Why I Love Wednesdays...Children's Book

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Children's Books.

Why I Love... Guess How Much I Love You

I still have all the books I mentioned in this post on my bookshelf.  There are so many amazing children's books.  Some of them are picture books and some chapter books.  One of my favorite children's books is, Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney.  I read this book when I was much younger with my mom.  We both loved it.  On my twenty-second birthday, my mom gifted it to me once again with the inscription, "I Love you!  Mom (Best Friends Forever 2007)."  How awesome is that?  I love my mom!  It still sits on my bookshelf.  It is also a book that I read over and over.  Especially when I'm feeling a bit homesick.  There are just some books that you don't quite grow out of.

Teaser Tuesday: The Restorer

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My Teaser: This week's teaser comes from The Restorer.  I'm so excited about this book.  I think I picked up this because based on recommendation from Julie from That's So Swell!

You mustn't look at him," he said in a softer tone. "Any of them."
"Is he a--"
"Yes."

Be sure to share a link to your teaser!

Mini-Review: Dead Reckoning

Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Genre: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 336 pages (Ereader)
Source: ELibrary
Author

"Oh. No wonder I'd been sick. I hadn't eaten anything since then. I'm a girl who likes her meals, so it hadn't been a weight-loss tactic. I'd just been too busy bumping from crisis to crisis. Go on the Sookie Stackhouse Narrow Avoidance of Death Diet! Run for your life, and miss meals, too! Exercise plus starvation."
— Charlaine Harris (Dead Reckoning)

Reflections: What Are Non-Bloggers Reading? (DA Edition)

I felt it was time for another edition of "What are Non-Bloggers Reading."  I previously wrote a post noting what I saw other people reading while I was sitting Barnes and Nobles one random summer day (You can find that post here).  I was curious about what others were reading because the book blogging community is often reading the same books or newly/almost released books.  I decided to take a step back and take a look at other readers.  I never intended this to be a reoccurring meme or anything (and it still isn't) but I decided one more edition wouldn't be a bad thing.

This summer I worked at the District Attorney's office (in Houston) and I noted a few books that I saw people reading.  As I was cleaning out my binder, I came across the list and decided to share.

Review: The Egyptian

The Egyptian by Layton Green

Genre: Thriiller, Mystery

Series: Dominic Grey #2

Pages: 325 (ebooks)

Source: Author

Description:

At a mausoleum in Cairo’s most notorious cemetery, a mercenary receives a package containing a silver test tube suspended in hydraulic stasis.
An investigative reporter tracking rogue biomedical companies is terrified by the appearance of a mummified man outside her Manhattan apartment. A Bulgarian scientist who dabbles in the occult makes a startling discovery in his underground laboratory. These seemingly separate events collide when Dominic Grey and Viktor Radek, private investigators of cults, are hired by the CEO of an Egyptian biomedical firm to locate stolen research integral to the company’s new life extension product. However, after witnessing the slaughter of a team of scientists by the remnants of a dangerous cult thought long abandoned, Grey and Viktor turn from pursuers to pursued. From the gleaming corridors of visionary laboratories to the cobblestone alleys of Eastern Europe to a lost oasis in the Sahara, Grey and Viktor must sift through science and myth to uncover the truth behind the Egyptian and his sinister biotech – before that truth kills them.

My Rating:

My Review:

Why I Love Wednesdays...Book Assigned in School

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Book Assigned in School

Why I Love...To Kill a Mockingbird

I think To Kill a Mockingbird is a favorite book of many people.  It is a wonderful, well-written book with strong characters who live during difficult times.  The message is inspiring and emotionally heart-wrenching.  Who doesn't love To Kill a Mockingbird?! (Don't answer that question if you don't. Kidding.)

But this book is rather significant to me for another reason.  That is.  I read it.  Wait.  What?!

Teaser Tuesday: The Four Ms. Bradwells

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:  This week's teaser is a bit long but bare with me :)  I'm reading The Four Ms. Bradwells based on a review and recommendation from Belle from Bookbelle.
 

"She doesn't stand though.  She remains in her chair.  She leans forward from the seat back that is higher than her shoulders, moving closer to the microphone.  She smiles the way she smiles when you stumble upon her doing yoga on her screen porch in the morning: a little embarrassed, but somehow more for you than for her.  And in the same soft, self-possessed voice she and I rehearsed again and again over the telephone--a voice even I almost believe--she says, "Senator, I don't believe I have anything to add to the public record on that."

Be sure to share a link to your teaser!

What do you think?

Mini-Review: The Dragons Saga: Legend of the Oceina Dragon

The Dragon Saga: Legend of the Oceina Dragon by J.F. Jenkins
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Pages: 183 (Ereader)
Source: Author

Description:

Darien Oceina is the youngest son of the Great Dragon Lord of the Water. For years he's loved and cherished Tai Dawson from afar. Tai is a simple, ordinary girl who doesn't even know Darien exists. On his eighteenth birthday, he chooses her as his wife. But there’s one problem: She thinks his choice means she's going to be offered as a sacrifice to the Dragon Lord, but instead, she’s forced to move to his home, far away, to give up her life and be his bride.

When she first sees Darien after the ceremony, she doesn’t expect to feel anything but hatred toward him. The two are struggling with the complications of a new marriage when their nation is attacked by a rival dragon species. Together they learn to love one another while they struggle to stay one step ahead in a game where the prize is their survival

Review: Treasure Me

Treasure Me by Christine Nolfi
Genre: Romance
Pages: 286 (Ereader)
Source: Author

Description:

Petty thief Birdie Kaminsky has arrived in Liberty, Ohio to steal a treasure hidden since the Civil War. She’s in possession of a charming clue passed down in her family for generations: Liberty safeguards the cherished heart.
The beautiful thief wants to go straight. She secretly admires the clue’s author, freedwoman Justice Postell, who rose above the horrors of slavery to build a new life in Ohio. According to family lore, Justice left South Carolina at the dawn of the Civil War. Heavy with child, she carried untold riches on her journey north. As Birdie searches for the treasure, she begins to believe a questionable part of the story: a tale of love between Justice and Lucas Postell, the French plantation owner who was Birdie’s ancestor.
If the stories are true, Justice bore a child with Lucas. Some of those black relatives might still live in town. Birdie can’t help but wonder if she’s found one—Liberty’s feisty matriarch, Theodora Hendricks, who packs a pistol and heartwarming stories about Justice. Birdie doesn’t know that an investigative reporter who has arrived in town will trip her up—as will her conscience when she begins to wonder if it’s possible to start a new life with stolen riches. Yet with each new clue she unearths, Birdie begins to discover a family history more precious than gems, a tradition of love richer than she could imagine.

My Rating:

My Review:

Money Can't Buy Love Results

RESULTS ARE IN!!

Congratulations to Ruby M from Moi Books. She has won a copy of Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe.  

Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway : )

The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address. If there is no response, I will choose a new winner. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. The winner was selected by Random.org.

Didn't win this time? No worries, I am participating in the Back to School Hop, September 1-7.  AND  my Follower Appreciation Extravaganza starts the second week of September and I'm having 8 separate giveaways.  How awesome is that giveaway schedule?!  So stay tuned.

Guest Reviewing over at Sort of Beautiful.

I'm the Guest Reviewer over at Sort of Beautiful. How awesome is that? This is my first time guest reviewing so head on over and say hi to Jade. Oh and take a look at my review of The Apprentice. You know you wanna...






The Apprentice by Terri Gerritsen
Genre:  Mystery, Crime, Suspense
Series: Jane Rizzoli & Maura Isles
Pages: 276 (Ereader)
Source: Libarary
Author | Facebook | Twitter

Why I Love Wednesdays... Favorite Book Couple

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Book Couples

If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy"
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)

Why I Love...Elizabeth Bennett & Mr. Darcy

Featured Blogger! Come Visit!

Today, I'm featured Fiction with a Purpose.  Brenda is super awesome and nice.  So stop by and say hi.  If you time, take a look at my interview.  It is my VERY first and I'm super honored and excited to participate.  I definitely had fun answering the questions and might have stumbled on a few.  I guess I might be ashamed to admit that I like the Twilight series because of the fourth book.  Hmm... check it out and you'll see what I mean.

Review: Merciless

Merciless by Diana Palmer
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Thriller
Pages: 297 (Ereader)
Source: NetGalley     Publisher: Harlequin
Author | Book Site

Description:

Can she convince a man to let down his defenses when he’s set on guarding his heart?
Tall, dark and eligible?

That’s all that matters to the wome of Jacobsville when it comes to handsome and aloof FBI agent Jon Blackhawk. But if it were up to him, he would never settle down. Luckily, Jon has the best gatekeeper: his efficient and reliable assistant, Joceline Perry. Without her help, he’d be at the mercy of husband hunters—but the more he comes to rely on her, the more he notices how invaluable she really is…

While Joceline can’t deny that her boss is attractive, as a single mother with responsibilities she’s determined to be professional. But when Jon is accosted by a criminal seeking revenge, she comes to his aid—fueling the spark that is growing between them.

As the attempts on Jon’s life increase, Joceline stands by his side. But when the smoke clears, will the man who avoided love realize that all he ever needed was right there all along?

My Rating:

My Review:

Reflections: Do You Give Ratings? I DO!

Let's Talk...

Ratings are something every blogger must think about.

Should I have ratings?  What does it mean if I give a book 3 stars?  What will an author say if I give his/her work a 1/10 rating?  Who am I to give a rating at all?  Maybe I should let readers decide for themselves... WHAT DO I DO?!

What do you do?

I'm going to be real.  Alexis Villery has stepped in today.  Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholic...that blogger girl is taking a nap or cuddling with Mr. Hubby (who knows where that chick is).

I give ratings because, ultimately, I think it is my job as a book blogger.

I give ratings and here's why:

Review: Surrender the Heart

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction
Pages: 368 (Ereader)
Source: NetGalley  Publisher: Barbour Books
Website | Author Blog

Description:

For the sake of her ailing mother and destitute sister, Marianne Denton has become engaged to Noah Brenin, a merchantman she despises and who has no intentions of going through with the wedding himself.  Unwillingly, the volatile couple find themselves deeply entangled in the War of 1812 when Noah's ship is taken by the British and they obtain knowledge that would greatly aid the United States' effort. As they battle to stay alive, defy the enemy to save their country, and escape from a British warship, can they also fall deeply in love?

Rating:

My Review:

Why I Love Wednesdays...Review Post II

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love... which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns any previous topic you would like.

This week will be a little different.  I'm trying to get organized in preparation for the school year by making sure I'm ready for school and ensure Reflections of a Bookaholic is in a place where I can spend less time online and still avoid getting behind.  Thus, we have today's review post instead of a new topic.

Teaser Tuesday: The Apprentice

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

My Teaser: Today's teaser is from The Apprentice by Terri Gerritsen.  It is book two in a series.  I  chose this book because I saw an awesome review of the most recent book in the series and I wanted to give it a try.

"Intimate? Is that what you called it? That son of a bitch almost killed me."
"And there's nothing more intimate than murder.  Is there?"
~Detective Rizzoli & Agent Dean, Ch.  16 , pg 151 

[Sorry for the language; I don't censor books.  I can only curtail my own language.]

Be sure to share a link to your teaser!

Summer Giveaway Hop Results :)

RESULTS ARE IN!!

Congratulations to Juana Esparza. She has won a book of her choice.  According to the form, she would like Darkness Devine!?  I'm not sure which book that is but I will find it.  

Thank you everyone who entered my giveaway : )

The winner will have 48 hours to respond with their address and [confirm their book choice]. If there is no response, I will choose a new winner. Thank you everyone for entering the giveaway. The winner was selected by Random.org.

Didn't win this time? No worries, please visit my giveaway for Money Can't Buy Love.  Also, I'm excited that I have EIGHT giveaways coming up.  Yep you read it right, EIGHT fabulous thank you giveaways for my followers.  So stay tuned.

Review: The Ideal Man

The Ideal Man by Julie Garwood
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Romance
Pages: 347 (Ereader)
Source: NetGalley
Author | Facebook | Twitter

Description:

Dr. Ellie Sullivan has just completed her residency at a large urban hospital. While jogging in a park nearby, she witnesses the shooting of an FBI agent in pursuit of wanted criminals, a couple identified as the Landrys. The only person to see the shooter's face, Ellie is suddenly at the center of a criminal investigation. Agent Max Daniels takes over the Landry case. A no-nonsense lawman, he's definitely not the ideal man that Ellie has always imagined, yet she's attracted to him in a way she can't explain.
Ellie heads home to Winston Falls, South Carolina, to attend her sister's wedding. Shortly after she arrives, though, she receives a surprise visitor: Max Daniels. The Landrys have been captured, and she'll be called to testify. But they've been captured before, and each time the witnesses are scared into silence-or disappear before they can take the stand. Max vows to be Ellie's shadow until the trial, and it isn't long before sparks fly.

My Rating:

My Review:

Review: The Linen Queen

The Linen Queen by Patricia Falvey
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII Fiction, Irish Literature
Pages: 297 (Ereader)
Source: Netgalley
Website | Facebook | Twitter

Description:

Abandoned by her father and neglected by her mother, Sheila McGee cannot wait to escape the drudgery of village life in Northern Ireland. Working in the local linen mill and living off the reluctant charity of relatives is well enough for her ma, but Sheila craves a place where she will get the attention and love she deserves. London may be under attack by the Germans, but it still offers far more opportunity for a clever and attractive young woman such as herself. Winning the title of Linen Queen doesn't just validate her self-confidence; the prize money provides the funds to get away. Though she's ready to leave immediately, her Ma has other plans for her money and it seems her looks aren't enough to get the necessary papers to enter England in the midst of the war.

Deferred but still determined, Sheila continues to look for a means of escape, and finds it in the arrival of American troops who set up base in her home town. At first Sheila sees only diversion and excitement in this new situation, and then maybe a different path to freedom in the form of an attractive Jewish-American army officer named Joel. But despite her intentions, Joel's affection and wisdom begin to affect Sheila. The arrival of a street-wise young evacuee from Belfast named Grainne, and her childhood friend, Gavin, further complicate her plans. As the war moves steadily closer to those she has grown to love, Sheila will not only confront more abandonment and loss, but also find true strength, compassion, and a meaning for her life outside of herself.

My Rating:

My Review:

Review: Money Can't Buy Love & Giveaway

Money Can't Buy Love by Connie Briscoe
Genre: Contemporary Fiction, African-American
Pages: 287 (Hardback)
Source: TLC Book Tours and Publisher
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook | Blog

Book Jacket:

Lenora Stone used to say if she didn’t have bad luck, she wouldn’t have any luck at all. At age thirty-eight, instead of socializing with Baltimore’s A-list, she photographs them for Baltimore Scene, a glossy magazine filled with beautiful people who, unlike Lenora, never have to worry about car trouble and overdue bills. As much as she’d love to slam the door on her overbearing boss, quitting isn’t an option. She’s barely making her mortgage payments and, though her condo might not be a palace, it’s hers. Lately even things with her boyfriend Gerald haven’t been right. They’ve been together for three years and he can’t seem to ask the one question she’s been waiting for. But what Lenora doesn’t know is that her luck is about to change…

Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, Lenora wins the jackpot in the Maryland lottery. In a heartbeat, all her dreams become possible
...
As her life starts to come together, the things Lenora holds dear begin to fall apart. Has her world really changed for the better, or does fortune come with a heavy price?

My Rating:

My Review & Giveaway:

Why I Love Wednesdays... A Misunderstood Character (Rhett Butler)

I am returning with my new feature... Why I love which takes place on Wednesdays. Today's proclamation of love concerns our Favorite Misunderstood Character.

If you want to play along, feel free to grab the image (there is a button on the right sidebar now) and link your post in the linky. Here goes.

LINKY INSTRUCTIONS:
When naming your link, please choose the name of your post. Mine would say "Why I Love...Rhett Butler."
Please link directly to your post and not your blog.
Please participate :)

Why I Love...Rhett Butler

Because he's sexy!!

In other news...

Rhett Butler has got to be the biggest misunderstood character of all time.  Everyone thought he was such a scoundrel.  He had tons of money when everyone in the south had lost their wealth.  Oh and wasn't born with it.  Can you believe?  He worked for it.  Isn't that just horrible?! It even appeared that he was getting richer because of the Civil War.  How DARE he!?  OMG... there's more!  He wanted and married that dreadful Scarlett!! (I <3 Rhett).