Saturday, November 28, 2009

Who went shopping on Black Friday?



Come on, fess up.
I actually managed not to, not even online and I'm quite proud of myself.
It really feels good, even if I did miss all the sales.
*sniffle*

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Giveaway at All Things Urban Fantasy

Abigail of All Things Urban Fantasy is celebrating 100 followers with a nice contest.  Your choice of two books for three winners.  Some nice choices too.

Dead Over Heels by MaryJanice Davidson


Dead and Loving It by MaryJanice Davidson

Blue Diablo by Ann Aguirre

Once Bitten by Kalayna Price

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr

Strange Brew Edited by P. N. Elrod
 
Ends November 29, so head on over to All Things Urban Fantasy to enter.

Congrats on the followers, Abigail!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Christmas Romance Anthology Reading Challenge


I figure now is the time for my first reading challenge.
So, in honor of all the wonderful old and new romance anthologies for the Christmas holidays, I have decided to go with this one.
The rules are simple:  I know December is a busy month, so I'm starting the challenge at 2 books.  I'm hoping to read more than that myself as I have quite a few of these in my tbr pile.
2nd rule - none of your chosen books can have the same authors in them, that way we broaden our horizons a little more.
Sounds fun, huh?  If you'd like to sign up, please add your information to Mr. Linky below.


Monday, November 16, 2009

Monday Morning Musings



It's Monday again.

I realize that you probably already know that.  I say it mostly for myself, mainly just to remind me that tomorrow is Tuesday and not Monday, most dreaded of all days. lol

First of all, I wanted to thank everybody who has stopped by so far to enter the Thankful Contest.  I've gotten the warm fuzzies from reading all of your comments.  We really do have so much to be thankful for and we definitely take too much for granted.  Our situation could always be worse.  Loved the comments on gratitude for all the wonderful books and authors.  I couldn't agree more.

What am I reading?  Well, I'm having a tough time getting through The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown.  Not because it's bad.  It's just been so hectic lately that I've had practically zilch time to read, which depresses me most heinously.
Anybody else read it?  What are your thoughts on The Lost Symbol or any other Dan Brown novel for that matter?  I've read them all.  I didn't think that the movie did justice to the book for The Da Vinci Code and though I love Tom Hanks acting, I just don't think he was the man for the job.

I'm starting a new blog for children and young adult book reviews here.
If you have any ideas about how to decorate it let me know.

Have a great week!



Tuesday, November 10, 2009

What Are You Thankful for Contest

Want to win a $25 gift certificate to Amazon in time for the holidays?
Sure you do.  I know there are lots of great books on my holiday wishlist.
Just tell me what you're thankful for in the comments below to be entered.
+5 for spreading the word about the contest


Ends November 30th 11:59 eastern.

Wieners ahem I mean Winners to announce

Zapped goes to MarionG

Confessions of a Shopaholic goes to stacy stew

Montana Creeds: Dylan goes to Cecile

Marion & Stacy, I need your mailing addresses
I still have yours Cecile

Congrats ladies!

The Great Kindle Giveaway


Lots of ways to gain entries.
Enter over at Bibliofreak

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Review: Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow


Outskirts Press
Published: August 27, 2009
338 pages

   Tirissa is a twelve year old girl from Oakenwood who is faced with a tremendous responsibility when she realizes that everyone she knows has become deadened as she calls it or without emotion and easily controlled.  She is apprentice to an herbwoman, Mistress Farleaf and when she shows up for work, there is a stranger present who makes her uncomfortable.  He learns that the deadening has not affected Tirissa and when she runs from him, he turns into a strange creature like nothing she's ever seen.  She decides that she must head to Kellayne, a nearby city in search of a witch who might be able to help.  While evading the creature, she meets the first of the friends that will be helping on her journey, Oglo the troll.  He seeks to protect her because he wasn't able to protect others from the creatures in his past.  He will make many sacrifices to help Tirissa who becomes his best friend.
   The two journey across the Three Kingdoms in search of the deadening stones as well as a book of spells used by a wizard whose plans are much more nefarious than just to control the people.  They gain and lose friends as they go, evading many villains and imprisonment along the way.  An ex-guard, Storge, joins their group.  They disguise themselves many times and never give up, showing extreme courage and strength through impossible circumstances.  Tirissa learns who she is and what she is capable of doing and uses these talents during the trip to Far Montayne in the west.  Many surprises and setbacks ensue.  So, does she succeed in saving the people of the Three Kingdoms?  I guess you'll have to read the book to find out.
  
   I was delighted and fascinated with Ms. Willow's fantasy world.   Her creatures and characters were vivid and unpredictable.  I rooted for Tirissa and her friends and found myself discouraged when things didn't go as planned.  There were also several sad moments.  Tirissa is one of the most resourceful pre-teens that I've ever had the pleasure of reading about.  The language is simple enough for youngsters but will not fail to keep adults interested as well.  I am looking forward to more fantastical stories by Ms. Willow in the near future, I hope.

Join Tirissa's Facebook fan page for a chance to win a free copy of the book


This is a Pump Up Your Book Virtual Tour for Tirissa and the Necklace of Nulidor by Willow

**I received this book courtesy of the author and Pump Up Your Book Promotions for the purpose of review**