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Grains of Truth by Lydia Crichton: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-17 11:29:37

When I was approached about reading and possibly reviewing Grains of Truth by Lydia Crichton, I was intrigued by the premise. At the same time, this publisher is a bit of an unknown for me so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’m happy to say that th

The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-16 12:10:48

When I read the publisher’s brief blurb about The River of No Return by Bee Ridgway, I knew I had to read it. Although this is a debut novel, you would never guess that from reading it. Bee Ridgeway is actually the pen name of an English Literature

May 2013 Nook E-Book Bargains

Published on 2013-05-15 12:38:07

Below are Nook E-Book Bargains for May 2013 that we’ve found for you. Enjoy browsing and we hope you find some gems for your to-be-read (TBR) list. Please note: These prices are in effect as of May 15, 2013; however, they will not remain at thi

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-14 13:11:24

Joelle Charbonneau is an established author of adult mysteries, so The Testing is her first YA novel. I had already read an advance copy of it, and knew what I thought of it when I got word from the publisher that they were sending me a printed copy.

Loki’s Wolves by K.L. Armstrong and M.L. Marr: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-12 18:20:00

We’re participating in the Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop and wanted to host a giveaway for a very special book, Loki’s Wolves. Bestselling fantasy authors Kelly Armstrong and Melissa Marr have teamed up to create this new novel for ages eig

The Mystery of Mercy Close by Marian Keyes: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-09 12:13:02

I was delighted to receive a copy of The Mystery of Mercy Close by bestselling and award-winning Irish author Marian Keyes. If you’re familiar with Marian Keyes, you know her work is an international phenomenon. Women everywhere can’t get enough

May Kindle E-Book Bargains

Published on 2013-05-08 11:19:33

Below are Kindle E-Book Bargains for May that we’ve found for you. Enjoy browsing and we hope you find some gems for your to-be-read (TBR) list. Please note: These prices are in effect as of May 8, 2013; however, they will not remain at this lo

Little Green by Walter Mosley: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-06 16:15:12

We’re participating in the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop. Instead of pulling books from the bookshelf, we couldn’t resist featuring Walter Mosley’s newest Easy Rawlins novel, Little Green. I don’t know about you but I love the Easy Rawlins se

Yesterday’s Echo by Matt Coyle: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-05-06 11:40:20

Yesterday’s Echo by Matt Coyle is Book #1 in the Rick Cahill crime series. Its journey has been a long one, since Matt found the seeds for this novel almost 30 years ago, but if this book is any indication then it was well worth the trip. In some w

Great Book Gifts for Mother’s Day

Published on 2013-05-05 10:05:05

Mother’s Day is only about a week away – yikes! Thankfully with online shopping, you’ve still got time if you act quickly – whew! Are you still looking for the perfect gift for your mom this Mother’s Day? Initially we ha

Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon: Becoming an Exoveterinarian on Mars

Published on 2013-05-02 12:24:34

When I read the publisher’s blurb about Zenn Scarlett by Christian Schoon, I knew I had to read it. I’ve always loved stories about Mars and I’m a huge animal lover, so it was a no brainer. Imagine studying to become a veterinarian to alien lif

The Lives of Tao by Wesley Chu: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-30 18:59:32

We’re participating in the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop. Ordinarily we’d look for a light romance for this giveaway but we decided to interpret fling a different way this time. To that end, we’re featuring a review and giveaway for The Lives of Ta

NOS4A2 by Bestselling Author Joe Hill: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-30 12:07:31

I knew bestselling author Joe Hill’s reputation, so when I saw NOS4A2 I got chills just looking at the book cover. Normally I reserve books like this for the period surrounding Halloween to support me in maxing out the spookiness atmosphere, but I

Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire: What Travis Believes Happened

Published on 2013-04-29 11:33:12

Walking Disaster is Jamie McGuire’s follow-up companion novel to the YA novel, Beautiful Disaster. We reviewed Beautiful Disaster in late Summer 2012. A link to that review is at the end of this review. Since then it has become a New York Times bes

Tuesday’s Gone by Nicci French: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-26 11:53:42

As we mentioned when we reviewed Blue Monday, Book #1 in the Frieda Klein series, bestselling author Nicci French is actually the pseudonym of an English couple, Nicci Gerrard and Sean French. Together they have melded their minds to become one of to

Montaro Caine by Sidney Poitier: A Sci-Fi Thriller Filled with Hope

Published on 2013-04-25 11:35:08

Most people think of Sidney Poitier as a great actor and director. What you may not know is that he’s also an author. He’s written three autobiographical works and now he’s set his sights on fiction. Readers will be glad to know that Montaro Ca

Seduction by M.J. Rose: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-23 21:43:34

We’re participating in the Showers of Books Giveaway Hop. For this hop, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for bestselling author M.J. Rose’s new novel, Seduction. I’ve been waiting all year for this book to be published and can’t wait

Summer and Fall 2013 U.S. Book Fairs & Festivals

Published on 2013-04-23 09:29:10

This Summer and Fall you should be able to find a local book fair or festival to attend from our list below, or plan to attend one while vacationing. They’re free (unless otherwise noted) and they’ve got something for all ages to enjoy! BTW: If y

A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate by Susanna Calkins: A 17th Century Mystery

Published on 2013-04-18 11:43:48

I love good historical mysteries so, once I discovered that Susanna Calkins has a doctorate in British history, I had to check out A Murder at Rosamund’s Gate. It’s Book #1 in the new Lucy Campion Mysteries series. I rationalized that Ms. Cal

The Loved and the Lost by Lory S. Kaufman: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-15 18:29:44

We’re participating in the Signed Book Giveaway Hop, and Lory S. Kaufman has been kind enough to autograph his newest novel in the Verona Trilogy, The Loved and the Lost, for us. This is Book #3 in this science fiction time- travel trilogy, which i

The Eternity Cure by Julie Kagawa: Can a Cure Be Found?

Published on 2013-04-15 12:18:40

Last year we reviewed The Immortal Rules, a novel that blew me away, by bestselling author Julie Kagawa. A link to it is at the end of this review. I’ve been counting the days until The Eternity Cure, Book #2 in the Blood of Eden series, was publi

A Nearly Perfect Copy by Allison Amend: Where Art and Life Collide

Published on 2013-04-12 11:23:36

When the news came out that scientists had successfully cloned a pet dog, I remember thinking it might be the same genetically but how could it be the same dog? Still, the whole subject fascinates me. That may explain why I was drawn to A Nearly Perf

Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosmatka: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-10 20:16:07

We’re participating in the April No Strings Giveaway Hop, and we’ve got a great giveaway for it – Prophet of Bones by Ted Kosmatka. His prior book, The Games, was a Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2012. In Prophet of Bones, Kosmatka’s worl

April Nook E-Book Bargains

Published on 2013-04-10 11:23:54

Last week we brought you April Kindle E-Book Bargains (click here to see those). This week it’s Nook’s turn! Below are Nook E-Book Bargains for April that we’ve found for you. Enjoy browsing. We hope you find some great additions fo

Moonset by Scott Tracey: Can The Children of an Evil Coven Survive?

Published on 2013-04-09 11:32:27

Is that a killer book cover or what? Once I saw it, I had to find out what was inside. Curious cats and I have a lot in common evidently (but in a good way). Moonset is Book #1 in the new Legacy of Moonset series by Scott Tracey. As his web site stat

No Way Back by Andrew Gross: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-08 09:23:24

We’re participating in the Titanic Giveaway Hop and a Partners in Crime Book Tour today. For these two events we’re hosting a multi-book giveaway of No Way Back by bestselling author Andrew Gross. This thriller is a disaster roller coaster ri

Book Review of The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag

Published on 2013-04-05 11:45:23

I can’t explain exactly what about the book cover drew me to The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag. Maybe it was that the tree reminded me of stylized folk art I had seen or maybe it was the title or something else entirely. All I

Stung by Bethany Wiggins: Could a Vaccine Lead to This?

Published on 2013-04-04 12:02:03

Okay, confession time. I’m allergic to bees, so they kind of give me the heebie-jeebies. Maybe that’s one of the reasons I was immediately drawn to the book cover for Stung by Bethany Wiggins. Then I read the publisher’s brief description and k

April Kindle E-Book Bargains

Published on 2013-04-03 10:00:39

Below are Kindle E-Book Bargains for April that we’ve found for you. Enjoy browsing and we hope you find some gems for your to-be-read (TBR) list. Please note: These prices are in effect as of April 3, 2013; however, they will not remain at thi

Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge: Who Is Lucie Walker?

Published on 2013-04-02 12:01:03

I felt really drawn to the book cover of Love Water Memory by Jennie Shortridge and had to find out what it was about. Although I try to limit my reviews of amnesia novels to one a year, I realized when I read the concept that this was one I definite

Emilie & the Hollow World by Martha Wells: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-04-01 12:26:44

It may be April Fools Day but we’re not fooling when we tell you that we’ve got a great giveaway for you! Emilie & the Hollow World by Martha Wells is a steampunk sci-fi/fantasy adventure novel aimed at YA readers but, since I quickly forgot that

Black Feathers by Joseph D’Lacey: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-28 18:02:20

Award-winning author Joseph D’Lacey is probably best known for his horror novels. With Black Feathers, Volume One of The Black Dawn duology, he brings us a post-apocalyptic novel that is a 21st century environmental cautionary tale, with roots stro

Quintessence by David Walton: Travel to the Edge of the World

Published on 2013-03-28 12:13:54

In Quintessence, award-winning author David Walton blends science fiction and fantasy in a manner that would make Jules Verne proud. When I saw the book cover for Quintessence, it looked like just the kind of adventure I was in the mood for and, when

The Paradise Guest House by Ellen Sussman: Can Wounds Heal in Bali?

Published on 2013-03-27 11:53:45

Bali is a country that has long intrigued me, so when I saw The Paradise Guest House by bestselling author Ellen Sussman, I knew I wanted to learn more about it. The concept sounded really interesting so I snapped it up. Set in the recent past, a ble

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-26 11:56:27

Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer Prize for her amazing novel Olive Kitteridge and now she’s back, showing us that she plans to continue to be a literary force to be reckoned with. I actually almost didn’t request her new novel, The Burgess Boys,

The Black Stiletto Stars & Stripes: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-22 17:19:00

We’re participating in the Kick-Butt Characters Giveaway Hop, and I can’t think of a more appropriate character to include than the heroine of the Black Stiletto series! The Black Stiletto Stars & Stripes is Book #3 in this historical series by R

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz: A Boy Survives Ten Concentration Camps

Published on 2013-03-22 11:47:24

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, with Ruth and Jack Gruener, is fiction based on the true story of Jack Gruener. Some stories need to be retold again and again so we never forget them. As the often misquoted George Santayana said, “Those who cannot r

Ten White Geese by Gerbrand Bakker: Who Is Emilie and Why Is She Here?

Published on 2013-03-21 11:55:57

Ten White Geese by award-winning Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker is an international bestseller that has just been published in the U.S. This is one of those stories that is very hard to classify or describe. It’s definitely a mystery because we have

Zero Separation by Philip Donlay: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-19 17:35:58

We’re participating in the Spring Cleaning Giveaway Hop and have chosen Zero Separation by Philip Donlay as our giveaway. To make it even more fun, we’ve got multiple copies to give away! The first person chosen will receive a hardcover finished

Fixer by Gene Doucette: Is He a Superhero or Insane?

Published on 2013-03-19 12:23:06

We’re one of today’s stops on the virtual book tour for Fixer by bestselling author Gene Doucette. Normally we get approached to host a stop on a book tour before checking out the book but this time we had already chosen this book when we learned

Under Shifting Glass by Nicky Singer: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-14 16:32:09

We’re participating in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop! Our giveaway for this hop is Under Shifting Glass by award-winning children’s author Nicky Singer. This novel has been rated for grades six and up, and is really targeted toward middle sch

The Andalusian Friend by Alexander Soderberg: Nothing Is As It Seems

Published on 2013-03-14 12:02:15

The Andalusian Friend may be Alexander Soderberg’s debut novel but, as a film and TV screenwriter, he is no stranger to creating suspenseful Nordic crime thrillers. This is Book #1 of a new trilogy and, although it has been likened to The Girl with

The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-13 11:10:45

Normally we only review books which are close to their original publication date; however, every once in a while we run across a book that just begs to be reviewed even though it’s been out for a while. The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda is one of those boo

Between Man and Beast by Monte Reel: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-11 12:27:35

Some of you may be wondering if we’ve changed our focus because we’re featuring two non-fiction books in a row. Nope, it just worked out that way logistically. We’re still mainly a fiction review web site. No worries. That said, when I saw Betw

Eighty Days by Matthew Goodman: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-08 11:39:28

Matthew Goodman’s title says it all, Eighty Days: Nellie Bly and Elizabeth Bisland’s History Making Race Around the World. This is a narrative nonfiction account about the attempt by two amazing women to outdo Jules Verne and each other in 1889,

The Sin Eater’s Confession by Ilsa Bick: Wisconsin Has No Gay People

Published on 2013-03-07 11:32:53

Ilsa Bick is an award-winning author who’s also a child psychiatrist. I always look forward to her insight into the human psyche and am anxious about it at the same time. I know her novels will delve deeply into topics other authors might only skim

A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz: A Wild Steampunk Ride

Published on 2013-03-06 11:49:23

A Conspiracy of Alchemists is Book #1 in the new Steampunk series, The Chronicles of Light and Shadow, by Liesel Schwarz. The book cover pulled me in immediately and I knew I had to read it. A lot of times I prefer the UK book cover to the U.S. book

Unremembered by Jessica Brody: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-03-04 16:43:05

We’re participating in the March No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop, which is one of our favorite kinds of giveaway hops – no hoops to jump through! For this one, we’ve selected an advance readers copy (ARC) of Unremembered by Jessica Brody as ou

The Last Condo Board of the Apocalypse by Nina Post

Published on 2013-03-04 12:08:55

Normally I only review novels that will be published in the near future or have just been published, but every once in a while I run across a book that I can’t resist. When I saw The Last Condo Board of the Apocalypse by Nina Post, I cracked up. An

The Holders by Julianna Scott: Watch Out X-Men

Published on 2013-03-01 11:55:42

I didn’t know what to expect when I chose to read The Holders by Julianna Scott. Oh sure, I had seen the beautiful cover and made some assumptions based on it. I had also read the publisher’s brief description and found it interesting. From both

Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-27 19:18:12

We’re participating in the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop and are pleased to be hosting a giveaway for Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman. This is Book #1 in the Split Worlds series and, if it’s an indication, this is going to be a fun thrill ride o

Black Irish by Stephen Talty: South Buffalo Takes Care of Its Own

Published on 2013-02-27 09:02:20

I kept seeing the book cover for Black Irish by bestselling author Stephen Talty in industry publications and it intrigued me. When I read the concept, I decided it was a thriller I wanted to try since it features a deeply rooted Irish community in a

Seduction of the Innocent by Max Allan Collins: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-26 10:01:56

When the publisher approached me about reading and possibly reviewing Seduction of the Innocent by bestselling author Max Allan Collins, I took one look at the book cover and thought, “Oh no. This is sooo not my kind of book.” Luckily, I stepped

The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman: Is She Cursed or Just a Misfit?

Published on 2013-02-21 11:58:02

I almost passed on reading and reviewing The Fire Horse Girl by Kay Honeyman. What sold me is that this is in some ways a personal story for the author, who has adopted two Chinese children. I’m so glad I decided to give it a chance. Although it is

The Dervish by Frances Kazan: Adventure in the Ottoman Empire

Published on 2013-02-20 12:24:15

I always want to learn more about other cultures and often think fiction is an excellent way to explore them. I believe what drew me to The Dervish by Frances Kazan was my quest to learn more about whirling dervishes, which have fascinated me since I

Domino Falls by Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due: Freak Day Is Here

Published on 2013-02-19 11:45:44

When I saw the book cover for Domino Falls by two award-winning authors, Steven Barnes and Tananarive Due, I thought it might be a vampire novel. When I read the publisher’s extremely short description, I realized it was going to be much more inter

The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die by Colin Cotterill: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-17 11:47:31

We’re participating in the Random Acts of Kindness Giveaway Hop and have chosen The Woman Who Wouldn’t Die by award-winning author Colin Cotterill as our giveaway. This is the latest mystery/thriller in the bestselling Dr. Siri Mysteries series;

The Long Way Home by Mariah Stewart: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-14 11:38:02

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of our wonderful readers! We love sharing books with you and are thrilled so many of you love books as much as we do! So, we’re hosting an easy-peasy giveaway for The Long Way Home by bestselling author Mariah Stewart

Little Known Facts by Christine Sneed: Pulling the Curtain on Stardom

Published on 2013-02-13 11:13:15

The concept for Little Known Facts by award-winning author Christine Sneed sounded like an interesting one to me, given our society’s love affair with all things celebrity. Many of us who live in Southern California feel like celebrities are just l

The Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers: Lives Based on Lies Collide

Published on 2013-02-12 11:40:08

When I read The Comfort of Lies by bestselling author Randy Susan Meyers, I kept thinking of what Sir Walter Scott wrote in Marmion, “Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!” I was drawn to this novel by the book cover

The Secret of the Nightingale’s Palace: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-11 11:52:22

I’m often drawn to novels by their book covers and The Secret of the Nightingale Palace by Dana Sachs was no exception. I had to find out who the people were behind the paper parasol. When I read the publisher’s description, I knew it was no acci

Pantomine by Laura Lam: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-07 16:02:58

We’re participating in the Romance Is in the Air Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is Pantomime by Laura Lam. Pantomime is a quasi-romance but is also a YA fantasy novel about self-discovery. This is an unusual book in many ways; one filled w

The Tin Horse by Janice Steinberg: A Rich Multi-Generational Tribute

Published on 2013-02-07 11:46:35

I love multi-generational stories of immigrants’ experiences so when I saw The Tin Horse by Janice Steinberg, I wanted to know more. That this novel has been compared to Lisa See’s work intrigued me since I love her novels. Then I read the publis

Erebos by Ursula Poznanski: It’s a Game. It Watches You.

Published on 2013-02-06 11:41:20

Award-winning Erebos, written by Ursula Poznanski and translated by Judith Pattinson, has a very apt subtitle, “It’s a Game. It Watches You.” I don’t normally review novels that aren’t close to publication date; however, this one grabbed my

The Trouble With Charlie by Merry Jones: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-02-04 17:34:12

We’re participating in the Follower Love Giveaway Hop. For this hop, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for 2 copies of The Trouble With Charlie, the newest novel by Merry Jones. This mystery is not only creepy and one hell of a roller coaste

She Returns From War by Lee Collins: A Paranormal Western

Published on 2013-02-04 11:41:52

When we reviewed The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins last Fall, I could hardly wait for the sequel to be published. Cora is one of those characters who just grabs you, and I needed to know what happened to her after she left Leadville. Thankfully Angry

The Burn Palace by Stephen Dobyns: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-31 17:37:40

When the publisher approached me about reading and possibly reviewing The Burn Palace by award-winning author Stephen Dobyns, I was excited and worried. Excited because I knew Dobyns’ reputation as an author and worried because I’m a bit of a wus

Man in the Empty Suit by Sean Ferrell: Can He Solve His Own Murder?

Published on 2013-01-31 11:29:46

I’m not sure what I expected when I decided to read Man in the Empty Suit by Sean Ferrell. I had all kinds of ideas about what the title could mean, and none of them were accurate. Guess I shouldn’t go into the clairvoyant business. If I had to t

Cross the Line by Jack Patterson: Book Tour Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-30 11:30:37

We’re delighted to be part of Partners in Crime’s Super Bowl Book Tour for Cross the Line by Jack Patterson! This is the first time we’ve reviewed a book that ties in with the Super Bowl. In fact, it’s the first time we’ve reviewed a book t

Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley: An English Cozy Mystery

Published on 2013-01-29 12:02:14

I kept seeing the cover for Speaking From Among the Bones by bestselling and award-winning author Alan Bradley and it drew me in. I had to know why a bird was pecking at that bicycle wheel. Curious as a cat – that’s me. I was, amazingly enough, n

Fatal Decree by H. Terrell Griffin: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-28 11:35:32

Fatal Decree is the latest book in the Matt Royal mystery series by H. Terrell Griffin. This series is set around a Gulf island and has been compared to the old Travis McGee series by John D. McDonald. It has that same laid back buddy mystery feel to

Little Elvises by Timothy Hallinan: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-24 11:57:17

When the publisher sent me info about the upcoming Little Elvises by Timothy Hallinan, I thought the concept was unlike anything I’d read before so I decided to give it a shot. After all, I’m a sucker for mysteries focusing on some of the Los Ang

The Six Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher: Is It a Steampunk Western?

Published on 2013-01-23 12:36:30

I was immediately drawn to the book cover for The Six Gun Tarot by R.S. Belcher and, once I read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to read it. This is a genre bending novel that is being promoted as a Steampunk Western. Chinese mysticism, M

The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-21 12:13:05

We’re participating in the Back to the Future Giveaway Hop and had a choice: We could choose a magical historical or a futuristic novel. I couldn’t resist featuring The Winter Witch by New York Times bestselling Welsh author Paula Brackston becau

The Mad Scientist’s Daughter: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-17 17:14:58

How could I resist a novel with a title like The Mad Scientist’s Daughter by Cassandra Rose Clarke? Doesn’t it just ring with all kinds of possibilities? Some of you may recognize Cassandra’s name because we also reviewed her fantasy YA novel,

Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio: Con Woman or Smart Cookie?

Published on 2013-01-17 12:11:18

I’m always interesting in how women navigated the world during times when they had no apparent power. When I saw Parlor Games, a debut novel by Maryka Biaggio, I was intrigued. Here was a woman on trial in 1917 for being a con woman. Was she or was

The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black: A Southern Gothic Mystery

Published on 2013-01-16 11:50:38

When I saw The Drowning House by Elizabeth Black, I realized I hadn’t read a Southern gothic mystery in quite a while, so I snapped it up. It didn’t hurt that the story takes place in Galveston, Texas, a barrier island that’s always interested

The Aylesford Skull by James P. Blaylock: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-14 13:40:50

Award-winning author James P. Blaylock is considered one of the three founding fathers of modern Steampunk literature, along with Tim Powers and K.W. Jeter. I was excited when I was approached about reading and reviewing his new novel in the Langdon

The Aviator’s Wife by Melanie Benjamin: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-10 12:22:05

You probably recognize bestselling author Melanie Benjamin as having written The Autobiography of Mrs. Tom Thumb. She’s known for writing historical novels that peep behind the curtain of public knowledge. Her newest novel is The Aviator’s Wife,

Saturday Night Widows by Becky Aikman: 6 Friends Remaking Their Lives

Published on 2013-01-09 11:54:22

Becky Aikman was on a very personal mission when she wrote Saturday Night Widows: The Adventures of Six Friends Remaking Their Lives. This memoir chronicles her experiences as a young widow who was grieving, trying to heal and find a way to remake he

The Uninvited by Liz Jensen: A Spellbinding Apocalyptic Nightmare

Published on 2013-01-08 11:49:45

When I read the concept for The Uninvited by Liz Jensen, it gave me chills but I have to admit that it also fascinated me in a morbid way. I’ve never understood how a child, so innocent in so many ways, could kill someone. I wasn’t sure if I want

Level 2 by Lenore Appelhans: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2013-01-07 11:35:33

Level 2 is Book #1 in the new Memory Chronicles series by Lenore Appelhans. Traditional stories about the afterlife that center on the Judeo-Christo tradition all have a very similar context. I’m fascinated by stories that explore possibilities bey

The Archived by Victoria Schwab: A New YA Paranormal Thriller

Published on 2013-01-03 12:16:09

We’re rounding out this short week of reviews with The Archived by Victoria Schwab. Victoria Schwab’s first book was a hit with YA fans, and I knew I wanted to read her second novel. I was only able to snag a sneak peek, so this review is based o

What We Saw at Night by Jacqueline Mitchard: A Psychological Thriller

Published on 2013-01-02 12:04:46

Most people know bestselling author Jacqueline Mitchard for her amazing novel, The Deep End of the Ocean; however, she’s written many wonderful novels for adults and teens since then. I couldn’t resist What We Saw at Night when I read the publish

Nexus by Ramez Naam: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-31 10:54:16

Ramez Naam, a nano-technologist, is the award-winning author of the non-fiction book, More than Human: Embracing the Promise of Biological Enhancement, so I knew his research for his new evolutionary novel Nexus would be impeccable. If you like scien

Protected: Email Club Exclusive Giveaway: Talisman of El by Alecia Stone

Published on 2012-12-30 02:00:28

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Protected: Email Exclusive Giveaway: Hot Stuff by Don Bruns!

Published on 2012-12-30 02:00:02

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White Horse by Alex Adams: What Would You Do If Your World Ended?

Published on 2012-12-28 09:00:48

With all the Mayan apocalypse rumors and with the end of the year rapidly approaching, it seemed a good time to review a novel about the end of the world as we know it. After all, the world begins to renew itself every year at this time, right? White

Some of My Favorite Books of 2012

Published on 2012-12-26 09:00:46

Last year, I refused to publish a list of my favorite books for the year because if I don’t like a book it doesn’t get reviewed, so they’re all my favorites. When I realized we’ve reviewed over 250 books this year, and decided to participate

Broken by A.E. Rought: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-20 18:13:17

We’re participating in the Midwinter’s Eve Giveaway Hop and the book we’re giving away for this hop is Broken, a new YA novel by A.E. Rought. This novel is like a 21st century Frankenstein novel in some ways but underneath it all, it’s a para

Great North Road by Peter F. Hamilton: Heart-Pounding Sci-Fi Thriller

Published on 2012-12-20 11:54:35

Bestselling author Peter F. Hamilton is known for his hard-hitting science fiction thrillers. I knew I wanted to read Great North Road as soon as I checked out the publisher’s brief description. Even though it’s 976 pages, it didn’t seem like t

City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte: This One’s a Must Read

Published on 2012-12-19 10:54:31

I was intrigued when I saw the publisher’s brief description for City of Dark Magic by Magnus Flyte, an author who doesn’t exist by the way. Magnus Flyte is actually two people, Meg Howry and Christina Lynch. Meg is an award-winning author and Ch

The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir by Ken Harmon

Published on 2012-12-18 11:30:11

We normally only review books that are about to be published or have just been published. An exception to that is The Fat Man: A Tale of North Pole Noir by Ken Harmon. Although this novel was published a couple of years ago, it’s so much fun that I

A Christmas Garland by Anne Perry: A Murder Mystery Set in India

Published on 2012-12-17 11:44:34

Every year bestselling author Anne Perry writes a holiday mystery, which I love. It’s like her holiday gift to those of us who love her Victorian mysteries. I thought it would be fun to include this year’s novel, A Christmas Garland, in our selec

The Intercept by Dick Wolf: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-13 17:33:37

We’re participating in the End of the World Giveaway Hop in honor of the 12/21/2012 Mayan predictions that some on the Internet have irreverently dubbed The Alpacalypse. It seems only appropriate that we feature a giveaway that’s filled with edge

The Light of Amsterdam by David Park: A Tribute to a Magical City

Published on 2012-12-13 11:15:47

Amsterdam is one of those magical cities that everyone I know has loved when they’ve visited. Sadly, I’ve never been, so this novel about the city peaked my interest. I loved the concept for The Light of Amsterdam by award-winning Irish author Da

The Sum of Her Parts by Alan Dean Foster: The Tipping Point Trilogy

Published on 2012-12-12 12:13:50

When I found The Sum of Her Parts by bestselling and award-winning author Alan Dean Foster, I didn’t realize it was part of the Tipping Point Trilogy. I realized I hadn’t read any of Foster’s work in quite a while, so I snapped it up. I knew wi

December Dread by Jess Lourey: Hope You Don’t Get a Candy Cane

Published on 2012-12-11 11:41:43

When I began looking for holiday books to read and review this year, I knew I wanted to find reads in as many genres as possible. When I realized that the Murder-by-Month series had been nominated for a Lefty Award (Lefty = Left Coast Crime and the L

Spare Change by Bette Lee Crosby: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-10 11:56:44

When Bette Lee Crosby approached me about Spare Change, I almost turned it down because I only review books during a short window before and after publication. Once I’d read the brief description she sent and saw the awards it’s racked up, I knew

The Boy in the Snow by M.J. McGrath: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-07 12:15:48

In some ways Alaska is the last great frontier in North America. Maybe that’s one reason I love novels set there, particularly mysteries and thrillers. So of course I couldn’t resist when the publisher contacted me about The Boy in the Snow, the

A Christmas Home by Gregory Kincaid: A Heartwarming Holiday Read

Published on 2012-12-06 11:35:11

Gregory Kincaid is probably best known for his novel, A Dog Named Christmas. When I heard he had a new novel coming out this holiday season, A Christmas Home, I knew I had to get my hands on it because I’m a sucker for heartwarming holiday stories

Eleven Pipers Piping: A Father Christmas Mystery by C.C. Benison

Published on 2012-12-05 12:03:25

What would Christmas be without The 12 Days of Christmas? Eleven Pipers Piping is Book #2 in the Father Christmas mystery series by C.C. Benison (yep, he’s counting backward). You’ll be happy to know that this English cozy mystery reads quite wel

Sailor Twain by Mark Siegel: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-12-03 16:10:53

Some rules have exceptions and our rule about not reviewing graphic novels had to be broken so we could bring you Sailor Twain or/ the Mermaid in the Hudson by Mark Siegel. Not only is it a New York Times bestseller but it’s been named a Washington

When Snow Falls by Brenda Novak: Was Her Mother Really Her Mother?

Published on 2012-12-03 11:32:05

We branch out this time of year to include authors who write heartwarming holiday novels, so it seems fitting to include When Snow Falls by award-winning and bestselling author Brenda Novak on our holiday reading list. Not only does she write sizzlin

Mixed Signals by Jane Tesh: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-30 17:35:08

We’re participating in the Christmas Books Giveaway Hop and it’s the perfect time to launch our holiday reads for 2012 with Mixed Signals by NC author Jane Tesh. Do you like cozy holiday mysteries with a small-town cast of characters who feel lik

Amanda’s Story by Brian O’Grady: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-30 12:06:08

We’re today’s stop on the Partners in Crime virtual book tour for bestselling author Dr. Brian O’Grady’s latest medical thriller, Amanda’s Story. It’s the prequel to his bestselling novel Hybrid so, for those of you who haven’t read Hyb

Under the Eye of God: An Isaac Sidel Novel by Jerome Charyn

Published on 2012-11-29 11:51:06

Award-winning author Jerome Charyn has written about 50 books, so it’s an understatement to say he’s definitely got this writing thing down. In fact, he’s been called one of the most important writers in American literature. Under the Eye of Go

Bowl of Heaven by Gregory Benford and Larry Niven: Sci-Fi Book Review

Published on 2012-11-28 11:50:11

I’m a long-time fan of bestselling and award-winning authors Gregory Benford and Larry Niven, so when I saw that they had collaborated on Bowl of Heaven I knew I had to read it. It’s probably not a surprise that it’s become a New York Times bes

The Hollow Man by Oliver Harris: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-26 15:47:13

I had been hearing a lot of publishing industry buzz about The Hollow Man by Oliver Harris, so I snapped up an advance copy as soon as I got a chance. Do you like conspiracies and thrillers, plots so twisty that you feel you’re going to meet yourse

Attorney-Client Privilege: Virtual Book Tour Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-26 12:16:09

We’re excited to be today’s stop on Pamela Samuels-Young’s virtual book tour for her latest legal thriller, Attorney-Client Privilege. All of Pamela’s novels tackle legal issues coupled with life issues in an entertaining read; however, this

Kept by Shawntelle Madison: What’s a Neurotic Russian Werewolf to Do?

Published on 2012-11-21 11:39:25

Sometimes I think werewolves don’t get their fair share of novels, so I’m always excited to see a potentially good series emerge about them. I love Patricia Briggs’ novels so when I heard that Shawntelle Madison’s novels might be similar, I k

The Buzzard Table by Margaret Maron: A New Deborah Knott Mystery

Published on 2012-11-20 11:57:55

I’m a big Margaret Maron fan from way back. When I saw The Buzzard Table, I was shocked to realize that I hadn’t read any of her novels in several years. I really do need to clone myself just so I can keep up with all of my favorite authors’ bo

The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-19 11:42:51

We’re today’s stop on the virtual book tour for The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke. This novel is Book #1 in Debbie’s series featuring the financial blood sport known as investing. This series is about financial crimes that affect everyday peo

Death in the Memorial Garden by Kathie Deviny: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-16 11:32:45

We’re today’s stop on the virtual book tour for Death in the Memorial Garden by Kathie Deviny. If you’re looking for a quick read and are fond of cozy mysteries then this one could be just the thing. It contains very likeable, quirky people and

Weapon of Choice by Patricia Gussin: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-14 17:31:03

We’re participating in the Gratitude Giveaways Hop, my favorite giveaway hop of the year. For this hop, we’ve chosen Weapon of Choice by Dr. Patricia Gussin. It’s a historical medical thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. And on

Knife Sworn by Mazarkis Williams: Book #2 of the Tower & Knife Series

Published on 2012-11-14 12:00:08

We reviewed The Emperor’s Knife, Book #1 in the Tower and Knife series by Mazarkis Williams, when it was published late last year (link to review provided below). I’ve been anxiously awaiting Book #2 and it’s finally here. Knife Sworn picks up

Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris: Something Hairy Is Killing Gamers

Published on 2012-11-13 11:17:06

I was initially drawn to the title when I saw Bad Hair Day by Carrie Harris because I’ve certainly had more than my fair share of bad hair days. I’ve often thought my hair was a non-intelligent life form from another planet but that’s a differe

The Summer Before the Storm by Gabrielle Wills: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-12 12:15:20

We’re today’s stop on the Virtual Book Tour for The Summer Before the Storm, Book #1 in the Muskoka Trilogy by Gabriele Wills. I don’t normally participate in a lot of book tours but there was something about this one that I found fascinating.

Protected: Exclusive Email Club Giveaway: The Rendition

Published on 2012-11-10 19:45:30

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Death in the 12th House: Where Neptune Rules by Mitchell Scott Lewis

Published on 2012-11-09 11:27:06

Death in the 12th House: Where Neptune Rules is Book #2 in Mitchell Scott Lewis’ Starlight Detective Agency Mystery series. I had never heard of this series but it sounded like a different approach to mysteries, so I decided to check it out. I chos

Cash Out by Greg Bardsley: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-07 17:33:30

We’re participating in the Thankful for Books Giveaway Hop, and our giveaway for that hop is Cash Out by Greg Bardsley. I’m dedicating my review of this hilariously funny romp to my friends in the dot.com industry. I think it’s also going to re

Katya’s World by Jonathan L. Howard: Sci-Fi Adventure on a Sea World

Published on 2012-11-07 11:40:34

I decided I had a serious deficiency on my sci-fi bookshelf, so when I saw Katya’s World by Jonathan L. Howard, it looked like a way to help me not feel so sci-fi deprived. Katya’s World is Book #1 in a new YA science fiction series, The Russalka

Albert of Adelaide by Howard L. Anderson: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-11-06 11:50:33

Sometimes my attention is caught by a book cover out of sheer curiosity, and that was the case with Albert of Adelaide by Howard L. Anderson. I’d never seen a book cover featuring a platypus and wasn’t sure what to make of it, so I decided to che

Rockoholic by C.J. Skuse: Ever Have a Crush on a Rock Star?

Published on 2012-11-05 11:35:02

When I read the concept for C.J. Skuse’s latest novel, Rockoholic, I couldn’t resist reading it after I stopped laughing. What teenager hasn’t crushed on a rock star or two or twenty? Ever wondered what would happen if you had that rock star al

Hot Rocks by Randy Rawls: A South Florida Mystery

Published on 2012-11-02 11:28:50

There’s something about Florida that seems to lend itself to quirky novels. Maybe it’s being out in all that extreme heat and humidity too long. When I saw Hot Rocks by Randy Rawls, it looked like it just might fall into that category and I was i

Crewel by Gennifer Albin: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-31 17:41:05

When I saw the cover reveal for Crewel by Gennifer Albin, I fell in love with it. When I read the concept, I was hooked. At first glance, Crewel may look like a scifi/fantasy novel with no real dystopian aspects; however, they’re definitely there.

Portlandtown by Rob DeBorde: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-31 11:42:02

When I saw Portlandtown: A Tale of the Oregon Wyldes by Rob DeBorde, I knew it would make a great Halloween giveaway. Normally we show the book cover at the left; however, I found this poster for the novel on the author’s web site and knew we had t

Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell: Conquered Earth Series, Book #1

Published on 2012-10-30 13:23:13

After watching all the devastation on TV that Hurricane Sandy was creating in the Northeast last night, it now seems even more appropriate that we’re reviewing a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel this morning. I was intrigued when I read the concept for Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell and it really delivered! This is Book [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-29 12:26:33

I don’t remember now how I stumbled onto the Thursday Next series by bestselling author Jasper Fforde but my immediate thought was, “What rock was I living under that I didn’t know about this?” As soon as I finished the first novel, I read the rest of them in a back-to-back marathon. I love well-done [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes

Published on 2012-10-27 11:36:27

When I saw the short story collection, Two and Twenty Dark Tales: Dark Retellings of Mother Goose Rhymes, it just seemed perfect for Halloween. Who didn’t grow up chanting their favorite rhymes from Mother Goose? Many of the rhymes, riddles and nursery songs we learned as children actually had their roots in adult versions as [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Ashen Winter by Mike Mullin: Could We Survive Volcanic Winter?

Published on 2012-10-26 11:40:43

When Ashfall by Mike Mullin came out, it set the blogging world abuzz. Everyone I knew wanted to snag a copy to review and they were difficult to come by. I was not one of the lucky few so, as soon as it was published, I ran out and bought it. Although Ashen Winter is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Mockingbird by Chuck Wendig: Miriam Knows When and How You’ll Die

Published on 2012-10-25 12:34:24

I’ve been saving my review for Mockingbird by Chuck Wendig for October because – well, take one look at the book cover and you’ll know why. Doesn’t it just scream Halloween horror? When I selected it, I didn’t realize that Mockingbird is Book #2 in this series. That said, it can be read quite well [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Little Star by John Ajvide Lindqvist: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-23 18:53:30

We’re participating in the Spooktacular Giveaway Hop and I can’t think of a more fitting novel to review and host a giveaway for than Little Star by bestselling author John Ajvide Lindqvist. Lindqvist’s Let the Right One In took the world by storm and the film of it was all my friends who saw it [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Paradise by Joanna Nadin: Should Pandora’s Box Ever Be Opened?

Published on 2012-10-23 11:38:01

When I ran across Paradise by Joanna Nadin months ago, the U.S. book cover hadn’t been revealed yet. That means I was attracted to it solely by the story’s concept. When I was in grad school, a professor told us there is no such thing as normal and that all family dysfunction spans generations until [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Prophet by Ethan Cross: Virtual Book Tour Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-22 12:13:52

We’re honored to be today’s stop on bestselling author Ethan Cross’ virtual book tour for his newest thriller, The Prophet: A Shepherd Thriller. Although this is Book #2 in the Shepherd Thriller Series, it reads quite well as a stand-alone novel. For those of you who read Book #1, The Shepherd, Frances Ackerman, Jr. is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

This Book Is Full of Spiders by David Wong: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-19 12:13:54

How could I pass up a book with a title like This Book Is Full of Spiders: Seriously Dude, Don’t Touch It! by David Wong, not to mention such a creative book cover? I mean, come on, it’s Halloween soon and this novel just screams Halloween to me! It’s the sequel to John Dies at [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Magisterium by Jeff Hirsch: Technology vs. Magic in a Dystopian World

Published on 2012-10-18 12:15:29

How could anyone resist a book cover like the one for Magisterium by bestselling author Jeff Hirsch? I certainly couldn’t! When I saw the concept for the story inside that cover, I knew I had to read it. Like dystopian scifi/fantasy? How about mysteries or action/adventures? Technology vs. the magical? Today we’re looking at a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Death and the Girl Next Door by Darynda Jones: A Paranormal Romance

Published on 2012-10-17 11:56:24

When I was looking for Fall books to review, it felt like I had been on a dark, twisty thriller kick for much too long so I searched for lighter novels to add to the mix. I was intrigued by the premise of Death and the Girl Next Door by award-winning and bestselling adult romance [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-15 17:13:39

I had heard a lot about Melissa Marr’s bestselling Wicked Lovely series, so I was delighted when I received an advance readers copy (ARC) of her newest stand-alone novel, Carnival of Souls – and it did not disappoint! Welcome to two diametrically opposed worlds, one containing daimons and one containing humans and witches. Both contain [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Assassin’s Curse: Pity the Poor Assassin Who Tangles with Her

Published on 2012-10-15 11:48:34

I fell in love with the book cover for The Assassin’s Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke and, once I’d read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to read it. This is our second review of a novel from the new Strange Chemistry imprint. If it can be judged by these two novels, Strange Chemistry [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Velveteen by Daniel Marks: A Nail-Biting Read about Death and Revenge

Published on 2012-10-13 11:39:56

When I saw the book cover for Velveteen by Daniel Marks, I thought it was just going to be another YA romance novel. Still there was something about it that made me read the publisher’s blurb, and that completely changed my mind. Velveteen explores what revenge can do to you when it takes over, what [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Hard Target by Alan Jacobson: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-12 10:49:56

Alan Jacobson is well-known for his bestselling Karen Vail series, featuring an FBI profiler, but he also writes excellent stand-alone novels. When the publisher offered us the opportunity to read and potentially review Jacobson’s latest stand-alone novel, Hard Target, it was a no brainer. Like novels so fast-paced that you can barely breath? Like political [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony: Lace Becomes 17th Century Obsession

Published on 2012-10-11 12:04:54

It has always seemed ironic to me that innocent, beautiful things like lace or tulips become so sought after that they are literally fought over by entire countries. So when I saw The Ruins of Lace by Iris Anthony, I knew I had to read it. Whether you’re a history buff or not, I suspect [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Poltergeeks by Sean Cummings: How Do You Handle an Angry Ghost?

Published on 2012-10-10 11:58:54

Angry Robot Books has a new YA imprint, Strange Chemistry. Since I’m a big fan of Angry Robot novels, I was drooling at the thought of what fun novels this new imprint might feature. Poltergeeks by Sean Cummings is our first review for this new imprint, with several more coming in the next few months. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Neurotically Yours by Bonnie Trachtenberg: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-08 16:05:14

We’re participating in the Happily Ever After Giveaway Hop. Deciding which novel to feature as a giveaway for this hop was difficult but we finally decided on Neurotically Yours by Bonnie Trachtenberg. We previously reviewed her first novel, Wedlocked, and readers loved it. We’ve posted a link under this review to that one in case [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Shelf Life: Fantastic Stories Celebrating Bookstores

Published on 2012-10-05 11:49:39

Since this week is Banned Books Week, I thought it would be very appropriate for us to feature Shelf Life: Fantastic Stories Celebrating Bookstores. (Of course, you know I was drawn to it by its amazing book cover – Whoa – is that cool or what?) If it weren’t for bookstores and libraries (thank you, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

How I Came to Sparkle Again by Kaya McLaren: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-04 11:41:59

I have to admit that the book cover was what first attracted me to How I Came to Sparkle Again by Kaya McLaren. Since the title was also very interesting, I read the publisher’s blurb and knew it was something I wanted to read. Particularly with the economy still limping along, I love books about [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Paranormalists Case #1: The Haunting of Apartment 101

Published on 2012-10-03 11:36:11

When I found Case #1: The Haunting of Apartment 101 in The Paranormalists series by Megan Atwood, I was looking for books that would fit our Halloween selections. This one looked like it might be just the thing, so I snapped it up. It turns out that this is a short YA paperback that’s a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-10-01 18:48:39

We’re participating in the Fangs, Fur & Fey Giveaway Hop, and our giveaway is fangs related. Cue the evil book reviewer’s laugh. Thanks to the publisher, we’re reviewing and giving away an advance readers copy (ARC) of The Dead of Winter by Lee Collins. The book cover says it all: “True Grit meets True Blood.” [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Skylark by Meagan Spooner: A New Dystopian SciFi/Fantasy Trilogy

Published on 2012-10-01 11:47:40

I had heard some industry buzz about Skylark by Meagan Spooner. The concept sounded very interesting and I loved the book cover, so I snagged a copy and I’m really glad I did. Skylark is Book #1 in The Skylark Trilogy. This is a dystopian YA scifi/fantasy novel but, like many YA novels, it’s going [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin: Girl from the Future Stuck in the 1980’s

Published on 2012-09-29 12:06:45

I was scouting for a new YA novel when I stumbled on Yesterday by C.K. Kelly Martin. I had heard good things about her novels and the book cover was amazing. When I read the publisher’s blurb about Yesterday’s concept, it sounded so original that I knew I had to get a copy. If you [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Cocktail Waitress by James M. Cain: Lost Book Reviewed & A Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-27 18:35:49

Here are a video of Bill Moyer discussing book censorship: James M. Cain was one of the most celebrated crime novelists of his day, who wrote such masterful noir novels as The Postman Always Rings Twice, Double Indemnity, and Mildred Pierce. When he died in 1977, he left one novel finished but it existed as [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost: A Great New Series for All Ages

Published on 2012-09-27 12:29:19

I was a huge Twin Peaks fan, so when I saw The Paladin Prophecy by its co-creator and bestselling author, Mark Frost, I could hardly wait to read it. Mark has written a number of very successful adult novels but this is his debut YA novel and what a debut it is! The Paladin Prophecy [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-26 11:20:06

You know by now that I can’t resist a good novel about the Appalachian Mountains area, so I could hardly wait to snap up The Midwife of Hope River by Patricia Harman. Patricia Harman is a midwife, so I had my fingers crossed that would lend this novel more authenticity. If you like historical fiction [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

In the Shadow of the Banyon by Vaddey Ratner: The Human Spirit Survives

Published on 2012-09-21 12:38:28

In honor of International Day of Peace, we’re reviewing In the Shadow of the Banyon by Vaddey Ratner. The atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia were not the first instance of man’s inhumanity to man and, sadly, they haven’t been the last. That’s why this semi-autobiographical novel seems like such an appropriate choice [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-19 18:12:07

We’re participating in the Stuck in a Good Book Giveaway Hop. We’re thrilled to review and host a giveaway for The Edge of Nowhere, bestselling and award-winning author Elizabeth George’s debut YA novel and Book #1 in her new series about Whidbey Island, WA. Elizabeth George really needs no introduction. She’s well known for her [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan: Book #1 of The Lynburn Legacy

Published on 2012-09-19 11:47:41

I honestly can’t remember what drew me to Unspoken: The Lynburn Legacy by Sarah Rees Brennan; however, I suspect it was the unusual concept. This YA novel is Book #1 in what I believe is going to be a trilogy. It features a girl who hears someone’s voice in her head, a best friend kind [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Something Red by Douglas Nicholas: What Stalks 13th Century England?

Published on 2012-09-18 12:14:48

I was in the mood for something historical and a little different when I saw Something Red by Douglas Nicholas, and it looked like it just might fit. Boy did it ever! This novel is not only historical but it’s got some paranormal/mythological elements, and it’s just downright creepy in places. For all you purist [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-17 11:59:04

You know I’m a sucker for intriguing book covers, and What the Heart Remembers by Debra Ginsberg definitely qualifies! Add in two of my top ten favorite cities and a very interesting sounding concept, and I jumped on it with both feet. When I began reading, I thought “Hmm, I don’t know about this after [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Sulan by Camille Picott: Virtual Book Tour Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-14 11:47:20

We’re today’s stop on the virtual book tour for Sulan, Episode One: The League by Camille Picott. When approached about hosting a stop on this book tour, I was fascinated by the highly symbolic book cover for Sulan and by the author’s interesting concept. A lot of us have had parents who wanted us to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield: A Central CA Coast YA Mystery

Published on 2012-09-13 11:56:33

Something about Hanging by a Thread by Sophie Littlefield drew me like a magnet. It was probably partially because it takes place on California’s beautiful Central Coast but there was also something about the concept that aroused my curiosity. Maybe it was that the central character is very creative, or maybe I’m just a sucker [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Third Gate by Lincoln Child: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-12 11:29:34

I knew Lincoln Child had authored and co-authored a number of bestselling novels, but I had never read one of them. So when I got the chance to get my hands on an advance readers copy (ARC) of The Third Gate, I jumped on it. I had to find out why he’s considered a master [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Evelyn Project by Kfir Luzzatto: Can Black Magic Save His Daughter?

Published on 2012-09-11 11:39:59

I was originally scheduled to be a stop on last month’s virtual book tour for The Evelyn Project by Kfir Luzzatto; however, my trusty old Kindle 2 died a sudden death, taking all my notes and quotes with it. Sigh. Since this novel’s unusual concept was an interesting one, I agreed with the tour coordinator [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Devil’s Madonna by Sharon Potts: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-10 11:34:53

When the publisher sent me The Devil’s Madonna by award-winning author Sharon Potts, I wasn’t sure what to think about the book cover. Unlike most, it seemed so abstract that it gave me no hint about the content. And then I read the concept and knew this one had a lot of potential. Like psychological [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Protected: Email Club Exclusive Giveaway: Shackled

Published on 2012-09-08 12:45:27

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Malice of Fortune: A Mystery of the Borgias, Machiavelli & da Vinci

Published on 2012-09-07 12:08:56

I love good tales of political intrigue involving real-life historical figures, so it’s no wonder that I jumped on the chance when I found The Malice of Fortune by Michael Ennis. Ennis is well-known as an expert on Renaissance Italy, so this one was a no-brainer for me. Like well-researched historical fiction? If so, read [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-09-05 17:27:33

We’re participating in the Reading Clean Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway for this hop is the new Steampunk novel by Lilith Saintcrow, The Iron Wyrm Affair. Set in an alternative Victorian England, Book #1 in the new Bannon and Clare series is filled with clockwork creatures, sorcerers, spirits, and shields. It should appeal not only to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom: What Is the Meaning of Time?

Published on 2012-09-05 11:19:09

I was familiar with bestselling author Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie so, when I saw The Time Keeper, I jumped on it. How do you feel about time? How would you like to meet Father Time? We all have definite opinions about time and this short novel addresses them in a very interesting way. Ever [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Fistful of Collars by Spencer Quinn: Murders and Movies, Hot Dog!

Published on 2012-09-04 12:36:00

I originally learned about A Fistful of Collars during a publisher’s giveaway. Since I’d enjoyed another human/animal mystery series, I thought this one might be fun to give a try even though I’d never heard of the author. It turns out that Spencer Quinn is a pseudonym for the U.S. crime novelist, Peter Abrahams. Although [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Survivor by Gregg Hurwitz: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-31 18:04:07

We’re participating in the Back to the Books Giveaway Hop and a book title like The Survivor seemed appropriate because sometimes school can feel like a survival test. Still, I must tell you that The Survivor by international bestselling author Gregg Hurwitz has nothing to do with school at all. Instead it’s a psychological thriller, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

And When She Was Good by Laura Lippman: Book Tour Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-31 10:58:32

We’re a stop on the virtual book tour for bestselling and award-winning author Laura Lippman’s new novel, And When She Was Good. You may know her for her successful Tess Monaghan series; however, she’s written a number of bestselling stand-alone novels, including this one. I don’t usually caution readers about whether a book contains sex; [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Blackwood by Gwenda Bond: Could the Lost Colony Happen Again?

Published on 2012-08-30 12:31:10

When I saw Blackwood by Gwenda Bond and read the publisher’s description, I knew I had to snag a digital copy to read and review. I’m originally from North Carolina, so the story of the Lost Colony has always fascinated me. How could over 100 people just disappear like that? Don’t get me wrong. Blackwood [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Arcadia by Lauren Groff: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-29 11:24:43

When the publisher asked if I wanted to read and review Arcadia by bestselling and award-winning author Lauren Groff, I jumped at the chance for several reasons. I had heard amazing things about her work and the subject was one that I thought would be fun to read about. The book arrived and I’m embarrassed [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Broken Harbor by Award-Winning Tana French: A Psychological Thriller

Published on 2012-08-28 11:34:40

When the publisher first approached me about reviewing Broken Harbor by bestselling and award-winning author Tana French, we agreed on a giveaway hosted by them; however, somehow in the midst of my move the book evidently went into post office forwarding limbo land, never to be seen again. Agh! I was still intrigued by the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Sweet Talk by Julie Garwood: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-24 10:51:37

When the publisher asked if I wanted to read and review Sweet Talk by bestselling author Julie Garwood, I almost turned it down because I’m not a big fan of romance novels as a whole. Every once in a while, however, I find a romance novel that has a fun concept or interesting plot and [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Suck It Up and Die by Brian Meehl: Book Review & e-Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-22 18:09:00

We’re participating in the Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop. As part of that hop, we’re reviewing and giving away one e-book copy of Suck It Up and Die by Brian Meehl. This is Book #2 of the series; however, I haven’t read Book #1, Suck It Up, and I had no problem following the storyline. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Other Woman’s House by Sophie Hannah: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-22 11:31:57

I’m a bit of a sucker for psychological thrillers, even though they often scare me silly, so I had to pounce on The Other Woman’s House by bestselling and award-winning English author Sophie Hannah. I’m glad I did. Not only was I mesmerized by the story but I won a trade paperback copy, which I [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire: Are Some Things Meant to Be?

Published on 2012-08-21 11:37:21

I was intrigued by the book cover for Beautiful Disaster by bestselling author Jamie McGuire. Jamie McGuire is best known for her YA paranormal romance Providence series. When I read the publisher’s blurb about Beautiful Disaster, I was even more intrigued so I scrounged up a digital advance readers copy. Can you really completely reinvent [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-20 11:37:59

You know I’m drawn to novels that take place in the Appalachian Mountains. When I saw A Killing in the Hills by Julia Keller, I was drawn to the concept because I know a lot has changed there since I grew up. Scott Turow’s comment about it cinched the deal for me, “A gripping, beautifully-crafted [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Protected: Email Club Giveaway: Lying Crying Dying by Dominic Martell

Published on 2012-08-19 12:38:36

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Little Century by Anna Keesey: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-16 18:31:42

We’re participating in the Last Days of Freedom Giveaway Hop. It seems only fitting to have our giveaway be about the Western frontier when it was seen as the last free place for men and animals to roam. For that reason, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for Little Century by Anna Keesey. Set in [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Throne of Glass: Can She Stay Alive Long Enough to Win Her Freedom?

Published on 2012-08-16 12:04:04

We’re a stop today on Bloomsbury’s virtual book tour for Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Throne of Glass is Book #1 in an exciting new YA paranormal fantasy series that I believe is going to appeal to people of all ages. I know I’m hooked! With strong male and female characters, and a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Run to Ground by D.P. Lyle: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-15 11:35:19

Sometimes a publisher or publicist sends me a book I haven’t requested. Most of those books get donated to the library because they just aren’t ones I’m interested in or I don’t have a review slot available for months. When I read the premise for Run to Ground by D.P. Lyle, however, I decided to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Requiem by Frances Itani: Growing Up in a WWII Japanese Internment Camp

Published on 2012-08-14 12:37:23

It has been such a hot summer that when I saw the snow-covered book cover for Requiem by award-winning author, Frances Itani, I wanted to dive right in and make snow angels. When I read the publisher’s description, I realized that I hadn’t read any novels about the World War II Japanese internment camps even [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-13 11:46:29

I love quirky novels, as you’ve probably figured out by now. When I read the publisher’s description of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, it sounded like just the kind of unusual novel I love to read. It stole my heart and I believe it will steal yours as well. This is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-10 11:39:04

Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel had a book cover I couldn’t resist. It’s funny the things that draw you to a book cover, isn’t it? When I read the publisher’s description, I couldn’t figure out what link the story had to the cover but I was intrigued enough that I wanted to find out. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Touched by Cyn Balog: What If You Knew Your Future?

Published on 2012-08-09 11:19:32

When I saw the book cover for Touched by Cyn Balog, I was intrigued. I had to find out what those dark sinister looking streamers were coming off of the person. Once I read the description, I was hooked and had to read this YA novel. Obviously every choice we make does determine our future. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-07 18:05:04

We’re participating in the Young Adult Giveaway Hop and our giveaway for that hop is Girl of Nightmares! WooHoo! Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read Anna Dressed in Blood, this review could spoil it for you. This review is by Suzy Beal, one of our guest reviewers. She’s ba-a-a-ack! Shrieks in a haunted house: Check. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama: A Family’s Secrets in 1957 China

Published on 2012-08-07 11:30:06

Gail Tsukiyama is not only a bestselling author but she’s an award-winning author and poet. Knowing that, grabbing an advance readers copy of A Hundred Flowers was a no brainer. Her lyrical prose makes reading her novels a joy. If you like historical novels and/or cross-cultural novels then I strongly suspect you’ll want to check [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

vN: The First Machine Dynasty by Madeline Ashby: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-06 11:57:15

When Angry Robot emailed me about a new book coming out, vN: The First Machine Dynasty by Madeline Ashby, it sounded too good to pass up. I’m fascinated by the possibilities that artificial intelligence presents, including all the benefits for the world and all the things that could go wrong. If you’re a science fiction [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Harry Lipkin Private Eye by Barry Fantoni: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-03 10:59:58

When I read the publisher’s description for Harry Lipkin, Private Eye by Barry Fantoni, I started chuckling at the mental image I got. I immediately knew I wanted to read it. Like detective stories and/or mysteries? Well, this one is going to be a bit different from most of the ones you’ve read in the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Rape Girl by Alina Klein: A Must Read for Girls and Women

Published on 2012-08-02 11:43:39

When I initially saw the book cover for Rape Girl by Alina Klein, I thought it was clever but I didn’t think I wanted to read a book about rape – no way, no how. I kept thinking about it though and, when a book I originally scheduled for today’s review didn’t live up to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

City of Women by David R. Gillham: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-08-01 11:12:55

When I saw the book cover and title for City of Women by David R. Gillham, I was intrigued. When I read the publisher’s brief description for it, I knew I had to find a copy. I’ve read a lot of novels about World War II, most of which center around men who went to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Year Zero by Rod Reid: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-31 12:09:30

You know I’m a sucker for interesting book covers. How could I resist a book cover featuring an alien wearing headphones? Have you read The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Galaxy? Like humorous science fiction? If so, Year Zero by Rob Reid is going to be exactly what you’ve been looking for. I initially got a digital [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Empty Glass by J.I. Baker: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-30 11:22:24

When the publisher asked whether I wanted to read and potentially review The Empty Glass by J.I. Baker, I wasn’t sure at first. I thought, what more could be said about Marilyn Monroe’s death and why would someone write a novel about it? Then I became intrigued when I read the concept for the novel. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Song Remains the Same by Allison Winn Scotch: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-26 12:05:36

We’re participating in the Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop and our review/giveaway for that hop is The Song Remains the Same by bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch. This is a captivating story about a woman with amnesia but containing none of the normal clichés so many writers resort to. To me, it’s the perfect [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Don’t You Wish by Roxanne St. Claire: Be Careful What You Wish For

Published on 2012-07-26 08:00:31

I don’t normally give a second glance to book covers that look like the one for Don’t You Wish by bestselling and award-winning author Roxanne St. Claire; however, I happened to read the tagline for the novel and decided to find out more about it. This is one of those instances when I realize how [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-25 10:45:34

When Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake was originally published in August, 2011, it quickly became an international bestseller. I couldn’t get an advance readers copy to save my life because this web site was in its infant stage then and every YA book reviewer on the planet wanted that book in the worst [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave by Candace Fleming

Published on 2012-07-24 11:30:23

I was in a quirky kind of mood the day I saw the book cover for On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave by award-winning author Candace Fleming. Yep, I fell for another book cover. As it turns out, this is a fun, quirky book filled with YA ghost stories. Maybe I should [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Vanished in the Dunes by Allan Retzky: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-23 10:53:49

When the publisher sent me Vanished in the Dunes: A Hamptons Mystery by Allan Retzky, my first thought was that it might make a good vacation read. I love taking a suspenseful mystery that’s not too long on vacation – and who doesn’t like to read about a place like the Hamptons? What’s even better [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-20 11:57:24

I fell in love with the bestselling novel, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness and have been anxiously awaiting the next book in the All Souls Trilogy ever since. So, obviously, I pounced when I saw an advance readers copy (ARC) of Shadow of Night. Woot, it’s here! If you don’t know anything about [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-18 18:58:59

We’re participating in the Vacation Reads Giveaway Hop. Our giveaway is The Sandcastle Girls by bestselling author Chris Bohjalian. I picked it because it sounded like something you could read on a leisurely beach vacation. Little did I know that its sandcastles were not built at the beach. This is going to be a cross-cultural [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Dead of Night: Modern Day Van Helsings and Vampires – Oh My!

Published on 2012-07-18 11:16:34

I kept seeing the book cover for Dead of Night by bestselling author Lynn Viehl in industry publications and it made me curious. When I read the publisher’s brief description, it sounded like a very different take on contemporary vampire stories so I snagged a copy. Everyone who’s read classic vampire stories knows the story [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Auraria by Tim Westover: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-16 18:31:38

We’re participating in the No Strings Attached Giveaway Hop! As a lot of you know by now, I’m originally from the Appalachian Mountains. So when I see a novel about that area, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. Auraria is a historical novel about the Georgia Appalachian Mountains in the 1800’s, with a twist. This story [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Girl Is Trouble: A World War II Era YA Mystery

Published on 2012-07-16 11:36:50

I was in the mood for a good historical mystery when I saw The Girl Is Trouble, a YA mystery by Kathryn Miller Haines. I didn’t realize that it was Book #2 in a series; however, it didn’t matter because it works well as a stand-alone book. It’s the early 1940’s and fifteen-year-old Iris Anderson [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Giveaway: Hidden Mickey Adventures in Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom

Published on 2012-07-14 11:23:53

Our giveaway today is for 2 autographed copies of Hidden Mickey Adventures in WDW Magic Kingdom by Nancy Temple Rodrigue. Included with the books will be 2 Hidden Mickey badges. Nancy Temple Rodrigue brings her intimate knowledge of the park and Disney to this fun-filled book. If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

When in Doubt, Add Butter by Beth Harbison: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-13 11:38:43

When I saw When in Doubt, Add Butter by bestselling author Beth Harbison, I started laughing because I immediately thought of one of my favorite TV chefs, Paula Deen. I’m embarrassed to say that was all it took – I didn’t even check to see what the book was about before I snagged it. Luckily, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Suited by Jo Anderton: Can Debris Collectors Save the World?

Published on 2012-07-12 11:15:02

Suited is Book #2 in The Veiled World Trilogy by Jo Anderton. We previously reviewed Book #1, Debris, which I loved. Check near the bottom for the link to that review. If you’re into scifi, potential distant futures, and/or technology then Books 1 & 2 of this trilogy might make a great summer read for [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-10 17:15:49

We’re participating in the Summer Lovin Giveaway Hop. To celebrate this hop, our giveaway is Imperfect Bliss by Susan Fales-Hill. This novel is a very funny and touching contemporary send-up of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. If you’re looking for a summer read that is funny and has bawdy romantic elements then this one might [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Gold by Chris Cleave: What Would You Give Up for Your Dream?

Published on 2012-07-10 10:47:55

I loved Little Bee so when I saw the publisher’s note that Chris Cleave planned to publish a new novel, I knew I had to read it! If you’ve read Little Bee, don’t expect this to be a similar novel – at least on the surface. On the surface Gold is about the relentless quest [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Spy Mom by Beth McMullen: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-09 08:00:33

When Beth McMullen notified me that Book #2 in her Sally Sin series was going to be published, I got really excited. We reviewed Book #1, Original Sin, when it was published and I loved that book. I had been eagerly awaiting Book #2, To Sin Again. Then Beth clued me in that she planned [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-05 18:45:14

We’re participating in the Summer Reads Giveaway Hop, so it seemed appropriate that our giveaway be for A Once Crowded Sky by Tom King. This novel is definitely a summer read. It features superheroes and villains in a life altering situation that could only be devised by someone who had worked in the comics industry. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton: An English Manorhouse Mystery

Published on 2012-07-05 12:25:40

When I read the publisher’s blurb about The Strange Fate of Kitty Easton by Elizabeth Speller, I was intrigued. I love a good historical mystery and a good English mystery, and I haven’t read many set during the period just after World War I. This one also had an intriguing book cover, and you know [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-03 12:26:31

When the publisher approached me about reviewing and hosting a giveaway for The Bellwether Revivals by Benjamin Wood, I loved the concept for the novel. Here was a story that involved the potential healing elements of music along with a psychological thriller. Add in sibling rivalry, hypnosis, and romantic interest, all in the rarified gothic [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

All He Saw Was the Girl by Peter Leonard: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-07-02 10:26:47

We previously reviewed Peter Leonard’s novel, Voices of the Dead, so when we were approached about participating in the virtual book tour for his new novel, All He Saw Was the Girl, it was a no brainer. If I were Peter Leonard, I might grow tired of being compared to my father; however, he and [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Legend of Pradeep Mathew by Shehan Karunatilaka: Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-28 08:00:01

We’re hosting a giveaway for The Legend of Pradeep Mathew by award-winning Sri Lankan author Shehan Karunatilaka. I have not read this novel because of time constraints, so I won’t be reviewing it. Because it made a real splash in India and the UK when it was published, I wanted to offer it in a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Coincidence Engine by Sam Leith: Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-27 08:00:39

We’re hosting a giveaway for an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of The Coincidence Engine by Sam Leith. This is also a book I have not read because of time constraints. Rather than donate it to the library, I’m offering it in a giveaway. The Coincidence Engine is about a bureaucratic entity known as the Directorate [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Warlord by Ted Bell: Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-26 08:00:38

We’re hosting a giveaway for Warlord by bestselling author Ted Bell. This is the latest novel in the  popular Alex Hawke series. There is no review accompanying this giveaway. I have not read it. Sometimes publishers send me novels that my editorial calendar can’t accommodate. There’s nothing wrong with the novel but there are only [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Age of Miracles: What If Earth Began to Slow Down?

Published on 2012-06-25 11:59:32

The book cover for The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson Walker is a fairly simple one but for some reason I was really drawn to it. When I initially thought that its premise was based on potential effects of global warming continuing unchecked, I knew I had to read it. This is a YA [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Potboiler by Jesse Kellerman: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-22 11:23:03

Jesse Kellerman lives in California and is an award-winning and internationally bestselling author. His parents, Jonathan and Faye Kellerman, are also bestselling authors. Hmmm, wonder if there’s an author gene we don’t know about. Given this family’s track record, I had to check out Potboiler, Jesse Kellerman’s new novel. Potboiler teems with satire and can [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Existence by David Brin: What Will It take to Survive?

Published on 2012-06-21 11:49:30

I am a long-time fan of David Brin’s novels, so it’s not surprising that I jumped on the chance to read and review his latest novel, Existence. I was fortunate to be living in San Diego when he published his first novel, Sundiver, Book #1 in the Uplift Saga series. I mention that because at [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Year of the Gadfly: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-19 17:31:02

We’re participating in the Midsummer’s Eve Giveaway Hop, and our review/giveaway for that hop is The Year of the Gadfly by Jennifer Miller. A gadfly is any kind of biting fly that annoys domestic animals. It’s also a person who persistently irritates, annoys or provokes others. Hmmm. Sounds like most intelligent, inquiring minds. I do [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Paris Directive: We’ve Got a New French Inspector to Love

Published on 2012-06-19 11:49:58

I’ve long been a fan of novels containing French police inspectors, including Poirot, Maigret, and even the bumbling Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther films. So when I saw that The Paris Directive by Gerald Jay was introducing a French inspector for a new series, I had to see if this one would join the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Brand New Human Being: A Story of Fathers and Sons

Published on 2012-06-18 13:01:47

When I first heard about Brand New Human Being by Emily Jeanne Miller, I thought it would be a perfect book to review for Father’s Day. And then, like a complete doofus, I forgot and scheduled it for the day after Father’s Day. *head hitting desktop* Other than that, this is still a story about [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Beach Colors by Shelley Noble: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-14 19:44:49

We’re participating in the Clear Your Shelf Giveaway Hop. When I saw the cover for Beach Colors by Shelley Noble, it made me think of the beach we visited every year when I was growing up. Since I was looking for good beach reads, what better than a novel about the beach, right? Shelley Noble [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Master of Misrule: Could a Game Take Over the World?

Published on 2012-06-14 11:03:17

I’m not sure what drew me to The Master of Misrule by Laura Powell although the title just sounds like a book that’s going to be up to all kinds of no good, as my grandmother would have said. Even though it’s the sequel to The Game of Thrones, I had no trouble getting into [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Shackled by Angela Carling: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-12 18:05:42

We’re participating in the Indie Author Giveaway Hop, and are delighted to have Shackled by Angela Carling as our giveaway. This is Angela’s second book and it covers a very important subject, domestic abuse – specifically boyfriend abuse; however, it does that in a way that doesn’t lecture or preach. The way we’re taught to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Transcendence: What If You Suddenly Remembered Past Lives?

Published on 2012-06-12 11:41:36

I had heard Cynthia Jaynes (C.J.) Omololu’s first YA novel, Dirty Little Secrets, was excellent so I was excited when I got the chance to read Transcendence. Transcendence is Book #1 in a new series, with Book #2 scheduled to be published in 2013. Reincarnation has always interested me, so this would have been a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Dead Reckoning: The Wild West Has Been Invaded by Zombies

Published on 2012-06-11 11:37:27

I was intrigued when I saw the book cover for Dead Reckoning by bestselling authors Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill. It looked like a Western and I couldn’t imagine Mercedes Lackey writing a Western. I used to read a lot of her novels so, once I had read the publisher’s blurb, I knew I had [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Protected: Exclusive Email Club Book Giveaway: White Lies by Jeremy Bates

Published on 2012-06-10 12:45:45

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Darkroom by Joshua Graham: Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-08 11:58:45

We’re excited to be a stop on the virtual book tour today for Darkroom by award-winning author Joshua Graham, and to host a giveaway for this heart-stopping thriller. One of the things that drew me to this novel is its connection to the Vietnam War, something I haven’t read much about. I don’t know if [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Yard by Alex Grecian: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-06 20:27:35

We’re participating in the Debut Authors Giveaway Hop and I’m delighted that our giveaway is for The Yard by debut author Alex Grecian. I love good historical English thrillers and mysteries, so I was delighted when Putnam sent me The Yard. I was really surprised to find that it’s Alex Grecian’s first novel. This is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Sirenz Back in Fashion: Hades Hath No Fury Like Tricked Sirenz

Published on 2012-06-06 10:45:08

A lot of the novels I read are pretty dark and serious, so sometimes I’m just in the mood for something light and fun but with an edge to it. When I read about Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo and Natalie Zaman, it sounded like exactly the kind of break I was looking [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster: A Gothic English Mystery

Published on 2012-06-05 11:20:06

Beneath the Shadows by Sara Foster had one of those book covers that just grabbed me. I had no clue what it was going to be about but I couldn’t resist the lure of this mysterious book cover. I’m very glad I got reeled in. I was unfamiliar with Sara Foster’s work and had no [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Reckoning by Jane Casey: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-06-04 10:48:39

I won an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of The Reckoning by Jane Casey and am delighted to pay it forward in this giveaway! This is Book #3 in the Maeve Kerrigan series of crime novels; however, I had not read the first two books and found it works well as a stand-alone novel. The first [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Protected: Evil Dark & Bitter Veil Email Club Giveaways

Published on 2012-06-03 11:59:08

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The Watchers by Jon Steele: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-31 19:01:52

Our giveaway for the Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop is The Watchers by Jon Steele. It’s Book #1 in The Angelus Trilogy. The Watchers bends genres into pretzels readers are going to love! It combines historical fiction with contemporary fiction. It’s a fast-moving thriller containing religious mysticism and paranormal fantasy. If The Watchers is any indication, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Limping Dog by J.R. Lindermuth: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-31 10:46:05

Last year we reviewed J.R. Lindermuth’s Being Someone Else, a crime novel (link at the end of this review), so when he wrote me about his new mystery novel, The Limping Dog, I couldn’t resist. If you’re looking for a fun mystery novel to take to the beach this summer, then check out the review [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Amped by Daniel H. Wilson: Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?

Published on 2012-05-30 11:51:23

When I read Daniel H. Wilson’s debut novel, Robopocalypse, I was blown away. So of course I had to snag a digital advance readers’ copy (ARC) of his newest novel, Amped. Daniel has taken a topical subject and done a great “what if” with it. Amped takes a literary leap from some incidents that have [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Shadow and Bone: Can a Mapmaker’s Apprentice Save a Whole Country?

Published on 2012-05-29 11:22:48

I got pulled in by the dark, gothic looking book cover for Shadow and Bone and, when I read the publisher’s short description, I knew I wanted to read it. Shadow and Bone is Book #1 in The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. A word about the book cover: I assumed this would be a [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Strindberg’s Star by Jan Wallentin: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-24 17:39:04

Strindberg’s Star is our giveaway for the Splash into Summer Giveaway Hop! When the publisher contacted me about possibly reviewing the international bestseller, Strindberg’s Star by Jan Wallentin (translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles), I couldn’t resist. This is a genre-bending whirlwind adventure that you’re going to need to buckle your seatbelt for – it’s going to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Hollyweird: What If Your Favorite Hot Star Was the Son of Satan?

Published on 2012-05-24 10:35:55

Since I live in Southern California, I find it hard to resist send-ups of Hollywood. When I saw the title and book cover for Terri Clark’s newest book, Hollyweird, I cracked up and so would anyone else who’s walked down Hollywood Blvd. There have to be more weird people per square inch there than anywhere [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Talisman of El by Alecia Stone: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-23 11:26:04

I had seen the book cover for Talisman of El and was fascinated by it so, when the author approached me about reading and possibly reviewing it, I couldn’t resist. When I saw the trailer (see below), I got even more excited about reading it. This is Book #1 of a YA scifi/fantasy trilogy that, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Book Review of The Murder Notebooks: Dead Time by Anne Cassidy

Published on 2012-05-22 10:37:04

The Murder Notebooks: Dead Time is Book #1 in a new YA mystery series by international bestselling author Anne Cassidy. Ms. Cassidy has published 30 YA novels, so she’s got this writing thing down. She’s known for writing hard-hitting novels with a “ripped from the headlines” feel to them. Although the main characters may be [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review of The Black Stiletto: Black & White

Published on 2012-05-21 10:47:43

Raymond Benson is known for his original James Bond 007 novels. He has also penned bestselling and award-winning novels as David Michaels. I really enjoyed reading and reviewing his novel, The Black Stiletto, so I was excited when the publisher sent me his new novel about this late 1950’s super-heroine, The Black Stiletto: Black & [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Next to Love Email Club Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-20 12:37:57

Click here to link to my original review of Next to Love by Ellen Feldman, in case you aren’t already familiar with it. What’s up for grabs? You’re entering to win an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of the trade paperback edition of Next to Love by Ellem Feldman. This one is really easy. All you [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Bitter Veil by Libby Fischer Hellmann: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-17 19:25:14

Our giveaway for the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop is A Bitter Veil by Libby Fischer Hellman. When her publicist contacted me about A Bitter Veil, I was very excited. I had heard it was going to be released and already knew I wanted to read it. I had been looking for fiction about Iran, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Review of the Unbidden Magic Series by Marilee Brothers

Published on 2012-05-17 11:55:53

We’re doing something different today, and something we are very unlikely to do again. The publisher requested reviews of the entire Unbidden Magic series by Marilee Brothers. In the order in which they were published, those novels are Moonstone, published in 2008; Moon Rise, published in 2009; Moon Spun, published in 2010; and Shadow Moon, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Lola Quartet by Emily St. John Mandel: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-16 10:47:26

When I saw the publisher’s description for The Lola Quartet by award-winning author Emily St. John Mandel, something I couldn’t identify just reeled me right in and I knew I had to read it. I was delighted when I won an advance readers’ copy (ARC), so I can pass it along to one of our [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep: Can One Girl Prevent Worldwide Chaos?

Published on 2012-05-15 10:48:56

Jennifer Estep may be best known for her bestselling Elemental Assassin series but her relatively new bestselling Mythos Academy series is also a lot of fun! Dark Frost is the latest novel in the Mythos Academy series. Although it’s Book #3, it works just fine as a stand-alone novel. If you think you might like [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Evil Dark, an Occult Crime Unit Investigation Novel by Justin Gustainis

Published on 2012-05-14 11:48:59

I loved reading Hard Spell, Book #1 in the Occult Crime Unit Investigation series, so much that I could hardly wait for Evil Dark, Book #2, to come out. Justin Gustainis has created a fun paranormal crime/mystery series featuring a snarky detective who I get a real kick out of. I believe Evil Dark will [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Hidden Mickey Adventures in Disneyland: Game Book Giveaway!

Published on 2012-05-12 03:40:23

Do you love Disneyland? Hidden Mickey Adventures in Disneyland will let you explore the park in a whole new way! It contains 20 games, puzzles, and challenges for you alone or for you and your friends to play as you race throughout Disneyland. Decipher cryptic clues and find hidden symbols. Score points on each quest [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-11 11:34:45

I won an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage in a giveaway just in time for Children’s Book Week, and I’m excited to be able to not just review it but to pay it forward by giving it away to one lucky reader! I’m originally from North Carolina, so I [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Chomp by Carl Hiaasen: Reality TV Survival Shows Will Never Be the Same

Published on 2012-05-10 12:02:59

Even though Chomp by Carl Hiaasen was published several months ago, I’ve been saving my review of it because it seemed like a perfect selection for Children’s Book Week. I’ve long been a fan of Hiaasen’s quirky Florida-based characters in both his adult and YA novels. A link to another Hiaasen novel we’ve reviewed is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Unbearable Book Club for Unsinkable Girls by Julie Schumacher

Published on 2012-05-09 11:42:05

When I saw the title for Julie Schumacher’s new YA novel, I couldn’t imagine a book club being unbearable – at least not at first. Then I read the publisher’s brief description and cracked up. Yep, I thought, that could definitely become unbearable very quickly. A bit of trivia: If you read The Body Is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Peculiars by Maureen McQuerry: Alternative History at Its Best

Published on 2012-05-08 12:08:55

How could I resist a novel called The Peculiars, especially with a book cover like this one? Award-winning author Maureen McQuerry has perfectly blended alternative history with steampunk, mystery, intrigue, paranormal elements, adventure and romance, all rolled up in a captivating world. This story, like so many YA novels, is a wonderful read whether you’re [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-06 17:51:26

This week is Children’s Book Week and we’re participating in the Children’s Book Week Giveaway Hop! Our book review and giveaway is for Ordinary Magic by Caitlen Rubino-Bradway. Caitlen and her mother co-authored one of the stories in Jane Austen Made Me Do it, which we previously reviewed. They also co-authored Lady Vernon and Her [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Zombie Survival Guide: Zombies Can’t Be Stopped or Can They?

Published on 2012-05-05 10:45:53

(One of our guest reviewers, Suzy Beal, wrote this book review.) Sales of vampire and zombie books show little sign of slowing down over the last three years so, if you’re still wandering the undead-filled hallways of popular paranormal/supernatural fiction these days, you may be something of an expert on the subject by now. If [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Candlewax by C. Bailey Sims: Autographed Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-05-04 11:31:20

Candlewax is Book #1 in a new series by C. Bailey Sims. This award-winning YA medieval fantasy novel has it all: epic adventure, mystery, large sentient cats, romance, and a touch of horror. And adults are going to like it as much as teens. Oh, and the author has provided an autographed advance readers’ copy [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Grave Mercy by R.L. LeFevers: Book #1 in the His Fair Assassin Trilogy

Published on 2012-05-03 11:37:34

Grave Mercy is Book #1 of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy by Robin (R.L.) LeFevers. This is Ms. LeFevers’ first foray into YA fiction; however, she’s well known for her Theodosia series and her Nathaniel Green: Beastologist series for younger readers. Don’t let the fact that she’s been writing for younger readers mislead you into [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 LA Times Festival of Books: A Conversation with Anne Perry

Published on 2012-05-02 16:36:45

Suzy Beal wrote this panel article. She also contributes book reviews to PopcornReads.com from time to time. International bestselling historical mystery author Anne Perry was interviewed by mystery author Denise Hamilton recently at the 2012 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, appearing before a large contingent of fans. Denise Hamilton is the bestselling author of [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Nadia Knows Best by Jill Mansell: A Wild and Wacky Romantic Comedy

Published on 2012-05-02 12:18:49

I was in the mood for a little light romantic comedy, so when I saw Nadia Knows Best by bestselling British author Jill Mansell, I snapped it up. I know, I don’t normally review Chic Lit on this web site; in fact we state on the web site that we don’t review that kind of [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 LA Times Festival of Books YA Author Panel: The Fearful & The Fantastic

Published on 2012-05-01 16:23:46

Suzy Beal wrote this panel article. She also contributes book reviews to PopcornReads.com from time to time. A sunny afternoon on the pleasant, grassy campus of USC was an unlikely setting for The Fearful & The Fantastic, a Young Adult Fiction author panel during the recent 2012 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Behind their [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Helsinki White by James Thompson: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-30 17:24:47

For the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop, we’re reviewing and hosting a giveaway for 2 advance readers’ copies (ARCs) of Helsinki White by bestselling author James Thompson! Helsinki White is part of the Inspector Vaara series, which takes place in Finland. I had never read an Inspector Vaara novel; however, I had no problem getting into [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Helen Keller in Love by Rosie Sultan: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-30 11:39:19

When the publisher asked if I’d like to read and possibly review Helen Keller in Love by award-winning author Rosie Sultan, I jumped on it. I’ve been fascinated by Helen Keller ever since I worked on a high school production of The Miracle Worker. Helen Keller in Love made me realize that, like many people, [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 LA Times Festival of Books Crime Fiction Panel: Listening In

Published on 2012-04-28 17:00:05

The crime fiction author panel discussion I was most interested in catching at the 2012 LA Times Festival of Books was very aptly named Listening In since it featured three masters of the crime fiction genre. I was really looking forward to getting their take on crime fiction as a genre. The moderator was Paula [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 LA Times Festival of Books Crime Fiction Panel: Listening In

Published on 2012-04-28 17:00:05

The crime fiction author panel discussion I was most interested in catching at the 2012 LA Times Festival of Books was very aptly named Listening In since it featured three masters of the crime fiction genre. I was really looking forward to getting their take on crime fiction as a genre. The moderator was Paula [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-28 11:27:43

When I was approached about reading and reviewing A Hole in the Ground Owned by a Liar by Daniel Pyne, it sounded like the kind of dark comedy I like. I knew about Daniel Pyne’s work on The Manchurian Candidate, Any Given Sunday, Miami Vice, and Alcatraz, but didn’t realize he was the author of [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Fiction Panel: Bump in the Night

Published on 2012-04-27 18:29:37

How could anyone resist a fiction author’s panel at the Los Angeles Festival of Books titled “Bump in the Night”? I certainly couldn’t but I was very glad it was taking place during broad daylight since all of my friends know I’m a wuss at heart. No way would I go to a panel like [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Fiction Panel: Bump in the Night

Published on 2012-04-27 18:29:37

How could anyone resist a fiction author’s panel at the Los Angeles Festival of Books titled “Bump in the Night”? I certainly couldn’t but I was very glad it was taking place during broad daylight since all of my friends know I’m a wuss at heart. No way would I go to a panel like [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa: What If Vampires Ruled Earth?

Published on 2012-04-27 11:50:19

I had been hearing all kinds of pre-publication buzz about The Immortal Rules by bestselling author Julie Kagawa, and I love a good vampire novel, so I went in search of an advance readers’ copy (ARC). You may already be familiar with Julie’s Iron Fey series, which has a huge fan base. Blood of Eden [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Los Angeles Festival of Books Fiction Panel: World Building

Published on 2012-04-26 17:56:16

I was delighted to see that the 2012 LA Times Festival of Books was offering an author panel discussion on world building. World building is the process of creating an imaginary world, and is something all fiction authors do to one extent or another. For reality-based fiction, that world is already fairly well defined by [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Lily in the Snow & Other Elemental Tales: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-25 17:49:55

We’re participating in the Fairy Tale Giveaway Hop, and our giveaway for that hop is Lily in the Snow & Other Elemental Tales by Christine E. Schulze. This collection of short stories and novella-length stories includes 6 tales about different elementals, all of which read a bit like classic fairy tales. I haven’t read many [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Girl in the Park: Party Girl Found Murdered in Central Park

Published on 2012-04-25 11:28:05

Bestselling author Mariah Fredericks is known for writing perceptive novels about teens’ struggles with peer pressure. Her adult characters are reputed to be as believable as her teen characters. When I got the opportunity to read an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of her newest novel, The Girl in the Park, I couldn’t resist. This murder [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books History: War & Remembrance

Published on 2012-04-24 17:42:41

This 2012 LA Times Festival of Books session consisted of an author panel discussion about historical non-fiction, with an emphasis on war. (To order any books that interest you, simply click on the book cover.) Moderator: Diane Smith is a historian and the author of two award-winning novels, Letters from Yellowstone and Pictures from an [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Kino by Jurgen Fauth: Thriller about the Golden Age of German Filmmaking

Published on 2012-04-24 12:21:56

I must be a book cover junkie because so many times I find interesting new novels by being drawn to their book covers. The Kino book cover isn’t beautiful or picturesque but there is something about it that drew me in. I’m glad it did because Kino by Jurgen Fauth is an interesting genre mix. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

2012 Los Angeles Time Festival of Books: A Conversation with Anne Rice

Published on 2012-04-23 15:57:24

One of the hardest things for me about the LA Times Festival of Books is having so many excellent sessions to choose from but only so many hours in the day. After sitting through panel sessions on one end of the USC campus, I raced all the way across campus to Bovard Auditorium to catch [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Midnight in Peking by Paul French: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-19 18:22:29

We’re participating in the large Showers of Books Giveaway Hop. Thanks to the publisher’s generosity, the finished hardcopy book of Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China by Paul French is our giveaway! Paul French, a historian living in Shanghai, did massive research into the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Wicked and the Just: What Happened When England Conquered Wales?

Published on 2012-04-19 11:29:38

We continue our historical fiction week with The Wicked and the Just by J. Anderson Coats. This YA novel takes place just after England conquered Wales, which is what caused me to become interested in it. I haven’t read anything about that period in a long time, and I thought it might be interesting to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Prague Fatale: A 1940’s German Detective Story/Political Thriller

Published on 2012-04-18 12:04:05

I couldn’t resist the atmospheric book cover for Prague Fatale by bestselling author Philip Kerr. It has such a great period feel to it and signals that this book is going to be like classics by Dashiell Hammett or Raymond Chandler. The main character, Bernie Gunther, definitely falls into that category. He reminded me of [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Blue Asylum by Kathy Hepinstall: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-16 18:12:14

When I was growing up, family members told stories about families in the South and elsewhere who used to commit rebellious young women to insane asylums or lock them in attics if they were too uppity or didn’t conform to society’s rules. These were not madwomen, at least not by today’s standards – they were [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Queen’s Lady by Eve Edwards: A 16th Century Kick-Butt Heroine

Published on 2012-04-16 11:19:05

Requesting a digital copy of The Queen’s Lady by Eve Edwards from the publisher was a departure for me. It didn’t appear to be the kind of novel I normally read but I had been reading so many dark and twisty novels recently that I decided I needed to mix it up a bit. The [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Born to Darkness by Suzanne Brockmann: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-14 11:52:46

I won an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of Born to Darkness by bestselling author Suzanne Brockmann and am pleased to pay it forward in this giveaway. Ms Brockmann is known for writing romantic suspense novels, full of passion and adventure. This novel takes her work into a new direction. There’s still tons of passion and [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

More Than You Know by Penny Vincenzi: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-13 12:17:58

Penny Vincenzi is an international bestselling author and one of the UK’s most popular authors. I had heard a lot about her novels, so when I got the opportunity to get my hands on her new novel, More Than You Know, I jumped at the chance. How could I resist a story set in London’s [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Last Chance by Norah McClintock: Book #1 of Robyn Hunter Mysteries

Published on 2012-04-12 11:13:55

I’m a firm believer in getting shelter dogs as companions, so when I saw the book cover for Last Chance by Norah McClintock, it really touched me. Ms. McClintock is a five-time winner of the Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award for Best Juvenile Crime Novel, so I knew she had to have some [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Calico Joe by John Grisham: Autism Awareness Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-10 16:01:47

First a word or two about autism: April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism is a brain development spectrum disorder that affects far more children than previously realized. There has been a lot of speculation about its causes, which are still not really understood. In the U.S., one in 88 children have autism, but one in [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Child of the Mountains: A Heartwarming 1950’s Appalachian Novel

Published on 2012-04-10 11:14:16

You probably have guessed by now that I’m a sucker for novels set in the Appalachian Mountains. It should be no surprise that I jumped on Marilyn Sue Shank’s debut novel, Child of the Mountains, since it’s set in the 1953 West Virginia mountains. This heartwarming and heart-wrenching novel is intended for tweens and young [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Obsidian Blade by Pete Hautman: A New Science Fiction Series

Published on 2012-04-09 12:20:53

When I read the publisher’s short blurb about The Obsidian Blade by National Book Award winner Pete Hautman, I knew I had to read it. This is Book #1 is his new scifi trilogy, Klaatu Discos. It combines time travel with action-adventure, mystery, and very thought-provoking speculation about the meaning of destiny, faith, and family. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Expats by Chris Pavone: A Bestseller Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-05 19:20:50

I was absolutely delighted when I won an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of The Expats by Chris Pavone in a giveaway. I had been seeing lots of pre-publication buzz about it and had a feeling it was going to be a very interesting novel. What I didn’t realize was the kind of instant hit it [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Cuts Like a Knife: A Serial Killer Is Stalking Women in Chicago

Published on 2012-04-05 11:42:15

I may not be a woman who can literally kick butt but I certainly love to read about women who can. So when I read the publisher’s short description for Cuts Like a Knife, Book #1 in a new detective mystery series by publishing veteran Mark K. (M.K.) Gilroy, I knew it was probably going [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Collision of Lies by John J. LeBeau: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-04 11:27:27

When the publisher sent me Collision of Lies by John J. LeBeau, I was excited. Who better to write a thriller about counter-terrorism than a former CIA senior operative? Talk about lending a novel authenticity – whoa! I love it when the lead-in page contains a very official looking paragraph that concludes with, “This material [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Last Romanov: Could a Romanov Heir to the Russian Throne be Alive?

Published on 2012-04-03 11:16:32

Like a lot of people around the world, I’ve always been fascinated by the story of what became of the Romanovs. When I saw The Last Romanov by bestselling author Dora Levy Mossanen, I knew I had to read it. I remember as a teen being convinced that one of the daughters, Anastasia, had survived. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-04-02 12:31:34

When the publisher’s rep approached me about reading and possibly reviewing Glow by Jessica Maria Tuccelli, all she had to tell me was that it took place in the Appalachian Mountains and I was hooked. Glow tells the story of at least four generations in an Georgia Appalachian Mountains family, spanning the years from 1836 [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

When She Woke: A Dystopian Reimagining of The Scarlet Letter

Published on 2012-03-31 11:12:43

We have a new guest reviewer, Rhonda, who will be contributing book reviews to PopcornReads.com from time to time. We’re very happy to have her aboard, so please give her a warm welcome. The book cover for When She Woke is arresting to say the least. Its close-up, deep-red woman’s profile on an ebony background [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Ashes to Dust by Yrsa Sigurdardottir: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-29 18:25:36

We’re participating in the Charity Hopping Around the World Giveaway Hop, so it seems appropriate to have our giveaway be an international novel. Once you’ve read a novel by Yrsa Sigurdardottir, it becomes really apparent why she’s an award-winning author and is known as Iceland’s crime queen. Although she writes children’s books as well as [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Chronal Engine by Greg Leitich Smith: Jurassic Park Meets Time Travel

Published on 2012-03-29 09:16:23

When I requested a copy of Chronal Engine by Greg Leitich Smith, I thought it was a young adult novel because it features teenagers as the main characters. After reading it, however, I believe it’s more likely to appeal to tweens and younger teens than older readers. I think it could also work for kids [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Come One, Come All to Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby

Published on 2012-03-28 11:53:07

I’ve always been fascinated by carnivals and circuses. Maybe that’s why I seem drawn to novels like Wonder Show by Hannah Barnaby. I always looked forward to the carnival coming to my small town when I was growing up. There was something magical and exotic about it – like something out of a storybook. This [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Croak: Who Could Turn Down a Fun Summer with the Grim Reaper?

Published on 2012-03-27 11:46:57

The book cover for Croak by Gina Damico grabbed me. What was a teenager doing looking all goth and Grim Reaper-ish? It had to be an interesting concept with that kind of cover, so I requested a copy before I read anything about it. Maybe not the best way to pick a new book but [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-26 12:26:34

I kept seeing the book cover for The Book of Jonas by Stephen Dau and loved the drawings on it. When I read the publisher’s brief description of this debut novel, I couldn’t see the connection between the story and the cover. Then I began to read and it all made perfect sense. This is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bond Girl by Erin Duffy: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-24 11:49:44

When the publisher offered to send me Bond Girl by Erin Duffy to read and potentially review, I thought from the title that it was going to be about a female James Bond. There I go making assumptions again. Instead it’s about a determined young woman working in the bond market. Doh. That may sound [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Check Out Our Giveaway: Starters by Lissa Price

Published on 2012-03-22 17:23:53

After reading and reviewing Starters by Lissa Price, I was so excited about it that I approached the publisher to ask if they’d be willing to host a giveaway – and they said yes! WooHoo! If you haven’t read my review and/or aren’t familiar with Starters, click here to read my review. If you loved [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Blue Monday by Nicci French: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-13 12:12:03

� Pin It Nicci French is the pseudonym for an internationally bestselling British husband and wife team who’ve authored 12 prior stand-alone psychological thrillers. Needless to say, I was excited when the publisher asked if I’d like to read and review Blue Monday, which is Book #1 of a new series they’ve developed. I was [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Cross My Heart: A YA Thriller Set in 16th Century Venice

Published on 2012-03-12 12:08:15

I’ve always wanted to visit Venice so I’m a sucker for novels that take place there. There’s nothing like a little armchair time traveling. When I read that Cross My Heart by Sasha Gould is a YA thriller taking place in 16th century Venice, it sounded like a winning combination to me. In addition to [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Clockwork Giant by Brooke Johnson: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-10 10:58:43

When Brooke Johnson approached me about reviewing her YA steampunk novel, The Clockwork Giant, I was immediately drawn to the concept. I’m a sucker for steampunk and strong female protagonists, and I couldn’t help asking myself why someone would build a giant. At the time, I was solidly booked with reviews, but Brooke is very [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Book of Lost Fragrances, a New Thriller from Bestselling Author M.J. Rose

Published on 2012-03-09 10:49:38

M.J. Rose is an international bestselling author. You may recall her Reincarnationist series, including The Hypnotist. When I began hearing publishing industry buzz about her soon-to-be-released novel in that series, The Book of Lost Fragrances, I knew I wanted to get my hands on an advance readers’ copy (ARC). Although I knew she was well [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand: Book Review & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-07 19:16:25

I was delighted to win the YA paranormal fantasy novel, Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, in a recent giveaway hop. I’m also delighted to pay it forward by having it be the prize for our giveaway in the Lunar Love Giveaway Hop! Sixteen-year-old Clara Gardner lives with her mom and her younger brother, Jeffrey, in Mountain [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Birds of a Lesser Paradise: Stories by Megan Mahew Bergman

Published on 2012-03-07 11:23:42

Okay, I admit it. Another book cover got me. There was just something about that little owl that reminded me of growing up in the North Carolina mountains. I had no idea how fitting that was when I requested an advance readers’ copy of Birds of a Lesser Paradise. Megan Mahew Bergman also grew up [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Voices of the Dead by Peter Leonard: Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway

Published on 2012-03-06 12:04:00

We’re delighted to be a stop on Peter Leonard’s Virtual Book Tour for his newest novel, Voices of the Dead. If that name sounds familiar, it should because Peter is the son of Elmore Leonard. As Peter’s prior novels have demonstrated, the apple doesn’t fall far from the literary tree. Voices of the Dead is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Trigger Point: A Smart Geo-Political Thriller Set in the Near Future

Published on 2012-03-05 11:29:59

When I requested an advance readers’ copy of Trigger Point by Matthew Glass, I was in the mood for a globe-hopping thriller and the publisher’s blurb sounded like this one could fit the bill. Matthew Glass is a pseudonym and I was amazed that I couldn’t find any clues to his identity. Wikipedia says that [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

No One Is Here Except All of Us: Book Giveaway & Review

Published on 2012-03-03 10:57:47

When I read the publisher’s blurb about Ramona Ausubel’s debut novel, No One Is Here Except All of Us, I knew it was going to be a powerful read. What I didn’t realize was how empowering it was going to be. When faced with overwhelming danger, and knowing their odds of survival, this town’s people [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Carry the One by Carol Anshaw: Book Giveaway & Review

Published on 2012-03-02 11:12:24

When I requested an advance readers’ copy (ARC) of Carry the One by award-winning author Carol Anshaw, I had very little idea of what to expect. There was just something about the title and the book cover that intrigued me, even though it was nothing I could define. I had no idea what an amazing [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

How to Eat a Cupcake: Families Aren’t Always Related to Each Other

Published on 2012-03-01 11:40:25

As my friends can attest, I’m very much a fan of cupcakes. Some of them are like mini bites of heaven. Don’t get me started on my cupcake addiction or we’ll be here all day. Still, you now know why I couldn’t resist a title like How to Eat a Cupcake! There’s a special way [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Empire State by Adam Christopher: Book Giveaway

Published on 2012-02-28 20:57:58

Empire State by Adam Christopher is our giveaway for the Leap into Books Giveaway Hop. Some of the novels Angry Robots publishes have quite unique concepts, and this is one of them. I really enjoyed it! In this novel, there are two New York Cities: Manhattan and Empire State. Empire State was created during the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Same Sun Here: American Appalachian Boy Meets East Indian Manhattan Girl

Published on 2012-02-28 11:20:49

I was initially attracted to the book cover for Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani. When I read the publisher’s promo, it sounded very interesting so I requested an advance readers’ copy of this novel about pen pals. Southern country boy meets East Indian city girl. Because of its subject matter, Same [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review: Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

Published on 2012-02-26 09:09:10

We almost never review non-fiction and never publish reviews on Sundays. Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo is, however, well worth having as an exception. Katherine Boo is a Pulitzer Prize winning author and her new narrative non-fiction work has made it onto all of the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review: The Beloved by P.A. Minyard

Published on 2012-02-25 11:56:45

As a book reviewer, I get a lot of review requests. A lot more authors are self publishing these days for a number of reasons. As with novels from publishers, I’m always searching for independent gems I can share with you. I believe The Beloved by P.A. Minyard is one of those gems. This is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Have You Read The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel?

Published on 2012-02-24 11:26:34

I was in the mood for a fun historical mystery when I saw the publisher’s blurb about The Agency: The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee. It sounded like just what I was looking for, with added elements I couldn’t resist. Even though this is Book #3 in the series, I hadn’t read the [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review: Drifting House by Krys Lee

Published on 2012-02-23 11:31:01

We live in a world that grows smaller by the minute, so PopcornReads.com likes to provide reviews of cross-cultural novels. When I saw the publisher’s description of Drifting House by Krys Lee, I realized we haven’t reviewed any books about Koreans and Korean Americans. This looked like an ideal opportunity to learn more about that [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen: A New Take on a Classic Story

Published on 2012-02-22 10:51:05

I was a bit skeptical when I saw the publisher’s blurb about Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen for a couple of reasons but mostly because I’ve read so many Robin Hood tales that all seem pretty much the same. This, however, proved to be a very refreshing look at the age-old story. Although it’s classified as [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway and Review: The Sausage Maker’s Daughters by AGS Johnson

Published on 2012-02-21 12:18:03

I was thinking last night about what drew me to The Sausage Maker’s Daughters by AGS Johnson. Was it the lonely looking cows in the snow-covered field on the cover or was it the publisher’s promo? It doesn’t really matter because the story I found inside was a wonderful surprise. I love it when that [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review of The Darlings by Cristina Alger

Published on 2012-02-18 11:33:30

When the publisher told me the subject matter behind The Darlings by Cristina Alger, and asked if I wanted to review it, I jumped on it. I can’t imagine a timelier novel. We’re all still reeling from the Wall Street scandals that set off this abysmal recession, so a novel set in that world and [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review: The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

Published on 2012-02-16 18:24:33

April 15, 2012 is the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. A lot of novels and non-fiction accounts are being prepared to mark that anniversary. Out of all the choices available, I wanted to find a novel with a very personal account that didn’t end with the ship sinking, and I found that [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Healing by Jonathan Odell: Is It Appropriate for Black History Month?

Published on 2012-02-16 12:22:23

When I was looking for novels to review for Black History Month, I saw the publisher’s notes about The Healing by Jonathan Odell and it sounded like a perfect choice. Maybe because this novel is based on oral histories of the period, it wasn’t until I finished The Healing that I learned Jonathan Odell is [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

The Wolf Gift by Anne Rice: Are There Werewolves in California?

Published on 2012-02-15 12:05:35

Anne Rice became famous for her gothic novels featuring New Orleans vampires that readers fell in love with. For many of us, she took vampires to a whole level; one that had us craving more. Then she pulled back from the gothic world for while. I was thrilled to find she’s returned with her newest [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway and Review: Rust by Award-Winning Author Julie Mars

Published on 2012-02-14 11:46:14

You know by now that I’m a sucker for a beautiful book cover and this one was no exception. There’s just so much potential in that gorgeous sky. When I read the publisher’s description for Rust by award-winning author Julie Mars, it touched something in me and I knew I wanted to read Rust whether [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Accidents of Providence: A Woman on Trial for Murder in 17th Century England

Published on 2012-02-13 12:01:03

When I read the publisher’s short description for Accidents of Providence by Stacia M. Brown, I knew I had to get my hands on an advance readers’ copy. This historical novel sounded perfect for a review around Valentine’s Day. It’s a historical novel that combines romance with a bit of mystery, politics and 17th century [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Bossypants: You’re Nobody Until Somebody Calls You Bossy

Published on 2012-02-11 10:17:36

We have a new guest reviewer, Suzy Beal, who’ll be contributing reviews to PopcornReads.com from time to time. We’re very happy to have her aboard so please give her a warm welcome. Fans of 30 Rock and Saturday Night Live will find much to like in Tina Fey’s Bossypants, her part-memoir/part-self-help book, which also takes [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway & Review: The Third Coincidence by David Bishop

Published on 2012-02-10 11:25:47

I was delighted when the publisher sent me The Third Coincidence by David Bishop. I’ve had a long-standing interest in the workings of the U.S. Supreme Court, so I was looking forward to reading a thriller about the Justices if it was a good one. No problem – this one kept me on the edge [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Someone Else’s Life: What If Your Life Had Been a Lie?

Published on 2012-02-09 12:28:03

When I read the publisher’s blurb for Someone Else’s Life by Katie Dale, I couldn’t resist requesting an advance reader’s copy. It sounded like a unique concept for a YA novel. After reading it, I now know it puts the spotlight on a little known illness. Like a lot of YA novels, Someone Else’s Life [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Book Giveaway and Review: There Goes the Galaxy by Jenn Thorson

Published on 2012-02-08 10:56:05

When Jenn Thorson emailed me about her new novel, There Goes the Galaxy, I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved the off-the-wall concept and knew it was a book I wanted to read. If you like your science fiction mixed with a healthy dose of irreverence, humor, and Keystone Cops style bumbling then you’re going [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Valentine Giveaway: 4 Novels for You to Win

Published on 2012-02-06 19:27:17

� Today marks the beginning of the Follower Love Giveaway Hop. This is a huge hop with over 300 book-related web sites and blogs participating. WooHoo! We love our  followers – Our giveaway is  going to have 4 winners because we’re giving away 4 wonderful novels in 4 different genres! Check out the novels below. [...] [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]