Review & Giveaway: The House Girl

The House Girl by Tara Conklin
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 368 (ARC)
Source: Publisher through TLC Book Tours
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

Virginia, 1852. Seventeen-year-old Josephine Bell decides to run from the failing tobacco farm where she is a slave and nurse to her ailing mistress, the aspiring artist Lu Anne Bell. New York City, 2004. Lina Sparrow, an ambitious first-year associate in an elite law firm, is given a difficult, highly sensitive assignment that could make her career: she must find the “perfect plaintiff” to lead a historic class-action lawsuit worth trillions of dollars in reparations for descendants of American slaves.

It is through her father, the renowned artist Oscar Sparrow, that Lina discovers Josephine Bell and a controversy roiling the art world: are the iconic paintings long ascribed to Lu Anne Bell really the work of her house slave, Josephine? A descendant of Josephine’s would be the perfect face for the reparations lawsuit—if Lina can find one. While following the runaway girl’s faint trail through old letters and plantation records, Lina finds herself questioning her own family history and the secrets that her father has never revealed: How did Lina’s mother die? And why will he never speak about her?

Moving between antebellum Virginia and modern-day New York, this searing, suspenseful and heartbreaking tale of art and history, love and secrets, explores what it means to repair a wrong and asks whether truth is sometimes more important than justice

My Rating:

My Review:

Book Blogger Love-a-Thon: Interview the JC's Book Haven

Hosted by Kate's Tales of Books and Bands and Alexa Loves Books

Hey ya'll!!  So I realized pretty late in the game that my wonderful interview with Jaclyn @ JC's Book Haven didn't post.  You guys almost missed out on awesomeness but I caught it all in time.  No worries.



1. How long have you been blogging and what made you start?

I am actually a newbie blogger having started in late November, 2012. Not even three full months yet! Even though I just got started, I feel like it’s something that I have been meant to do forever and cannot believe that I didn’t start sooner. I love it! I started blogging because I often recommend books to the people around me, and am always asked what I am currently reading. One day, someone from my work said, “Why don’t you have a blog?” I couldn’t answer logically, so I did some research and decided that it was something that I wanted to jump into. I am very glad that I made the decision.

I cannot believe that you've only been blogging for 3 months! Everything on your blog flows and you are so consistent. I'm so glad that you made that decision too!

2. What are your thoughts on books turned to movies?

I always get so excited when I find out that my favorite book is being turned into a movie! I look at it as a chance to experience it in a new, different way. We all know that the movies are never the same as the books, but I enjoy the new experience with familiar characters and ideas. Sometimes I am even pleasantly turned on to a great book because of the movie! When I love the movie, and devour the book afterwards...I usually find that I love the book even more.

I agree that it is certainly a different experience. I think that is such a good thing.

  3. What are some tips that you would offer to other bloggers?

Again, I am new at this, but I love learning and growing. I feel like I am picking up new things every day. What I would say is that if you are serious about being a part of the blogging community, it is important to foster good relationships with other bloggers and authors. The Golden Rule should apply...everyone should be treated courteously and with respect. If someone comments and visits your page...you should take the time to return the favor. If you like someone’s post, you should let them know. I have just gone about it by following the Golden Rule of how I would like to be treated.

I certainly agree. I think it is easy to get behind with blogging and not be able to return the favor with a visit. That's happening to me now. But I think you are right, that means it is time for me to scale back. See it doesn't matter how long you've been around, you can still give great advice.

4. Coffee? Tea? Soda? Or Hot Chocolate?

I am a Dr. Pepper girl at heart, but love hot chocolate around Christmas time...it’s tradition ;) (I know at least one person heard that last part in the accent that it was supposed to be delivered in…if you did – let me know!)

Who got the accent thing? Let me know too!

Wasting My Lunch Away...

Source: en.akinator.com via Katie on Pinterest

I spent my lunch doing this earlier this week.  Try it with book characters and let me know how it goes.  He guessed Scarlet O'Hara within 10 questions and Lady Fire within 22.  How cool is that.  I should have tried Cinder.  Hmmm... Here's the direct link the link above doesn't work.  The things that fascinate me...

Black History Month Giveaway Hop

Hosted by Reflections of a Bookaholic & My Little Pocketbooks

It's that time again!  The Black History Month hop.

There are tons of genres, I'm simply not familiar with.  It might be that I've never tried them, they don't seem like they would work for me, or I simply don't know where to start within the genre.  Even though books with characters of color or those written by people of color aren't exactly their own genre, I feel like people might feel the same way about giving them a try.  

So in honor of Black History Month, I'm going to help you step out on a limb.  I'm giving away a book of your choice that features a person of color or is written by a person of color.

You pick the book, I ship it your way.

Rules for the Giveaway are below the break.

Review: Paragon Walk

Paragon Walk by Anne Perry
Series: Charlotte & Thomas Pitt #3
Genre: Mystery, Historical Fiction
Pages: 248 (ebook)
Source: eLibrary
Author's Website | Blog
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

When innocent Fanny Nash of exclusive Paragon Walk dies in the arms of her exquisite sister-in-law, Jessamyn, Inspector Pitt is assigned to investigate her rape and murder. Every man of Paragon Walk is under suspicion, even Pitt’s brother-in-law, Lord George Ashworth, who was the last to have seen her. Could it be the charming, enigmatic Frenchman? Fanny’s cruel brother? Wealthy Dilbridge, who hosts wild, decadent parties? As Pitt digs deeper into the mystery, Paragon Walk’s aristocratic haughtiness gives way to fear, its calm to hatred. To keep her sister Emily, Lady Ashworth, company in this difficult time, inquisitive Charlotte once again finds herself in the midst of a deadly mystery. In the drawing rooms of her sister’s neighbors, Charlotte engages in witty and sharp-edged conversations that reveal unsavory intrigues and bitter rivalries. On Paragon Walk, Charlotte’s probing despite Thomas’s warnings may prove fatal.

My Rating:

My Review:

My First Book Signing... Marissa Meyer

I know.  It shouldn't be that I've reached the tired old age of 28 and have never gone to a book signing.  But now I have.  And it was WONDERFUL!!

P.S.  My videos are awful but I still wanted to share.  Next time I'll turn my phone, I promise.

Review & Giveaway: A Land More Kind Than Home

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash
Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery, Southern
Pages: 309 (ARC)
Source: TLC Book Tours
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo


Description:

My Rating:

My Review:

Happy Valentine's Day!

Source: literacypickuplines.tumblr.com via Tori on Pinterest

I'm Trying to Use Twitter, Ya'll!

I've never really used Twitter for the blog because I always feel like I'm talking to myself. But maybe it's just me.

I think it's bad that I don't know my GFC name anymore.For some reason I have two...under the same email.How did htis happen?
— R of A Bookaholic (@BookReflections) February 7, 2013

Is it mean to say I don't want to be invited to any more events?Uhhh...It's the only email I get these days.
— R of A Bookaholic (@BookReflections) February 7, 2013

Review: How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire

How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks
Series: Love at Stake #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Vampires
Pages: 371 (ebook)
Source: My bookshelf
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

Nobody said love was perfect...

Roman Draganesti is charming, handsome, rich...he's also a vampire. But this vampire just lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop-sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan, either. After witnessing a gruesome murder, she's next on the mob's hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral, because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her?

My Rating:

My Review:

Overdrive Update?! ... Yes Please!

Did this crazy amazing thing happen to everyone?  One day, I go to browse overdrive to find more spiffy audiobooks to hoard and things look quite a bit different.  I don't blink because, you know, these things happen.  BUT... I soon realized that this wasn't just a beautification update where you think you've got something new and cool but you've really just have old things in new, hard to read colors.  No. No. No.  It turns out to be for real new.  I'm EXCITED!!

Psss... When I say Overdrive, I'm referring to an online media catalog that I can utilize through my local public library for free.  I check out both ebooks and audiobooks through this AWESOME resource.

These are the things, I've already discovered that I love.

1.  There are Filters.  This is awesome!  Essentially, you can now filter books by genre, media type, publisher, and grade level.  Yes. Grade level.  And yes, at times I care about the grade level of a particular books.  I really really cared when I was teaching.  Now, I only care sometimes.  I think there are more filters but those are the only ones I care about right now.

Nerd Girl

Source: justnerdgirlproblems.tumblr.com via Alanna on Pinterest

I've always been a nerd.  It started when I was 4.

Review: All That I Am

All that I Am by Anna Funder
Genre: Historical Fiction, WWII
Pages: 384 (paperback)
Source: TLC Book Tours
Author's Website |  Facebook
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N | Book Depo

Description:

All That I Am is a masterful and exhilarating exploration of bravery and betrayal, of the risks and sacrifices some people make for their beliefs, and of heroism hidden in the most unexpected places.

When eighteen-year-old Ruth Becker visits her cousin Dora in Munich in 1923, she meets the love of her life, the dashing young journalist Hans Wesemann, and eagerly joins in the heady activities of the militant political Left in Germany. Ten years later, Ruth and Hans are married and living in Weimar Berlin when Hitler is elected chancellor of Germany. Together with Dora and her lover, Ernst Toller, the celebrated poet and self-doubting revolutionary, the four become hunted outlaws overnight and are forced to flee to London. Inspired by the fearless Dora to breathtaking acts of courage, the friends risk betrayal and deceit as they dedicate themselves to a dangerous mission: to inform the British government of the very real Nazi threat to which it remains willfully blind. All That I Am is the heartbreaking story of these extraordinary people, who discover that Hitler’s reach extends much further than they had thought.

Gripping, compassionate, and inspiring, this remarkable debut novel reveals an uncommon depth of humanity and wisdom. Anna Funder has given us a searing and intimate portrait of courage and its price, of desire and ambition, and of the devastating consequences when they are thwarted.

My Rating:

My Review:

Review & Giveaway: Witness to Fitness

Witness to Fitness by Donna Richardson Joyner
Genre: Fitness | Nonfiction | Health
Pages: 304 pages
Source: TLC Book Tour
Author's Website
Buy it: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

From Amazon:

A 28-day program to help you lose weight while you nourish both your body and your soul.

In Witness to Fitness, Donna Richardson Joyner brings together faith, food, and fitness in a way no one else has done before. She inspires the reader to follow her on a journey, strengthening mind, spirit, and body. Her program will help you get the results you are destined for and create lasting change in your life.
Joyner's plan is to inspire you to lose weight and feel and look great. The exercises can be followed by anyone at any fitness level.
Each day in Witness to Fitness, you are given:

•  daily meal plans with delicious, 

• easy-to-make recipes awesome daily workouts with photographs that clearly demonstrate the exercises

•  uplifting affirmations to keep you encouraged every step of the way 

In addition, you get:

•  a scripture to inspire you daily 

• a success story to motivate you 

• a song of the day that keeps you energized and moving

My Review:

Review: Waking Up Married

Some of you might be wondering if I even write reviews anymore, which would be a valid question considering my last couple of posts. The truth is... I've been really lazy about pressing the publish button. Doesn't this sound like the most ridiculous issue ever? I have so many reviews in draft mode and I figured I should go ahead and schedule them since they are there and all.

Waking Up Married by Mira Lyn Kelly
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Romance
Pages: 224 (ebook)
Source: Free from Amazon
Author's Website | Twitter | Facebook
Buy it: Kindle | B&N

Description:

Her first thought: "Who are you?"

It's the morning after her cousin's bachelorette party in Vegas and Megan Scott wakes up with the mother of all hangovers. Even worse, she's in a stranger's penthouse having woken up with something else as well—a funny, arrogant, sexy...husband!

Up until now, finding even a boyfriend had seemed impossible—been there, got the broken heart, sworn off men for good. Then a few martinis with Carter...no, Connor Reed and she's gone from first meet to marriage in one night!

Megan wants a lawyer. But Connor's shocking bombshell?

"I don't want a divorce.

My Rating:

My Review:

Black History Month Giveaway Hop

Hosted by Reflections of a Bookaholic & My Little Pocketbooks

When does the giveaway start?

February 20th - 27th

What is the Purpose of this giveaway hop?

To give black authors, books and those who support them time in the spotlight.

Who can join in this?

This hop is open to any blogger who wants to participate in the giveaway hop. If the site is adult rated, please indicate it in your linky name. (ex. blog name *adult*)

Why join this hop? 

One to raise awareness of black authors and black topics in books. Two, to promote diversity in mainstream literature. Three, because we are giving a prize to one lucky blogger.

Say what!  Blogger Prize?!

$10 Amazon gift card or a $10 book from The Book Depository will go to one lucky blogger.  When you link your blog that will be your number for the giveaway.  Blogger Winner will be picked by Random.org

So what are the Rules? 

Please read all the giveaway rules

1. Before the giveaway starts, please post about the giveaway.  Create a post about the giveaway to encourage more people to sign up. You are more than welcome to cut and copy this post.

Your giveaway must have no more than two required entries for your readers. Please make it easy.

2. The prize has to be a book by a black author, or about black characters, or regarding black history. Gift cards are welcomed as well. No EXCEPTIONS!

3. Please link your blog to the Linky at Reflection of a Bookacholic or My Little Pocketbooks site.

4. Please include the blog giveaway image in your post as well as in your side bar.

Linkys that do not meet these requirements will be removed on the second day of the hop.

What is a black book?

Any of the following count  

1. Written by a black author (from any country)

2. Main character is black (from any country)

3. More than one supporting character is black (and from any country)

Do I have to be black to participate?

No not at all! Everyone is welcomed to join us.

Is there a Button

Please resize the button for your needs. 

If you have any questions not listed here feel free to contact Alysia at littlepocketbooks@gmail.com or Alexis at reflectionsofabookaholic@gmail.com

 

I'm Not Sure If I'm "High" Functioning...

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Jocelyn on Pinterest

So what is high functioning exactly?  Because I carry books to court and get annoyed if docket is called before I get to the end of the chapter.

But We Knew This, Right?

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net via Tami on Pinterest

I was asked in an interview not too long ago how I balance the emotional drains of some difficult legal areas. It's quite simple.  I read.  Reading fixes everything!