy—but she can't seem to let him go. What do you do when your worst enemy is also the boy of your dreams?

Why?
I enjoyed Summer Boys by Hailey Abbott so I want to try this one.

Crash Into Me

Crash into Me

Albert Borris

Simon Pulse

$16.99

July 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 15/20

Total grade: 80% B

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

Introverted Owen, brash confabulator Audrey, struggling lesbian Jin-Ae, and alcoholic Frank don't seem to have much in common, but they bond online over a shared interest: to commit suicide. Some of them have already made repeated attempts, and now they make a pact. They take a cross-country road trip from New Jersey, visiting the graves of famous people who have killed themselves, that will culminate at Death Valley. There, they will take their own lives—no backing down, no changes of heart. But as they crisscross the states, these isolated, unhappy teens begin to connect over more than just their desire to die; as they share their darkest secrets and most cherished wishes, real friendship and even romantic love develop. As the end of their trip grows closer, the time comes to decide: Is life worth living in spite of the pain, or do they keep their deadly promise?

My Thoughts:

This book was not as good as I expected it to be. From all of the summaries I had read I expected an awesome book, instead I received a good book. I felt that it took to long to really get exciting. The only explanation we got for where it started was the IM’s we read throughout the entire book. The characters were not very likeable; they actually kind of pissed me off. Maybe that was the way the author thought it needed to be but I was not a fan. There were a few parts that had me laughing out loud (like the fact that I realized my mom named her dog after an athlete who later became known as a rapist and cannibal. The lovely things I learned from this book.). I would recommend this to readers who have an interest in suicide books.

Playlist:

1. Party in Your Bedroom (Cash Cash)
2. Secrets (One Republic)
3. Vienna (Billy Joel)
4. Dance Floor Anthem (Good Charlotte)
5. Dead and Gone (TI)

Must Monday

Aces Up

by Lauren Barnholdt

What?
Seventeen-year-old high school senior Shannon Card needs money. And lots of it. She's been admitted to Wellesley, but her dad just lost his job, and somehow she has to come up with a year of tuition herself. But Shannon's dream of making big bucks waitressing at the local casino, the Collosio, disappears faster than a gambler's lucky streak. Her boss is a tyrant, her coworker is nuts, and her chances of balancing a tray full of drinks while wearing high-heeled shoes are slim to none. Worse, time is running out, and Shannon hasn't made even half the money she'd hoped.

When Shannon receives a mysterious invitation to join Aces Up, a secret network of highly talented college poker players, at first she thinks No way. She has enough to worry about: keeping her job, winning the coveted math scholarship at school, and tutoring her secret crush, Max. But when Shannon musters up the nerve to kiss Max and he doesn't react at all, the allure of Aces Up and its sexy eighteen-year-old leader, Cole, is suddenly too powerful to ignore.

Soon Shannon's caught up in a web of lies and deceit that makes worrying about tuition money or a high school crush seem like kid stuff. Still, when the money's this good, is the fear of getting caught reason enough to fold?

Why?
Either someone is good at BSing synopsis' or this is gonna be one hell of a book. Come on, READ it!

When?
August 10th, 2010

A Field Guide For Heartbreakers

A Field Guide for Heartbreakers

Kristen Tracy

Hyperion

$16.99

June 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 15/20

Setting 20/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 85% B

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

Best friends Dessy and Veronica arrive in Europe with wildly different plans. Dessy hopes to heal her newly broken heart by diving into the creative writing workshop that brought the girls to Prague. Veronica's plan, meanwhile, is to conquer as many hot-dudes as possible in one month--and help Dessy recycle her heart in the process. Her method:

- Dress like you are the party.

- Explore the terrain. (Moderate stalking is totally allowed.)

- Be adventurous. And that means being prepared to hide in your suitcase.

- Ask questions that make your hot-dude feel smart.

- Gloss early, gloss often, and bring bum. Because a kiss can happen when you least expect it!

At first, Veronica's plan is working so well that Dessy thinks she might be a love genius. But soon it's clear that Operation Maneater has a few holes. Like its failure to anticipate crazy mixed signals--and worse, its mysterious tendency to plague a friendship with secrets and lies.

Well, no one ever said breaking hearts was a simple craft....

My Thoughts:

I adore the cover of this book. It is super cute and fun. Upon beginning to read this book I was surprised with the slow start. It was not what I was hoping or expecting to find. It took too long to really pick up, which messed up the plot for me. I felt kind of off and on about the characters. Sometimes I really liked them and others they were kind of blah. The romance in this book was super fun though. When things got moving it was much better. I recommend that all my chick-lit readers pick up a copy and head to the beach, or pool, or even the backyard.

Playlist:

1. Teardrops on my Guitar (Taylor Swift)
2. Solo (IYAZ)
3. Forever & Always (Taylor Swift)
4. Summer Boy (Lady Gaga)
5. Picture to Burn (Taylor Swift)

Review Rewind (AGAIN)

Here are some more reviews you might have missed :) These reviews didn't get much attention the first time so I'm bringing them back around.

Chasing Brooklyn was lovely and got an "A". Check it out here.

Wanderlust earned a "B". See it's review here.

Girl Stays in the Picture got a "B". Check out the review here.

Beautiful also got a "B". See why here.

Planet Pregnancy got an "A" and it wasn't because of it's cover. See why here.

I look forward to seeing comments on all these reviews ;)

Review Rewind

I have not done a review rewind in a while so today and tomorrow I will. For my new followers, that is when I post links to older reviews that didn't get much attention.

I gave Prey an "A". See why here.

That Summer got a "b". Why? HERE

Once Was Lost also got a "B". Why? HERE

The Virginity Club was worth a "B" as well. Why? HERE

The Bungalow Mystery earned its "A". Check it out HERE

Check in tomorrow to see what other great reviews you might have missed.

Tiger Eyes (My favorite book of all times)

Couldn't find the cover I have and Love

Tiger Eyes

Judy Blume

Dell (The version I have. It’s pretty old)

$8.99

1981

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

Ending 20/20

Total grade: 100% A

Sexual content: Moderate

Violence: Heavy (The main plot is a murder)

Drugs: mild

Underage drinking: moderate

Swearing: moderate

Total rating: 15+

Summary:

Davey has never felt so alone in her life. Her father is dead—shot in a holdup—and now her mother is moving the family to New Mexico to try to recover.

Climbing in the Los Alamos canyon, Davey meets the mysterious Wolf, who can read Davey’s “sad eyes.” Wolf is the only person who seems to understand the rage and fear Davey feels.

Slowly, with Wolf’s help, Davey realizes that she must get on with her life. But when will she be ready to leave the past behind and move toward the future? Will she ever stop hurting?

My Thoughts:

This is my most favorite book of all times. I have read it 4 times and every time I learn something new. Judy Blume is amazing when it comes to characters. She gives us a real view of how she wants them to be seen but yet leaves enough for us to discover on our own.

The plot of this book is worthy of an award. There is a unique factor with the murder yet Davey also has to deal with all the same issues most teens face. I felt that Judy captured both points in a tactful yet honest manner.

The setting of this book is gorgeous. You feel as if you are there. She describes everything to that point but she does not do the annoying “the green tree’s swished gently above the green grass and below the bright blue sky with white clouds” thing.

As for the cover, mine is amazing, I noticed that it gets worse and worse as new editions come out. I think that mine really captures the pain Davey is feeling and also provides snippets of the story.

As for the ending, OH MY! I love how it ends. It leaves the big questions answered but leaves enough room for the reader to decide where her life goes from there. I think that is important in a novel.

I recommend this book to everyone. I love it, and always have.

Wednesday Wishlist

Picture Perfect

by Catherine Clark

What?

Order # 081582

Name: Emily Matthias

Phone: Call me anytime!

Date: I’d love one!

Print Quantity:
Um, a billion? I need pictures of everyone and everything. It’s the Outer Banks—everything is photogenic here. Especially Blake. And Spencer.

Size:
3 x 5
4 x 6
5 x 7
8 x 10

They’re tall. And handsome. Oh, you mean the photos?

Film:
Color
B & W

Actually, yes, this summer would make an excellent movie.

Single/Double:
Starting the vacation single. But maybe I’ll find Prints Charming!

Why?
The summary sounds awesome, like the kind of book I really enjoy.

Keep Sweet

Keep Sweet

Michele Dominguez Greene

Simon Pulse

$16.99

March 2010

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

Characters 10/20

Plot 15/20

Setting 15/20

Cover 20/20

Ending 15/20

Total grade: 75% C

Total rating: 14+

Summary:

Alva Jane has never questioned her parents, never questioned her faith, never questioned her future. She is content with the strict rules that define her life in Pineridge, the walled community where she lives with her father, his seven wives, and her twenty-eight siblings. This is the only world Alva has ever known, and she has never thought to challenge it.

But everything changes when Alva is caught giving her long-time crush an innocent first kiss. Beaten, scorned, and now facing a forced marriage to a violent, fifty-year old man, Alva suddenly realizes how much she has to lose--and how impossible it will be to escape.

My Thoughts:

I guess I should say that this was not my kind of book. I have friends that are Mormons but not the old-time fundamentalists. Even so seeing this bothers me. That this could even be going on bugs the heck out of me. Within the first 2 pages a girl is beaten by her dad while her mom holds her down because of a kiss. Come on!

There for I would say that my rating of this book is not because it was a bad book, but because of how I felt towards certain aspects of it. The writing was nice, a bit gappy though. The word choice was superb. I recommend this to be people interested in fundamentalist Mormon stories.

Must Monday

My Little Phony (Clique Series #13)

by Lisi Harrison

What?
The thirteenth novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series about Westchester County's most exclusive private middle school girls.

Why?
I adore the Clique series. They are light and fun to read.

When?
August 3rd, 2010

The Best and Hardest Thing

The Best and Hardest Thing
Pat Brisson
Viking
$16.99
May 2010
FTC: This is a library book. I am not being compensated in any manner for my review.

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

Sexual content: Moderate
Violence: n/a
Drugs: moderate
Underage drinking: n/a
Swearing: mild
Total rating: 14+

Summary:
Fifteen-year-old Molly Biden has always been studious, dependable, some might even say saintly. And she's sick of herself. So when she spots mysterious bad boy Grady Dillon, she devises a plan to make herself over into someone new, someone who will attract Grady's attention. She succeeds—but a little too well. When Molly discovers she's pregnant, she's forced to make the hardest choice of her life.

My Thoughts:
Although I finally got into it at the end, the start of this book was not super. It felt forced to me. Some of the verse didn’t flow like books such as Far From You and Impulse. It was too much emphasis on using different types of poetry and not enough on developing the actual plot. I felt mislead to think a lot of the book would be teen pregnancy, when in reality if was less then half.

The cover is awesome so that kept the grade up. Also, the end finished things up nicely so that kept it in the B range. I felt not enough development was made in the other categories to give this an A.

I recommend this book to fans of teen pregnancy. I’m always up for a good teen pregnancy book. So if anyone has a recommendation, comment away!