Cover Crazy #10

Cover Crazy was created by The Bookworms. It's a great way to share a book cover that took your breath away!

To me, there is NOTHING better than a cover of a book. One of my favourite places, in the world, is a book store. I can walk around them for hours just looking at covers of books. I am well aware of the saying "You can't judge a book by its cover", I just don't believe it!

When I find a book cover that I love, I will always read the back and then make my purchasing decision, but... WOW... there is just something amazing about a gorgeous cover! So, moving forward, I am going to share those covers that just made me want to escape and read a book instantly!

Without further adieu, here is the cover I am crazy about this week:

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

What does this cover say to me?

I am instantly drawn into the colours on this book... I love that it is mostly black and white but then has red thrown in as an accent colour and it just makes the whole thing pop.

It wasn't until I was actually holding a copy of the book that I realized just how much I loved it. The hand holding a bunch of abstract shapes that when put together form a clown. The face of the clown being a clock and, the feel of the book, so 3-dimensional.

If I were to judge this book by it's cover, I would assume a book about mystery and magic... the slight of hand (the clown) and the clock indicating that there is a time-limit.

Being a fan of circus stories since reading Water For Elephants, I am so excited to read this book!

What cover took your breath away this week?

Review: In Desperation

In Desperation by Rick Mofina

Pages: 400
Format: Trade Paperback
Published: Mira
Publisher: March 22, 2011
Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery

My Rating: 3/5

Summary (from chapters.com):

Eleven-year-old Tilly Martin is dragged from her suburban bedroom. Her mother, Cora, pleads for mercy but the kidnappers are clear: if they don't get their $5 million back in five days, Tilly dies. If anyone contacts police, Tilly dies.

Journalist Jack Gannon's estranged sister, Cora, disappeared without a trace decades ago. Now she is frantically reaching out to him for help. Cora tells him about the shameful mistakes she's made—but she guards the one secret that may be keeping her daughter alive.

A twenty-year-old assassin, haunted by the faces of the people he's executed, seeks absolution as he sets out to commit his last murders as a hired killer.

In the U.S. and Mexico, police and the press go flat out on Tilly's case. But as Gannon digs deeper into his anguished sister's past, the hours tick down on his niece's life and he faces losing a fragment of his rediscovered family forever.

Review:

First off, let me say a big THANK YOU to Rick Mofina for always publishing his book in paperback and not touching hardcover... for someone on a budget (me), it is always appreciated!

Now, I have read every one of Rick Mofina's books and have to say that the Jack Gannon series is not my favourite. It's not the character because, to be honest, all of the main characters have been reporters and they all sort of blend. That's not the issue though... it's more the plot. I am not enjoying the cross-border action.

So, I am going to break my review into two parts... the cross-border, drug cartel part and the kidnapping part.

One - underdeveloped characters, overwhelming circumstances surrounding their backgrounds and lingo that was unfamiliar to me... a lot of 'narco' and Spanish 'drug' language.

Two - great character development; although having two other novels to meet Jack definitely helps. I appreciated Cora and her story; the reason she left so many years ago and her reasons for not coming back. The relationship between Jack and Cora is one that I completely understood... you do everything you can to protect those you love. I thoroughly enjoyed all the action and drama that surrounded this aspect of the novel.

Overall, it was a good book and I will be looking for the next instalment to the Gannon series in January 2012.

In My Mailbox #11

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi over at The Story Siren. The general idea is to share the books that you have purchased, that you have borrowed, or that you have found.

It's been a stellar week in the book blogging world!! Each and every day, my mailbox has provided yet another parcel full of wonderful goodies. My brand new bookshelf is appearing much too small at this point and thoughts of a second are fast approaching.

Without further adieu, here is this week's edition of 'In My Mailbox':

Review copies from Samantha Sotto, Lori Wilde, Doubleday Publishing and Random House Canada:











What's in your mailbox this week?

Review: More Than This

More Than This by Margo Candela

Pages: 368
Format: eBook, Review copy
Published: August 5, 2008
Publisher: Touchstone
Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 3.5/5

Summary (from margocandela.com):

Sometimes what we have is not enough...

She doesn't know his name and he doesn't know hers, but they do know they were meant for each other. For Alexander Velazquez and Evelyn Sinclair it's love at first sight but they are too caught up in proving themselves at work and to their families to take a chance on the stranger they happened to lock eyes with through a train window.

Alexander, an ambitious lawyer from a working-class neighborhood, and Evelyn, a daughter of privilege trying to make it on her own, want to find meaning in their lives while looking in wrong directions. A series of missed connections bring them tantalizingly close meeting, but something or someone always seems to get in the way. As they watch each other through their office windows, all they can do is wonder.

Review:

**NOTE: This book was received as a review copy by the author. However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my true thoughts and feelings**

This is my second book by Margo Candela and while I enjoyed it, it wasn't as good as I was expecting.

Funnily enough, the main character of this book and the book I read previous, From London With Love, were very similar; so rich that 'normal' life is unattainable. Both use false identities and work 'real' jobs for the sole purpose of feeling more connected. I must have been jaded by the fact that this was the second character in a row that I couldn't relate to. Why would someone want to put in as much work at a job they aren't getting paid to do? It just seems so very unbelievable... but, then again, I am a 'normal' person and have to work that way to pay my mortgage.

Putting that aside, I really enjoyed the romantic back-story between Evelyn and Alexander. Who knew that a chance sighting would result in 'love at first sight' for both of them... it seems so dreamy. As the story develops, it becomes very clear that destiny is playing a role in this and these two are supposed to be together... just too many coincidences for you to not believe this. It really made me think of the movie Serendipity and I LOVED that movie!!

Overall, this was a good read. I enjoyed the characters and felt that the story line really flowed. I would definitely read another Margo Candela book.

Book Nooks #1

Where do you like to read?

I am someone who needs a quiet place to relax, somewhere I can total escape into the book I am reading and not worry about being distracted by anything or anyone.

Here is a list of my favourite places to escape...

1. My Bedroom - There is no place like reading in bed. I have always read before going to sleep and find that it is the place I do my best reading... I read the longest here and be happy to escape here anytime of day!


2. The Bath - Many-a-book has landed in the tub but it has never deterred me from continueing. I love soaking in a nice hot bubble-bath with some wonderfully scented candles and a hot cup of tea... and of course, a fab book.

3. The Family Room - My romantic reading spot always involves a roaring fire, a snowy night, a blanket and a cup of hot chocolate... I don't have a fireplace and it's not snowing BUT, sitting under a blanket by our front window still holds a place as one of my favourite reading spots.

4. The Beach - Luckily enough, we live right by Lake Ontario and I have been lucky enough to spend a number of evenings reading on the beach. Even though I am a HUGE people-watcher, I love to dig my toes in the sand while sipping on a nice frosty beverage while I read... there isn't much better!

So, what about you? Where are your favourite reading spots?

Moving forward, I am going to feature some amazing reading 'nooks' that I have found and would love to have as my own. If you find one, please feel free to share it because everyone should have a favourite spot to read!!

A little bit of fame...

It doesn't seem all that long ago that I was doing a simple book blog because there was no one else to discuss my love of reading with. Who would have imagined that in this short amount of time, I would have 'sky-rocketed' to fame (please read with a little tongue-in-cheek, if you will). Thanks to some amazing authors and fellow book-bloggers, I have become a member of loveahappyending.com and this week, I was the feature Associate Reader!!

Shaz’s Stars Interviews Lindsay Gentles

Shaz’s Stars – Welcome to the regular feature on ‘The Buzz’ of Shaz’s Stars!

Using sun sign astrology I will be interviewing loveahappyending.com Associate Readers to see how the traits of their sun sign affect their reading habits. I hope you enjoy getting to know our new Associate Readers as much as I’ve enjoyed interviewing them.

Shaz

Twitter @shazjera
Website: http://shazjera.blogspot.com/

In the hot seat today I would like to welcome: Lindsay Gentles

Hello Lindsay, thank you for letting us have a peek behind the scenes into your reading habits. Your sun sign is GEMINI (note from Ed: Lindsay was born on the cusp and her sun is less than a degree into the sign of Gemini – there are 30 degrees to each sign)

Q. Gemini’s are adaptable and versatile. Does this trait extend to the genres you choose to read? Do you read all genres?

Click here for the full story...

Review: From London With Love

From London with Love by Jemma Forte

Pages: 480
Format: Trade Paperback, Review Copy
Published: August 2, 2011
Publisher: Penguin Books
Genre: Fiction, Chick-lit

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from jemmaforte.com):

‘From London with Love’ is about Jessica Granger, daughter of Edward Granger who once played the part of James Bond back in the 80′s, and Angelica Dupree, arguably the sexiest Bond girl of all time, Heavenly Melons. Growing up she has had a pampered existence and yet things haven’t always necessarily been easy. Her mother left when she was a small child and their relationship has never really recovered.

Desperate to be someone in her own right and to escape the shadow of her parents’ fame, Jessica flees for London, seeking independence in a city where nobody knows her name. But when she finds a job as a celebrity booker on a chat show she realises the more friends she makes, the harder it is to keep up the lies about who she is. And when Jessica falls for Paul, a writer on the show, her life as a double agent causes double trouble.

With the truth of her past about to explode into her new world, can Jessica convince Paul she’s the real deal? Or maybe a sprinkling of the old 007 magic will spice up her love life?

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the author for review. However, no compensations were made and this review is based on my honest thoughts and feeling about the book**

Chick-lit is fast becoming my favourite genre and this gem from Jemma Forte definitely adds to that feeling.

When we first meet Jessica Granger, her Hollywood icon father is constantly interfering in her life... career and personal. Being skeptical as to how hard Jessica's life really could be, I was interested to see how this book would progress - and it was a journey worth taking. As Jessica set out to 'find herself', I found myself wanting to read faster and faster so I could see how everything would turn out.

A fantastic story with an unforgettable cast of characters that will leave you wanting more. The ultimate in romance... 'will love conquer all?' is a question that I found myself asking more than once.

Overall, this book is a true love story and one that I would recommend to anyone who loves chick-lit... Jemma Forte is definitely an author to keep an eye on.

Cover Crazy #9

Cover Crazy was created by The Bookworms. It's a great way to share a book cover that took your breath away!

To me, there is NOTHING better than a cover of a book. One of my favourite places, in the world, is a book store. I can walk around them for hours just looking at covers of books. I am well aware of the saying "You can't judge a book by its cover", I just don't believe it!

When I find a book cover that I love, I will always read the back and then make my purchasing decision, but... WOW... there is just something amazing about a gorgeous cover! So, moving forward, I am going to share those covers that just made me want to escape and read a book instantly!

Without further adieu, here is the cover I am crazy about this week:

Before Ever After by Samantha Sotto

What does this cover say to me?

It's about a journey back in time. The look of the old book with locket makes me feel like there is a hidden mystery and we are going to be taken back to the place that allows us to solve it.

I love that the cover uses such depth... a book on an old table or a boat dock. I really had to do a double-take when I first saw it as I thought the picture was off. Also the colours that are used are so soft and gentle that I just feel that no matter the story, it's all going to be 'okay'.

It really is amazing how a cover of a book can evoke such a feeling and this book, makes me want to curl up with a hot cup of tea and read away.

What cover took your breath away this week?

Review: Bright Lights, Big Ass

Bright Lights, Big Ass by Jen Lancaster

Pages: 400
Format: Trade Paperback
Published: May 1, 2007
Publisher: New American Library
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir

My Rating: 4.5/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

Jen Lancaster hates to burst your happy little bubble, but life in the big city isn't all it's cracked up to be.

Contrary to what you see on TV and in the movies, most urbanites "aren't" party-hopping in slinky dresses and strappy stilettos.

But lucky for us, Lancaster knows how to make the life of the lower crust mercilessly funny and infinitely entertaining. Whether she's reporting rude neighbors to Homeland Security, harboring a crush on her grocery store clerk, or fighting - and losing - the Battle of the Stairmaster, Lancaster explores how silly, strange, and not-so-fabulous real city living can be. And if anyone doesn't like it, they can kiss her big, fat, pink, puffy down parka.

Review:

When a book starts off by telling Carrie Bradshaw (Sex and the City) to go 'suck an egg' (in not so many nice words), you just have to know that you're in for a treat... and what an amazing one this was. Bright Lights, Big Ass had me laughing-out-loud in so many chapters that people were starting to get my application to the local funny-farm ready. It was really rather embarrassing! Seriously... I'm not kidding.

This is not my first Jen Lancaster book and in fact, it appears that I am reading her backwards, but it doesn't seem to matter. She is so friggin' hilarious that I could read her stories again, and again, and again. I actually found myself telling my husband that I want to be her friend. Her narcissistic personality is the reason that she makes me laugh... I think that those who have the same personality just get it and she, my friends, understands!

One of my favourite things about Jen Lancaster and her writing style is that she tells is like it is. There is no sugar-coating, it is how it is and that's just the way it's going to be. She has such a way with her words that I could imagine myself in so many of the scenarios that she found herself in... especially the day-spa and the 'brown-star'. OMG, still laughing!! (Oops, sorry... Oh My Goodness)

While reading this book, my husband actually told me it was like listening to her book on tape because I 'never.shut.up' the whole time... constantly reading parts to him. Now, if that doesn't say something about the book, nothing will!! It was AWESOME!

So, if you like memoirs... pick up this book and I promise, you will NOT regret it!!

In My Mailbox #10

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi over at The Story Siren. The general idea is to share the books that you have purchased, that you have borrowed, or that you have found.

For our 7th wedding anniversary, my hubby surprised me with a gift card to my favourite store in the whole wide world... Chapters. I love book shopping... LOVE! What's even better, he and my 4-year old son came with me while I shopped... now, if that doesn't spell out love then I don't know what does. After a two-hour tour, some awesome Starbucks coffee, and some kid section playing, we walked away with a whole new edition of 'In My Mailbox'.

So, without further adieu, here is this week's update:

Happy Anniversary:












What's in your mailbox this week?

Book to Movie - One Day

This may come as a surprise to most but, I am not a fan of movies that are based on books. Often I find myself critiquing the movie to the point that those around me go stark-raving mad. Now, there are a few that I have enjoyed, Twilight (after the 5th or 6th watch) and the sequels, Something Borrowed (so cute), but... more often than not, the movie is a BIG miss (My Sister's Keeper, Trapped, Harry Potter - so I'm told).

Today, yet another one of the books that I thoroughly enjoyed reading is being released as a major motion picture.

One Day by David Nicholls

Summary (from chapters.ca):

It's 1988 and Dexter Mayhew and Emma Morley have only just met. But after only one day together, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Over twenty years, snapshots of that relationship are revealed on the same day - July 15th - of each year. Dex and Em face squabbles and fights, hopes and missed opportunities, laughter and tears. And as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.

This, by all outward appearances, will be catalogued in the 'not to be watched' file. Anne Hathaway's attempt at a British accent is enough to leave me high and dry before even entering the theatre... Who knows, maybe I will be proven wrong!?!

Review: Night Road

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Pages: 382
Format: Hardcover
Published: March 3, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 5/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

For a mother, life comes down to a series of choices.

To hold on…

To let go…

To forget…

To forgive…

Which road will you take?

For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children's needs above her own, and it shows - her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia's best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable.

Jude does everything to keep her kids on track for college and out of harm's way. It has always been easy - until senior year of high school. Suddenly she is at a loss. Nothing feels safe anymore; every time her kids leave the house, she worries about them.

On a hot summer's night her worst fears come true. One decision will change the course of their lives. In the blink of an eye, the Farraday family will be torn apart and Lexi will lose everything. In the years that follow, each must face the consequences of that single night and find a way to forget…or the courage to forgive.

Review:

An epic tale of love, friendship, loss and forgiveness.

Once I finished sobbing (and we're talking UGLY cry), I was able to look at Night Road and realize just how wonderful this book truly was.

I am having such a hard time writing the review for this book because it evoked so much emotion in me - sad, angry, happy, frustrated - that I don't know if I can find the appropriate words. How do you tell someone about a book that, literally, took your breath away? Having read Winter Garden and Firefly Lane, I thought I knew what I was in for but this one... nothing could prepare me for the ride I was about to have.

As the characters lives become intertwined, and the story more developed, you can see the amazing gift and talent that Kristin Hannah has. Through her writing, I became a classmate of Lexi, Mia and Zach. I could feel every emotion that I had back then, resurfacing. Their journey through high school becomes like that of a memory, something you have done and aren't just reading about.

Overall, this is a book that I am and will be thinking about for a long time to come. Whether you are a mother, a sister or a friends, Night Road is a story that anyone can relate to. A definite MUST-read!!

Cover Crazy #8

Cover Crazy was created by The Bookworms. It's a great way to share a book cover that took your breath away!

To me, there is NOTHING better than a cover of a book. One of my favourite places, in the world, is a book store. I can walk around them for hours just looking at covers of books. I am well aware of the saying "You can't judge a book by its cover", I just don't believe it!

When I find a book cover that I love, I will always read the back and then make my purchasing decision, but... WOW... there is just something amazing about a gorgeous cover! So, moving forward, I am going to share those covers that just made me want to escape and read a book instantly!

Without further adieu, here is the cover I am crazy about this week:

Out of the Rain by Debbie Macomber

What does this cover say to me?

After what has been the hottest summer on record, this cover is such a glorious sight. I am a fall/winter girl and really don't do very well in the heat so just seeing the fall leaves and the umbrella make me realize that we are almost there. Before we know it, the trees will be an array of glorious golds and reds and oranges, the nights will be cool and the air fresh.

The red door and the kids rainboots make me think that this is a family story... and of course the "Two ways to look at marriage" teaser automatically make me want to pick up the book and read the synopsis... what are the two ways?

Sigh... I am now sitting here thinking of Halloween decorations and pumpkin pies.

What cover took your breath away this week?

Review: Breaking the Ice

Breaking the Ice by Mandy Baggot

Pages: 482
Format: Trade Paperback, review copy
Published: April 1, 2010
Publisher: New Generation Publishing
Genre: Fiction, Romance

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from amazon.com):

When routine driven box office assistant Samantha Smith meets the stars of 'Skating on Broadway', her life is turned upside down. Immediately attracted to the infamous lead skater Jimmy Lloyd, Samantha does her best to deny her feelings. But when all you can do is burst out laughing and hyperventilate every time you're under pressure, keeping things under wraps is a hard task.

When the future of her beloved Civic Hall is threatened Samantha must rise to the challenge to ensure its survival. Constantly scrutinised and criticised by her zany sister Cleo and her brogue wearing boyfriend Jeremy, can Samantha save her job, save the Civic Hall and stop her panic attacks just long enough to give her away her heart?

Review:

Combine a story about an everyday girl, a 'has-been' gold medal skater and a wonky-eyed cat, and you have the perfect setting to a wonderful romantic story.

Mandy Baggot brings a breath of fresh air when she introduces Samantha Smith, as the main character in Breaking the Ice. Samantha isn't your typical run-of-the-mill girl with blonde hair, blue eyes and big boobs. She is so average that you probably wouldn't notice her if you were trying. It is so uncharacteristic of main characters these days that I was overjoyed. She is the perfect role model for anyone suffering the slightest bit of low self-esteem. If Samantha can do it, anyone can do it!!

Being a big fan of ice skating, it was really fun to have that in the background of the story. Jimmy Lloyd, being that dreamy athlete with all the baggage of a 'superstar' and all the looks of a god, is so nice that it seems almost unbelievable, but then again... that is the stuff dreams are made of, right?

The storyline of Breaking the Ice was very well crafted. While you felt you knew how the story was going to end, little bits and pieces would pop up and surprise you, taking you off track and making you guess if the ending really would be as you imagined.

Overall, this is a true fairy tale story with enough drama to keep you turning the pages. An awesome introduction to the writing of Mandy Baggot. I will definitely be picking up another book soon!!