Blog Tour & Review: Forgotten

Forgotten by Catherine McKenzie

Format: ebook/ ARC
Pages/Size: 376
Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins Canada
Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 4.5/5

 

Summary (from chapters.ca):

Emma Tupper, a young lawyer with a bright future, sets out on a journey after her mother’s death: to Africa, the land to which her mother always wanted to travel. But her mother’s dying gift has unexpected consequences. Emma falls ill during her trip and is just recovering when a massive earthquake hits, turning her one-month vacation into a six-month ordeal.

When Emma returns home, she is shocked to find that her friends and colleagues believed she was dead, that her apartment has been rented to a stranger and that her life has gone on without her. Can Emma pick up where she left off?  Should she?  As Emma struggles to recreate her old life, everyone around her thinks she should change —her job, her relationships and even herself.  But does she really want to sacrifice everything she’s working so hard to regain?

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.  However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

What if you were given a second chance at choosing the path your life would take.  Would you stay on the same path as you were?  Would you make subtle changes or would you simply start with a blank slate?  For Emma, the choice isn't as clear as you would think.

I adore reading novels by Canadian authors and I was so happy when I was contacted to be part of the blog tour for Catherine McKenzie's newest novel, Forgotten, that I jumped right on board.  Having never read one of her novels before, I wasn't sure what to expect but boy, was I ever happy with the results.

Forgotten opened up so many questions for me.  It had me talking to absolutely everyone who would listen and, most of all, it allowed me to think outside of the box.

Living a life driven by deadlines and never taking time to 'stop and smell the roses', Emma found herself on a plane to a foreign country with a group of strangers.  What a crazy thing to imagine... going away, alone... for a month.  What I loved most about this book was the way in which Catherine told the story.  The six-months in which Emma was 'missing' weren't told in one chapter but instead, spread throughout the book and told when the story was most needed.  Starting chapters with glimpses into what Emma went through allowed for scenes to be set and decisions about her future to be made.

All of the characters in Forgotten were so well developed that there wasn't one person who seemed out of place.  While I wasn't in love with all of them (namely Craig, Emma's boyfriend) others more than made up for it (Stephanie, Emma's BFF).  In fact, the relationship between Emma and Dominic was so well crafted that I found myself cheering for the two of them right from the beginning.

Overall, Forgotten is a brilliant story about something I could never imagine having to deal with.  Catherine McKenzie was able to bring the readers inside of the story and allow them to feel emotions that they wouldn't have felt possible. 

In My Mailbox #46

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.

A lot of blogger controversary has gone on surrounding the In My Mailbox feature this week and I encourage you to look it up because I won't be talking about it here.  I only say this because I am not sure if the links will be available so I may not be able to visit everyone this week but I am going to do my best to visit as many of you as possible! 

Another stellar week over here at Turning the Pages and I have another order on the way from Amazon (yay for extra money from working with my mom) so it's already looking like next week will be a hit as well.  Quick question... what is up with all the amazing books coming out this week and next... YIKES!  Talk about a bank-breaker for a book-lover!  :)

Wither further adieu, here is this week's edition of 'In My Mailbox':

**Book covers linked to Goodreads**

Review copies from Hachette Book Group (including my very first audio book) and Denise Grover Swank:

Purchases (don't judge... I'm a book lover!):

What was in your mailbox this week?

Author Interview: Jen Calonita

To read a book that speaks to you can be rare to some.  This past month, I was given the pleasure of reading one of those books and am so happy to have the author here today to share some of her thoughts on writing with you.  That book was Belles and the author is Jen Calonita.

My review for Belles can be read here.

So please extend a warm Turning the Pages welcome to Jen!

First off, a little about Jen (from her website 'Bio')

It's no secret how Jen Calonita knows the inside scoop on young Hollywood. A former Senior Entertainment Editor at Teen People, Jen has interviewed everyone from Reese Witherspoon to Zac Efron. An entertainment journalist for the past ten years, Jen has written for TV Guide, Glamour and Marie Claire.

It was her work in the entertainment world that inspired her first series, Secrets of My Hollywood Life. The six-book series is about a teen starlet named Kaitlin Burke who grows weary of the fame game, but loves being an actress. Us Weekly's Mara Reinstein said about Secrets: "At last! A witty, entertaining and refreshingly honest take on what it's really like to be a celebrity 'It' girl."

When the self-professed entertainment junkie is not working, she can be found doing one of three things: scrapbooking, watching Glee, or going to the movies. Jen resides in Merrick, New York with her husband Mike, sons Tyler and Dylan, and their Chihuahua, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Interview:

TTP: What was your inspiration for Belles and when you started writing, did you plan for it to be a series?

JC: I always saw Belles as a series. I like the idea of telling a story in parts and in Belles I really get a chance to take Mira and Izzie on a journey of self-discovery in a place like Emerald Cove. For me, I've always wanted to write about close sisterly relationships. My relationship with my sister is great, but there are times when I just want to rip my hair out dealing with her and then other times I want to confide in her like no one else! That's the relationship I was hoping to explore and giving the girls two different backgrounds from which to learn from seemed like a fun place to start.

TTP: Of the main characters, which do you relate to the most and why?

JC: I relate to both of the girls in different ways. I love Mira's ability to adapt to any situation. She's a real lady, or tries to be, and I love how sure of herself she is when she's in the spotlight. For Izzie, I love her strength to survive and to succeed. She never lets anyone tell her no and I think that's incredible. I've been in situations where I think, I just can't deal, but Izzie never backs down and I try to be that way myself when I can.

TTP: When I read Belles, I found Isabelle’s strength shine through the pages. Did you set out to have her be an unsung hero for teens that feel out of place at school or in other social situations?

JC: Thanks for saying that. For me, writing Izzie was a chance to write a character who didn't fit into the cookie cutter mold of a place like Emerald Cove. I know places like EC. I frequent them in my adult life too and people like Savannah really do exist. You just have to know how to deal with them, and what Izzie taught me, and what I tried to bring out in her, is that you can't let other people define you. Only you can decide who you are going to be and what sort of impact you want to have on this world.

TTP: It would be hard for an outsider to understand the Southern culture you chose to have Belles set in. What type of research did you do to ensure that the story flowed so well?

JC: I have a lot of friends who went to school in the South, or who live down there, and I've always been fascinated with the culture. I dream of moving down South all the time, but my husband is a New Yorker, born and bred! It was so much fun to dive into that world and create a place like Emerald Cove.

TTP: Where do you see the characters’ going as the series continues?

JC: Izzie needs to find her footing in Emerald Cove, and I think she's started to, and will continue to. Mira's had to deal with a major setback in her popularity, but a major step forward in figuring out who she really wants to be. Both girls have a lot thrown at them in Winter White, but it's probably my favorite Belles book yet (they're four) because I loved exploring the tradition of cotillion. Watching how the two of them react so different to this EC rite of passage is pretty funny.

And because no interview isn't complete without a little insight into the author life... 

Chocolate or Vanilla

Vanilla! I've never been much of a chocolate fan. Friendly's Butter Crunch on the other hand...

Cowboy Boots or Stilettos

Um...ballet flats? :) Those are my go-to shoes. I'd like to say I wear a lot of stilettos, but that's not true. They're not comfortable!

Beach or Ski Hill

Beach house all the way! I wasn't much of a beach fan as a kid, but these days I love being near the water. I love the sound of the waves and playing with my kids in the sand. My dream is to have a beach house of my own on the Jersey shore someday, or in Florida, or Cape Cod.... (the list goes on)

Morning or Night

Hmm...both for different reasons. Morning is when I have the most energy so I try to do most of my writing in the morning. I love to exercise in the morning too--before I come up with excuses about why I can't make it to the gym! I love nights because it's my chance to unwind and relax. I feel like I don't stop moving from the moment the sun comes up. When the kids are in bed, school lunch has been made, final emails and tweets have been finished, I like to turn on the TV and watch something on the DVR and just tune out.

Survivor or Sex and the City

Revenge? The Big Bang Theory? Once Upon a Time? Those are my go-to shows this season. Big Bang makes me roar with laughter and the other two shows have me riveted. I am in awe of the writers on those shows.

Thank you so much to Jen for taking time out of her busy schedule to stop by Turning the Pages. 

If you would like to learn more about Jen, please visit her website or follow her on Twitter for the latest news on the upcoming release of Winter White, Belles #2.

Review: Jersey Angel

Jersey Angel by Beth Ann Bauman

Format: ebook, ARC
Pages/Size: 208/5 KB
Published: May 8, 2012
Publisher: Random House Canada
Genre: Fiction, Young Adult

My Rating: 3/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

It's the summer before senior year and the alluring Angel is ready to have fun. She's not like her best friend, Inggy, who has a steady boyfriend, good grades, and college plans. Angel isn't sure what she wants to do yet, but she has confidence and experience beyond her years. Still, her summer doesn't start out as planned. Her good friend Joey doesn't want to fool around anymore, he wants to be her boyfriend, while Angel doesn't want to be tied down. As Joey pulls away, and Inggy tours colleges, Angel finds herself spending more time with Inggy's boyfriend, Cork.

With its cast of vivid and memorable characters, this tale from the Jersey shore is sure to make some waves.

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

Okay, I will admit that part of the appeal of this book was the fact that it takes place on the Jersey shore and I am a HUGE fan of the reality TV show, Jersey Shore. Yes, I also realize that every time someone watches an episode, a book dies... or as someone so nicely pointed out to me. I can't help it... I LOVE it!

I am not sure if my original hopes for this book were to dispell some of the Jersey shore reputation or if I was hoping that it would mirror the show. However, as I read, I found myself growing more and more disgusted with the main character, Angel, and her family.

Angel is a seventeen year old high school student who has no ambitions beyond waking up in the morning. She spends her days lazing around the beach and her nights drinking and sleeping with anything that moves. What really bothered me about this - because clearly this is exactly what happens in the reality TV show - is that I couldn't stop thinking... WHERE IS HER MOM?!? Unfortunately, her mom was doing the exact same thing... Ugh!

If I learned anything from this book it is 1) I am SO glad that I do not have a daughter and 2) I am even happier that I do NOT live on the Jersey shore. My hopes are that girls will not read this book and want to live vicariously through Angel.

Overall, fans of the Jersey Shore will likely enjoy this but if you are a parent, I would steer clear as it will make you shake your head and want to reach through the pages to give Angel a giant hug... and some guidance.

Review: Another Piece of My Heart

Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 386
Published:
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Genre: Fiction

My Rating: 4/5

Summary (from chapters.ca):

Andi has spent much of her adult life looking for the perfect man, and at thirty-seven, she's finally found him. Ethan - divorced with two daughters, Emily and Sophia - is a devoted father and even better husband. Always hoping one day she would be a mother, Andi embraces the girls like they were her own. But in Emily's eyes, Andi is an obstacle to her father's love, and Emily will do whatever it takes to break her down.

When the dynamics between the two escalate, they threaten everything Andi believes about love, family, and motherhood - leaving both women standing at a crossroad in their lives… and in their hearts.

Review:

**NOTE: A copy of this book was provided by the publisher.  However, no compensations were made and this review reflects my honest thoughts and feelings.**

Spending your entire adult life wishing you could be a mother can take its toll on anyone.  Particularily on a step-mother who's new 'daughter' does everything in her power to make your life miserable.  How much can one woman handle and what happens when that breaking point is reached?

As a mother, I know that there is nothing in the world that can break the bond between myself and my children but Another Piece of My Heart really opened my eyes up to what happens when you simply cannot handle the life you were given.  It also brought to light the fact that sometimes love really doesn't conquer all.

Andi is a woman who has dreamed of nothing more than finding a wonderful spouse and having lots and lots of babies.  Finding that person wasn't as easy as it seemed in the movies and by the time she does, her body has decided that it's no longer able to give her that family she wished for.  However, she does have two step-daughters, Emily and Sophia. 

Jane Green has created such a wonderfully dynamic cast of characters in Another Piece of My Heart that while I found that I couldn't relate to any of the characters I did find my heart breaking for each of them.  It is not often that I can say that and to be able to bring all readers to a level playing field takes an amazing writer and I really do feel that it doesn't matter what stage you are at in your life, you will enjoy this book.

My favourite part of the novel was the look into a broken family dynamic.  Sure there are a lot of books available in which the families are broken but for some reason Another Piece of My Heart really did seem different.  It seemed real.  I could imagine a girlfriend relating this story to me over coffee and often found myself wanting to offer advise to Andi or even to Emily.  Telling them that everything would be okay even though I wasn't sure of that myself.

Overall, a wonderful book about what it takes to keep your family together and the lengths that some people will go to ensure that does or doesn't happen.

Cover Crazy #42

Cover Crazy was created by The Bookworms but is now hosted here at Turning the Pages. 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:

Gravity by Melissa West

What I love about this cover:

First and foremost... what I love is the colour.  That range of blues and blacks are simply amazing and I just find them to be calming and so attractive that I can't help but want to pick it up and stare at it!

As you can tell by the appearance of Turning the Pages, I have a slight affinity to the stars and space images so Gravity has not only hit the colour mark but the image mark as well.  Without reading what this book is about, I would assume a dystopian/apocalyptic story or maybe something about life on other planets.  Either way, I love it!!

Finally, I really enjoy the simplicity of the fonts and the title placement.  With such a stunning picture, I am very glad to see that it wasn't overtaken by craziness that you tend to see on some covers.

What cover took your breath away this week?

TBR Tuesday

TBR Tuesdays was created by Dana at Let's Book It. It's a place to share books that have been on our to-be-read (TBR) list for a while and also to possibly add yet another book to the list by visiting participating blogs!

Face it, we all have lists of books that we would love to read and if you are anything like me, you likely have the pile of books to prove it. There are so many ways to track book lists, whether you choose to use an online library like Goodreads or LibraryThing or perhaps even an Excel spreadsheet or notebook in your purse, having books to buy is the biggest part of being a book lover.

Together with my Book of the Month (where I am attempting to shorten the TBR list, one book at a time), TBR Tuesdays will be a place that I am going to share one book from my list. It may be a new book, it may be an old book, it may even be a book that isn't out yet... either way, a book will be shared.

If you would like to get in on the action, please add your name to the linky below and link up your TBR Tuesday post. Also make sure you head on over to Let's Book It to see others who are also sharing this week!

Without further adieu, here is this week's book:

These Girls by Sarah Pekkanen

This week is a little different, I am going to post the summary and then tell you why I want to read this book as soon as possible.  Why?  It was a YouTube video that drew me in and even though I knew that I wanted to read it, this solidified it!

Summary (from chapters.ca):

Family secrets may shape us all, but it's the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.

Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.

Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It's a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.

Her roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee's weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills-despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.

Then there's Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby-or why she left everything she once loved behind.

Trailer (and reason why):

What books are on your TBR list this week?

My OTHER Life

Howdy everyone!!

Just a little note to tell you about another passion of mine that has been consuming my time this past week (week's) and may continue for a while... it is HOCKEY! 

I am not so much a regular season girl - although I was when I lived in my team's time zone - but come playoffs, you can't keep me away.  This year, the Vancouver Canucks (my team) are playing the Los Angeles Kings in round one and OMG, I am so tired.  Each game has started after 10:00pm and I am usually in bed before that and happily reading away.  So, extra large coffees and less reading are the result!

That being said, not everything book(ish) has been put on the back shelf.  In fact, to help me pass the time and stay awake, I reorganized my bookshelves... again.  But this time, I created a fun video of the entire process for you guys to watch!

The Making of a Bookshelf Tour

So, please stay tuned my friends... all the reviews and other book news will be picking up again very soon (the Canucks are down 3-1 in the series and that's not very good at all).

Happy Reading!

In My Mailbox #45 ~ the SQUEE edition

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.

Ummm, holy crap you guys!  I actually had a moment this week when I checked the mail.  Okay, I get a lot of books and some weeks are crazy but this week, in one day, I rec'd two books that I was so looking forward to and had one of those moments that only fellow book-lovers would appreciate.  A full-on SQUEE!

In not so squee-related news, I totally broke the NEW book-buying ban and have realized that I have a serious problem... am I willing to do anything about it?  Nope, not at all!  ;)  I have come to terms with it and really, that's all that matters, right?!?!  RIGHT?!?!

As always, you can watch the video edition of this week's In My Mailbox on my YouTube channel and in exciting news, I am working on my bookshelves and there will be a before and after video available soon so keep checking in!!

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

Clicking on the pictures will take you to Goodreads if you want to know more about each book:

Review copies from Hachette Book Group, Simon & Schuster Canada and Random House Canada:

A rocking tote bag also arrived from Lindsey at Random House Canada... I just about fell over with excitement because it happens to be the COOLEST tote bag I have ever seen!! (pictured with the book also rec'd the same day)

Second-hand store purchases (don't judge... you can't beat 3 books for $9) and a Twitter WIN from Chapters:

 

And finally, the start of my classic's collection:

(I chose the Penguin Classics because I loved the look and there are a HUGE number of titles available.  My hopes are to add two books a month until I have them all)

 

What was in your mailbox this week?

Dewey's 24 Hour READ-A-THON (with updates)

And.... we're off!  The Dewey 24-hour Read-a-Thon is set to kick off this morning at 8:00am and run through to, you got it, tomorrow (Sunday) at 8:00am.  I have to say that I am scared (although that likely isn't the correct word) about this one.  I'm not a rookie to read-a-thon's and in fact, I hosted the Snowy Day Read-a-Thon last year but it was over a three day period and not 24-hours STRAIGHT!  Luckily there are over 250 participants this year and a number of people signed up to do cheerleading and help us get through the major reading humps... namely the dark hours (or as I refer to them, the precious sleeping times).

Preparation:

Apparently having a pile of books to read isn't enough but a bevvy of snacks and drinks is just as vital to surviving the full 24-hours.  So, I have stocked up on healthy food (and some junk... let's not be silly), some instant coffee in a number of lovely flavours and LOTS of water!!

Books:

My plan is to read 4 books... I know, it's not a lot compared to a number of participants but I know my limit and to be able to read 4 books in a day... WOW, that is kind of awesome!

Here is my CURRENT list... we'll see how well I stick to it :)

1. Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green (currently reading)
2. Winter White by Jen Calonita (YAY... an ARC just rec'd this week and not available until October)
3. Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer (YAY, another ARC)
4. The Book of Blood and Shadow by Robin Wasserman

Updates (check back... newest updates will be at the top):

1:30pm - bathing done and feeling a little more human.  Lots of reading in and about 1/4 of the way from the end of book #1.  Lunchtime and some family time and then back at it.  Thinking 4 books was a little ambitious.

10:00am - late start to the #readathon today but the extra Zzzz's will be well used late tonight!  Just having a coffee and a bit of brekkie and back at the reading.  Up next... finishing Another Piece of My Heart by Jane Green and possibly... a shower! :)  Happy Reading!

Just plain AWESOME (Giveaway)

It is one of my favourite words of all time.  One of those descriptions that works for everything and now, it is something that makes me feel good, no matter what mode I happen to be in that day.  The word that I am talking about is AWESOME!

On Wednesday, Neil Pasricha announced the #1 awesome thing in his countdown of the 1000 AWESOME Things and it ended a four-year run of, well, awesomeness.

Before I reveal, to those of you who don't already know, what the most AWESOME thing was, I wanted to share just what these books (and this journey) has done for me.

Two years ago, my girlfriend and I were killing time before a movie and browsing the shelves at Wal-Mart.  Being a book junkie, I always head for that section and this time, one book jumped out at me.  Whether it was the colours on the cover or the work AWESOME itself that called to me, I can't be sure but we sat (stood) beside the table for 10-minutes laughing at all the stories that we could relate to.  For each of the AWESOME things in the book, Neil Pasricha tells a story of why he feels that item deserves a place on the list.  It may not be the same reason that you would call is AWESOME but it nevertheless evokes a feeling of happiness... a memory of something that made you smile.  What could be more AWESOME then that?  Needless to say, we each purchased a book and have been continually reading it since.  There are now two more editions to The Book of AWESOME - The Book of (Even More) Awesome and The Book of Holiday Awesome - that we have added to our shelves and I will say with 100% honesty that these books will always hold a special spot, not only on my bookshelf, but in my heart.  They make the world seem like a brighter place, take the stress away from a long day and bring a smile to your face when nothing else can.

Some examples of AWESOME that made me smile (from 1000 Awesome Things):

#951 Hearing a stranger fart in public - I dare you NOT to laugh just thinking about it!!
#733 Laughing so hard you make no sound at all
#495 When it suddenly just clicks - usually at 3:00 in the morning!!
#345 When the Christmas tree gives the only light in the room - best ever!!
#41 Fixing electronics by smacking them

and the number 1 AWESOME thing (the moment you have all been waiting for)...

#1 Anything you want it to be

About Neil:

Neil Pasricha (Paz-REE-cha) never imagined that writing about the smell of gasoline, thinking it’s Thursday when it’s really Friday, or wearing underwear just out of the dryer would amount to anything. A self-described “average guy” with a typical 9-to-5 job in the suburbs, Neil started his blog 1000 Awesome Things, as a small reminder — in a world of rising sea levels, global conflict, and a troubled economy — of the free, easy little joys that make life sweet. He certainly didn’t anticipate that his site would gain a readership of millions of people, win two Webby Awards (“the Internet’s highest honor” according to The New York Times), be named one of PC Magazine’s Top 100 Sites, or become a place where people from around the world would come to celebrate the simple pleasures of daily life.

A few of Neil's faves...

#980 Old, dangerous playground equipment

#864 Mastering the art of the all you can eat buffet

#858 The other side of the pillow

#780 Squeezing through a door as it’s shutting without touching it

#720 The final seconds of untangling a really big knot

#675 Wordless apologies

#654 Peeling that thin plastic film off new electronics

#601 Getting through it

As an appreciation to my loyal followers, I am giving away one copy of Neil Pasricha's book but it is your choice as to which you prefer.  Enter using Rafflecopter below and I will announce the winner on May 1st, 2012!! (only rule: the Book Depository must be able to ship to your address)

a Rafflecopter giveaway