Books, Sweets and other Treats

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

2012-02-25T14:50:00.003-06:00

I was browsing Pinterest when I came across these by accident. I will definitely be making these in the near future. Possibly tonight.

Ingredients:

1 lb large strawberries
8 oz. cream cheese, softened (can use 1/3 less fat)
3-4 tbsp powdered sugar (4 tbsp for a sweeter filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract
graham cracker crumbs

Directions:

1. Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. Remove the top and clean out with a paring knife, if necessary (some may already be hollow inside). Prep all strawberries and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Add cream cheese mix to a piping bag or ziploc with the corner snipped off. Fill strawberries with cheesecake mixture. Once strawberries are filled, dip the top in graham cracker crumbs. If not serving immediately, refrigerate until serving.

The recipe and image were found here.

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

2012-02-16T20:51:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 27 March 2012
Format: e-ARC
Series: Spellbound #2
Source: NetGalley

Finding your eternal soulmate - easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love Cara Lynn Shultz, her writing, her world, and her characters. I was really, really excited when I saw Spellcaster on NetGalley. I immediately tweeted Kate (Verb Vixen) to ask her if she had requested it, because we both loved the first book, Spellbound.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Spellcaster since the first one had a pretty solid ending. Emma and Brendan are two of my favorite literary couples, so I should have known better than to question their next adventure. I loved this book and the new aspects that are added throughout.

Cara definitely amped up the sexytimes. I think I would audibly sigh when Emma and Brendan were together. He's just so sweet, and she is head-over-heels in love with him. The author takes their newfound romance from book one and stretches, develops, and deepens it during book two.

The new mystery was intense and the answers I sought were always just out of reach. I would think I was beginning to understand who was behind everything (and their motives), but I wasn't able to figure it out until the end.

Emma is able to find confidence and strength within herself, her friends, and her family. I love that her aunt is so caring and concerned for her niece. Her best friend, Angelique, is still one of my favorite characters ever. I love that she is her own person and doesn't care what anyone else thinks about her. She's proud of who she is, and she's a true friend to Emma.

Spellcaster definitely didn't disappoint.

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

2012-02-03T11:30:00.001-06:00

Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: 2 March 2010
Format: Paperback
Series: Hex Hall #1
Source: Purchased

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. (Summary from Goodreads)

I started following Rachel Hawkins on Twitter long before I read her books. She is hilarious. I met her once, at the TeenBookCon in Houston, and she is just as funny live and in person. I love her perspective on everyday things. I really think someone should just give her a microphone and let her walk around saying whatever pops into her head.

I was pleasantly surprised when Sophie Mercer shared the author's sense of humor. Her snarky comebacks and inappropriate comments made me laugh out loud throughout the book. I used a lot of sticky notes to mark lines, paragraphs, and sometimes entire pages.

The other characters, although different, shared some of the same humor. However, it was presented in an entirely new way. No two people or personalities were the same and I could easily picture them in my head. Everything was expertly written and the story moved from one thing to the next seamlessly. Oh, and the story takes place at a boarding school. I love books that take place at a boarding school. √√

Hex Hall was a light, fun book that I really enjoyed reading. Now I'm not saying there weren't any darker aspects, because there were, it just flowed into the overall mystery that surrounded Sophie and her new school for Prodigium. There were a few times when I shared Sohpie's surprise as unexpected twists and turns slammed us in the face. I'm usually pretty good at figuring out when something big is about to happen, but Hawkins managed to catch me off guard once or twice. I loved it.

People have been telling me that Demonglass is even better than Hex Hall, so I can't wait to read book two and see what happens! The little snippet I read at the end of Hex Hall definitely piqued my interest.

Rice Crispy Treats

2012-02-02T18:01:00.003-06:00

I wanted to make something really simple, so I decided to make these!

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
10 oz marshmallows
6 cups rice crispy cereal (or cocoa crisp cereal)
1/2 cup peanut butter (optional)
spinkles (optional)

Directions:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat (with peanut butter if using). When melted, add marshmallows and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Add cereal and mix well. If using sprinkles, add sprinkles and mix well (add more, and some more). Pour contents into baking dish and spread evenly. When cooled, cut into squares and serve.

(Image and recipe were found here.)

In My Mailbox (14)

2012-01-30T18:44:00.001-06:00

After the Kiss by Terra Elan McVoy | Goodreads
The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson | Goodreads
The Other Side of Dark by Sarah Smith | Goodreads

Paper Towns by John Green | Goodreads
Looking for Alaska by John Green | Goodreads
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan | Goodreads
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green | Goodreads

Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan| Goodreads
A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young | Goodreads
Take a Bow by Elizabeth Eulberg | Goodreads
Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken| Goodreads
Ripple by Many Hubbard | Goodreads

But I Love Him by Amanda Grace | Goodreads
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver | Goodreads

Books from ALA:

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

2012-01-26T11:22:00.000-06:00

Publisher: Philomel
Release Date: 3 January 2012
Format: ARC
Series: Nightshade #3
Source: Publisher

The Ultimate Sacrifice.

Calla has always welcomed war. But now that the final battle is upon her, there’s more at stake than fighting. There’s saving Ren, even if it incurs Shay’s wrath. There’s keeping Ansel safe, even if he’s been branded a traitor. There’s proving herself as the pack’s alpha, facing unnamable horrors, and ridding the world of the Keepers’ magic once and for all. And then there’s deciding what to do when the war ends. If Calla makes it out alive, that is. (Summary from Goodreads)

I almost didn't write a review for this book because I didn't know what I could say that wouldn't ruin it for everyone else. There is so much I want to say and talk about, but I'll have to save those conversations for people who've read it.

Nightshade drew me into a world full of Searches, Guardians, and Keepers. I was introduced to Calla, Ren, Shay, and the rest of their packs. Wolfsbane gave me the history lesson I was craving, and it continued the story I loved from book one. Bloodrose made me laugh, cry, and nearly chunk the book to China. I don't normally bite my nails, but I made an exception for this one. I could literally feel my eyes darting across the pages trying to soak everything in.

There were a few parts that I loved and others that I hated. At one point I remember yelling, "No! Andrea Cremer you cannot do this to me!" She did. A few of you know what I'm talking about. I sent Carla (The Crooked Shelf) a DM on Twitter as soon as I finished, and Amy (YA Sisterhood) and I had a very long conversation about it over dinner the first night we were in Dallas for ALA. We think alike.

I loved Calla and her fierce determination to make her own choices. I wanted her to be the alpha she wanted to be. I wanted her to have her happy ending.

The conclusion left me feeling more than a little disappointed. I wish things had happened differently, but I think I can see why the author wrote it the way she did. Bloodrose is a bittersweet finale to a series that I really enjoyed.

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-07T22:45:00.001-06:00

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 28 February 2012
Format: ARC
Series: Delirium #2
Source: Borrowed

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.The old life is dead.But the old Lena is dead too.I buried her.I left her beyond a fence,behind a wall of smoke and flame. (Summary from Goodreads)

Delirium devastated me. The last few chapters suffered severe water damage because I just could not stop crying. Lauren Oliver made me fall in love with her characters and her story, and I was deeply invested in what happened to them. Pandemonium was the same way. Oliver mended my broken heart piece by piece throughout the book. She pulled me back over the ledge I had fallen off of after Delirium. She smiled at me. Then she shoved me back over the edge again. She waited until the wounds had started to heal, and then tore them open again by ripping off a massive bandaid.

Oliver has the ability to make me incredibly happy with one sentence and then completely devastate me with the one after it. Her writing is beautiful and it flows smoothly throughout the book. I was able to dive into Pandemonium even though it had been awhile since I'd read Delirium. I really enjoyed going from "then" to "now" with every other chapter. It allowed me to see the old Lena and the new Lena and how they became the same person.

This book gave me a serious case of the sads. However, I cannot tell you why or what it was that made me so upset. It would be spoilery and frowned upon. I'm okay with this, though. I think that as a reader you should experience the awesomeness of Pandemonium without any preconceived notions or expectations. I know that reading this review will tell you a few things, but hopefully not too much.

In My Mailbox (13)

2012-01-01T14:17:00.000-06:00

Wrecked by Anna Davies

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Identical by Ellen Hopkins

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

The Language of Impossible Dreams by Sarah Ockler

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Apple Pie (in the apple)

2011-12-29T14:33:00.000-06:00

I saw this on Tumblr and my mouth started watering. I mean...look at it! I then used my Google skills to find the recipe for this delicious-looking treat. Why? Because I plan on making it today. Here is the recipe I found:

Sweet Pie Dough

Ingredients:

1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup corn starch
1tbsp sugar
100g butter, cold
1 egg
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder

Directions:

Put all ingredients in the jar of a food processor and mix only until it forms a ball. If necessary, add a few drops of cold water. Don't over mix. If you want do do it manually, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the butter and rub the mixture with your hands until you have a crumbled texture. Add the egg and mix until it comes together into a ball. If necessary, add a few drops of water. Do not over mix.

This dough recipe is enough to make lids for approximately 8 apples.

The Apples

Start with the pie dough. Roll it between two plastic sheets using chopsticks as guides for an even thickness. Put the sheet of dough on a cutting board and place it in the fridge while working with the apples.

Wash a few of the apples and cut off a lid from each one. Using a small sharp knife and a small spoon, cave the apples forming bowls and set the chopped pulp aside. To avoid the apples from getting dark, add a few drops of lemon juice.

After that, peel and dice the lids.

Ingredients: (medium apple)

1 tbsp sugar
1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp powdered cinnamon

Directions:

1) Mix the ingredients and sprinkle over the reserved apple pulp. Toss with a spoon and fill the apple bowls.

2) Remove the dough from the fridge and cut flowers with a cookie cutter. Make some holes to release vapor while baking.

3) Carefully place a flower over each apple. Don't try to mold the dough, it will be firm and will break. The heat of the oven will take care of that.

4) Bake at 370°F (190°C) in a baking pan lined with parchment paper until they are tender and the dough is lightly golden (about 40 minutes).

5) Serve warm or cool, lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar.

(I got the images and recipe from here. If you want to see pictures that follow along with the instructions, you can find them on the website.)

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

2011-12-27T14:42:00.003-06:00

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: 6 December 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: Lux #1
Source: Publisher

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is. (Summary from Goodreads)

I hate that I didn't have the time to read this book in one sitting. It was painful to put it down because every page is made of awesome. I haven't read another book about aliens, so I was glad to see Obsidian mix things up a bit. Oh, and this isn't anything like Star Wars. The aliens in this book are sexy and swoon-worthy!

I loved the simplicity of the world and the complexity of the characters. Armentrout has taken something that's been around for awhile and made it her own. The history behind the Luxen is fascinating and I always wanted to know more about them. What they are and what they can do is revealed slowly throughout the book, but there is still so much that I don't know. (I needed book two, like, yesterday.)

The romance in this book was killer. I loved the tension between Katy and Daemon! They hate each other with a passion, but there are still moments when they seem to connect on a deeper level. I enjoyed watching them grow individually and seeing how their relationship developed.

Katy is an amazing narrator. She's sarcastic, smart, and doesn't let the guy walk all over her. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to do what it takes to get it. I also loved the fact that she is a book blogger. She talks about things like "Waiting on Wednesday" and "In My Mailbox." It was interesting to read about a character who loves doing what I do.

If you haven't heard of this book, add it to your TBR list. If you've heard of it and haven't read it, you should!

Obsidian by Jennifer  L.  Armentrout Blog Tour

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-06:00

I was so, so excited whenever I was contacted to be a part of the Obsidian blog tour! This book is seriously amazing. Katy, the main character, is witty and sarcastic. I love her. The story and other characters really bring this story together to create something amazing. Read. This. Book.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pick the author's brain on a few things, but I'm going to tell you a little bit about the book first.

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: 6 December 2011
Series: Lux, #1

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.
And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.
The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.
If I don’t kill him first, that is.

I love the synopsis for this book!

About the Author

Jennifer lives in West Virginia. All the rumors you heard about her state aren't true. Well, mostly.

When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write. She shares her home with her husband, his K-9 partner named Diesel, her hyper Jack Russell Loki, and her pet turtle called Michelangelo. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent her time writing short stories. Therefore explains her dismal grades in math.

She writes Adult and Young Adult Urban Fantasy and Romance. Half-Blood, the first book in a planned series, is her debut novel and is available October 2011.

You can find Jennifer on her website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, and her blog.

Interview Questions

Why did you decide to write about aliens? I’ve been racking my brain while reading Obsidian, but I cannot think of another alien book that I’ve read.

To be honest, I never really considered writing about aliens. Because come on, when you think of aliens, you think of giant insects and or lumpy, little creatures. But one day I was talking to my editor and she asked if I’d ever considered writing about aliens in high school. At first, I laughed. A lot. Though, once I started to think about it, I was hooked on the premise. Aliens aren’t overexposed in YA, so it left the door open to do almost anything with them.

Why did you decide to make your main character, Katy, a book blogger? I noticed that she does some of the same posts that I do on my blog, and I really enjoyed reading about a book blogger in a book.

I have a huge crush on book bloggers. I admit. And I also have a huge love of reading and when I was Katy’s age, I read a lot. So I took the two things and combined them, creating a character who blogs. And I had so much fun using blogger terms that I’d picked up visiting other blogs.

Where did the idea for Obsidian come from? Did you wake up one morning and start writing, or was it something you had been thinking about for a long time?

It started as an offer to write from my editor and then literally I just ran with the idea. I don’t really plot or anything like that ahead of writing. I sat down and started writing. I hit some rough areas, mainly what kind of aliens they were, that kept me up at night, but it was kind of a spur of a moment thing that took off.

What is your writing process like? Do you write more in the morning, at night, or sporadically throughout the day? Can you write at home, or do you prefer writing elsewhere?

I write whenever I can—in the morning, afternoon, evening, or in the middle of the night. I always write at home.

Describe your perfect day.

A day full of writing.

What author(s) has inspired you the most?

The authors I grew up reading are who inspired me. Think LJ Smith, Christopher Pike, RL Stine, Ritchie Cusick, etc.

What is your favorite book, sweet, and other treat?

My favorite book (series) right now is Soul Screamers. Sweet would be some form of chocolate and treat would be reading a book since I’ve been doing so much writing and very little reading.

I just want to thank Jennifer and Entangled Publishing for the opportunity to read Obsidian. It's fabulous! If you haven't added it to your TBR pile, you should.

Cheesecake Squares

2011-12-08T14:18:00.006-06:00

Ingredients

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sugar
6 large eggs
1/3 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
9 (1-oz.) semisweet chocolate baking squares
1 tablespoon plus 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Garnishes: powdered sugar, chocolate-covered coffee beans, thawed whipped topping

Preparation

1. Prepare Chocolate Crust as directed. Increase oven temperature to 375°.

2. Beat cream cheese and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer 2 to 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition.

3. Microwave whipping cream in a 1-cup microwave-safe measuring cup at HIGH 30 seconds or until very hot. Stir in coffee granules until completely dissolved. Cool coffee mixture slightly.

4. Microwave chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl at HIGH 1 minute. Microwave 1 more minute, stirring at 15-second intervals. Add melted chocolate, vanilla, and coffee mixture to cream cheese mixture. Beat at low speed just until blended. Pour mixture into prepared Chocolate Crust.

5. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until edges are firm and center is still soft. Let cool to room temperature (about 1 hour); cover and chill 8 hours. Cut into squares. Garnish, if desired.

Ingredients

Chocolate Crust

1/3 cup butter
2 (1-oz.) semisweet chocolate baking squares
1 1/3 cups fine, dry breadcrumbs
1/3 cup sugar

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Stir together butter and chocolate in a medium-size heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring often, 3 to 5 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Remove from heat, and stir in breadcrumbs and sugar until well blended. Press mixture onto bottom of a lightly greased 9-inch square pan.

2. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes. Cool on a wire rack 15 minutes. Chill 30 minutes.

(The recipes and image were found here.)

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

2011-11-25T14:20:00.009-06:00

Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: 31 August 2010
Format: Hardcover
Series: Paranormalcy, #1
Source: Purchased

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

So much for normal. (Summary from Goodreads)

This was a really great, fun book! Evie is a lovable character that I could see myself being friends with. Her addiction to pink might bother me a little bit, but her personality and charm easily make up for that.

I love books about faeries and the supernatural. Paranormalcy had it all. Kiersten White introduced me to creatures that I've never heard of, but she also put a unique spin on the ones I've read about before. Evie's ability was creepy, yet really awesome. It caused her problems, but it also gave her an advantage. It allowed her to do something no one else has ever done before.

The guy choice in this book should be obvious. Lend is sweet, caring, handsome, and basically the perfect boyfriend. However, I really liked Reth. (If you've already read this book, I know what you're thinking.) He's so bad. He is definitely the dark to Lend's light, but he's a faerie. They're supposed to be conniving, tricky, and generally detestable. I like them though, and I have a feeling that Reth cares more than he lets on.

The story was amazing, the characters were fabulous, and I couldn't stop smiling while I read this book. I remember being in the library and wondering why my face was hurting. It didn't take me long to figure out that it was because I had been smiling for, like, twenty straight pages. If you need to work the muscles in your face, Paranormalcy is the book for you.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

2011-11-19T00:30:00.031-06:00

Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: 2 December 2010
Format: Hardcover
Series: None
Source: Purchased

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris - until she meets Etienne St. Clair: perfect, Parisian (and English and American, which makes for a swoon-worthy accent), and utterly irresistible. The only problem is that he's taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her almost-relationship back home.

As winter melts into spring, will a year of romantic near - misses end with the French kiss Anna - and readers - have long awaited? (Summary from Goodreads)

I have no idea why I waited so long to read this book, but I definitely wish I had read it sooner! This book was EXACTLY what I needed! I've been in some sort of reading slump lately, but Anna and the French Kiss pulled me out with my fingers still clutching the pages. I never wanted to put it down and gave people dirty looks whenever they interrupted me.

I love stories that take place at a boarding school. I have no idea why, I just do. This book was doubly delicious because it takes place at a boarding school in Paris. Hello, French boys! I'm a sucker for accents, so I'm pretty sure I drooled on a lot of the pages. Etienne St. Clair is so, so wonderful. It was nice reading a book about a nice, sweet, sexy guy. Now don't get me wrong, I love the bad boys, but St. Clair easily won my heart.

Anna was a fabulous main character. I loved her personality and her voice. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the things she would say. There were so many lines I wanted to quote from this book and post on Tumblr, but eventually the entire book would have been on there. I enjoyed all of it.

Ready to go to Paris? I am!

Young Adult Novel Discovery Competition

2011-11-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

No query? No pitch? No problem!

Serendipity Literary Agency, in collaboration with Gotham Writers' Workshop, is hosting its Third Annual Young Adult Novel Discovery Competition for a chance to win a one-on-one consultation with one of New York's leading YA literary agents!

If you've written a novel for young adults—or have an idea for one that you would like to write—we invite you to enter our contest. Simply submit only an enticing title along with the first 250 words from the opening of your original YA novel. http://bit.ly/YAContest

GREAT PRIZES

The Grand Prize Winner will have the opportunity to submit an entire manuscript to YA literary agent Regina Brooks and receive a free, 10-week writing course, courtesy of Gotham Writers' Workshop, plus a collection of gourmet teas from Possibiliteas.co.

The Top Five Entrants (including the Grand Prize winner) will receive a 15-minute, one-on-one pitch session with Regina Brooks, one of New York’s premier literary agents for young adult books. They will also receive commentary on their submissions by editors at Scholastic, Disney, Harlequin Teen, Random House, Viking, Roaring Brook Press, Sourcebooks, and Kimani Tru and receive a one-year subscription to The Writer magazine.

The First 50 Entrants will receive a copy of Writing Great Books for Young Adults by Regina Brooks.

Enter to win at http://bit.ly/YAContest

Hurry! The contest ends November 30, 2011.

The Hunger Games Trailer

2011-11-14T10:05:00.000-06:00

I know that this is probably everywhere (and you've watched it a million times like I have), but I still wanted to post it on my blog! There could still be someone out there who hasn't seen this!

I'll admit that I was ~~a little~~ a lot worried about how Hollywood would depict The Hunger Games movies, but I think it's going to be okay. I mean, it's definitely not what I had imagined, but I think their perspective is really awesome. I can't expect them to do it exactly like I wanted them to. (Maybe I should go into the movie business...hah.) Anyways, I am really, really excited about this movie!

Is it March yet?

John Green Week

2011-11-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

Farrah (from I Eat Words) mentioned having a John Green Week. Awesome, right? I was really excited about this because I haven't had a chance to read any of his books. *gasps* I know! Shame on me! I have been eyeing a copy of Will Grayson, Will Grayson at work but haven't bought it yet. However, that will change soon. I am going to try and read as many of his books as I can for John Green Week. :-)

The lovely Ginger (from G-Reads) made this amazing icon. She's so freaking talented!

The Fault in Our Stars is going to be released in January and this event is going to be dedicated to him, his new book, and all of the ones before it.

There are quite a few other ladies participating in this event:

Farrah and Britney (I Eat Words), Ginger (GReads Books), Anna (Anna Reads Books), Melanie (Reclusive Bibliophile), Tara (Fiction Folio), Yani (The Secret Life of an Avid Reader), Jamie (The Perpetual Page-Turner), Liz (ElizzieBooks), Heidi (YA Bibliophile), and Priscilla (The Readables).

What will happen during John Green Week?

I know I'm going to be reading his books for the first time, but there are a lot of other people who could re-read them just for fun! There will also be a place for you to sign up if you're interested in participating.

Bloggers, feel free to review any of his books on your blogs during JGW!

There will be videos, discussions, favorite moments, and a ton of other fun and exciting things.

Did I mention giveaways? Yes, there will be some of those too!

Don't forget to grab one of the buttons Ginger made:

Where do I sign up? Here:

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

2011-11-09T12:46:00.002-06:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperTeen

Series: The Selection, #1

Release Date: 24 April 2012

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined. (Summary from Goodreads)

The cover is breathtaking, yes, but the synopsis is equally captivating. Thirty-five girls all fighting for one man? The drama llama is going to make an appearance! Now, back to the cover. I want a copy to hang on my wall! Gorgeous!

Fiction Verses Food

2011-11-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

This guest post was supposed to have posted on November 2nd, but due to unforeseeable circumstances it is being posted today. I'm sure everyone will find the information just as exciting! I learned a lot of new things about this author and I'm really glad she took the time to share a little bit about herself.

Jus Accardo is on the blog today! She is the author of Touch, which was released on November first of this year.

Here is a little something from her:

As some of you may already know, before I started to seriously pursue writing, I applied and was accepted to the C.I.A (Culinary Institute of America). My grandfather was a chef and I’d always loved food. Growing up in the kitchen, there was always something in the oven or on the top of the stove. Assorted batter bowls on the counter and chopping boards full of fresh veggies on the table. The house always smelled amazing—like sautéed onions or baking bread.

But I also loved to read. When the stories didn’t end exactly the way I wanted, I wrote them over myself (can you say control freak?). I loved coming up with alternate endings, and in some cases, completely new characters to fit in here and there. From an early age, I knew it was going to be one or the other. Food or fiction.

I think I’ve always leaned slightly toward fiction—my imagination had always run kind of rampant—but food was safer. Steadier paycheck. Solid future. It wasn’t until the last minute that I changed my mind and ran like hell down the writing path. Have I regretted it? Not even once.

Really though, if you look at them, food and fiction have things in common. Both take imagination. The intricate creation of worlds and characters verses the yummy creation of a new dish. In fiction, your characters don’t always turn out the way you expected. Like when cooking, substitutions are sometimes necessary. A personality trait here, a dash of paprika there. It all pulls on the imagination.

Attention to detail is a biggie, too. When following a recipe—baking especially—it’s important to pay close attention to your measurements. Adding a hair too much of this or a smidge too much of that can have disappointing, if not disastrous results. When writing, it’s the same thing. When cooking up a character, you need the perfect combination of traits and flaws to make them someone the reader can relate to and feel for. Characters with not enough backbone, or a too prominent annoying habit, are going to fizzle.

What about everyone else? What did you want to do when you grew up? Is that what you’re doing—or did you go in a different direction?

It's me (Lindsi) again! I am so excited Jus talked about food and fiction and how the two are similiar. It's no secret how much I love to read and bake. They are two constants in my life.

What do I want to be when I grow up? I still don't know. I will graduate in May with a degree in education, but I have no idea if that is what I want to do for the rest of my life. There is just so much out there to see and do. I want to do it all!

About the author:

Jus Accardo is the author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction. A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book,

Touch, is due out in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is represented by Kevan Lyon of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

Website | Blog

About the book:

Title: Touch

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-44-2
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-45-9
Release Date: November 1, 2011

When a strange boy tumbles down a river embankment and lands at her feet, seventeen-year-old adrenaline junkie Deznee Cross snatches the opportunity to piss off her father by bringing the mysterious hottie with ice blue eyes home.

Except there's something off with Kale. He wears her shoes in the shower, is overly fascinated with things like DVDs and vases, and acts like she'll turn to dust if he touches her.

It's not until Dez's father shows up, wielding a gun and knowing more about Kale than he should, that Dez realizes there's more to this boy, and her father's "law firm," than she realized. Kale has been a prisoner of Denazen Corporation -- an organization devoted to collecting "special" kids known as Sixes and using them as weapons -- his entire life.

And, oh yeah, his touch? It kills.

The two team up with a group of rogue Sixes hellbent on taking down Denazen before they're caught and her father discovers the biggest secret of all. A secret Dez has spent her life keeping safe.

A secret Kale will kill to protect.

This book can be found on Amazon | Barnes & Noble :-)

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

2011-11-06T00:48:00.004-05:00

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Release Date: 1 October 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series:
Source: NetGalley

Jasmine Evans knows one thing for sure... people make mistakes. After all, she is one. Jaz is the result of a onenight stand between a black football player and a blonde princess. Having a young mother who didn't raise her, a father who wants nothing to do with her and living in a small-minded town where she's never fit in hasn't been easy. But she's been surviving. Until she sees her mom's new boyfriend making out with her own best friend. When do you forgive people for being human or give up on them forever? (Summary from Goodreads)

If I Tell started off okay, but I quickly lost interest and almost didn't finish reading the book. I had heard such good things about this book, and I really wanted to like it, but I just wasn't a fan.

The main character, Jaz, was whiny, sulked around all of the time, and didn't seem to do anything to make her situation any better. She ran from one bad thing to next and never wanted to take responsibility for her actions. If she had been honest and told the truth from the beginning, none of the bad things would have happened. (I know, I know...there wouldn't have been a book if she had spilled her guts from the start.)

I tried to like the secondary characters, I did, but they all got under my skin too. It was like everyone was trying to make a point, and every character had some hidden meaning. I eventually got tired of trying to sort everything out and just sped through the rest of the book. The central characters get a little resolution in the end, but there are other people that fell out of the book about halfway through and I never saw them again.

It just wasn't a book for me.

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

2011-11-02T16:01:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Spellcaster

Author: Cara Lynn Shultz

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Series: Spellbound, #2

Release Date: 27 March 2012

Finding your eternal soulmate - easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own. (Summary from Goodreads)

Doesn't this sound amazing? I love, love, loved the first book in this series and I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

Caramel Frappuccino Cupcakes

2011-10-30T23:29:00.002-05:00

Cupcakes (makes 24 cupcakes):

Ingredients:

3/4 cup whole or low-fat milk
1/4 cup sour cream
3 heaping teaspoons instant coffee
1 tbsp vanilla
3 cups cake flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons very finely ground coffee
2 teaspoons unsweetened natural cocoa powder
3/4 cup butter at room temperature
1 1/2 cup white sugar
4 eggs, yolks and whites separated

Directions:

1) Heat the milk in the microwave or on the stove until hot - stop short of a simmer. Stir in the instant coffee until well blended. Add the vanilla and set aside.

2) Sift together the cake flour, baking powder, soda, salt, ground coffee and cocoa.

3) In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar with the paddle attachment until creamed. It should be slightly fluffy. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time.

4) Add 2/3 of the flour mixture and the sour cream. Add the remaining flour mixture and milk. Beat until smooth.

5) Scrape all the batter out into a separate bowl and wash the mixer bowl thoroughly.

6) Switch to the whisk attachment and beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry. They will hold a stiff peak but they will still slip around a little in the bowl.

7) Fold the egg whites into the cake batter gently, folding the batter around until well combined.

8) Fill cupcake liners with batter and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes (they baked up surprisingly fast).

Coffee Mousse

Ingredients:

3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
6 large egg yolks
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons instant espresso powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 1/2 cups chilled whipping cream
2 tablespoons coffee liqueur
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

NOTE: I cut the above recipe in half by eyeballing it (a lot of the measurements don't make for an easy division). I also used Starbucks Via Instant Coffee instead of instant espresso and cut out the nutmeg. (That was from the original recipe, but I did the same thing!)

Directions:

1) Whisk sugar, yolks, water and espresso powder in large metal bowl. Set bowl over saucepan of simmering water (do not allow bowl to touch water); whisk until candy thermometer registers 160°F, about 3 minutes.

2) Remove bowl from over water. Add nutmeg.

3) Using electric mixer, beat egg mixture until cool and thick, about 5 minutes.

4) Beat cream, liqueur and vanilla in another large bowl until stiff peaks form. Fold cream mixture into egg mixture.

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Tools/Equipment:
3-4 quart saucepan
candy thermometer

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
2 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Cut butter into evenly sized cubes and melt over low heat in large 3-4 quart saucepan.

2) Once butter is fully melted, add brown sugar, being careful to avoid the sides of the pan. If any stray sugar crystals fall onto side of pan, carefully brush off with a wet pastry brush.

3) Once butter and sugar are fully combined, add corn syrup and condensed milk. Clip on candy thermometer to side of pan.

4) Cook mixture on low heat (still continually stirring) for about a minute or two. Increase heat to medium and continue to cook/ stir until mixture reaches 225 degrees. Once the mixture is removed from heat, stir in vanilla extract.

NOTE: If caramel is too thick, simply reheat and add in some heavy cream until combined.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
4 egg whites
3 sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature)
1 tbsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1) Heat sugar, egg whites, and salt in a heatproof mixer bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisking until sugar dissolves and mixture registers 160 degrees on a candy thermometer.

2) Return bowl to mixer, and whisk, gradually increasing speed from low to medium-high, until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add butter, a few pieces at a time, whisking well after each addition. Whisk in vanilla. Switch to a paddle attachment and beat until air bubbles are gone, 2 to 3 minutes more.

To assemble the cupcakes:

Once cupcakes are cool, core out the center of each one. Using a pastry bag, pipe a small amount of caramel sauce, then pipe coffee mousse until the center is almost full, and then top with another piping of caramel. Once all cupcakes are filled, pipe swiss meringue buttercream onto each one using a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Lastly, use a sturdy plastic freezer bag or disposable plastic pastry bag with a small hole cut out of it and drizzle caramel on top of each cupcake.

I got the recipe and all of the images from Pixie Crust.

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

2011-10-28T01:01:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 22 November 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: None
Source: NetGalley

When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life. (Summary from Goodreads)

I literally just finished this book. I would have finished it sooner but the Rangers game was on. (It was intense!)

I have so much love for this story and the characters involved. They were described in a way that made them incredibly real to me. I know their habits, their mannerisms, their quirks. Harper, Laney, and Jake are people I wish I knew in real life. I enjoyed watching them make mistakes, learn, love, and grow.

I am not the most music-savvy person in the world, but I do enjoy listening to it and branching out to try new things. This book was like a music buffet. It wasn't thrown at me, but weaved into the story to give it a greater meaning. A few songs I had never heard of before and promptly looked up on iTunes to have a better understanding of their role in the story. Everything means something to someone.

I wanted to laugh, cry, sing, and sometimes all three at the same time. This book is heartbreaking, sweet, and not something I will forget any time soon.

If you haven't added this book to you TBR pile, do so immediately! Saving June is easily one of my favorite books this year.

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

2011-10-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: ExtraNormal
Author: Suze Reese
Publisher: Mountain Crest Publications
Series: ExtraNormal, #1
Release Date: January 2012

Mira Johns is pretty much like any other teenage girl. Except that she knows how to harness electro-magnetic energy to communicate without words. And she's really, really far from home. Her assignment as an emissary to Earth sounds fairly simple: blend in, observe, and stay away from the planet’s primitive males. But after she finds one mysterious boy too irresistible for stupid rules, she realizes the real reason she's supposed to keep her distance: mates from her world can die if separated. But a series of serious accidents make it clear that someone wants to force her return. Mira decides her only hope is to uncover the truth to why she, the most mediocre of candidates, was actually chosen for this assignment—before the agency discovers her secret and sends her back home. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love the cover and the synopsis for this book! It's so different!

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe

2011-10-23T00:01:00.002-05:00

Publisher:
Release Date: 7 April 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: Birthday Trilogy, #1
Source: Author

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Martin has a huge problem: he’s aging a whole year of his life with each passing day!

High school is hard enough; imagine rapidly aging from seventeen to seventy in a matter of weeks, with no logical explanation, and with prom, graduation, and the state championship basketball game all on the horizon. That’s what happens to Cameron, a popular pretty boy who's never had to face a day looking anything but perfect.

All Cameron wants to do is go back to normal, but no one, not even the best doctors, can diagnose his condition. When he finds love with a mysterious young woman, however, he realizes his only hope for survival might be with the one person who started his condition in the first place... (Summary from Goodreads)

I really like the synopsis for this book. A guy who ages a year every day? It's crazy, unique, and I thought it had the potential to be great. Sadly, this book just didn't do it for me. I never connected with the main character or got really engrossed in the story. I mean, I felt bad for the guy, but not enough to cry over his predicament.

I knew from the beginning what had caused his mysterious disease, so I wasn't surprised when it was revealed towards the end. The characters were all really shallow, including the guy's parents. Parents are supposed to be there for their children! I understand that a point was trying to be made, but I think their actions were a little extreme. Also, the "change of heart" came out of nowhere and wasn't fully explained.

The main character is annoying, arrogant, and selfish throughout the book. He starts changing (slowly) in the last few chapters, but he's not really that much different when it ends.

There were two scenes in the book that have probably scarred me for life. (Trust me, you don't want the details.)

I just felt like there was a lot that happened without any explanation. I kept hoping for someone to explain something. The book wasn't all bad. It had it's moments and life lessons, but didn't appeal to me as much as I thought it would.

Sautéed Grape Napoleons with Port Reduction

2011-10-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

9 (14 x 9–inch) sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons powdered sugar, divided
3/4 cup tawny port
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
2 teaspoons butter
2 cups seedless green grapes
1 cup seedless red grapes
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 ounce goat cheese, softened
1 (3-ounce) package 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place 1 phyllo sheet on a large cutting board or work surface (cover remaining dough to keep from drying). Lightly coat dough with cooking spray. Place 2 tablespoons powdered sugar in a small sieve; dust phyllo lightly with powdered sugar. Repeat procedure with 2 phyllo sheets, cooking spray, and powdered sugar, ending with powdered sugar; press layers gently to adhere. Cut phyllo stack lengthwise into 3 (3 x 14–inch) rectangles. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 4 (3 x 3 1/2–inch) rectangles to form 12 rectangles. Carefully stack 1 rectangle on top of another to form 6 stacks; press layers gently. Place stacks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat procedure with the remaining phyllo, cooking spray, and powdered sugar to form 18 stacks.

3. Cover the phyllo stacks with parchment paper; place another baking sheet on parchment. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until stacks are golden and crisp. Carefully remove top baking sheet and parchment. Cool phyllo stacks completely on baking sheet.

4. Bring port to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook 10 minutes or until reduced to 1 1/2 tablespoons. Remove from heat; stir in honey and 1/8 teaspoon salt.

5. Melt butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, grapes, granulated sugar, and juice. Saute 10 minutes or until grapes are tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, and cool to room temperature.

6. Combine cheeses in a small bowl, stirring well.

7. Place 1 phyllo stack on each of 6 plates, and top with 1 teaspoon cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon grape mixture. Repeat the layers once, ending with phyllo stack. Drizzle 1 teaspoon port mixture onto each plate. Sprinkle each serving with 1 teaspoon walnuts, and dust evenly with the remaining 2 teaspoons powdered sugar.

I found the recipe and image here.

Interview: Inara Scott {+ giveaway}

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am really excited to have Inara Scott on the blog again! She is the author of The Candidates and The Marked (the first two books in the Delacroix Academy series). Her newest book, Radiant Desire, was just released. However, her new book falls into the Adult Romance category instead of YA. If you haven't read any of her books, you need to! They're fabulous :-)

Image from Goodreads.

Was it hard to switch from writing YA to writing Adult Romance? Did your writing process change?

Actually, I started out writing romance, and then switched to YA for my Delcroix Academy series, and then switched back for Radiant Desire. :-) One thing that helps me keep the two genres separate is that I usually write my YA in first person, and my adult romance in third. That makes the voice really different. Still, my editor for my first Delcroix book had me tone down some of the bits that were to romance novel-y. So apparently I still lapse back and forth between the two.

Why fairies?

No really good reason, except that I’d been looking at my daughter’s Barbie faeries, and for some reason they inspired me to want to write about the Fey. Sad but true.

Did you originally decide to write about the four different Handmaids, or was that something you discovered once you started writing the book?

I knew from the start that I wanted to make the four Handmaids really distinct, so they could each handle their own story. I’m not still 100% sure I’ll write all four -- it will depend on whether their story demands to be told. :-)

Where did the idea for this book come from? It’s completely different from the Delacroix Academy (but still incredibly good).

It was a combination of influences: 1) the aforementioned Barbie faeries (for some reason, I just looked at those things and pictured a romance novel heroine!); and 2) a desire to write a Beauty and the Beast story, where the woman is the beast. I knew in the world of romance, I couldn’t really make her a true beast, but I could give her an old fashioned comeuppance by changing her from the object of every man’s desire to a flawed, imperfect human. It wasn’t until I plunked her down into the middle of the Everglades that I realized just how hard her journey would have to be.

Would you say you enjoyed writing YA or Adult Romance more? I know they are two very different categories, but I was wondering if you had a preference.

It really depends on my mood. Sometimes I really like the freedom of YA, and the fact that I can sit down to a new story with absolutely no idea how it will turn out. Also, YA gives you a bigger palate in which to create -- in adult romance, you know you’ve got to have a happy ending, and you know the majority of the book has to center around the relationship between hero and heroine. But all that said, I love larger than life men, I love seeing the romance blossom between hero and heroine, and even though I know it’s coming, I still love seeing them get their happily ever after.

What was it like writing from multiple perspectives instead of one?

Each one poses its own challenges. With first person, you’ve got to make sure everything in the story can be told through the eyes of the narrator. That can be a challenge, especially when you’re writing a mystery! On the other hand, when you use multiple perspectives, you’ve got to make them all unique, and yet they’ve all got to gel into one coherent story. That’s a pretty significant challenge of its own.

If you could eat anything in the world right now, what would it be?

Another bowl of ice cream. I just finished one, and truly, I’m never satisfied. ;-)

Thanks so much Inara! I never would have thought Barbies would have been your inspiration. Haha! I can't wait to read more of your books :-)

If you would like to know more about this author, you can find her on Twitter (@inarascott), her website, and on Goodreads. You can also find copies of Radiant Desire on B&N and Amazon!

About the Author

Inara Scott grew up in the winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. Consequently, she spent much of her childhood complaining about being cold. To spare the world her whining, she fled the cold climate and eventually wound up in the Pacific NW. She loves it there — they get occasional snow, tons of rain in the winter, and lots of sun in the summer. The forests are huge, and the old Douglas Fir trees and thick ferns make you think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale. She would be surprised if there weren’t fairies and elves living there. Seriously. She loves to hike, canoe, and play outside. She is addicted to yoga. She has a deep affinity for water (she used to believe she could learn to breathe underwater, if she stayed down there long enough).

Inara is a geek through and through. She fears deep, intellectual books and loves romance and fantasies. She listens to cheesy, happy music. When she was in high school, her friends considered having a clothing intervention for her because she insisted on making her own clothes and shopping at thrift stores. Somehow, she survived.

Oh, and did I mention a giveaway? No? Well, I am now! One lucky winner will receive an ebook copy of Radiant Desire! Just fill out the form below :-)

To enter:

Only one entry per person--
You must be at least 13 years of age or older--
(View my Contest Policy for more information.)
International--

Ends: November 2, 2011

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Radiant Desire by Inara Scott

2011-10-18T00:01:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Release Date: 4 October 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: Handmaid’s Seduction, #1
Source: Publisher

The object of every man’s fantasy just lost her wings…

Kaia Verde is one of the four Faerie Handmaids of Zafira, Queen of the Fey. To redress an ancient wrong done to Zafira by a human king, the Handmaids make sport of mortal men, seducing and humiliating them. When Kaia sets out to seduce Garrett Jameson, but ends up being the one surrendering to pleasure, Zafira is furious. Kaia’s punishment is simple: make Garrett fall in love with her by the summer solstice, then break his heart, or face eternity without her wings—or her soul. To make the task harder, Zafira tells Kaia she cannot use her faerie magic or charm to lure Garrett into her bed.

…and now she’s losing her heart…

Kaia thinks her task will be relatively easy—as a faerie, she understands lust, and can love be much different? But once she is living among the humans, Kaia discovers the race she once disparaged is far more complex and beautiful than she imagined. She learns before she can break Garrett’s heart, she must find a way to heal it. And eventually, discovers that losing her wings may be a far easier price to pay than losing her heart. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love Inara's YA series, The Delacroix Academy, so I was really excited when she mentioned writing an Adult Romance book. I've recently started reading Adult Romance books (I really like them), and this one didn't disappoint.

My reading time has been very limited lately, so I've been grabbing a book whenever I have a few minutes to spare. A lot of times that means reading in class when I'm supposed to be listening or observing. There were a few times when I'm sure my face flushed while I was reading this book in front of fourth graders. (I wasn't reading it to them, but it's like they know.)

Speaking of blushing, I really liked that the sexy scenes were not over-the-top. Instead, they were romantic, intense, intimate and sweet.

I felt like this book really pointed out some of the qualities we (humans) forget we possess. Kaia is sucked into humanity and it takes her on a ride she wasn't expecting. She learns the meaning of "I'm sorry" and "I love you." Those two phrases are not the only things she learns throughout the book, and I really enjoyed seeing her grow as I turned the pages.

The ending was...unexpected. It wasn't really a cliffhanger, but there is definitely a lot left unsaid. I can't wait to see what happens next!

In My Mailbox (12)

2011-10-17T00:50:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a meme started by The Story Siren. It's a way for people to share all of the lovely books they have gotten over the week, and a great chance for others to see what is out there.

Eyes in the Mirror by Julia Mayer
Tomorrow Girls by Eva Gray
Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions by a ton of amazing authors
I'm Not Her by Janet Gurtler
The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern
A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

Second Helpings Saturday (3)

2011-10-15T01:24:00.000-05:00

Click here for more information on Second Helpings Saturday!

I've decided to reread The Candidates today because I'm almost finished with Inara's new Adult Romance book (Radiant Desire). If you haven't read anything by this author, you need to. Her stories are unique and exciting :-)

The Candidates is the first book in her YA series, The Delcroix Academy. The Marked is going to be released soon!

Dancia Lewis is far from popular. And that's not just because of her average grades or her less-than-glamorous wardrobe. In fact, Dancia's mediocrity is a welcome cover for her secret: whenever she sees a person threatening someone she cares about, things just...happen. Cars skid. Structures collapse. Usually someone gets hurt. So Dancia does everything possible to avoid getting close to anyone, belieiving this way she can supress her powers and keep them hidden.

But when recruiters from the prestigious Delcroix Academy show up in her living room to offer her a full scholarship, Dancia's days of living under the radar may be over. Only, Delcroix is a school for diplomats' kids and child geniuses--not B students with uncontrollable telekinetic tendencies. So why are they treating Dancia like she's special? Even the hottest guy on campus seems to be going out of his way to make Dancia feel welcome.

And then there's her mysterious new friend Jack, who can't stay out of trouble. He suspects something dangerous is going on at the Academy and wants Dancia to help him figure out what. But Dancia isn't convinced. She hopes that maybe the recruiters know more about her "gift" than they're letting on. Maybe they can help her understand how to use it...But not even Dancia could have imagined what awaits her behind the gates of Delcroix Academy. (Summary from Goodreads)

Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

2011-10-11T01:02:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish. The topic this week is: Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time.

1) The Harry Potter Books by J.K. Rowling. I know that a lot of people will probably use this...but it's so true! These books are what started my love of fantasy and paranormal. They showed me a entirely different side of reading and books. I've also grown up with them and never get tired of reading the story.

2) The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I'm so, so worried about the movies being made for this series. They can never replace the books! The Hunger Games totally took me by surprise with its intensity and insanely awesome story.

3) The Iron King (and the rest of the series) by Julie Kagawa. I love Julie. She introduced me to Ash, Puck, Grim, and a ton of other amazing characters. I loved visiting faerie and falling in love with people I probably shouldn't fall in love with. She has also written one of the most agonizing love triangles. I can't choose!

4) If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I'm scared to read this book again because I know I will cry. Again. The story is just so wonderful and beautiful. It took my breath away and left me emotionally drained for the rest of the week. That intense feeling would be hard to duplicate (but I'm pretty sure I'll still end up a blubbering mess when I do read it again).

5) Kissed by an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler. This book (I believe it's three in one) really brought me back into the reading world. I was really turned off by a lot of books and this one gave me the light I needed to get out of my dark reading slump. The story blew me away and really gave love an entirely different meaning. (And the suspense/mystery is fantastic!)

6) City of Bones (and the entire TMM series) by Cassandra Clare. I read this series a long time ago and I am ashamed to admit that I might have forgotten quite a few of the details. I just remember devouring all of these books and barely having time to come up for air. I want to read them again so I can experience what I did the first time (or something similar).

7) A Great and Terrible Beauty (Gemma Doyle series) by Libba Bray. Love this series! I think the last book (The Sweet Far Thing) was the very first book I ever threw across a room. Libba Bray destroyed me. I had such strong feelings for the characters and I was really invested in their lives. Plus, the world was entirely new and exciting!

8) The Summoning (Darkest Powers series) by Kelley Armstrong. Kelley Armstrong made me love a hairy, pimply, sweaty and overall gross character. If an author can make me look past all of that...wow. She also writes about necromancers, which is definitely different.

9) Vampire Academy (the entire series) by Richelle Mead. Adrian! Dimitri! Rose! I could never get enough of the characters or the story. This series blew my mind and had me clinging to the pages on multiple occasions. This series made me think, "Twilight? What's Twilight?"

10) Delirium by Lauren Oliver. A world without love? It's a crazy extreme that Lauren Oliver makes a reality. I'm pretty sure the last few chapters of my book have tear stains. I read this book again right after I turned the last page. It wasn't the same experience, but I'll never forget how I did feel the first time I read it.

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

2011-10-06T00:59:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: 15 November 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: The Pledge, #1
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

In the violent country of Ludania, the language you speak determines what class you are, and there are harsh punishments if you forget your place—looking a member of a higher class in the eye can result in immediate execution. Seventeen-year-old Charlaina (Charlie for short) can understand all languages, a dangerous ability she’s been hiding her whole life. Her only place of release is the drug-filled underground club scene, where people go to shake off the oppressive rules of the world they live in. There, she meets a beautiful and mysterious boy who speaks a language she’s never heard, and her secret is almost exposed. Through a series of violent upheavals, it becomes clear that Charlie herself is the key to forcing out the oppressive power structure of her kingdom…. (Summary from Goodreads)

I absolutely love the cover! It's so dark and seductive, and I think it fits the story perfectly. I thought I would read this book slowly in my spare time, but once I picked it up I didn't want to put it down. I was thinking about the story and the characters even when the book wasn't in my hands.

There are so many amazing relationships in this book. Kimberly Derting didn't write about a dysfunctional family, but about people who genuinely loved and cared about one another. They were willing to sacrifice anything and everything for each other. The friendships weren't flimsy or wishy-washy, but meaningful and important. I really liked the bond between Charlie and her sister Angelina. They were so close they were able to communicate without words.

Charlie was a really great main character. At first she was scared, apprehensive, and confused. Later, she became more confident and less afraid. I really saw her growing throughout the book and becoming the person she needed to be at the end.

There wasn't really a love triangle in this book, and I felt like the romance came naturally. It wasn't something the author forced together; there was no "love at first sight." Like in any relationship, there are secrets and questions in the beginning, but I believe the push and pull of their relationship was believable and normal.

The story was incredible, I was caught off guard on more than one occasion, and the ending left me feeling satisfied. However, I am left with the knowledge that there is a lot that I still don't know, and I'm itching to find out what that is.

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

2011-10-05T10:49:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 stick butter, unsalted
1/4 cup shortening
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 oz red food coloring (about 5 drops)
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Combine the dry ingredients. In the bowl of a mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, shortening, and both sugars at low speed until fluffy and combined. Add the egg, vanilla and red food coloring and beat until just combined. Add half the flour mixture and beat until combined. Then add the buttermilk and the rest of the flour and combine.

Make the whoopie pies by spooning out 1 T of batter for each cookie. Bake each sheet one at a time, for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely before frosting with Marshmallow frosting (see below).

Marshmallow Buttercream

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups marshmallow fluff
1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening
1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Combine the ingredients for the frosting using your mixer and add between two cookies to make a pie. Dip the sides in sprinkles to decorate.

Recipe and image were found here.

Second Helpings Saturday (2)

2011-10-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

Click here for more information on Second Helpings Saturday!

This week I have decided to reread Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moutlon. I loved reading it the first time. There is so much action and interesting things going on. (The boys are also very, very nice!) I cannot wait for Wings of the Wicked to be released!

This 2011 Indie Next Pick debut, the first novel in a trilogy, is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

When seventeen-year-old Ellie starts seeing reapers - monstrous creatures who devour humans and send their souls to Hell - she finds herself on the front lines of a supernatural war between archangels and the Fallen and faced with the possible destruction of her soul.

A mysterious boy named Will reveals she is the reincarnation of an ancient warrior, the only one capable of wielding swords of angelfire to fight the reapers, and he is an immortal sworn to protect her in battle. Now that Ellie's powers have been awakened, a powerful reaper called Bastian has come forward to challenge her. He has employed a fierce assassin to eliminate her - an assassin who has already killed her once.

While balancing her dwindling social life and reaper-hunting duties, she and Will discover Bastian is searching for a dormant creature believed to be a true soul reaper. Bastian plans to use this weapon to ignite the End of Days and to destroy Ellie's soul, ending her rebirth cycle forever. Now, she must face an army of Bastian's most frightening reapers, prevent the soul reaper from consuming her soul, and uncover the secrets of her past lives - including truths that may be too frightening to remember. (Summary from Goodreads)

Vampire Cookies

2011-09-30T13:39:00.000-05:00

It's October! I'm going to post a lot of Halloween-themed sweets this month. I'm going to start with these Vampire Cookies because they are delicious! They also "bleed" whenever you bite into them. They are butter cookies with bright red raspberry jam and little vampire bites on the top.

Side note: The cookie dough needs to me bade at least an hour in advance because it needs to be chilled and rolled out. "These are not sandwich cookies, but are made by sandwiching filling between two rounds of uncooked dough and pressing the edges together to seal the filling inside."

The bite marks need to be made before baking! I just used a toothpick and pricked to small holes in the dough. When the cookies cooled I used another toothpick (but this time with some of the raspberry jam on it) and made it look like the cookie was bleeding from the bite marks.

Side note: You don't have to use raspberry jam. I did because that's what the recipe I followed used. However, the site says you can use other red jams, just try to stay away from the ones that have large pieces of fruit.

Ingredients:

3/4 cup butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/8 tsp almond extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/4 tsp salt

approximately 1/2 cup red jam (raspberry or strawberry)

Directions:

1) In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and extracts.

2) Add flour and salt to the bowl and mix them into the butter-sugar mixture at low speed until dough is just combined. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

3) Preheat oven to 325F.

4) Divide dough in half and keep the portion you are not using in the refrigerator.

5) Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface until it is about 1/8-inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out 2-inch rounds.

6) Place rounds on a baking sheet, put a teaspoon of jam on each of them and cover with another round of dough. Press edges down lightly, pinching the edges onto the cookie sheet. Use a toothpick and poke two small holes (like a vampire bite) in the top of each cookie.

7) Bake for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are set.

8) Cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9) Dip a toothpick in some extra red jam and re-insert in the “bite” holes you made before baking to emphasize them, if not already red. Draw a blood trick down from one of the bites with the jam, if desired.

(Cookies are best the day they are made. Makes 2 dozen.)

Recipe and images were found here.

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

2011-09-28T00:02:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Random House
Release Date: 27 December 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: Fairwick Chronicles, #1
Source: NetGalley

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart. (Summary from Goodreads)

When I saw this on NetGalley I thought it was going to be a YA book. However, once I read the synopsis it was clear that this book was definitely not going to fall into that category. I hesitated over the "Request!" button and eventually clicked it. Mythical creatures, an incubus, fairies....how could I resist? I couldn't.

The Demon Lover was my first Adult Romance book. I was a little worried when I started it, but I shouldn't have been. Yes, it was a really steamy book, but it also had an incredible story. There is a lot of suspense, mystery, and general intrigue. I kept thinking I knew what was going on, but then the author would throw me a curve ball and I would think, "Whaaaa?" It wasn't until the very end that I realized what was really happening, and I wouldn't have figured that out without the help of Callie (the main character).

There is just so much to the book. The characters, the world, the story--all of them are complex and extremely detailed. No two people are alike and I was constantly kept on my toes. The ending killed me. I started to panic when I had roughly twenty pages left because I knew there was no way the author could tie everything up. She doesn't. I seriously needed book two as soon as I finished this one. I want to know what happens!

If you like fantasy, paranormal, and romance (of the adult variety), then I think you will really enjoy this book. I was not disappointed. :-)

Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

2011-09-27T00:04:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish. The topic this week is: Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

This Top Ten Tuesday goes perfectly with my Second Helpings Saturday! It's fate. Haha. There are so many books that I want to reread. It's going to be hard to narrow them down to ten...but I'll do my best!

1. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen - This is my favorite Dessen book! I love Owen and a certain car wash scene (if you read the book, you'll know exactly what I am talking about). I just really want to open the pages of that book again and get lost in their story.

2. Delirium by Lauren Oliver - I love, love, loved this book when I read it the first time. The story, the world, and the characters are amazing.

3. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa - Ash? Puck? They are two (really great) reasons I want to reread this book. Actually...I want to reread the entire series. Julie really knows how to make a girl fall for multiple faeries.

4. Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini - I really loved the mythology in this book. Josephine had my attention throughout the book despite the number of pages. I literally could not put it down. Besides...she left me with a killer cliffhanger I need to read this one again before book two is released.

5. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moutlon - There is so much action in this book. The main character can kick some series booty. And the guys? Mmm.

6. Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz - The main character in this book is hilarious. There is also an amazing mystery, a lot of suspense, and a crazy awesome story.

7. The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter - This is another Greek mythology book that I loved. It was a really fresh and interesting take on the Greek gods and their place in the world. I couldn't solve the mystery which made me happy. I love it when books surprise me!

8. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - I was easily lost in this story. I enjoyed the new angel lore and figuring things out with the main character. She is confronted with a lot of problems and difficult decisions. I can't wait to see what happens next!

9. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - The movie is going to be coming out in March, so I want to have the story fresh on my mind before I go see it. The book is always better than the move!

10. City of Bones - This is another series that I really enjoyed reading, however, I seem to be forgetting a lot of the details. I want to go back and refresh my memory. (The story rocks too!)

Second Helpings Saturday (1)

2011-09-24T17:21:00.000-05:00

I wanted to start Second Helpings Saturday to give myself a push to read all of the books I've already read and loved. There are so many amazing books out there, and new books are being released every day. I keep grabbing new books so I can be lost and immersed in a new story, but there are also old stories and worlds that I really want to revisit. I wouldn't keep them on my shelf if I didn't love them.

I'm going to be using Saturday as my day to reread those books on my shelf that I've already read and want to enjoy again. This is me making time for those books. I want to slow down and take time to revisit the books that have filled my life (and my heart) and helped to continue my love for reading.

I also want to thank Katie from Sophistikatied Reviews and KD Designs. She made the amazing header at the top of this post. Guys, she is super sweet and the girl can design. She rocks.

This Saturday I am rereading Divergent by Veronica Roth.

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances. (Summary from Goodreads)

If anyone would like to participate, you will be able to link your posts next week!

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

2011-09-23T01:26:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Atheneum
Release Date: 30 August 2011
Format: e-ARC
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

High in their mountain covens, red witches pray to the Goddess, protecting the Witchlands by throwing the bones and foretelling the future.

It’s all a fake.

At least, that’s what Ryder thinks. He doubts the witches really deserve their tithes—one quarter of all the crops his village can produce. And even if they can predict the future, what danger is there to foretell, now that his people’s old enemy, the Baen, has been defeated?

But when a terrifying new magic threatens both his village and the coven, Ryder must confront the beautiful and silent witch who holds all the secrets. Everything he’s ever believed about witches, the Baen, magic and about himself will change, when he discovers that the prophecies he’s always scorned—

Are about him. (Summary from Goodreads)

I thought this book would have a love story (from looking at the cover), but there isn't one. Instead, Lena Coakley focuses on family and friendship. Ryder's connection to his family, his fierce loyalties, and his protectiveness were all wonderful qualities that made me like him as a character. He loved them no matter what else was going on around him.

I really enjoyed reading the book through two perspectives. When Ryder, a Witchlander, crosses paths with Falpian, a Baen, the story really picks up and goes to unexpected places. I never knew what to expect because the world, the language, and the general background all came from Lena Coakley's head. She has created something entirely new and magical.

There is a lot of background information that is reveled slowly throughout the book. I'm really glad the author didn't just throw me into the middle of the lake and tell me to swim. She gradually reveals more and more about the world as the story progresses. It's a lot of new information, so I was glad my mind had time to comprehend what I was reading before learning about something new.

If you like to sing, Coakley has given it a new, wonderful meaning. I was (pleasantly) surprised at how it related to the story. The book wraps up nicely, but I really hope there is more to the story.

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

2011-09-21T00:01:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Every Last Kiss

Author: Courtney Cole

Publisher: Lakehouse Press

Series: The Bloodstone Saga, #1

Release Date: 2 May 2011

What would you do if you held Fate in your hands? 17-year old Macy Lockhart has the weight of the world on her shoulders. For thousands of years, she has been a Keeper in the ancient organization, the Order of the Moirae… and she literally holds fate in her hands. But this is something that she forgets because her memories are wiped clean in every life until it is time for her cycle to start again. For the last two thousand years, this has never been a problem. Until now. And now…Fate, the very thing that Macy was born to keep, is being challenged and she has only one choice: To return to a previous life to fix it; a life where she was Cleopatra’s handmaiden, Charmian. And that’s not all. Unless she interferes with the fabric of time, the very thing she has returned to repair, her soul mate will die leading Marc Antony’s forces against Rome. Can she really stand aside and allow the love of her life to die all over again? (Summary from Goodreads)

I know it's already been released, but I just discovered it on Goodreads the other day and wanted to share it with everyone. I love history, especially Egyptian history, so I was really excited when I read the synopsis. Plus, the story sounds intriguing and adventurous. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book :-)

Title: Of Poseidon
Author: Anna Banks
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: 22 May 2012

Emma and her friend Chloe are spending vacation in Florida. When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy named Galen on the beach, little does she know he’s a prince of the Syrena. Galen and Emma both feel something strange – is it attraction? – and Galen suspects that Emma might well be the girl he’s heard of – a human who can communicate with fish.

What follows is a deadly scene with a shark in which Galen witnesses Emma’s gifts. He must know more about her, and follows her back to New Jersey, and high school, to find out for sure if she’s the key to saving his kingdom. Soon, Emma can’t deny her feelings for him, but can’t explain them, either – and both she and Galen must learn more about where she comes from and what her powers are before they can trust one another and their feelings. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love Greek mythology, Poseidon, stories that could possibly be set underwater, and beautiful covers. I want a copy of this book cover to hang on my wall! It's sexy, mysterious, and just wow.

I also like that the synopsis says, "When Emma (literally) runs into a hot guy..."

Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me

2011-09-20T01:29:00.001-05:00

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by the lovely ladies over at The Broke and the Bookish. The topic this week is: Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me.

I have a lot of these books...I just haven't read them yet! I feel like I'm missing out on something amazing. Help? Which book should I read first?

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
Release Date: 1 June 2010
Format: ARC
Source: Goodreads Contest

On the eve of her ninth birthday, unassuming Rose Edelstein bites into her mother's homemade lemon-chocolate cake and discovers she has a magical gift: she can taste her mother’s emotions in the slice. To her horror, she finds that her cheerful mother tastes of despair. Soon, she’s privy to the secret knowledge that most families keep hidden: her father’s detachment, her mother’s transgression, her brother’s increasing retreat from the world. But there are some family secrets that even her cursed taste buds can’t discern. (Summary from Goodreads)

I was really, really disappointed with this book. I loved the premise, but the actual book left me feeling sad and depressed. I know the story isn't supposed to be "fluffy," but I had to frequently put this book down because it put me in a bad mood.

One thing that really bothered me was the lack of quotation marks. I would be reading and suddenly have no idea who was saying what. I had to go back multiple times and reread paragraphs to figure out where I had lost the conversation.

Another thing that bugged me was the narrator. I never knew how old she was or how she was telling the story. Was she in the present and remembering what had happened to her? If not, the nine-year-old her was using words and understanding things that wasn't realistic for her age. Sometimes Rose would mention being nine, twelve, and seventeen, but then she would switch to another age...it was so confusing.

Lastly, I had no idea what was really going on. The story dragged on and I kept hoping for some big revelation or something to happen. It didn't. I turned the last page and thought, "Really? That's it?"

I think being able to taste emotions in food is a brilliant idea, I just wish I had loved the story and the idea. The book touches on a few tough subjects, but I couldn't bring myself to really get invested in what was happening.

Interview: Kiki Hamilton

2011-09-15T00:20:00.002-05:00

Kiki Hamilton is the author of The Faerie Ring. I met her this summer in New York and she is so nice! She was always smiling. If I wanted to read her book before I heard her reading from it, I really wanted to read it once I'd heard a few paragraphs. I was immediately captivated with the story and wanted to know more.

Why did you choose Victorian London for the setting?

I love the mystery of Victorian London. The dichotomy of knowledge between great technological advances and the deep belief in mysticism. I also love the idea of not knowing all the ‘facts’ of history – of the untold stories that have either slipped through the cracks or not been told because if they were, everything would change…

Is there a story behind your name (Kiki) and the character’s first name (Tiki)?

Well, this sounds silly (or totally Freudian) but I didn’t even realize the similarity until after the fact. I’d already written the story and several months later when I was looking for web domains my real name was everywhere, so I picked one of my very favorite names as a pen name, which also happened to be fairly uncommon. It wasn’t until months later I realized the two were similar.

What started your interest in faeries?

I love the idea of worlds existing unseen but intersecting with our own. We’ve all had moments of seeing shadows move out of the corners of our eyes and we turn and nothing is there; the sense that we’re being watched; the belief that there is more than we are comprehending with our five senses. Faeries and the Otherworld are part of most culture’s mythology, almost a part of the collective unconscious. I’m a believer – are you?

What was the first scene you wrote for this book? Where did the idea/inspiration come from?

I am a linear writer, in that I start at the beginning and write straight through to the end (though I just wrote a contemporary YA and it was a completely different process which was really odd…but I digress…) so with THE FAERIE RING the story started just like the book, with Tiki picking pockets in The World’s End.

When I started writing, I knew the story would be set in Victorian London and there was a pickpocket. That was really all I knew. Then Tiki stole the Queen’s ring and the ring had a secret….from there it all just fell out of my head onto the page. It only took me 30 days to write the first draft of the story.

Was it difficult trying to write in an older language and dialect?

It did take some work to make it all fit with Victorian London, especially since I’m American, there is often different phrasing for Britishisms, and then even moreso for 19th century speech – but I loved that part of the process, so it was fun to try and make it just right. My wonderful editor, Susan Chang, has a great eye and ear too, so she would point out where things sounded off.

What book(s) are you reading right now?

I recently read the ARC of Erin Morgenstern’s THE NIGHT CIRCUS, that I really enjoyed. Beautiful, evocative writing. Right now, I’m reading an ARC of Laini Taylor’s DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE and I just started Jennifer Donnelly’s REVOLUTION.

What is the last movie you watched?

The last movie I saw was the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.

Did you like it?

I did like it, but I missed the fun and camaraderie of the previous movies and hated seeing Hogwarts as a war zone. Plus, I didn’t want the story to end, so I had some mixed feelings, but the movie, itself, was great.

What is your favorite book, sweet and other treat?

A treat can be anything: movie, music, a day at the park, etc. Ahhh…. I love favorite things. My favorite books are the Harry Potter series. There are many more books that I love, but for overall page-turning, can’t-do-anything-else, Harry Potter brought me back to my love of reading and actually inspired me to begin seriously writing. My favorite sweet is milk chocolate – seriously addicted to that one, sadly. And my favorite treat is my daughter, Carly, who is 15 and the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. I am so so lucky. :-)

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

2011-09-14T00:01:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Tor Teen / Macmillan
Release Date: 27 September 2011
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Series: The Faerie Ring, #1
Source: Author/Publisher

Debut novelist Kiki Hamilton takes readers from the gritty slums and glittering ballrooms of Victorian London to the beguiling but menacing Otherworld of the Fey in this spellbinding tale of romance, suspense, and danger.

The year is 1871, and Tiki has been making a home for herself and her family of orphans in a deserted hideaway adjoining Charing Cross Station in central London. Their only means of survival is by picking pockets. One December night, Tiki steals a ring, and sets off a chain of events that could lead to all-out war with the Fey. For the ring belongs to Queen Victoria, and it binds the rulers of England and the realm of Faerie to peace. With the ring missing, a rebel group of faeries hopes to break the treaty with dark magic and blood—Tiki’s blood.

Unbeknownst to Tiki, she is being watched—and protected—by Rieker, a fellow thief who suspects she is involved in the disappearance of the ring. Rieker has secrets of his own, and Tiki is not all that she appears to be. Her very existence haunts Prince Leopold, the Queen’s son, who is driven to know more about the mysterious mark that encircles her wrist.

Prince, pauper, and thief—all must work together to secure the treaty… (Summary from Goodreads)

The Faerie Ring was one of the books I was desperate to get my hands on at BEA this year, but they ran out of copies right before I made it to the front of the line. (I was crushed.) Eventually, after I was back in Texas, the elusive book was in my hands and there was no way I was going to part with it.

I absolutely loved the time period and the setting. I was introduced to an entirely new side of London. It wasn't the rich, popular crowd, but the abandoned misfits who are struggling to get by. I felt an immediate connection to Tiki and her makeshift family and my heart went out to them. Although, I do wish I had been able to learn more about them individually. I think a little more background information would have given me a stronger connection to them and a better understanding of their choices.

Tiki doesn't sit back and wait on someone to do things for her. She's assertive, really good at picking pockets, and has a huge heart. She loves her family despite their different reasons for being there. Rieker is annoyingly persistent, but there is also something endearing about him and the attention he gives to Tiki. I loved the small exchanges between the two of them.

The mystery surrounding Tiki, Rieker, and the ring was interesting and kept me on my toes. I figured a few things out before the characters, but that didn't take away from the story. If anything, it made me more anxious for them to figure out what I already knew.

Intriguing Faerie lore, a subtle love story, an incredible depiction of the time period--all of this (and more) can be found within the pages of this book.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-09-13T16:38:00.000-05:00

Today's recipe comes from the lovey Lisa (Lisa is Busy Nerding)!

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 kosher salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1) Sift the flour, baking soda, and salt into a bowl. Set aside. (I like to use the chunky kosher salt so you get a little saltiness with the sweet.)

2) Cream butter and the sugars until light and fluffy.

3) Add the egg and vanilla and mix until just combined. (I beat the egg and add the vanilla before adding to the mixture)

4) Add the flour into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low until incorporated.

5) Stir in the chocolate chips.

6) Drop tablespoon sized balls of dough onto cookie sheet. Leave about 2 inches so they can spread apart while baking.

7) Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes.

8) Place on cooling rack after they're done!

These ended up being the chewiest and most delicious chocolate chip cookies ever! I know they're just your standard cookie, but you could definitely mix it up to get some fun flavors in here. With such a solid base of deliciousness, you could make these mint-choco chip, butterscotch, white chocolate and craisin...the possibilities are endless! I took them to work the next day and they were gone. In minutes.

Thanks again to Quirk Publishing for sharing this book of delicious goodness with me. It will not be the last time I bust out this cookie cookbook!

Link to Cookiepedia - Goodreads

(Thanks for sharing this recipe Lisa!)

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

2011-09-11T00:10:00.004-05:00

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Release Date: 13 September 2011
Format: e-ARC
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Pearl is a sixteen-year-old vampire... fond of blood, allergic to sunlight, and mostly evil... until the night a sparkly unicorn stabs her through the heart with his horn. Oops.

Her family thinks she was attacked by a vampire hunter (because, obviously, unicorns don't exist), and they're shocked she survived. They're even more shocked when Pearl discovers she can now withstand the sun. But they quickly find a way to make use of her new talent. The Vampire King of New England has chosen Pearl's family to host his feast. If Pearl enrolls in high school, she can make lots of human friends and lure them to the King's feast -- as the entrees.

The only problem? Pearl's starting to feel the twinges of a conscience. How can she serve up her new friends—especially the cute guy who makes her fangs ache—to be slaughtered? Then again, she's definitely dead if she lets down her family. What's a sunlight-loving vamp to do? (Summary from Goodreads)

I think this is the first book I've read where unicorns play a significant role. However, I was expecting fluffy, white, gentle unicorns with sparkling horns. I was not expecting one to attack a vampire (even though I read about it in the description). Unicorns aren't supposed to attack things! My entire outlook on them has been changed forever.

I really loved a lot about this book, especially the slow, subtle building toward the conclusion. The big, bad issue is present even when the characters aren't talking about it. A few times I thought the suspense was going to make me loony because I really, really wanted to know what was going to happen. I may enjoy dark books, but I like my happy endings.

Pearl is a witty, fierce, and strong character. She carries herself like I imagine a proud vampire would, and her behavior was very believable. She has a snarky attitude (I loved her comments!), good personality, and is comfortable in her own skin (for the most part). Her struggles were realistic and I felt conflicted whenever she did. I didn't know how to solve her problems and I was worried about the outcome of the story. (Like I said before, I like my happy endings.)

The secondary characters didn't hover in the background, instead, they were up front and played an important role in Pearl's life and the overall story. They were all fantastically written and I enjoyed reading about their different personalities and lifestyles.

I was easily caught up in Drink, Slay, Love and I never lost interest in the book. If I sat the book down, it was always there, hovering in my brain like a puzzle waiting to be solved. I couldn't wait until I had time to read it again.

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James

2011-09-06T23:19:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Flux
Release Date: 8 September 2011
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Series: Skyship Academy, #1
Source: BEA 2011

"A definite must-read!"
--JAMES DASHNER, New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner

A devastated Earth's last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space, and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers--political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth's stratosphere--and the corrupt Surface government.

Jesse Fisher, a Skyship brat, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable--and dangerous--abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess. Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn't know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls. (Summary from Goodreads)

The book starts off with a bang and left me with a lot of questions after one chapter. I enjoyed piecing together the information and seeing how my ideas compared with what actually happened. There were twists that I didn't see coming, a few that skimmed my brain as I was reading, but overall I was pleasantly surprised. The Pearl Wars is a great story about friendship, discovering who you are, and determining what is right and wrong when you're suddenly faced with more grey than black and white.

I loved the world that Nick Disney James has created. There are a lot of details that allowed me to easily picture the settings and places described in the book. Jesse was flawed but lovable. What he lacked in strength and skill he made up for in heart and determination. Cassius is fierce and stubborn, but he still had a few likable qualities. I think the two boys really brought the story to life and I liked seeing the world through their extremely different perspectives.

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars went to a level I wasn't expecting. Once everything was out in the open and I had a chance to process all of the new information, my mind went crazy. I was trying to think of what all this could mean for the characters and the world.

This book was mass interesting, fun, and different. I can't wait to see where Nick takes the story from here.

500 Follower Giveaway!

2011-09-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

akldjaslkdj 500 followers! That's crazy! Thank you guys so much :-) I wanted to show my appreciation by having a little giveaway. These are a few books that I love and want to share with everyone. (They are also books I haven't given away on my blog before! I'm trying to shake things up.) Enjoy!

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver
Angelfire (Angelfire #1) by Courtney Allison Moulton
Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth
The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

Spellbound (Spellbound #1) by Cara Lynn Shultz

To enter:

Only one entry per person--

You must be at least 13 years of age or older--

(View my Contest Policy for more information.)

US only--

Ends: September 17, 2011

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On The Fringes: Jesse

2011-09-02T00:00:00.005-05:00

I am really excited to be a part of the Skyship Blog Tour! (Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars Blog Tour/Contest) I read and enjoyed the story that Nick James has created. I'm curious about where the book will go next and I can't wait to find out!

Book information:

"A definite must-read!"—JAMES DASHNER, New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner

A devastated Earth's last hope is found in Pearls: small, mysterious orbs that fall from space and are capable of supplying enough energy to power entire cities. Battling to control the Pearls are the Skyship dwellers—political dissidents who live in massive ships in the Earth's stratosphere—and the corrupt Surface government.

Jesse Fisher, a Skyship slacker, and Cassius Stevenson, a young Surface operative, cross paths when they both venture into forbidden territory in pursuit of Pearls. Their chance encounter triggers an unexpected reaction, endowing each boy with remarkable—and dangerous—abilities that their respective governments would stop at nothing to possess.

Enemies thrust together with a common goal, Jesse and Cassius make their way to the ruins of Seattle to uncover the truth about their new powers, the past they didn't know they shared, and a shocking secret about the Pearls. (Summary from Goodreads)

(You can also find it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.)

If you want to follow along with the tour, there is a banner on the left side of my blog that will give you the dates. Today, Nick will talk about Jesse (the main character) and give you a little information about him.

Throughout the tour's 15 stops, there will be 8 clues scattered on the blogs. Make sure you go to every stop on the tour so you can find the clues. These clues spell out a secret coordinate and you need this coordinate so you can win on the last stop of the tour. (Frenzy of Noise will be the last stop.)

What can you win? A supplemented copy of the book with exclusive note from the author, Skyship diagram and bonus material. Awesome, right??

Also, don't forget to check out the interview with Jesse over at Frenzy of Noise today!

Meet Jesse:

Full Name: Jesse Fisher
Age: 15
Fights For: The Skyship Community

Jesse Fisher is an agent-in-training at Skyship Academy preparing to hunt down and retrieve Pearls as they fall to the Earth. He’s known for being clumsy and a weak student, and covers it with self-deprecating sarcasm. He’s also one of the few orphans aboard the Academy. His parents died in a Surface sting operation when he was just a toddler. The ship’s faculty have taken him under their wing, though they often get frustrated at his lack of progress.

Author’s Inspiration:

There’s a lot of me in Jesse. In some ways, he’s a walking version of my insecurities. He’s a very emotional character, and tends to act based on that. In a less specific sense, I drew inspiration for Jesse from many of my favorite coming-of-age novels and movies. He’s the classic underdog.

If I were to cast an actor to play Jesse in a movie: I’d pick Joel Courtney, from Super 8. In a year or two, and with lighter hair, he pretty much is Jesse. In Super 8, he had the whole slightly nerdy/sensitive/innocent thing down.

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1525807/

Tomorrow you guys will need to go to Books Complete Me where author Nick James talks all about the world of Skyship!

{Edit: September 3, 2011}

Nick has an upcoming ustream chat. It'll be on next Thursday the 8th (release day!) at 3:00 PM pacific/5:00 PM central/6:00 PM eastern.

Unicorn Cupcakes

2011-08-30T15:57:00.001-05:00

I just read a book about unicorns so I thought this would be perfect! And they're delicious!

Ingredients:

Cake batter (a very light (white) colored cake batter)
Food coloring (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red (or pink)

Directions:

1) Mix cake batter (follow the instructions on the box)

2) Divide the mixed cake batter into 6 bowls

3) Dye each bowl a different color (purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red (or pink))

4) Layer each cupcake with a small spoonful of these colors in the above order (purple on bottom) They make BIG cupcakes with all those layers!

5) Bake and enjoy! (Use the box for baking instructions.)

(The images and the recipe were found here.)

Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

2011-08-29T12:52:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Egmont USA
Release Date: 11 October 2011
Format: e-ARC, Advance Reader Copy
Source: NetGalley, BEA

A modern retelling of the German fairy tale "Tristan and Isolde," Tris and Izzie is about a young witch named Izzie who is dating Mark King, the captain of the basketball team and thinks her life is going swimmingly well. Until -- she makes a love potion for her best friend Brangane and then ends up taking it herself accidentally, and falling in love with Tristan, the new guy at school. (Summary from Goodreads)

I really, really loved the cover for this book. It's what initially made me check it out on Goodreads and why I was so excited when I found a copy at BEA. However, the cover is probably the only thing I liked about this book.

I'm not too familiar with the legend the book is based on, but I did read a little bit about it before I started the book. I was only able to find a few similarities (but I guess that's the point when you are trying to make the book your own), and the overall story didn't appeal to me. I couldn't get caught up in what was going on and I wasn't very interested in what happened to the characters. I almost didn't finish this book but I was too stubborn to put it down. I kept hoping for something else to happen.

The main character, Izzie, is snotty, stubborn, and selfish. She wasn't very likable and I had a difficult time relating to her and caring about her problems. Another character was a perfect example of Jekyll and Hide. He was one person for the first half of the book and then he was someone else entirely for the second half. I couldn't figure out why he would have changed so drastically.

Izzie is faced with certain challenges, but everything seems to be so easy for her. There was no strategy, planning, or having to learn from her mistakes. In one life or death situation she is worrying about weather or not her butt looks good in the pants she is wearing. I just felt like she didn't take the seriousness of her situation very seriously. And her mom? Her mom was more concerned about boy issues than the danger her daughter had just faced.

I was really hoping for something more with this story. A few times the author lost me completely, but I would get caught up eventually. Tris & Izzie just wasn't a book for me.

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

2011-08-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 24 May 2011
Format: e-ARC, Hardcover
Series: Steampunk Chronicles, #1
Source: NetGalley, BEA

In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch...

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help-and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her. (Summary from Goodreads)

I've learned a lot of new words from this book like "guttersnipe" and "bounder." It's proof that reading enhances your vocabulary! (I would like to use these words to describe my Geology teacher this semester, but that wouldn't be nice...) This was also my first "steampunk" book and I find myself fascinated with the genre!

Let's start with Jack Dandy, shall we? He's a rakish, mysterious fellow. I could always tell there was something different about him, but I was never able to figure out what. He definitely piqued my interest and I hope there is more of him in the second book. (Something about him made me picture an older man at first, so I enjoyed reading about him more when I finally got my brain to see him as twenty-one.)

A few of the other characters annoyed me. I wanted to reach into the pages and shake them until they stopped acting a certain way. However, I did like most of them. Griffin was interesting, Emily was lovable, and Jasper made me smile whenever he spoke. Finley can easily hold her own in a fight, and I loved that she was such a complicated character.

There was something that bothered me, though. A few times something big would happen, but the group wouldn't mention it until days after it happened. If something like ---- happened to me, I would want to discuss it immediately. Occasionally, an idea was tossed into the air or something was said, but it never happened and it was never brought up again. I felt like I was dangling on a string, waiting for someone to pull me up, but in the end I was left hanging.

The setting (England in 1897) was awesome, I loved the accents and the way most of them talked, the characters were vastly different from one another, and the plot was enjoyable. Although, I was able to figure out rather quickly what it took the characters most of the book to discover, but I didn't mind watching them struggle for answers because it helped me see them develop as people (some more than others).

Despite my unanswered questions and the shakable characters, I liked the book. The ending left me with more questions and a lot to think about, so I'll wait patiently for the second book to see what happens next.

Kit Kat Bars

2011-08-26T12:30:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

60 buttery crackers, such as Keebler Club Crackers
3/4 cup butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1-1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter

Directions:

1) Butter a 9 x 13 baking dish. Line with a layer of 20 crackers.

2) In a small saucepan, bring butter, sugars and milk together to a boil over medium heat. Stir in crushed graham crackers. Let boil 5 minutes.

3) Pour half of the sugar mixture over the crackers. Cover with another layer of 20 crackers, pressing down lightly. Pour remaining syrup mixture over crackers, smoothing to coat.

4) Top with the remaining crackers, pressing lightly.

5) Place chocolate chips and peanut butter in a microwave-safe dish. Heat on high 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until chips are melted. (Alternatively, melt chocolate chips and peanut butter in a saucepan over low heat.)

6) Pour evenly over the top layer of crackers, making sure the crackers are completely covered.

7) Refrigerate until kit kat bars are firm.

These looked too good not to share! Enjoy!

(Image and recipe were found here.)

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

2011-08-25T01:09:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Quirk Publishing
Release Date: 7 June 2011
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow--impossible though it seems--they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows. (Summary from Goodreads)

When I started reading this book it was dark and I was home alone--not a good idea. The first few chapters gave me the creeps and the vivid descriptions followed me into my dreams. Luckily for me (and my dreams) the pictures found in this book were at first scary, but became more and more interesting as the story progressed. I stopped cringing at the images and started looking at them more closely.

I really enjoyed how the author created a story around the pictures. I've never read a book like this before and it easily held my attention. I wanted to know more about the people shown in the book and how they tied into Jacob's past, present, and future.

Jacob was an interesting character. I'm not sure how I would have handled the situations he was thrown into, but I liked seeing how he reacted to them and what his thought process was. The other characters were equally as fascinating, but I wanted to know more about them. I get a pretty good idea about who they are now, but more background information on them would have been great.

I'm sure it wasn't easy for Riggs to make a story out of the pictures he found, but he does an incredible job. I am totally invested in the characters and I need to know what is going to happen next.

Scary monsters, freaky pictures, unusual friendships, and crazy circumstances are only a few things that can be found in this book. It's not a story I will be forgetting anytime soon.

Win a Signed Copy of The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

2011-08-24T21:51:00.001-05:00

You know you want this!

I love, love, love the cover of this book! Also, it has a lot of Greek Mythology in it (which I also love). There are a lot of great things about this book (you can read my review here) and I am so glad the author, Aimee Carter, has generously given me a signed copy to give away on my blog! All you have to do is fill out the form below.

To enter:

Only one entry per person--

You must be at least 13 years of age or older--

(View my Contest Policy for more information.)

US only--

Ends: September 7, 2011

The Marked by Inara Scott

2011-08-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: 3 April 2012
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Series: Delcroix Academy, #2
Source: Author

All of her life, Dancia Lewis has wanted to use her powers for good. And now that she’s learned the truth about Delcroix Academy—and herself—she may just get the chance. But being part of Delcroix’s top secret Program isn’t anything like Dancia expected. She has to ask herself: what happens to the Talented kids who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the Program? And why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? Dancia’s adorable boyfriend Cam insists they need the help of every Talented student to defend Delcroix from dangerous enemies outside their gates. But Dancia has to wonder: what if Delcroix’s most frightening enemies come from within? (Summary from Goodreads)

I did a little happy dance when this book came in the mail! I loved Dancia and Delcroix Academy in The Candidates, and I loved them even more in The Marked. Inara Scott has added a whole new layer to the school and her characters. I saw things in this book that I would never have expected after I read book one.

I fell for Jack in the first book even though I wasn't opposed to Cam, but both boys fell short for me this time. Instead, I started leaning towards Barrett. Now, that doesn't mean Jack and Cam weren't terrifically written, because they were, but Barrett is more my type. He's just -----, you'll see.

The story doesn't stay at Delcriox Academy, but ventures to knew places where exciting things start to happen. People are not who they used to be, others are exactly what you thought they were, and some end up surprising you with their actions. All of the characters in this book have grown tremendously and I loved seeing the people they chose to be.

New, thrilling, and unexpected twists kept me on my toes and glued to the pages. I wanted to learn more about their "talents" and what this meant for everyone involved. I enjoyed being caught up in a story that wasn't always black and white. There are a lot of gray areas that Dancia is forced to muddle through.

If you haven't tried this series yet, you should!

(Also, this book used to be The Watchers, but was changed to The Marked.)

Watermelon Pie

2011-08-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

I was looking through different recipes that included watermelons when I came across this! It looks delicious! I've never made something like this, but I'm definitely going to try.

Also, as I was reading through the instructions for this, I saw an extra tip. They said that this tends to melt quickly on regular plates, but it hardly melts on paper plates. Just something to keep in mind! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

- Lime Sherbet
- Vanilla ice cream or Pineapple sherbet
- Red/Pink-colored sherbet (If you can't find this, you can use the Raspberry/Pineapple/Orange swirl sherbet and mix it with red food coloring.)
- Mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. For each flavor, you’ll let the sherbet ice cream soften for a few minutes before using. The red sherbet should be mixed with the mini chocolate chips.

2. Use a round spring-form pan. You may want to line the bottom of the pan with wax paper or parchment paper if you plan to transfer the entire “pie” to another dish before serving. {Extra from the website: I served the slices on plates straight out of the freezer, so I didn’t line the pan. It’s actually cuter sliced!}

3. Starting with lime, spread a ring of sherbet around the edge of the spring-form pan – about 2 inches high (or taller if you want!), and about 1-2 inches wide from the outside edge of the pan.

4. Put pan in freezer to harden lime layer.

5. Repeat step 3 with the vanilla, but make the layer much thinner – maybe 1/2 inch. Use a butter knife to flatten the top, even-ing out the lime with the vanilla. Put pan in freezer to harden again.

6. Repeat step 3 with the red/chocolate chip sherbet. Fill the rest of the pan, then use a butter knife to flatten the top. Freeze!

7. When it’s time to eat, run a knife around the edge of the pan before popping off the outside of the springform pan. Use a nice thin-blade knife to slice.

(I found the recipe and image here.)

The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy

2011-08-13T00:51:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 3 May 2011
Format: e-ARC, Hardcover
Source: Simon and Schuster Galley Grab, Purchased

Three sisters. One life-changing summer.

Calla loves summer because summer means Duncan. They’ve been best friends for years, but Calla has never worked up the nerve to tell him how she really feels. This summer, the summer before college, is Calla's last chance.

Violet isn't much of a rule breaker in real life. But this isn't real life, this is summer, and Violet is determined to make the most of it. Besides, a little sneaking out never hurt anyone. And sneaking out with James is 100% worth the risk...even though James is completely off-limits.

Daisy has never been the sister that boys notice, but when sparks fly with Joel at the first bonfire of summer, it seems so easy and right. So why is being his girlfriend so complicated? (Summary from Goodreads)

I started reading this book on my Nook but it expired and I had to order a copy so I could finish it. I am so, so glad that happened because this is a book I will read again and again. It still took me awhile to finish, but that's because I wanted to savor every word and make sure I didn't miss anything.

I thought the three alternating perspectives would get confusing, but I loved it. I had no trouble discerning who's head I was in and where I was in the story. The title of each chapter tells you, but it isn't really needed since the sisters are so wonderfully written. (I jumped back into this book with ease even though it had been weeks since I started it.)

If I had to pick one sister, it would be Daisy. I liked all of them...but I feel like I related to her the most. Violet is a little more ballsy than I could be, and Calla is incredibly nice. All of the time. I wouldn't be able to put up with the stuff that she does.

The summer camp setting was light, fun, and everything I remember from my camp experiences. There are boys, cabin rivalries, catty girls, petty drama, excitement, and wonderful life experiences. I think this book and the author capture all of that into one unforgettable story.

Calla, Violet and Daisy are tied together by the bonds of sisterhood, but The Summer of Firsts and Lasts showed me how deep those ties go. I have a younger brother, but this book made me wish I had two sisters too!

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

2011-08-07T00:02:00.001-05:00

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 30 August 2011
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Series: Fury, #1
Source: Publisher

Sometimes sorry isn't enough....

It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay. (Summary from Goodreads)

I got to listen to the author read from this book when I was in New York and it was AMAZING. I was hanging on her every word and disappointed when she stopped reading. I know she couldn't stand there all day and read her book to us, but she chose a chapter that left me needing to know more.

Emily and Chase were great narrators, but I didn't love them. I don't think I was supposed to though. They had to do something pretty crummy to get the attention of the -----. Right? However, I did enjoy reading the story through their perspectives. I liked alternating between a guy and a girl and trying to figure out what was going on with each of them. I was surprised by a few of their choices and just had to shake my head at others.

Fury was creepy, suspenseful, and easily held my attention. There is a lot of building and information in the first half, but things really start to get crazy after that. It went from "strolling through the park" to "running and screaming from the park." It was great!

The ending left me intrigued, worried, and a little anxious about what is going to happen next. There are so many different directions this book can go in, and I'm curious about which path the author will take.

Fury Blog Tour (+ giveaway)

2011-08-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Do you want to win a signed copy of Fury? Would you like to see the Fury playlist? Are you interested in what the character's think? If so, then you've come to the right place! (My review of the book will also post today!)

The questions:

Do you believe in Karma?

Em: I think so. I mean, every action has to have a consequence, right?
Chase: Nah.

Do you believe in soul mates?

Em: I'm not sure. My parents found true love, but I'm not sure it's in the cards for me.

Chase: Nope.

The Fury playlist:

Cabaret -- Me First and the Gimme Gimmes
Disturbia -- Rihanna
Walking With a Ghost -- Tegan and Sara
Crane Your Neck -- Lady Lamb the Beekeeper
The Suburbs -- Arcade Fire
I'm With You -- Avril Lavigne
Next Girl -- The Black Keys
Mary's Song (Oh My My My) -- Taylor Swift
After the Storm -- Mumford and Sons
What Goes Around Comes Around -- Justin Timberlake

To enter:

Fill out the form below--

Only one entry per person--

You must be at least 13 years of age or older--

(View my Contest Policy for more information.)

US only--

Ends: August 21, 2011

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In My Mailbox (11)

2011-08-06T14:47:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox is a meme started by The Story Siren. It's a way for people to share all of the lovely books they have gotten over the week, and a great chance for others to see what is out there.

Ignore my wet and unfixed hair! Hah! I wanted to get this video recorded and uploaded before I went to a wedding.

I also just said "Betrayal" for Lauren Kate's book, but it's actually "The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove." *facepalm* I knew this...but I think my brain temporarily forgot.

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Dearly Departed by Lia Habel

The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy

Entangled by Cat Clarke

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Wrecked by E.R. Frank

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove by Lauren Kate

Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Nightspell Leah Cypess

Vote for the Sexy Scotsman!

2011-08-05T15:38:00.001-05:00

Team Kilt needs your help! Zachary Moore (a character from Shade and Shift) had made it to the Final Four, er, the Fine Four of the YA Crush Tournament (hosted by the Ya Sisterhood). He's the underdog and every vote helps!

A lot of things are being promised if he wins. Jeri is offering a Zachary short story, Fictitious Delicious will give away an ARC of Shine! This is a big deal people! Jeri's publisher doesn't do Advance Reader Copies of the third book in a series. I think there are going to be, like, twenty. And trust me...this is something you want. It's something I want!

If you want to vote for Zach, just click here.

Shade (Goodreads) (My Review)
Shift (Goodreads) (My Review)

If you want to learn more about what is being offered, visit Fictitious Delicious or Jeri Smith'Ready's Blog.

Also, if you vote for Zachary because of something I've said, please tweet the following:

“Hey, @FictishDelish I voted #TeamKilt because of @lindsiking http://tiny.cc/3m1kb.”

I would really appreciate it! And just because I love you guys so much...if Zachary wins this round of the tournament, I'll give a copy of Shade away!

{Edit- I will also give away signed Shade and Shift bookmarks!}

Money will be given to a charity, teasers will be shared, an ARC of Shine will be made available, and the Sexy Scotsman will win. What could be better than that?

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

2011-08-03T00:55:00.000-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Jamie McGuire
Publisher: Jamie McGuire, LLC
Release Date: 26 May 2011

The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand.

Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. (Summary from Goodreads)

I know this book is already out, but I came across it for the first time a few minutes ago. The tongue caught my attention and I enlarged the picture so I could see what it was. Weird, right? Well, then I read the synopsis and I was hooked. What dark past? What bet does this mysterious guy make with her? Who wins? Is he going to be abstinent or is she going to live with him for a month? I need to know the answers to these questions!

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

2011-08-02T00:16:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: 28 June 2011
Format: e-ARC, Advance Reader Copy
Source: NetGalley, BEA 2011

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else. (Summary from Goodreads)

I really wish I had read this book sooner! It's unbelievably good! I started reading it again as soon as I finished it the first time. I just couldn't get enough!

Emma's voice was probably my favorite thing about this book. She's hilarious and made me laugh out loud on many different occasions. I'm glad I wasn't drinking anything while I read this because it probably would have shot out of my nose when I started laughing unexpectedly. Her sarcasm, humor, and personality are incredibly contagious and I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face.

A few examples:

"I felt like some goblin, tucked away in the basement dungeon. I would not have been surprised if Freddy Krueger stored his books next to me."

"My eyes didn't just have bags -- they had five-piece luggage sets."

“She was so cold, she probably farted ice cubes.”

Are you laughing right now? If you are, it's a good sign you will love this book too!

I liked the school, loved the secondary characters, and enjoyed the situations they found themselves in. It was all very realistic and I could see myself doing something similar.

And the love interest? Wowsa. *fans self* He's charming, charismatic, and definitely boyfriend material. I want one, er, him. I actually giggled out loud (in front of a group of people) when I read some of his initial conversations with Emma. They were just...so...ahh.

(Side note: If you happen to giggle, snort, or make some other unladylike sound, do not look around you. People are probably staring, pointing, and whispering about your sanity.)

Spellbound is like a shot of espresso. My adrenaline was pumping and I had no difficulty keeping my eyes open while reading the pages. The story was exciting, engaging, and one of the best books I have read this year!

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

2011-07-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 25 October 2011
Format: e-ARC
Series: Iron Fey, #4
Source: NetGalley

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice. (Summary from Goodreads)

I have so much love for the Iron Fey series! I probably said that last time, but it's TRUE. The world Julie Kagawa has created is intoxicating and has made an addict out of me. I would gladly follow one of her fey into the scary, unknown world they live in. I would just have to be super careful and find someone like Ash or Puck to hang out with. They've proven themselves more than capable (most of the time), but they also had the help of a few others along the way.

I knew I wouldn't be disappointed when I started reading this, and I wasn't! I did miss Meghan and her constant voice, but Ash is a good replacement. I enjoyed reading from his perspective and seeing what he thought and how he was feeling. His emotions are usually so closed off, but you can't hide things when the reader is inside of your head!

I thought we had covered every inch of Fairy/Faerie in the last three books, but Julie takes us on an adventure to a place we haven't been before. I also loved the characters that are picked up along the way. Some are old and some are new, but they really make this book their own. I don't know how the author comes up with the things she does, but they are amazing you guys. She has a brilliant, creative mind.

This is the last book in the series and I think it ended nicely. The Iron Queen could have ended the series, but I'm glad she wrote The Iron Knight and continued the story. She could write books about them forever and I would happily buy each and every one.

I recommend this series to everyone! But I will warn you now... Once you start reading the first book, you are not going to want to stop until you've read them all. They are addicting and full of win!

Blueberry Pie and Pie Crust

2011-07-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

Ingredients:

Dough for double-crust pie -- 1 (instructions below)
Blueberries -- 5 cups
Sugar -- 3/4 to 1 cup
Cornstarch -- 1/4 to 1/3 cup
Salt -- pinch
Lemon juice -- 1 tablespoon
Butter, cut into cubes -- 2 tablespoons

Directions:

1) Prepare a double-crust pie crust according to the instructions below, or use your favorite recipe.

2) Add the sugar, cornstarch and salt to a large bowl and mix together well. Then add the blueberries and lemon juice and stir well until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Set aside while you roll out your pie crust.

3) Preheat oven to 425°F. After lining a pie pan with a bottom crust, give the blueberry filling a big stir, then pour it into the pie pan. Dot the top of the filling with the butter. Cover the filling with a top crust, seal the edges and cut vent holes in the top. Set the pie in the refrigerator to rest for about 30 minutes.

4) Brush the top and edges of the pie with a simple egg wash of one egg beaten with a little water or milk. Sprinkle the crust liberally with sugar.

5) Set the pie on a baking sheet and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for another 25 to 35 minutes, or until the top and edges are golden brown.

6) Remove the pie from the oven and set it on a rack to cool completely. Best eaten the same day.

Variations:

1) Try using a lattice-crust top instead for a pretty presentation. For summer holiday celebrations, make star-shaped cutouts of pie dough and use those to cover the top.

2) Add a little lemon zest to the filling for added zip.

3) Try a mixture of half blueberries and half sliced nectarines for a particularly tasty variation.

4) If your blueberries are extra juicy, use the larger amount of cornstarch.

(I found the recipe and image here.)

Ingredients:

All-purpose flour -- 2 1/2 cups
Salt -- 1 1/2 teaspoons
Cold butter, cut into small cubes -- 3 ounces, or 6 tablespoons
Cold shortening, -- 5 1/2 ounces, or 11 tablespoons
Ice water -- 1/2 cup

Directions:

1) Mix the flour and salt together in a large bowl. Add the butter and toss lightly to distribute the cubes and cover them with flour. Add the shortening and cut it into the flour using your fingertips, two knives or a pastry blender until the butter and shortening are about the size of small peas.

2) Add half the water and gently stir it into the flour until the dough comes together. Drizzle in additional water a tablespoon at a time if you need more, until the dough holds its shape when you press it into a ball. Do not knead; work as little as possible.

3) Divide the dough into two portions, press each out into disk and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least an hour. (You can also freeze the dough at this point. It will keep for a few months. Defrost the dough in the refrigerator before using.)

4) Lay out a couple of pieces of parchment or wax paper on a work surface to cover an area about 15 inches square. Place one of the disks of dough in the center of the paper and cover it with another two pieces of parchment or wax paper. Working outwards from the center of the dough, use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a circle about 13 or 14 inches in diameter. Turn the dough occasionally as you roll it to get an even circle.

5) Remove the top layer of paper from the dough and lightly sprinkle the surface with flour. Then fold the dough in half and peel back the bottom layer of paper. Fold the dough in half again so it is folded in quarters and remove the paper.

6) Lay the dough in a pie pan with the folded corner in the center. Unfold the dough and let the edges drape over the side of the pan. Gently push the dough into the bottom of the pan. Trim the edges so only about 3/4 inch remains draped over the sides of the pan.

7) Single-crust Pie: Fold the edges of the dough under to form an even edge. Krimp the edge decoratively with the tines of a fork. Or form a scalloped edge by placing the thumb and forefinger of one hand on the outside of the pie pan and pressing in to form a V shape around the index finger of the other hand, continuing around the pan to finish. Bake using your favorite open-faced pie recipe.

8) Double-crust Pie: Roll the second disk of dough out as with the first disk. Fill the bottom crust with your desired filling and brush the edges of the crust with an egg beaten with a little water.

9) Fold the second disk in half and in quarters and unfold it over the filling, draping the edges over the side of the pan. Trim the edges to the same size as the bottom crust. Fold the edges under to form a clean edge and crimp or scallop the edges as with the single crust.

10) Cut three or four small, decorative holes in the top of the crust to vent and brush all over with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with regular or turbinado sugar if desired, and bake as directed in the filling recipe.

Variations:

1) You can make an all shortening crust if you like, but it loses the flavor butter adds. There are butter-flavored shortenings on the market, but why not just add the flavor of the real thing? All-butter crusts tastes great, but tend to crumble easily and spill the filling. A crust made with a ratio of 70% shortening to 30% butter is generally considered best. Experiment to find a mixture you prefer.

2) Most shortenings are available without the dreaded trans-fats these days. But if you want to avoid shortening altogether, use lard. It's the original pie crust fat, and good lard packs some mighty flavor. Rendered pork leaf lard is the best.

(I found the recipe and image here.)

Illegal Photo Contest

2011-07-25T00:01:00.006-05:00

Bettina Restrepo is the author of Illegal and she's having a pretty awesome contest. One lucky winner will reveive a Nook! See? I told you it was awesome. I'm too old (I never thought I would say those words!) to enter, but maybe you can!

(From the author's website:)

Attention Photographers! Attention Readers!

The Illegal Photo Contest invites readers 13-18 to submit photo(s) that represent their reaction to the book Illegal by Bettina Restrepo (HarperCollins) to win a chance at monthly prizes and the Grand Prize of a Nook e-reader.

A readers’ pictures should show how the novel, Illegal was a ‘window’ into the character, Nora’s life or a ‘mirror’ of your own. The picture can represent something new to the reader (a window) or something the reader recognizes (a mirror) like family, friendship, struggle, or community.*

The contest will be open from April 1 – November 11, 2011 with a grand prize winner announced on December 1, 2011. Monthly winners will be announced the first on the month from June-November, 2011 and be allowed to pick from a group of prizes.

Everyone is invited to view, comment, and rank their favorite photos here.

A promise.
Quinceañera.
A promise that we would be together on my fifteenth birthday . . .

Instead, Nora is on a desperate journey far away from home. When her father leaves their beloved Mexico in search of work, Nora stays behind. She fights to make sense of her loss while living in poverty—waiting for her father's return and a better day. When the letters and money stop coming, Nora decides that she and her mother must look for him in Texas. After a frightening experience crossing the border, the two are all alone in a strange place. Now, Nora must find the strength to survive while aching for small comforts: friends, a new school, and her precious quinceañera.

Bettina Restrepo's gripping, deeply hopeful debut novel captures the challenges of one girl's unique yet universal immigrant experience. (Summary from Goodreads)

(The following information can be found here.)

About Entering Contest

Some things you should know about entering the Illegal Photo Contest:

1. Entrants must be ages 13-18 years old and live in US, Mexico, or Canada.

2. Each entrant must have a parent or guardian’s permission to enter. We will request their email address to check on that permission.

3. Entrants must submit a digital photograph or photographs that represents something new to the entrant (a window) or something the entrant recognizes (a mirror) like family, friendship, struggle, or community.

4. Each photograph must be accompanied by 100 words or less explaining how the photo is a window or a mirror.

5. Photos may be in either black & white or color taken on any device including a phone. Photos can be manipulated with software or not.

6. The photo(s) must be an original taken by the entrant.

7. Entrants are responsible for receiving permission from individuals whose faces appear in their photographs.

8. The photo file must be named with your last name, your first initial, and the date of submission. For example, SmithB05011. If you submit multiple pictures please number them. For example, 01SmithB05011, 02SmithB05011, and so on.

9. An entrant can submit up to 6 photos, put each photo will be entered as an individual entry and will be considered on its own merit and not on its relationship to others submitted.

10. Entrants must agree to allow Bettina Restrepo to post their photographs on her Flickr account, website, blog, and Facebook page for as Restrepo chooses. Bettina Restrepo will, though, honor any request to remove an entrants work sent via email t0 bettina@bettinarestrepo.com.

11. Entrants names do not need to be made public unless the entrant and their parent or guardian chooses to make it so.

12. Entrants must submit their photos by 11:59 PM EST on November 11, 2011.

13. The grand prize winner will be announced on December 1, 2011 and will be given a Nook. Monthly winners will be announced on the first of each month from June -November, 2011 and be able to choose a prize from this collection.

14. Once entrants have their digital photograph ready, they should register here.

Book Trailer:

You can find out more about this author and her book at www.bettinarestrepo.com.

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

2011-07-24T00:48:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Dutton
Release Date: 14 June 2011
Format: E-Advance Reader Copy (initially), Hardcover
Source: NetGalley, Bought

Chloe's older sister, Ruby, is the girl everyone looks to and longs for, who can't be captured or caged. When a night with Ruby's friends goes horribly wrong and Chloe discovers the dead body of her classmate London Hayes left floating in the reservoir, Chloe is sent away from town and away from Ruby.

But Ruby will do anything to get her sister back, and when Chloe returns to town two years later, deadly surprises await. As Chloe flirts with the truth that Ruby has hidden deeply away, the fragile line between life and death is redrawn by the complex bonds of sisterhood.

With palpable drama and delicious craft, Nova Ren Suma bursts onto the YA scene with the story that everyone will be talking about. (Summary from Goodreads)

I was really excited about this book after I read the synopsis and saw the cover, but the story just didn't do it for me. I started reading this book on my Nook but the sentences were all jumbled and mixed up. I thought that was throwing me off and keeping me from getting engrossed in the story, so I ordered a physical copy. When the book came in I found my place and started reading, but I still couldn't lose myself in it.

The relationship between the sisters was borderline obsessive and more than a little strange. I appreciated the bond they shared but there were a lot of times I didn't understand it. If my brother started acting the way Ruby did, I wouldn't be able to shrug it off and ignore what was happening.

I also never felt close to Chloe. I couldn't get inside her head and see the world the way she did. Her thoughts seemed scattered and she never followed through on her assumptions or decisions. It was also hard for me to connect with any of the other characters. The town and its inhabitants were distant things on the edge of the story.

I liked the overall mystery of the book and the subtle hints suggesting what was really going on. Strange and stranger things are happening in Chloe's town and it was interesting to see what caused the weirdness.

Overall the story was appealing, I just couldn't connect with the characters or make myself care too much about what happened to them. I was interested...but really confused.

I'm not sure what category this book would fall under, but I think it blends a few of them together.

Strawberry Shortcake

2011-07-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Ingredients:

Strawberries, destemmed and cut into quarters -- 2 pints
Sugar -- 1/2 cup
Flour -- 4 cups
Sugar -- 6 tablespoons
Baking powder -- 5 teaspoons
Salt -- 1 teaspoon
Butter, chilled and cut into small cubes -- 12 tablespoons
Milk, half-and-half or cream -- 1 1/2 cups
Whipped cream -- 2 cups

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 450°F. In a large bowl, mix together the strawberries and 1/2 cup sugar. Set aside, stirring occasionally. The strawberries will produce their own syrup.

2) Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Add the chilled butter and work it into the flour with your fingers until the mixture takes on a mealy texture. Place the bowl in the refrigerator or freezer and chill the ingredients for about 5-10 minutes.

3) Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and stir in the milk, half-and-half or cream until all the ingredients come together in a ball. Remove the dough to a lightly floured worksurface and knead gently and quickly just enough to smooth out the dough.

4) Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 3/4 inch. Use a cookie or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into twelve 3-inch rounds. Place the rounds on a buttered baking sheet and bake until lightly browned on top, about 10-12 minutes.

5) Place one shortcake round in a dessert bowl. Top with a spoonful of strawberries and syrup. Place another round on top of that and top with another spoonful of berries. Top the whole thing with a dollop of whipped cream and serve immediately.

Variations:

1) The tops of the shortcake rounds can be brushed with milk, cream or some melted butter before baking to help them brown.

2) Cut half the shortcake into 3-inch rounds and the rest into 2 1/2-inch rounds. Use the smaller ones for the top shortcake layer. This gives a somewhat more pleasing presentation.

3) The biscuits can also be split horizontally and filled with berries. This will give you about 12 portions for this recipe, but you will need 2 quarts of berries.

4) Instead of cutting the dough into individual portions, pat it into a greased 8-inch round cake pan and bake whole for about 15 minutes. After it has baked and cooled, split horizontally and fill with berries. Top with more berries and whipped cream.

5) Use any type of summer berries for this dish, or a mixture of different kinds. Or use peaches, nectarines, mangoes...any seasonal fruit.

(I found the recipe and image here.)

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

2011-07-19T01:33:00.005-05:00

Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Release Date: 26 July 2011
Format: E-Advance Reader Copy
Series: Wildefire, #1
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Every flame begins with a spark.

Ashline Wilde is having a rough sophomore year. She’s struggling to find her place as the only Polynesian girl in school, her boyfriend just cheated on her, and now her runaway sister, Eve, has decided to barge back into her life. When Eve’s violent behavior escalates and she does the unthinkable, Ash transfers to a remote private school nestled in California’s redwoods, hoping to put the tragedy behind her. But her fresh start at Blackwood Academy doesn’t go as planned. Just as Ash is beginning to enjoy the perks of her new school—being captain of the tennis team, a steamy romance with a hot, local park ranger—Ash discovers that a group of gods and goddesses have mysteriously enrolled at Blackwood…and she’s one of them. To make matters worse, Eve has resurfaced to haunt Ash, and she’s got some strange abilities of her own. With a war between the gods looming over campus, Ash must master the new fire smoldering within before she clashes with her sister one more time… And when warm and cold fronts collide, there’s guaranteed to be a storm. (Summary from Goodreads)

I had to stare at the cover for a few seconds before I could figure out what it was, but then all I wanted to do was look at it and find a copy to hang on my wall! Fortunately, the cover isn't the only beautiful thing about this book. The story, the characters, and the setting are tied together in a way that creates something exciting and new.

The beginning of Wildefire is a little intense and definitely not what I was expecting. Ashline is a butt-kicking female protagonist. She doesn't get pushed around and she doesn't hesitate to defend herself or someone she cares about. (I wouldn't want to be on her bad side!)

Ash's sister (Eve) is another person you do not want to mess with. Her personality is clearly defined in the beginning, and her appearances throughout the book are always interesting and a little scary. Rolfe, Raja, Jackie, Darren, Bobby Jones, Ade, Colt, Lily--I could name every single character in this book because they were all incredible.

I really liked the woodsy setting of the book. The isolation and their surroundings added to the overall appeal of the story. (It also takes place in and around a boarding school which increased the awesomeness oozing from the pages.)

The author used names and made references to things that were foreign to me. I enjoyed looking up what I didn't know and learning about another branch of gods and goddesses.

Knight kept me on my toes with every twist and turn. A few of them I thought I saw coming, but he took them to an extreme I never expected. And the ending...it was...wow. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Beignets

2011-07-17T01:16:00.000-05:00

Ingredients:

Active dry yeast -- 1 (1/4-ounce) packet
Warm (about 110°F) water -- 3/4 cup
Flour -- 3 1/2 cups
Sugar -- 1/4 cup
Cream -- 1/2 cup
Egg, beaten -- 1
Butter, melted -- 2 tablespoons
Salt -- 1/2 teaspoon
Powdered sugar -- for sifting
Salt -- 1/2 teaspoon

Directions:

1) Mix the yeast and warm water together in a small bowl and let rest for 10 minutes to activate the yeast.

2) Sift together the flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour and add the yeast mixture, egg, cream, melted butter and salt.

3) Stir with a wooden spoon to mix the ingredients and bring the dough together. Add a little more flour is too wet or a little more cream if it is too dry.

4) Remove the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.

5) Remove the dough to a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover with a cloth or plastic wrap. Set in a warm corner until doubled in size, around 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Or put it in the refrigerator to rise overnight and finish the beignets for breakfast.

6) Remove the dough to a lightly floured work surface. Punch the dough down to deflate it, and roll it out into a rough rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the dough into 2-inch strips. Then cut the strips at an angle into diamond-shaped pieces of dough about 2 inches on each side. Set the dough pieces on a lightly floured baking sheet, cover lightly and set aside to rise again until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.

7) Heat the oil in a deep pot or deep fryer to 360°F. Shake the flour off the dough pieces and, working in small batches, fry them in the hot oil, turning them until both sides are golden brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and repeat with all of the dough.

8) Put some powdered sugar into a sieve and sprinkle it liberally over the beignets. Serve immediately with coffee.

The recipe and picture were found here.

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

2011-07-13T00:03:00.003-05:00

Publisher: MTV Books
Release Date: 19 July 2011
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Source: Publisher

She's writing about him. he's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines..

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true. (Summary from Goodreads)

I loved reading this book and watching Erin and Hunter grow as people. I wouldn't have thought they could have changed so much in so little time, but a lot happens that makes them realize what they really want in life. Echols places them in situations where they are forced to face their problems...and each other.

Erin is a strong, determined, and stubborn character. She doesn't want to accept help from anyone and she pushes herself to work hard, study, and do well in her creative writing class. Hunter is hard to read and keeps his emotions in check, but throughout the story we see him open up more and more. I liked reading the stories they wrote for their creative writing class. It told me a lot about them individually and how their lives had connected in the past.

I enjoyed the New York, Kentucky, and dorm settings. It kept things interesting as the characters moved from place to place. Also, the descriptions in this book are amazing. I could see everything clearly in my head and felt like I was there with the characters. (Ohh, and I really wanted to be there when Echols was describing Hunter without a shirt on. :P )

Sometimes I have trouble tuning out the world when I'm reading a book, but this wasn't the case with Love Story. I was so engrossed in what I was reading that I didn't realize people had been calling my name. They ended up throwing a pillow at me to get my attention.

Fall in love with Jennifer Echols

2011-07-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

Fall in love with Jennifer Echols with this prize pack!

Thanks to Big Honcho Media, one lucky winner will receive a copy of Going Too Far, Forget You and Love Story by Jennifer Echols!

I just finished reading Love Story and really enjoyed it! I didn't have any trouble drowning out the baseball game in the background. Echols had my full attention, which is why I didn't notice the pillow flying in my direction. Someone had been calling my name but I was too engrossed in the story to hear it. They decided to throw something at me to get my attention. (I'll post my full review after this.)

About the book:

She's writing about him. He's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfill her ambitions-it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a local coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?

Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true.

About the author:

Jennifer Echols is the author of romantic dramas for MTV and romantic comedies for Pulse. She currently lives in Birmingham. Visit her on the web at www.jennifer-echols.com .

Grab the countdown widget:

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Learn more:
http://books.simonandschuster.com/Love-Story/Jennifer-Echols/9781439178324

To Enter:

Fill out the form below.

Only one entry per person.

You must be at least 13 years of age or older.

(View my Contest Policy for more information.)
US only

Ends: July 27, 2011

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

Bad Taste in Boys Celebration

2011-07-12T13:36:00.001-05:00

I love the cover for this book! It's simple and different but it really grabs my attention. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I've heard people say amazing things about it! It's somewhere near the top of my to-read list.

I was really excited when Cari (Cari Blogs) emailed me about an idea she had to celebrate the book's release. She asked a group of us to take a picture of ourselves with sugar on our lips and/or zombie-fy our faces. Awesome, right? I had an excuse to put on colorful lipstick and dump a ton of sugar on my face, er, lips!

Author: Carrie Harris

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Release Date: 12 July 2011 (Today!)

Someone's been a very bad zombie.

Kate Grable is horrified to find out that the football coach has given the team steroids. Worse yet, the steroids are having an unexpected effect, turning hot gridiron hunks into mindless flesh-eating zombies. No one is safe--not her cute crush Aaron, not her dorky brother, Jonah . . . not even Kate!

She's got to find an antidote--before her entire high school ends up eating each other. So Kate, her best girlfriend, Rocky, and Aaron stage a frantic battle to save their town. . . and stay hormonally human. (Summary from Goodreads)

First, I want to thank Landon. I wouldn't have been able to do this without his photographic skills! Second, I want to thank Cari for asking me to be involved with this project. I've had so much fun! Lastly, I want to to caution everyone. Yes. The sugary lipstick looks good and it's really pretty, however, do not forget that it is lipstick and will taste terrible if you accidentally lick the sugar from your lips!

Let me know if you did a post like this so I can check it out!

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

2011-07-11T00:04:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Miramax
Release Date:1 April 2006 (first published 12 July 2005)
Format: Audiobook
Read By: Jesse Bernstein
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1
Source: Library

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. There's little time to process this news. All too soon, a cryptic prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first quest, a mission to the Underworld to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus. (Summary from Goodreads)

I read this series a long time ago and really enjoyed it, so when I saw the audiobook sitting on a shelf at the library I thought, "What the heck?" I'm usually not a fan of audiobooks because they never make the story sound like it did when I read it to myself, but I had heard good things about Jesse Bernstein and this series. (I also wouldn't want to listen to an audiobook unless I had already read the book.)

People were right. I loved Bernstein's voice and could easily picture him as Percy Jackson while he read the story. He also changes his voice when he reads the lines of the other characters and I still can't believe he was able to give them all a unique voice. The differences may have been subtle, but I always knew which character was speaking based on his tone or accent. I quickly became addicted to this audiobook and took it with me everywhere.

Like I said before, I really enjoyed this book and the series it belongs to. I know I've said this a million times, but I love, love, love Greek mythology. Rick Riordan has combined almost all of the Greek gods and made an incredible story about them and their children. Percy is a fantastic protagonist and I liked reading the book from his perspective. And yes, I know he's a dude.

Annabeth and Grover were amazing secondary characters. They made me think of Harry, Ron, and Hermione from Harry Potter (except they are battling evil mythological creatures instead of a nose-less wizard).

There is a ton of action and adventure so the plot moves pretty quickly. Percy and crew are bounced around from place to place and I never knew what to expect at each new destination. The author puts them in a lot of crazy situations and I loved seeing how they got themselves out.

I loved the mythology, the characters, the settings, the adventure, and every twist that was thrown into the story. This is a series that I will read (or listen to) again and again.

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

2011-07-08T14:26:00.003-05:00

Publisher: Philomel
Release Date: 26 July 2011
Format: Advance Reader Copy
Source: Publisher
Series: Nightshade, #2

This thrilling sequel to the much-talked-about Nightshade begins just where it ended-Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemy, and she's certain her days are numbered. But then the Searchers make her an offer-one that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man-she left behind.

Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must decide which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive. (Summary from Goodreads)

I couldn't wait to start reading this! I wanted to dive back into the world Andrea Cremer had created and be reunited with all of the characters I loved from the first book. I really wanted to read and learn more about Ren, but everyone else is great too!

Speaking of everyone else, Andrea introduces us to a whole new cast of characters. I loved Connor and his witty, inappropriate comments. Adne added a few unexpected twists, and I even started to like Ethan a little bit. They all brought something new to the story and I really enjoyed getting to know them.

The book starts off a little slow, but it's never boring. There is a ton of new information about the Keepers, Searchers, characters, and everything else. The history and lore are fascinating and gave me a new perspective on the world they live in. I was torn between wanting more details and wanting to read faster.

There are a few heart-wrenching moments, a lot of love and betrayal, and an ending that will stay with me for a long time. Andrea really knows how to write cliffhangers! Now I am even more excited (and nervous) about the third book! I'm anxious to see how everything will come together and eventually end.

Anatomy of a Blog Name (6)

2011-07-04T00:04:00.000-05:00

This week: Ashley of Books from Bleh to Basically Amazing

She said it would have taken too long to explain in text, so here is her answer in vlog form!

I think Ashley has learned how to stop breathing when she talks! Haha Thanks for stopping by Ash!

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

2011-07-02T02:01:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 28 June 2011
Format: e-ARC
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last. (Summary from Goodreads)

First, I want to say how much I love the name Cade. Second, Lisa Schroeder knows how write amazing books. (Side note: I will buy every book she ever writes.) All of her stories are written in verse and every single one of them touches my heart in some way. The Day Before is no exception. It's beautiful and every page is filled with emotion.

The characters easily come to life in my head and it's like I've known them forever. It only takes a few pages for me to feel connected to Amber and Cade. I cared about them and wanted to make all of their problems go away.

I loved the setting, the memories, and the letters that were tied in. They didn't take away from the story, but added another layer to it. I was able to see why Amber felt and acted the way she did.

Fantastic story, writing, characters...everything. It's hard to believe I can get and feel so much from so little, but Lisa does it again and again. If you haven't read one of her books, I highly recommend it.

Caramel Apples

2011-07-01T14:16:00.001-05:00

(Original image)

I had a craving for caramel apples and thought I would do a post! (I'll be making a trip to the grocery store later so I can make them!) I prefer to use green apples because I think they taste better than red apples, but either one will work. You can drizzle chocolate on the outside, sprinkle pretzels, or a dash of nuts to add additional flavor.

Ingredients:

Apples -- 6
Popsicle sticks, craft sticks or chopsticks -- 6
Heavy cream -- 2 cups
Brown sugar -- 2 cups
Unsalted butter -- 4 tablespoons
Dark corn syrup -- 1/2 cup

Directions:

1) Wash and stem the apples. Insert sticks into the stem end of each apple to form a handle. Grease a baking sheet with butter or line it with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add the cream, sugar, butter and corn syrup to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and continue to boil, stirring frequently, until the temperature reaches 245°F, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the saucepan from heat and set aside to cool somewhat, continuing to stir.

3) Dip each apple into the caramel, twirling it and using a spoon to cover all sides. As you finish each apple, set them on the greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. When finished with all apples, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the caramel.

Variations:

1) After dipping the apples in the caramel, they can be rolled in chopped peanuts, chopped walnuts, crushed toffee or little cinnamon candies. Melted white chocolate is often dripped over the finished apples

2) For maple-flavored caramel, use 1/4 cup dark corn syrup and 1/4 cup maple syrup. (Original recipe)

What do you think Wednesday? (8)

2011-06-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

This week: Contests/Giveaways

If I enter a contest, the format doesn't matter to me. I can fill out a form, leave a comment, or make up a haiku. (The haiku entries are always fun to read!) I've had a lot of giveaways on my blog this month (which is what got me thinking about this). Initially, I was creating forms for people to fill out, but then I switched to just requiring a comment.

How do you like to enter contests? Do you feel safer leaving your information on a form or leaving your email in the comments? Is there a form of entry that would cause you to not enter a contest/giveaway?

Sometimes It Happens by Lauren Barnholdt

2011-06-28T00:44:00.002-05:00

Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: 12 July 2011
Format: e-ARC
Source: Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

On the last day of her junior year, Hannah's boyfriend Sebastian dumped her. Facing a summer of loneliness, Hannah turns to her best friend Ava for comfort. Ava does what BFFs do: she stays by Hannah's side...until it's time for Ava to head up to Maine for the summer. Also left behind is Ava's boyfriend, Noah, who's such a great guy he gets Hannah a job at the diner he waits tables at. Slowly, Hannah comes out of her funk thanks to Noah's good conversation and their fun times at the diner. But things get complicated when their friendship turns into attraction--and one night, into a passionate kiss.

The novel opens on the first day of senior year; the day Hannah is going to see Ava, Sebastian, and Noah all in one place. Over the course of the day secrets and betrayals are revealed, and alliances are broken and reformed. In the end, everyone is paired up once again, but not the way you might think...(Summary from Goodreads)

Sometimes it Happens ended up being the light, contemporary book I was looking for! I had an itch that this story was able to scratch. I don't know why, but I seem to enjoy paranormal books more when it's cold and contemporary books when it's hot. Weird, right?

I enjoyed the high school setting, but disliked the constant use of the word "like." I know that people use it a lot (and probably more in high school), but it was said excessively. I felt like it took away from the story because my mind had to pause for every "like" it came across.

There are a lot of new and old relationships that develop over the course of the book, and I think the author did a great job conveying those connections. The sweet, tension-filled romance would have been enough to keep me reading, but I wanted to see what happened to each of the characters individually. The flashbacks were interesting and built the suspense for what was happening in the present.

The characters are in typical High School setting that was very realistic. However, their home situations struck me as a little odd. Where were the parents? I think saw Hannah's mom for a combined total of ten minutes throughout the entire book (and she was the only parent I ever saw). I know she was working and going to school, but still.

This book was exactly what I expected and just what I wanted. There are a few minor things that I didn't love, but the overall story was one I could get lost in. I kept turning the pages trying to get to the point in the book where the past and the present collided into one big, messy ball of fun. And, well, Sometimes it Happens.

Anatomy of a Blog Name (5)

2011-06-27T00:04:00.002-05:00

This week: Jen from Lost in the Library

I actually thought of starting a blog much much earlier than I did. It was choosing a name that stumped me. I mean- I felt I had to choose one that really represented me and what my blog would be about. It was
daunting and I thought about it for weeks before deciding. It went from Little Library to Jen's Library to In the Library with Jen, At the Library, Lost in a book to finally Lost in the Library.

I felt that name was perfect because it's how I was growing up. I'd lose myself for hours in the books on the shelves...it was solice for me. Now, that I work in a library I still feel the same way. It's a little different now of course because the hours I spend there are working hours but I don't love it any less.

In the future, I plan to put more library content on the blog-I'd like it to become a resource for others who work with children in a library setting. Of course I still plan to review, review, and I'm hoping for
more collaboration with bloggers and other library childrens staff too!

Thanks for stopping by Jen!

Birthday Bash! (4/4)

2011-06-23T00:01:00.004-05:00

This is it guys! This is my LAST Birthday Bash giveaway! ( My official birthday is next week :) ) Thanks for all of the birthday wishes and I hope everyone has enjoyed the BB!

In other news...

My second Birthday Bash ends today.

The giveaway for Jay Asher's Thirteen Reasons Why ends today.

1) Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater--signed!
2) The Unwanteds (ARC) by Lisa McMann
3) Eve (ARC) by Anna Carey
4) His Last Duchess (ARC) by Gabrielle Kimm

-Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.
(If you just want to leave your email address without leaving a comment-that's okay too!)
-Only one entry per person.
-You must be at least 13 years of age or older.
-Open internationally!
-View my Contest Policy for more information.

~~Ends: 6 July 2011~~

Waiting on Wednesday (4)

2011-06-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill from Breaking the Spine, and specifically spotlights upcoming novels we are eagerly anticipating.

Title: Everblue (Mer Tales, #1)
Author: Brenda Pandos
Publisher: Obsidian Mountain Publishing
Release Date: 31 July 2011

Best friends share everything with each other. Or do they? Seventeen-year-old Ashlyn Frances Lanski is tired of her boring, single life. Spending time with her best friend Tatiana, dreaming about kissing Tatiana's twin brother Fin, and swimming competitively are her only sanctuary. The girls plan to leave their drab lakeside town far behind for college. But when Tatchi fails to return home after a family emergency, and no one knows where the family has gone, Ash chooses to do something drastic to find them.

Ashlyn is about to discover what she’d thought to be true her whole life, wasn’t, and the truth, too fantastical to imagine. Secrets lurk beneath the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe, secrets that will change Ashlyn's life forever. (Summary from Goodreads)

I love books about mermaids! And that cover? Beautiful! It looks like the image starts rippling at the bottom.

The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab

2011-06-21T00:48:00.003-05:00

Publisher: Hyperion
Release Date: 2 August 2011
Format: e-ARC
Source: NetGalley

The Near Witch is only an old story told to frighten children.

If the wind calls at night, you must not listen. The wind is lonely, and always looking for company.

And there are no strangers in the town of Near.

These are the truths that Lexi has heard all her life.

But when an actual stranger—a boy who seems to fade like smoke—appears outside her home on the moor at night, she knows that at least one of these sayings is no longer true.

The next night, the children of Near start disappearing from their beds, and the mysterious boy falls under suspicion. Still, he insists on helping Lexi search for them. Something tells her she can trust him.

As the hunt for the children intensifies, so does Lexi’s need to know—about the witch that just might be more than a bedtime story, about the wind that seems to speak through the walls at night, and about the history of this nameless boy.

Part fairy tale, part love story, Victoria Schwab’s debut novel is entirely original yet achingly familiar: a song you heard long ago, a whisper carried by the wind, and a dream you won’t soon forget. (Summary from Goodreads)

Victoria Schwab is an incredible writer. The Near Witch is layered with awesome and completely fascinated me from page one. I loved listening to Lexi tell/read the story of the Near witch that had been passed down to her. (The other rhymes told throughout the book were also very detailed and interesting to hear.) I could tell the author put a lot of thought into the stories in her story, and everything flowed together nicely.

The setting is perfect for the book. It's a small, quiet town that is used to everything being the same. When a stranger alters the normal routine, it sets the town on edge and Schwab shows us what happens when people let fear rule them. Letting their fears control them only invited more trouble, and it definitely hurt more than helped the overall situation. I frequently wanted to reach into the book and shake/slap people for being ridiculous and stupid. (I love when I can feel that strongly toward characters!)

Lexi is a strong, stubborn girl who is determined to do right by everyone. Her father raised her to be independent, and she is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. She doesn't let some guy walk into her life and start doing things for her, she continues to do things on her own.

The history of the town, the characters, the mysterious new guy...all of it is told in a vivid, beautiful way. I had no problem picturing every detail in my mind. The story ended before I knew what happened (because it was too good to put down), but the ending was perfect for the book. I can't wait to see what Victoria writes next!

Anatomy of a Blog Name (4)

2011-06-20T00:04:00.001-05:00

This week: Jess from Gone with the Words

(Jess and I bonded over our love of the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr. Irial is just too hard to resist :P)

I wasn’t always the avid reader I am today, but after reading about 200 books in 2010 and wanting to spill my guts about them, I decided to begin a blog where I could do just that. Thus, in January of this year, Gone with the Words was born. Except at the time it wasn’t called that, it was called “Read? Don’t Mind if I Do...” It wasn’t a keeper in my book and I had no idea how to come up with one I’d love. So I decided to host a poll that included names suggested by other bloggers and Twitter friends. There were some really cool suggestions that included The Words Beneath the Surface (which I also loved, and came in second), Words Unfail Me, My Life Spent Reading, and the original Read? Don’t Mind if I Do...

“Gone with the Words” was probably the title with the most meanings for me…

a) The obvious: It reminds me Gone with the Wind, which was the first adult movie I watched as a child. I fell in love. Even now, it’s one of my all time most favorite movies ever.

b) It says, “I’ve gone off to read! Be back later!

c) It also says that my mind has skipped reality and it has taken up residence in whatever book I’m reading.

Now, six months later, I am convinced there isn’t a possibility of any other name that would suit me or my blog better. It makes me giddy whenever someone compliments the name and I’ve even gotten several compliments from authors, including Stephanie Perkins and Lauren Oliver! So that’s my story...and I’m sticking to it. :)

Thanks so much Jess for participating!

In My Mailbox (10)

2011-06-19T16:55:00.002-05:00

In My Mailbox is a meme started by Kristi from The Story Siren. It's a way for people to share all of the lovely books they have gotten over the week, and a great chance for others to see what is out there.

Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott
So Much Closer by Susane Colasanti
You Againse Me by Jenny Downham
The Watchers by Inara Scott (It was renamed and is now titled The Marked.)

Spoiled by Heather Cocks, Jessica Morgan
Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Reese's Cupcakes

2011-06-18T12:17:00.002-05:00

Ingredients (for the cupcakes):

2 cups Flour
1 cup Sugar
2 tsp Baking Soda
6-7 Tbsp Cocoa
1 cup Mayonnaise (I know, right? But this really makes a difference!)
1 cup Water
1 tsp Vanilla

(for the frosting):

6-8 Reese’s Cups, frozen and cut into sixths
1 cup Smooth Peanut Butter
1 cup Confectioners Sugar
5 Tbsp Butter, room temp
1 tsp Vanilla
1/3 cup Heavy Cream (half and half works too because the PB is enough to keep the frosting stiff)

Directions (cupcakes):

1) Mix/sift/wisk the dry ingredients together. Add the mayo, water, and vanilla all at once and stir until smooth.

2) Line muffin tins with cupcake liners, and fill halfway (you can pipe it in if you want to avoid a mess!).

3) Bake 20-25 minutes at 350. Allow the cupcakes to cook completely before frosting.

Frosting:

1) Beat together the peanut butter, sugar, butter, and vanilla until light and fluffy. (A hand beater is fine.)

2) Slowly add the cream a little at a time and continue to beat until peaks are stiff.

3) Chill a little before piping onto the cupcakes.

4) Stick 3-4 pieces of the Reese’s cups in each cupcake. Refrigerate until ready to serve. (I found the recipe and image here.)

Birthday Bash! (3/4)

2011-06-16T01:24:00.008-05:00

I've decided that I want a clone for my birthday. I need someone to do the ridiculous amount of summer work I was given. The teachers I have this semester must be oblivious to the fact that they should condense the workload for a summer session. Fifty book reports? I think that's overdoing it a tad, don't you? Ahh, oh well. What can I do? I hope you guys are enjoying my birthday month more than I am! :P

Enjoy giveaway number three!

1) Daughter of Smoke and Bone (ARC) by Laini Taylor

2) Going Underground (ARC) by Susan Vaught

3) The Rivals (ARC) by Daisy Whitney

4) A SIGNED copy of Forever (ARC) by Maggie Stiefvater

-Leave a comment and be sure to include your email address.

(If you just want to leave your email address without leaving a comment-that's okay too!)

-Only one entry per person.

-You must be at least 13 years of age or older.

-Open internationally!

-View my Contest Policy for more information.

~~Ends: 30 June 2011~~

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

2011-06-14T00:01:00.007-05:00

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Release Date: 27 September 2011

Format: e-ARC
Source: BEA (2011)

Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must me more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

(Summary from Goodreads)

Crazy synopsis, right? It doesn't tell you anything! It only made me want to read the book more. (I guess that's the point.) Normally, a synopsis will tell you a little bit about the book, or maybe what to expect. I had no idea what I was getting into when I dove into this book and still don't know what to expect after reading it. Twice.

Michelle Hodkin is unbelievably good at building suspense. I was totally consumed by the book and the story. Who is Mara Dyer? What happened to her? There are a lot of situations that present more questions, and very few are actually answered. I'm assuming we'll get more information in the second book. (Well, I'm hoping!)

Also, I know what I want for my birthday. Well, technically it's not a "what" but a "who." Noah Shaw. He's so deliciously bad. Half of the time I didn't know why I was attracted to him, only that I was. Trust me, this guy is worth reading about.

Like I said before, this book had my complete and total attention. I ~~couldn't~~ didn't put it down. However, the last few chapters threw me off of the MD railroad tracks. I had no idea what was going on! In some ways this was good, but I felt like the writing and story changed drastically from the rest of the book. When I read the last sentence (and it's a doozy), I immediately texted the people I knew that had read it. I needed to know if what I thought had happened, happened, or if I was confusing everything. Apparently, everyone was a little derailed there at the end. A lot of things just stopped making sense.

The ending was the only part of the book I didn't love, so you guys need to find this book and buy it as soon as it hits the shelves. I'm sure the ending will be cleared up in the second book. The storyline is fabulous (it's about an entirely new something), the characters were enjoyable, and I can't wait to see where the story goes.

Books, Sweets and other Treats

Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries

Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Rice Crispy Treats

In My Mailbox (14)

Bloodrose by Andrea Cremer

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

In My Mailbox (13)

Apple Pie (in the apple)

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout Blog Tour

Cheesecake Squares

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Young Adult Novel Discovery Competition

The Hunger Games Trailer

John Green Week

Waiting on Wednesday (9)

Fiction Verses Food

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

Waiting on Wednesday (8)

Caramel Frappuccino Cupcakes

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

Waiting on Wednesday (7)

Happy Birthday to Me by Brian Rowe

Sautéed Grape Napoleons with Port Reduction

Interview: Inara Scott {+ giveaway}

Radiant Desire by Inara Scott

In My Mailbox (12)

Second Helpings Saturday (3)

Top Ten Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies

Second Helpings Saturday (2)

Vampire Cookies

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

Second Helpings Saturday (1)

Witchlanders by Lena Coakley

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Top Ten Books I Feel Everyone Has Read But Me

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

Interview: Kiki Hamilton

The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst

Skyship Academy: The Pearl Wars by Nick James

500 Follower Giveaway!

On The Fringes: Jesse

Unicorn Cupcakes

Tris & Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

Kit Kat Bars

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Win a Signed Copy of The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

The Marked by Inara Scott

Watermelon Pie

The Summer of Firsts and Lasts by Terra Elan McVoy

Fury by Elizabeth Miles

Fury Blog Tour (+ giveaway)

In My Mailbox (11)

Vote for the Sexy Scotsman!

Waiting On Wednesday (5)

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Blueberry Pie and Pie Crust

Illegal Photo Contest

Imaginary Girls by Nova Ren Suma

Strawberry Shortcake

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Beignets

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Fall in love with Jennifer Echols

Bad Taste in Boys Celebration

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

Anatomy of a Blog Name (6)

The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

Caramel Apples

Obsidian by Jennifer  L.  Armentrout Blog Tour