In My Mailbox #23

Thanks to Kristi, The Story Siren, for hosting IMM every week!

I got a couple cool books this week.

For Review:

The Wish List by Gabi Stevens. And I just have to say that I love this cover. It's bright and fun and just wicked cute!

Kristin Montgomery is more than a little shocked when her aunts inform her they're fairy godmothers. Worse, after dropping that bombshell they hand her a wand and head off on a world cruise. Now Kristin's uncomplicated life as a CPA in San Diego has disappeared like magic and she not only has to deal with her burgeoning magical powers, but also a reluctant and distractingly sexy magical arbiter.

Tennyson Ritter is a historian. A scholar by choice, he is yanked from his studies to act as arbiter for the newly chosen fairy godmother. He doesn't want to waste his time with a woman who doesn't know anything about magic or the magical world, but soon the beguiling Kristin draws him away from his books and into her life.But before Kristin can hone her skills and pass the tests necessary to fully claim her powers, she and Tennyson must work together to defend the world - both magical and human - against those that would claim her powers for their own.

Bought:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I've heard about this book, and reading the back cover I feel like I'm in for an emotional read with this one. Definitely.

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - his classmate and crush - who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why. Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a firsthand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself-a truth he never wanted to face.

Can't wait to see what you all got this week!

Review - Elixir by Hilary Duff

Elixir by Hilary Duff. Yes, you read it right. THE Hilary Duff. When I first saw this book on shelves ages ago, I wasn't sure how many Hilary Duff's there were, but I was sure it couldn't be Lizzie McGuire. I just hadn't known she'd written a book. And I certainly hadn't expected that she'd written the type of book that I absolutely LOVE to read.

Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before.

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures

So Clea's a photographer. When I saw that I figured this book had to be right up my alley. Clea and her best friend Rayna, who's mother is the "nanny for her mother's horses", start out the story in France and immediately we're thrown into the "action" when a fire starts in the building Rayna is visiting someone in. Within 25 pages of the start of the novel our first crisis is averted.

And what's funny is that when I read the book I pictured Clea as Hilary. So it was easy for me to read the dialogue in her voice and picture the things written actually being said. The words didn't seem awkward or forced at all. Just like natural conversation which is something I always look for. When conversations seem to "sing-songy" (ie Dawson's Creek - I HearT Pacey though) it irritates me. Because it sounds scripted. Not normal.

We meet another of Clea's friends pretty quickly into the story. Ben. He was originally hired as a sort of... bodyguard... for her. But we find out it wasn't for his ability to throw grown men the length of a football field. More for his ability to pretty much go to any country you can name and have a conversation with people, no matter the language, along with his knowledge in history and mythology. Ben is a good character. He and Rayna seem to balance Clea well.

As the description says, Clean starts to see shadows of a man in her photographs that couldn't possibly have been in the locations she'd actually been shooting at. And she can't seem to let go of her father and the questions surrounding his death. So she sets off in search of answers.

This was actually a really exciting book to read. Like I said, the dialogue flowed really well. It was an entirely new concept to me. And I like how it was written from the perspective of someone who was extremely well off, but down to earth. I always hear people say "write what you know" and Hilary definitely knows glitz and glamour. Clea was perfect for her debut.

And I have to add that the cover was simple, but gorgeous, and tied nicely into a running theme of the story.

When I got to the end of the book I was really disappointed to find out that NOTHING had been resolved and searched frantically on Goodreads to find out what the heck was going on. Come to find out it was the first of at least 2 in the series. Devoted is book number two and was published back in October, but I have yet to find it so I can read it!!



I don't want to give too much away but I'm going to say that I recommend this to anyone who likes stories like Unearthly, Fallen, and Hush, Hush. It's a great read for everyone, but if you like the books I just mentioned, I know you'll like this one too! So check it out. :-)

And while we're on the subject of "checking things out" please please PLEASE go visit my giveaways guys! Who doesn't love the chance at a free book? Giveaways are for a copy of Experience by Meg Kerr and TWO SIGNED copies of Tears of the Broken by A.M. Hudson. Both are really great authors and wonderful people. I've had the pleasure of talking to both of them and they're super sweet. You'll love their books! I did!

PS - I found the cover for Devoted. Not sure I'm liking it as much because it doesn't seem to go well with book one but here it is anyway!

Review - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith

In keeping with the Pride and Prejudice theme (check out the giveaway for Experience by Meg Kerr!) I decided to write up a review for Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. Seth Grahame - Smith tags along with Jane Austen in this one to bring you a classic story with a gruesome twist.

It had been months since she had seen Charlotte, and kind months they had not been, for her friend's skin was now quite gray and marked with sores, and her speech apallingly laboured.

Ah yes, poor Charlotte. Stricken and practically decomposing before your very eyes. But Lizzie, ever the kind friend, still visits her.

"Wady Caferine very respectable...sensible woman," groaned Charlotte, "and most attentive nay-bah."

I'm sorry, but just trying to say that in my head the way it's written, I can't help but laugh. I absolutely loved this book. It was funny and familiar at the same time. The "unmentionables" were a great addition. We find Lizzie and her sisters very learned in combat and martial arts while still trying to maintain the pretense of being proper young ladies of the time.

And check out Lizzie's refusal of Mr. Collin's marriage proposal:

"You forget, sir, that I am a student of Shaolin! Master of the seven-starred fist! I am perfectly serious in my refusal. You could not make me happy, and I am convinced that I am the last woman in the world who could make you so. May, were your friend Lady Catherine to know me, I am persuaded she would find me in every respect ill qualified for the situation, for I am a warrior, sir, and shall be until my last breath is offered to God."

It's even illustrated!

I highly suggest picking this up. If you're a fan of "Unmentionables" or Pride and Prejudice. I wasn't sure how much I would like it compared to the actual P&P... but I was delightfully surprised at how much fun it was to read.

You could also check out the prequel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls. This one is written by Steve Hockensmith. I have not had a chance to read it so I can't attest to its contents, but it looks like it would be as interesting as the first P&P&Z. Also by Steve Hockensmith is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dreadfully Ever After in which tragedy befalls Mr. Darcy when he is bitten by an unmentionable. He is not immediately beheaded by his lovely wife. Instead she seeks a cure in London. Sounds like fun times. I haven't read this one either.

Follow Friday #26

Follow Friday is hosted every week by Parajunkee's View and Alison Can Read.

This week's question:

Q: Keeping with the Spirit of Giving this season, what book do you think EVERYONE should read and if you could, you would buy it for all of your family and friends?

A: Ugh, a tough tough question. There are so many books that I think everyone should read. :-P It's hard to choose just one. I should cheat with this question and say Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings or even The Chronicles of Narnia. The truth is, I don't know if there IS just one book that I'd recommend to absolutely everyone. I know that I've told everyone I know that they should read The Hunger Games. Does that count? I really can't think of just one..... hmmm.

On that note, I CAN tell you that there are books that I think you  guys should check out. I've got two giveaways going on right now that NEED ENTRIES!! All you have to do is comment with your email address. Please? One ends SATURDAY. That one would be for 2 signed copies of Tears of the Broken by A.M. Hudson. She's really great and up until a bit ago her book and been online for everyone to read. She's just recently published it in paperback and she's really excited. It's great. I suggest you enter for a chance to win a copy! With the other, Bluebell publishing is offering a copy of Experience by Meg Kerr. It's a sequel to Pride and Prejudice and it's just wonderful. I love it!

Please go enter. Please?

Ok, now that that plug is done, I'm off to see what books you guys would recommend to everyone!

Daring You to Read - The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Daring You to Read is hosted by Tynga over at Tynga's Reviews.

This week, even though the story is not exactly new, or even new-ish, I'm daring you to read The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis. Despite the fact that it was written AFTER The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, it is our introduction to Aslan and Narnia. And it's wonderful.

I read the book and listened to it at the same time. And I have to say I think that's part of what made me love it so much. Being able to hear it, hear the characters, as I read. It was - this may sound a bit corny but oh well - magical.

The Magician's Nephew has us meeting Diggory and Polly. Neighbors turned friends when Polly finds Diggory crying in his backyard about his chronically ill mother. Diggory and Polly have many adventures in the rafters of their townhouses but one day run in to Diggory's crazy Uncle Andrew in his "study" without meaning to. Uncle Andrew is dispicable and a coward and sends Polly off into an unfamiliar world and then forces Diggory to go and get her himself.

We also meet Jadis in this story, at the end of her world, Charn. And later on, Aslan, at the beginning of Narnia. The creation of Narnia is wonderful and I think that part was my favorite to listen to.

If you have a chance, I highly suggest checking out Focus On the Family's full cast audio version of this story. You can borrow it from the library or listen to it on youtube!!

Here's the introduction to the story and the first few minutes of  the audio book. Douglas Greshem, C.S. Lewis's stepson is who provides the introduction for us.

How to participate in DYTR

- You choose a book you’ve read, loved and would dare your readers to read!
- The book you choose must be an older release (at least 6 months ago), because let’s be honest, we’re all quite aware of the latest releases.
- Write your own blog post, using the button and linking back to Tynga’s Reviews, inviting your readers to read your chosen book.
- Come back on Tynga’s Reviews and put your link in the linking tool.
- Browse other bloggers Dare and let them know if you’ve read their featured book, or plan on reading it.
- Super easy and an awesome way to discover that special book who might have slipped off your radar!

And before you go, check out the giveaways I have on the blog this week! Author A.M. Hudson stopped by for an interview and giveaway of two SIGNED copies of her novel Tears of the Broken. And Bluebell Publishing is kindly offering up a copy of Experience (a wonderful sequel to Pride and Prejudice) by Meg Kerr. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment with your email address on either entry or stop by my Facebook page and comment there!

So there you have it, what are you daring everyone to read?

Cover Reveal - The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa is book one in the Blood of Eden series.

You will kill. The only question is when.

In the dark days since the insidious Red Lung virus decimated the human population, vampires have risen to rule the crumbling cities and suburbs. Uncontested Princes hold sway over diminished ranks of humans: their "pets." In exchange for their labor, loyalty and of course, their blood, these pets are registered, given food and shelter, permitted to survive.

Unregistered humans cling to fringes, scavenging for survival. Allison Sekemoto and her fellow Unregistereds are hunted, not only by vampires, but by rabids, the unholy result of Red Lung-infected vampires feeding on unwary humans. One night, Allie is attacked by a pack of rabids, saved by an unlikely hero...and turned vampire.

Uncomfortable in her undead skin, Allie falls in with a ragtag crew of humans seeking a cure, or cures: for Rabidism and for Vampirism. She's passing for human...for now. But the hunger is growing and will not be denied. Not for friendship—not even for love

Sounds great right? I can't wait! AND yet I have to. It's not scheduled to be published until April of next year. Boo.

Homeschool Reading Corner: ...If You Sailed on The Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern

For Thanksgiving time, we went through studies on Native Americans and Pilgrims. I wanted to separate the two topics because I know that not all accounts and history books are historically accurate.

For what we were looking for, ... If You Sailed on the Mayflower in 1620 by Ann McGovern (illustrated by Anna DiVito) was a great book. Each page or two asked a new question at the top and then proceeded to answer it below. It was 80 pages and we spread the reading out over a few different days as my oldest can sometimes have a problem staying interested in books for too long. This one managed to hold her attention just fine though.

She'd stop me every few sentences to ask questions, some of which were answered in the book, some we looked up on the computer. It definitely inspired her to learn and she was excited about doing it. I even learned some things that I'd never known before so I'd have to say it served its purpose. And the illustrations were too cute.

It seemed to me to be age appropriate. It presented enough information so that she did learn but in a way that she was able to retain it. I can ask her questions about what we read through even now, a week later, and she can still answer me. Something we've been working on since beginning homeschooling.

I'd have to recommend this for probably 3rd grade and above. Maybe for some 2nd grade as well. Because it is a lot of information to take in. But it's fun to read through. And who knows, you just might learn something!

Goodreads Blurb:

What kind of ship was the Mayflower? How did the Pilgrims feel when they saw land? What was the first building in Plymouth? In lively question-and-answer style, this fact-filled book answers all sorts of questions about the Pilgrims' journey on the Mayflower and their first year in America. Boys and girls will find out why the Pilgrims left England to live in America, what they took with them on board the Mayflower, and the hardships they endured. They'll learn what the Mayflower Compact was, how the Pilgrims made a peace treaty with the Indians, and how these brave settlers managed to survive in their new land.
Ms McGovern has carefully researched the Pilgrims' journey and their first year in America. Her portrayal is full of fascinating detail about their everyday life. Young readers will be intrigued to discover that Pilgrim boys and girls slept on corn husk mattresses they made themselves, and that most of the houses had only one chair -- which was reserved for the man of the house!
The humorous, true-to-life illustrations serve as effective complements to the informative, fun-to-read text.