Sunday, July 31, 2011

Making a Grabbable Button from this blog - help

Thank you Molly I now have a grab-able button on the side bar.  Thank you thank you thank you.

I would like to make this image a button that others could grab to display on their blogs. 
I've followed some sites with instructions, but I'm
doing something wrong and get a small little
icon, but not this button.  I use Picasa.

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.  Lisa

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Cost of shipping is getting high and time is a premium.


Due to the high cost of shipping and shipping materials, 
the time required to go to the post office, gas for the car
and
 that we are not in this blog thing for the money,
 not to mention that there isn't any money in this blog thing.  

We are offering books on Goodreads swap instead of giving each copy away in a Giveaway.
Just look for books we review to come up on Swap.
We will list them here on the weekends as we post them
on Goodreads. 
 Some will be under Lisa and some under David.
Thanks.

We will still do giveaway, just not as many as before.
Blog hop coming up on Monday,
$5 GC to Amazon and an ebook The Devil's Game are being given away
come back and check it out August 1st.  Thanks 

Friday, July 29, 2011

Recap of the Week

Books we reviewed this week...what did you read or what did you think about these three?  
Thanks for stopping by...happy reading.

A He Said/She Said review of Killing Kate

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Book Review - He Said Killing Kate - Julie Kramer


Occasionally Lisa and I read the same book and will put up a second review. Please see Lisa's more thorough review of Killing Kate here.


Author: Julie Kramer

Review: Every genre has its sub-categories, and mysteries are no different. The brilliance of Julie Kramer’s books is they successfully bridge the gap between two of my favorites styles. Keeping it all Minnesota, you have the gritty police procedural that can be quite dark (think John Sandford’s Prey books), and you can also have the light and often humorous cozies (Think Joanne Fluke’s Bakery books). Riley Spartz is an imperfect investigator who seems to blunder through life on a wing and a prayer, slowly and congenially unraveling the mysteries that come her way. But at the same time this book isn't all relationships and fun, she is often presented with some pretty bad criminals and a series of terrible crimes; crimes that don’t come with a cookie recipe (but don’t get me wrong, you should never join Hannah Swenson on an investigation if you are on a diet – they are damn good recipes).

Riley finds herself thwarted from the story she wants only to be thrust into the story that needs her. Through a careful piecing together of the clues she is slowly able to put together a story that encompasses far more than she originally bargained for. The scene is set through southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa, including Iowa City landmark The Black Angel. The landmark is so descriptive Lisa has committed us to visiting it on our next trip visiting our parents. Though when pressed she insisted we will not be making out in the moonlight, regardless of the authenticity of the experience.

So if you want a fun mystery with a likable lead character investigating some pretty serious crime then Julie Kramer’s Riley Spartz is definitely for you. The books are well written and quickly paced (Lisa and I received our copy on a Thursday and were both through it by Saturday – and that was with me hiding it from her while at work Friday). One of the best aspects of the books is also what made 24 great, a commitment to story over character. For example, you pretty much knew from the moment Nina shot Teri in season one that no character except for Jack Bauer was safe (and even then I could have seen them killing him off if the plot demanded it). It is that tension that keeps the fun from diluting the mystery in Kramer’s work; Who can we trust? Who can we rely on? Killing Kate will keep you guessing until the end and then keep you anxiously awaiting book 5.

Speaking of book 5 – Tempting Ted, Finding Frank, Watching Wendy?

Where I got the book: The author very kindly sent us an advance copy for review (but Lisa and I also attended her book signing and bought our own hard copy to keep).

Quick Review: 5 stars

Book Review - Between the Land and the Sea - Derrolyn Anderson


Title: Between the Land and the Sea (Marina’s Tale 1)


Review:  The characters were likeable and sweet, I loved the relationship between Evie and Marina.  Marina’s father is a bit vague since he is not really in the book much.  Being spoiled is a fun thing to think about and the cars she gets to drive are incredible.   The most popular boy in school is interested in her and who wouldn’t love that?  This is a great book for teen girls, great things to think about for their futures and Marina’s.  College, jobs, plans for when and where and how…growing up and facing truths about her life and maybe even yours as you read this book.

The part I didn’t love and why I only gave it 3 stars, was that the book took a bit to get started and then once it did it was slower then I would have liked.  The story is interesting and kept my attention most of the time, but I did put it down quite a lot.  I read a few other books while I was reading this one.

This is the first in a series and I would imagine that the writing gets better and tighter as the series progresses.  If you like paranormal tales and this is about mermaids, then you will enjoy this book.

Publisher: April 1st 2011 by Derrolyn Anderson

ISBN: 0012379514

Copyright: 2011

Pages: Kindle Edition

Quick Review: 3 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It: The author was looking for reviewers and the story looked interesting.

Where I Obtained the Book: From the Author.

Synopsis:  Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. Just a few weeks after moving to the beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to uncover the mystery of her past and learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her... and maybe even find true love along the way.

Author Biography: I have always been a reader, but it wasn't until the summer of 2010 that I began writing in earnest. The series "Marina's Tales" is the result of my latest obsession, and something of a love letter to my former home by the sea. I've found writing to be one of the most challenging yet fully entertaining things I've ever done, and I look forward to telling many more tales in the years to come.

The third installment, "The Fate Of The Muse", will be available by the end of the summer, 2011.

Other Reviews:



Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Book Review - Surviving Your Serengeti - Stefan Swanepoel


Title:      Surviving Your Serengeti: 7 Skills to Master Business and Life

Author:   Stefan Swanepoel

Review:  This is a self-help book aimed at businesses and individuals.  The author tells a story of a safari that a couple wins and how meeting up with an old friend with lots of words of wisdom changes their lives. 

I felt the story was forced and not believable.  I could visualize the savanna and the animals so the writing wasn’t bad, but I did not really get what they were going for.  As a self-help book I think this one fell flat, maybe a bit more explanation on each animal and maybe a blending of each would have helped.   

The book is short and that might help more people pick it up to read, but I think the author needed more time and space to get his point across.  But then again maybe I'm the only one that feels this way.

What animal are you? check out their web page at whatanimalami.com or go to his book site and take it there.   By the way I’m a Giraffe.

Publisher:  Published March 1st 2011 by Wiley, John & Sons, Incorporated

Copyright: 2011

Pages:  192 pages

ISBN:  0470947802

Quick Review:  2 1/2 Stars out of 5. 

Why I Read it:  I requested this book from Booksneeze it looked interesting.

Where I Obtained the Book:  Booksneeze sent this book.

Synopsis:  Praise for SURVIVING YOUR SERENGETI


"One of a kind. You'll actually know more about yourself after you read this book."—KEN BLANCHARD coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level


"Beautifully illustrates nature's basic survival strategies—and how they help you create a sense of meaning and purpose."—SUSAN SCOTT New York Times bestselling coauthor of Fierce Conversations


7 Questions This Book Tackles
1. Are you experiencing a challenge that you wish to overcome?
2. Do you want to discover your hidden survival skills?
3. Do you have a goal you have yet to achieve?
4. Would you like to discover your instinctive strengths?
5. Can you benefit from problem-solving thinking?
6. Do you know someone who has potential to excel?
7. Are you looking for a positive message to share?

Author Biography:  Stefan Swanepoel was born in the Serengeti (Kenya, Africa) and spent the first 35 years of his life in Kenya, Hong Kong and South Africa. As the son of diplomat, he is well versed in travel and has had first-hand experience in over 30 countries around the world.

His academic accomplishments include a bachelor's in science, a master's in business economics, and diplomas in arbitration, mergers & acquisitions, real estate, computer science, and marketing. He has served as CEO of seven companies and two non-profits.


Stefan has written 19 books on business trends, real estate and social media and is widely acknowledged as the leading expert on real estate business trends and has been listed as "One of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Real Estate."

Today he is a keynote speaker almost every week captivating audiences worldwide. He has presented over 700 talks to over 400,000 people.

Stefan lives with his wife and two sons in California.

Other Reviews:





Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Book Review - Killing Kate - Julie Kramer - New Release Today


Title:      Killing Kate

Author:  Julie Kramer

Review:  This is a fast paced book with great pacing, short chapters and memorable characters.  Riley is an investigative reporter who is bold and resourceful.  Her parents are great, I find myself laughing at their parts in her stories, and I can identify them with other people I know from this area.  Her parents are protective and even a bit underhanded at time.  I love the fact that she writes about Minnesota and Minnesota nice, even when mixed with murder and Iowa at times.

The mystery and murder keep you on your toes wondering whodunit.  The small on-going plot weaved into her stories continues, even if it didn’t end the way I would have liked it to (actually I doubt if it is over and look forward to more in the next book.)  Riley’s co-workers are unique individuals that have endearing and not so endearing qualities about them.  Her characters feel real and as I read the book I could place many of my friends and acquaintances in their places making the book come to life.

If you have never read Julie Kramer then start now, you will not be disappointed.  Stalking Susan review here, Missing Mark review here, Silencing Sam review here.  Her mysteries are interesting and she uses real places in her stories, place you can visit if you feel so inclined to do.  I have to say that I wish she wrote them faster, but then I wouldn’t want the quality to drop in the haste.  This book is number 4 in the series and it will not disappoint.  Go pick it up today.

Publisher:  July 26th 2011 by Atria

Copyright: 2011

Pages:  336 pages

ISBN:  1439178011

Quick Review:  4 Stars out of 5. 

Why I Read it:  I was waiting for this book to be released, I’ve read the other three and enjoyed them.

Where I Obtained the Book:  This book was sent to us by Julie, we met her at a signing last fall and she emailed us asking if we would like an ARC.  Of course we did, thanks Julie for remembering us.

Synopsis:  Not all angels are divine...

As TV reporter Riley Spartz discovers a serial killer drawing angel-shaped chalk outlines around the bodies of his victims, she unearths an eerie legend dating back nearly a century. Tracking the story to an Iowa cemetery, Riley finds an infamous Black Angel monument that may be connected to the string of homicides throughout the Midwest. Now she is up against a delusional young man who believes the statue is urging him to kill.

The local police are convinced the killer has left their territory and Riley's boss is convinced viewers are tired of hearing about so much crime, but a personal connection with the latest victim, Kate Warner, makes Riley determined to solve the case.

Riley also gets the scoop on a dog left locked in a hot car. Her pet-loving news director is crazy about this story, but the dog owner goes crazy, too. Is he now stalking Riley? Or has the angel-killer put Channel 3's top investigator on his hit list? Yearning for love and ratings, it's unsure whether Riley will find either before the killer finds her.

When she meets a mysterious stranger, Riley must decide whether he is her guardian angel or an angel of death. The answer doesn't come until a graveyard confrontation where God is the only witness.

Author Biography:   Julie Kramer is a journalist. She works as a freelance producer for NBC's Today show, Nightly News, and Dateline.


Julie grew up along the Minnesota-Iowa state line, fourth generation of a family who raised cattle and farmed corn for 130 years. Her favorite childhood days were spent waiting for the bookmobile to bring her another Phyllis A. Whitney novel. An avid reader, she tired of fictional TV reporters always being portrayed as obnoxious secondary characters who could be killed off whenever the plot started dragging, so her series features reporter Riley Spartz as heroine.


Currently, she resides in White Bear Lake, Minnesota with her husband and sons.

Other Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Bookcaster

Monday, July 25, 2011

Monday Musing - New Release Tomorrow - Killing Kate - Julie Kramer

 Tomorrow this book is being released.  My husband and I discussed who would read it first when the ARC came in the mail.  He even took it to work so he could keep me from starting it, well he brought it home and I grabbed it.  We will be reviewing this book tomorrow, but here is a hint:  Go buy it tomorrow, you won't be disappointed.

Here is a list of area book signing in case you are close.  Julie is very personable and would love to talk with you about her books.  We attended a book sighing last fall and we even met her mother.  After reading her books you will know what a treat that was.  Please page down for the book trailer.

More information on her web page.
July 26 KILLING KATE release date!

Tuesday, July 26, 7 pm
LAUNCH PARTY for KILLING KATE
Minneapolis, MN 
Once Upon A Crime
604 W. 26th St.
food & fun

Wednesday, July 27, 11:30 am
Minneapolis, MN
Barnes and Noble—Nicollet Mall
signing amid the lunch rush

Wednesday, July 27, 7 pm
Rochester, MN
Barnes and Noble—Apache Mall
southern MN launch party

Thursday, July 28, 7:30 pm
St.Paul, MN
Common Good Books
165 Western Avenue North
speaking, signing, snacks

Friday, July 29, 9 am
White Bear Lake, MN
Lake Country Booksellers
4766 Washington Sq.
signing amid the farmer's market

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Saying Good-bye to a good friend. True magic does exist.

David and I went to see this movie and I have to say that it is like saying good-bye to someone I've known for awhile.  Bittersweet is the word I think that fits best.   My oldest commented that he was glad that after finishing book seven he still had the movies to wait for, but after seeing the movie at midnight he wished there were still more to come.  "I can't believe its really over."  is all he could say and that it was a fantastic movie to end on.

David brought home Books 1-3 from a business trip some years back.  He read them to the kids before bed each night and we all fell in love with the story.  Book 4 came out and we pre-ordered it and raced to the mailbox the day it was delivered.  Our oldest finished it in 3 days and he was only 8 at the time.  True magic could be found in its pages.

When book 5,6 and 7 came out we were at the bookstore waiting and for book 7 we even dressed up for the costume contests and fun.  Everyone in our household is a fan of Harry Potter and watching the movie makes me want to read them all again.   How many books have done that?  For my family not that many.

These books have been an amazing magical journey that has made my family better readers.  Thank you J.K Rowling for this priceless gift.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Book related items - We would love to review them here for you.


Do you sell book related items?  Lights, Kindle covers or Kindle items, skins, advertising or promotional items for your books or authors, Nook (we don't currently have one, but would love to try one, or any other e-reader out there we have yet to see.)  We can review them here for you.  Just email us with any inquiries and we will send our mailing address.  Thanks

Friday, July 22, 2011

Recap of the Week

These are the books we reviewed this week, what did you think?  Have you read any of them or will you read them now that we gave you a little taste?  Stop by again.



Book review and an author interview of this book.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Book Review - A Tailor-Made Bride - Karen Witemeyer


Title:   A Tailor-Made Bride


Review: This is a sweet, romantic read.  It is a Christian romance and so there is no sex, but it is high on the sexual tension part.  The story is cute and endearing.  Anyone who enjoys a romance will enjoy this story.  Lots of other types of tension as well.

Old west tales are fun to read and the idea of not having all the modern day conveniences we have now is WOW…unbelievable that people were able to get along as well as they did.  I would miss indoor plumbing and refrigeration the most, maybe the AC in Texas for sure. 

Check this book out, turn off the phone and the TV, and have an afternoon free from the cares of modern society.  You will be glad you did.


Publisher: Published June 1st 2010 by Bethany House Publishers (first published 2010)

ISBN: 0764207555

Copyright: 2010

Pages: 348

Quick Review: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It: The publisher was looking for reviewers and it looked like something I might enjoy reading.

Where I Obtained the Book: Sent from the publisher.

Synopsis:  When a dressmaker who values beauty tangles with a liveryman who condemns vanity, the sparks begin to fly!

Jericho "J.T." Tucker wants nothing to do with the new dressmaker in Coventry, Texas. He's all too familiar with her kind--shallow women more devoted to fashion than true beauty. Yet, except for her well-tailored clothes, this seamstress is not at all what he expected.

Hannah Richards is confounded by the man who runs the livery. The unsmiling fellow riles her with his arrogant assumptions and gruff manner, while at the same time stirring her heart with unexpected acts of kindness. Which side of Jericho Tucker reflects the real man?

When Hannah decides to help Jericho's sister catch a beau--leading to consequences neither could have foreseen--will Jericho and Hannah find a way to bridge the gap between them?

Author Biography:  Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft award-winning historical romance fiction. Her first manuscript, Fire By Night, won top honors in the 2007 Romance Writers of America Hearts Through History contest. Her second, Cloud By Day, was an ACFW Genesis finalist in 2008.

After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.

In January, 2009, Karen signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers for three inspirational historical romance novels, and she is thrilled to announce that her first book, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE will be released in June 2010.

Other Reviews:





Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Book Review - The Inner Circle - Brad Meltzer


Title:   The Inner Circle

Author: Brad Meltzer

Review: I’ve read this author before and enjoyed his work and so I picked this one up to listen to while I painted our entry hall a few weeks back.  His chapters seem to leave you hanging only to turn the page, or in my case keep listening.  The reader had a way of making his voice keep you in suspense and I found him fun to listen to.

I enjoyed the fast pace this book took and the twists and turns.  The places the characters traveled to were new to me and I didn’t realize the amount of sheer paperwork the National Archives must have in storage or even how they managed to get a hold of all of it.  Can you imagine the filing nightmare that could be?

Mistakes, misunderstanding, and the heat of the moment all tempt fate in this story.  We all make stupid mistakes, especially in our youth, but some of those mistakes can come back and haunt us if we aren’t careful.  What skeletons would someone find in your closet?  Maybe more then you could ever imagine.

If you enjoy suspense and mystery you will enjoy this book.


Publisher: Published January 11th 2011 by Grand Central Publishing (first published 2010)

ISBN: 0446577898

Copyright: 2010

Pages: 449

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It: I had read some of his in the past.

Where I Obtained the Book: From my local library.

Synopsis #1 New York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer returns with a pulse-pounding new novel of lies and deception at the highest levels of government. There are stories no one knows. Hidden stories. I love those stories. And since I work in the National Archives, I find those stories for a living. So says Beecher White, a young archivist who spends his days working with the most important documents of the U.S. government. When Clementine Kaye, his first childhood crush, shows up at the Archives asking for his help tracking down her long-lost father, Beecher tries to impress her by showing her the secret vault where the President of the United States privately reviews classified documents. It is also where Beecher and Clementine accidentally happen upon a priceless artifact- a 200-year-old dictionary that once belonged to George Washington- hidden inside a desk chair. Eager to discover why the President is hiding this important national treasure, the two soon find themselves entangled in a web of deception, conspiracy, and murder that will reveal the most well kept secret of the U.S. Presidency.

Author Biography:  Brad Meltzer (born April 1, 1970) is an American author of novels and comic books. He created a six-issue story arc for DC Comics' Green Arrow #16 - #21 (October 2002 - April 2003), and the 2004 miniseries Identity Crisis.

Other Reviews:




Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Author Interview with Maren Kaye - co-author of The Devil's Game


Today I have the opportunity to interview one of the co-authors of The Devil’s Game, Maren Kaye.  I read this book and really enjoyed it, here is a link to my review. I would also recommend it to any readers out there.

1. Where do you come up with the idea? 

The idea started with one of S.L.'s book ideas. Just for fun, she sent me the first chapter of something she had come up with and asked me to add the second chapter. I had just come back from visiting my 24-year-old daughter in Portland Oregon and was inspired by her moxie at taking on the big city with so much confidence. I think S.L. and I both love the idea of bringing strong women to the thriller genre. As time progressed, the book took on a life of its own. We both loved what the other added and it really just came together so easily. Our styles fit together so well, she's a veritable ocean of knowledge and knows how to keep a story fun, fast, and fascinating. 

2. Have you been stalked or someone close to you? 

 I haven't personally been stalked, that I know of. But I can relate to the feeling of powerlessness that our character experiences from my own experiences with being robbed. It's such a frightening feeling to know that someone you don't know can have so much power over you. It's like one day your free as a bird, and the next you feel you have to hide from the world you once felt so safe in.


3.  What boxed cereal is you favorite and why?  (I love Capn' Crunch)

 I used to live on Capn' Crunch! Now that I have kids, I try and buy the healthy stuff, like Cherios and Craklin' Oat Bran. Fruit Loops seem to find their way into my shopping cart now and then... I'm not sure how they get in there.


4. What music to you listen to when you write?  Why?

I like to listen to music that fits with the era and taste of the characters I'm writing about. Pandora is a real lifesaver when it comes to finding more obscure types of music, like Ska or Brazilian big band samba. I love Brazilian music. 


5.  Name a favorite author and what is your number one book of theirs?  Why?

 It's so hard to pick one author, and I love different types of authors for different reasons. But I think overall for pure escapism,  Michael Crichton is my favorite. I haven't read a book of his that I didn't love. I also love the fact that he was snubbed by the critics of his time, yet outsold most of his contemporaries. (I love Monet for the same reason). I couldn't put down Timeline. Time travel is such a fascinating subject. I hope to write a book about time travel... maybe some time in the future.


6.  What do you enjoy watching on TV?  Why?

 I don't think I've missed a Daily Show episode in three years. It's an addiction. I get so mad when they go on vacation. Then I'm stuck with Colbert re-runs. Does anyone know why they're always on vacation at the same time?


7. How is the weather where you live...right now?

The weather here is bleeping hot! I live in North Carolina, which most of the time is great. But not in July. Someday, when I'm rich and famous, or maybe just rich, I'm going to buy a summer vacation home some place cooler, like Alaska. I hear it has great views of Russia.


8.  What else would you like to tell our readers about your book?

 The Devil's Game is a fun, quick an entertaining escape from all the stress we put up with in our busy lives. But it also happens to have strong women characters. I'm proud of the fact that we were able to keep the book exciting and sexy without having to go the traditional route. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed writing it.


Thank you for taking the time to talk with us about your new book and good luck in your future writings.  I appreciate your time and your work.  Lisa




Monday, July 18, 2011

Book Review - The Devil's Game - S.L. Pierce and Maren Kaye



Author: S.L. Pierce and Maren Kaye

Review: The author requested I read and review this book and I told her I was backed up and would get to it when I had a chance.  I downloaded it onto the Kindle and thought as I was getting ready for bed just to have a quick peek at it.  Well I didn’t put it down for some time, I kept waiting for a boring bit and finally I had to put it down and go to sleep.  I picked it up the next day and read until my dental appointment and then finished it at home an hour or so later.  I really enjoyed the suspense and the second guessing myself about what was really happening.  Was it her…was it him…nono it was definitely him…no maybe not…

Stalkers and those stalking the stalker and then psychologists to boot, this book is very much a psycho thriller.  Who did it and why?  Why are some of us born without the ability to feel what others feel?  What happens when we cannot get a song or person out of our thoughts?  Think about it… do you cyber stalk anyone…or have you…or have you thought about doing it?  How easy would it be...pretty easy I think.

This is intense and fast paced.  I read and thought and read and guessed and yet was surprised at who it was and why.   The characters are endearing and spooky at the same time.  You will find yourself identifying with Rachel and trying to figure out a way to help her.  The doctor on the other hand was not someone I could easily identify with.  Ambition is a good thing as long as it doesn’t lead to obsession. This is a good book that I would suggest it to any reader out there. 

Check it out, you will be glad you did.

Publisher: Published June 29th 2011 by Pierce-Kaye Books

ISBN: 0012809470

Copyright: 2011

Pages: Kindle Edition

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It: I was asked by the author.

Where I Obtained the Book: From the Author.

Synopsis: Is a stranger who stalks your stalker a friend or your worst enemy?

Rachel Pendelton is determined to break from her small town past and stake out a new life for herself with a dream job in the big city. But hard work and determination are no match for whoever is working against her. When anonymous gifts show up, she’s flattered. When they appear in her locked apartment, she starts worrying. What can she do when everyone she turns to for help looks suspicious?

What she doesn’t know is that a game has begun. A game with rules as baffling as they are deadly. A game that will pit her against the criminally insane. And only one can finish alive.

Author Biography: S. L. Pierce - S.L. Pierce spent ten years earning a PhD in engineering before deciding she really wanted to be a writer.

Maren Kaye - Maren Kaye spent twenty years working in the newspaper business before taking the plunge into becoming a full-time fiction writer. As a journalist in Texas she won several awards for feature column writing and photography.
She resides in Chapel Hill, NC.


Friday, July 15, 2011

Recap of the Week

We reviewed these books this week, what did you think?  What have you read this week?  
Thanks for stopping by.





Thursday, July 14, 2011

Book Review - I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore


Title:  I Am Number Four

Author:  Pittacus Lore

Review:  I bought this to read to the kids and it took us a bit to get through it with all the activities and time we spend away from home.  I finally let two of them read it on their own and finished it with the youngest myself.

We enjoyed the book and thought it was good, my 9 year old especially liked the fighting and the training parts.  He loved what Bernie Kosar was and still talks about that part.  I liked the story, but the language could have been cleaned up a bit for younger readers. 

I look forward to reading more of the Lorien Legacies.  I did not care for the movie and neither did any of the kids.  Why change some of the things they changed, it made no sense.  I cried at the end, but I also laughed and rejoiced.  This is not a bad read. 

Publisher:  Published August 3rd 2010 by HarperCollins

ISBN: 0061969559

Copyright: 2010

Pages: 440

Quick Review: 4 stars (out of 5)

Why I Read It:  We saw the movie advertisement and decided to read the book first.

Where I Obtained the Book:  I bought it at Amazon.

Synopsis:  In the beginning they were a group of nine. Nine aliens who left their home planet of Lorien when it fell under attack by the evil Mogadorian. Nine aliens who scattered on Earth. Nine aliens who look like ordinary teenagers living ordinary lives, but who have extraordinary, paranormal skills. Nine aliens who might be sitting next to you now.

The Nine had to separate and go into hiding. The Mogadorian caught Number One in Malaysia, Number Two in England, and Number Three in Kenya. All of them were killed. John Smith, of Paradise, Ohio, is Number Four. He knows that he is next.

I Am Number Four is the thrilling launch of a series about an exceptional group of teens as they struggle to outrun their past, discover their future—and live a normal life on Earth.

I AM NUMBER FOUR.
I AM NEXT.

Author Biography:  Pittacus Lore is the pseudonym for James Frey (author of "A Million Little Pieces") and Jobie Hughes.

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