Tips & Tricks From BEA/BBC

I'm sure you guys have seen tons of posts about bad behavior at BEA and how you should act if you plan to go next year.  That is not what this post is about.  Everyone must decide on their own how they want to represent themselves so I am not even going to talk about that.  Instead I am going to share a few of the tips I learned from publishers at BEA and BBC this past week!

#1-Early buzz is good!

When I first started blogging the rules were that reviews needed to be posted the day of the book's release or around that time.  Now though 4-6 weeks in advance is okay for most publishers because of pre-orders.  Include a link where someone can easily pre-order the book that you are reviewing and you are good to go.  Maybe tweet your earlier review the week of the release as well but you don't necessarily have to wait quite so long anymore.  Early buzz from bloggers has actually helped make some books, such as Divergent by Veronica Roth, best sellers.  It really does help!

#2-Send your links to the publishers!

Publishers really do want links to your reviews and they would love all links, including Goodreads, Amazon, your blog, and anywhere else you may post, to be included in one email.  This way if they want to use your review for anything they know exactly where to find it.  It not only helps the publishers but it also helps your blog because the publisher can use your review for quotes to help promote the book and other things like that.

#3-Use your Klout!
 
Klout is something that I only just learned about.  It is a new site that a
few publishers are going to start using to check out bloggers.  Klout gives you a rating from 1-100 based on your Twitter and Facebook influence. 
I'm not sure hwo you get your score but I assume it has to do with what you post on Facebook and Twitter, how often you post, and your audience.  Don't quote me on this though!  =)

#4-All kinds of reviews are good!

Good reviews are honest reviews.  Publishers don't mind if you give a book a bad review as long as you don't bash the book or the author and EXPLAIN why you gave it a bad review.  Also, reviews of new releases are not all that publishers care about.  It's okay to review a backlist title!  Oh and if you do review them, still send in your link.  They do care about those reviews too!

#5-Be professional with review requests!

Don't send publishers a giant list of books you would like to review.  Pick a few and explain why you would like to review those few.  Make your requests professional but add in that personal touch with your explanations as to why you would like to review the books you asked for.  Also, include a link to your blog and some basic stats.  It may seem like common sense but not everyone does it and publishers do care about that kind of information.  They also would like a mailing address to be included with every request you send, no matter how many times you have worked with the publisher.  They don't have time to email back and forth trying to figure out where to send the books that you requested.  Basically, just make things as easy as possible for the publishers!

So there you go!  These are the top five tips and tricks that I learned throughout BEA.  I will be posting some regular BEA recaps later this week and if I think of any more tips and tricks I will do another post.  I hope this helps you guys as much as it helped me!

Blog Tour: The A Circuit by Georgina Blomberg and Catherine Hapka

Book:  The A Circuit
Author:  Georgina Blomberg and Catherine Hapka
Release date:  May 24, 2011
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Pages:  272
Source:  Publisher

The A Circuit is the top of the top when it comes to horse shows. It's a world with its own rules and superprivileged lifestyles. Teens travel the circuit all year, showing horses that cost as much as some homes.

Tommi, Kate, and Zara are all elite competitors on the circuit, but they come from totally different backgrounds. Tommi is a billionaire heiress trying to prove she has real talent (not just deep bank accounts). Kate puts the working in working student—every win has been paid for with hours of cleaning stalls. She's used to the grueling schedule, but Fitz, the barn's resident hot guy, is about to become a major distraction. And then there's Zara. She's the wild child of a famous rockstar, but she's ready to take riding seriously. Can a party girl really change her ways?

The A Circuit has been described as a cross between Canterwood Crest and The A List.  I can definitely say that that's a pretty good description of it and I can also say that I enjoyed it greatly.  It's not going to become one of my all-time favorites but I think it's a great book for horse lovers!

Kate, Tommi, and Zara have one thing in common:  their love of horses.  Kate is a poor student who happened to fall into the good graces of Jamie, the trainer at Pelham Lane Stables.  Tommi is the daughter of a billionaire who is looking for a way to make horses her career.  Zara is the daughter of a rock star who is just looking for the next party.  It doesn't seem like anything could bring these girls together but the stable does and it also brings new challenges that each girl must face.

Kate and Tommi were very likable characters but Zara was not.  She was rude, spoiled, bratty, and just plain inconsiderate.  There was nothing about her that I liked through the whole book.  Hopefully she will grow up as the series goes on.  As for Kate, she was nice but she was naive and so obsessed with the barn and horses.  Tommi was smart, practical, and very cool.  She was my favorite of the three girls.

The plot was a bit slow.  Nothing seemed to happen for a while and even when it did, it wasn't all that exciting.  I don't know anything about horses or shows so everything was also a little confusing to me.  Not so bad that I couldn't read it though.

Overall, The A Circuit is one I would recommend to people who actually know something about horses already.  It's a really quick read and I think the series holds great appeal.

First line:  "Stalker alert," Zara muttered in disgust as she saw a fat, sweaty guy with a camera zero in on her father.

Rating:  B-

Cover:  B-

Home!

Hey everyone!

I am home from NYC and I am exhausted.  This past week has been so long but still amazing.  I will post some recaps for you guys later this week.  Right now I am just about to crash. 

Sorry for the lack of posts while I was gone.  I had some posts typed up but my computer has been acting silly and I couldn't access them.  I will be buying a new computer this week so hopefully that will solve my problems. =)

Hope you guys had a great week and I am glad to be back!

What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen

Book:  What Happened To Goodbye
Author:  Sarah Dessen
Release date:  May 10, 2011
Publisher:  Penguin Young Readers Group
Pages:  416
Source:  Bookstore

In the past two years, Mclean Sweet has moved four times. At each stop, she assumes a new persona, but it never quite works. Whether she's an effervescent cheerleader or an intense drama queen, nothing can permanently dispel the turmoil and rage at her mother since her parents' divorce. Sarah Dessen's novel about a teenager and her restaurant manager father captures the vulnerability that young people often experience after the dissolution of their family. A compelling story; strong characterization; and with a touch of romance.

Sarah Dessen has always been one of my favorite authors and What Happened To Goodbye only reinforced my love of her books.  It's another feel-good chick-lit story that I couldn't help but enjoy.

Mclean Sweet has lived in four towns in two years.  She knows wherever they go she won't stay long so she doesn't make connections.  She creates a new persona for each town but in Lakeview, things change.  Mclean finally starts to be herself again and make friends but will it last?  What happens when the next move comes?

Mclean Sweet is a typical Dessen character.  She has her fair share of problems and a lot of them have to do with her messed up family.  Dave enters the picture and he just makes things more complicated.  He was adorable in his own nerdy way.  He was the perfect guy.  Oh and Dessen does throw in a character from her previous books but I won't go into detail about that.

The story was great.  This is one Dessen book that actually dealt more with family issues than romance but I liked it.  It was really well balanced and I liked reading it.

Overall, What Happened To Goodbye is a must-read for Dessen fans and if you haven't read any of her books yet, check one out!

First line:  The table was sticky, there was a cloudy smudge on my water glass, and we'd been seated for ten minutes with no sign of a waitress.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Book:  Firelight (Firelight #1)
Author:  Sophie Jordan
Release date:  September 7, 2010
Publisher:  HarperTeen
Pages:  323
Source:  Publisher

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki—a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

I think I may be one of the last people to read this book.  Firelight is Sophie Jordan's young adult debut and it got a lot of buzz when it was released.  For some reason I just kept putting it off though.  Kari from A Good Addiction finally convinced me it was time to read it and I'm so glad she did.  =)

Jacinda knows she is not normal, not even in her pride.  She is a draki but she is unlike all the rest.  She is the first fire-breather in ages and her pride wants to use her to breed more.  Her mother will not allow this so she takes Jacinda and her twin sister, Tamra, away from the pride.  Jacinda knows she won't last long away from the pride so she spends all her time planning a way to return.  Until she meets Will.  Will is a draki hunter but something draws Jacinda to him.  Will Jacinda ever make it back to her pride or will she choose to stay with Will?  What if she doesn't have a choice?

Firelight started off with a bang.  I was drawn in from the first page and I had the hardest time putting it down.  I read 150 pages in the first sitting.  I only stopped because it was after midnight and I had to get up for school.  Even then it was pure torture.  I really wanted to know what was going to happen with Jacinda.

Jacinda was a great main character.  She was a very strong heroine and I loved that about her.  She also had her weak moments though which made me love her even more.  I didn't particularly care for her family but I could tell they were just looking out for her.  I did like Will though.  He was very sexy and mysterious.  I hope to learn more about him in Vanish.

Overall, I really liked Firelight and I have to recommend it for fantasy lovers everywhere.  It's such a unique story!  I can't wait to dig into the sequel!

First line:  Gazing out at the quiet lake, I know the risk is worth it.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

In My Mailbox 111 (week of May 21)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:
-My Life Undecided by Jessica Brody
-All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin (2 copies)
-Tighter by Adele Griffin
-Kiss of Death (Scarlett Wakefield #4) by Lauren Henderson
-Everfound (Skinjacker #3) by Neal Shusterman
-Between by Cyndi Tefft
-Populazzi by Elise Allen
-Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
-Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess (my review of How It Ends is quoted in this!)
-In The Garden Of Beasts by Erik Larson

Bought:
-The Locket by Stacey Jay
-What Happened To Goodbye by Sarah Dessen (signed!)
-So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld

I just wanted to post this real quick before I go to bed.  Tomorrow morning I will be on my way to NYC and I will post all the books I get at BEA in next weeks post.

What was in your mailbox this week?

Book Expo America 2011!

So as most of you know, this coming week is the week of Book Expo America, Book Blogger Con, and tons of other bookish events.  Bright and early Sunday morning I will be on a plane to New York City for this crazy week!  I'm not so excited about the early morning flight but I have been told that it is more than worth it.

The best part though is that I will not only be meeting fellow book lovers at the different events, I will also be staying in a house with a big group of them.  Casa de Blogger, as we have so creatively named ourselves includes:

Susan: http://www.wastepaperprose.com/
Stacey & Amber/Pixie: http://www.pageturnersblog.com/
Cindy & Kendra: http://www.bookscompleteme.com
Tirzah: http://www.thecompulsivereader.com/
Yara: http://www.onceuponatwilight.com/
James: http://bookchicclub.blogspot.com/
Nancy: www.lushbudgetproduction.com
Linda: www.passive-agressiva.blogspot.com
Lynsey: www.narrativelyspeaking.com
Megan: http://amethystdaydreams.blogspot.com/
Christin: http://betweenthecoversblog.net
Andye & Amy: http://readingteen.net/
Emily: http://www.emilysreadingroom.com
Katie D: http://www.sophistikatied.com
Gabrielle: http://themodpodgebookshelf.blogspot.com
Heather: http://fireandicephoto.blogspot.com/

And me, of course!  If you want to follow the whole group of us, you can check out our house Twitter account, @casadeblogger.  We will also attempt to do some house vlogs and we will be posting those around the blogosphere.

I cannot guarantee that I will be posting a whole lot next week.  I am working on scheduling a bunch of reviews and things like that but I will not be actively working on the blog.  I do promise to take lots of pictures though and post them when I get home.  I will still be checking my email though so if you really need to tell me something, I will get it.  =)

Bloggers, authors, everyone who will be in New York City next week for these events, I can't wait to meet you!  If you are interested in getting my cell number to schedule some sort of meet-up, email me or DM me on Twitter @katiesbookblog.

Blog Tour: Tempest Rising by Tracy Deebs

Book:  Tempest Rising
Author:  Tracy Deebs
Release date:  May 10, 2011
Publisher:  Walker BFYR
Pages:  352
Source:  Publisher

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

I am not usually a fan of mermaid stories but every now and then I find one that I truly enjoy.  Tempest Rising is one of those few.  Tracy Deebs' young adult debut creates a wonderful underwater world that I hope to read more of in the future.

Tempest Maguire has no desire to be a mermaid.  Sure, she loves the water but that doesn't mean she wants to leave her friends, family, and boyfriend to live in it.  Too bad she doesn't seem to have much of a choice.  As her seventeenth birthday nears, strange things start to happen to Tempest.  She knows what's wrong with her but she doesn't know how to stop it.  Kai does though but he may not want to help her stop it and the more time Tempest spends around him, the more she realizes maybe life under the sea wouldn't be so bad if she had someone to share it with.

Mermaids are not my favorite creatures.  A lot of the time they are very hard to relate to and they are kind of mean.  Tempest was not that way at all.  She was just like every other teenage girl just with more problems than mere puberty.  It was hard not to like her and be drawn into her story.  Kai was also a wonderful character.  He was not a merman but I won't tell you what he was.  Let's just say that I never guessed.  I loved him completely though.  He was so sweet and sexy!  I could understand why Tempest was torn between him and Mark though.  Mark was a great guy, I just liked Kai more.

The underwater world was amazing.  Trccy Deebs made it so vivid.  I felt like I was there with Tempest.  All the animals and creatures were wonderfully detailed.  I would have liked to have seen more of the merpeople though and learned more about them.  That was probably my only complaint with the whole book.

Overall, Tempest Rising is a wonderful new paranormal story without all the vampires and zombies.  It's a sweet story and I hope you will take the time to check it out!

First line:  I was ten the first time I saw her.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A-

Instructions For A Broken Heart by Kim Culbertson

Book:  Instructions For A Broken Heart
Author:  Kim Culbertson
Release date:  May 1, 2011
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Fire
Pages:  304
Source:  Publisher

Three days before her drama club's trip to Italy, Jessa Gardner discovers her boyfriend in the costume barn with another girl. Jessa is left with a care package from her best friend titled "Top Twenty Reasons He's a Slimy Jerk Bastard," instructing her to do one un-Jessa-like thing each day of the trip.

After reading Kim Culbertson's debut, Songs For A Teenage Nomad, and being a little disappointed I was skeptical that I would like Instructions For A Broken Heart.  Turns out I had no reason to worry.  Instructions For A Broken Heart is a great new YA novel that is just in time for summer!

Jessa can't believe her boyfriend, Sean, would cheat on her.  What's even worse is that he does it right before they leave for their drama trip to Italy.  Now not only is Jessa alone in one of the most romantic places in the world but she also has to watch her ex-boyfriend with his new girlfriend while she is there.   Luckily she has her best friend Carissa's letters to instruct her on how to get over Sean.  And maybe in the process Jessa will find out who she is and who she wants to be.

Ahh!  I don't know what I would do if I was in Jessa's place.  I felt so bad for her.  Her love life was kind of a mess.  Sean was a jerk.  Luckily Jessa had Carissa's letters and her best guy friend, Tyler.  She even made some  new friends throughout the book and I loved them.

The characters aren't what really impressed me though.  It was the setting.  OMG as soon as they got to Italy I was hooked.  Kim Culbertson has an amazing talent at describing scenery.  I am dying to go to Italy now.  Oh it sounds gorgeous!

Overall, Instructions For A Broken Heart is such a cute book with some deeper meaning thrown in for good measure.  Like I said earlier, it's just in time for summer so check it out!

First line:  The costume barn wasn't much to look at.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Flawless by Lara Chapman

Book:  Flawless
Author:  Lara Chapman
Release date:  May 10, 2011
Publisher:  Bloomsbury
Pages:  272
Source:  Publisher

Sarah Burke is just about perfect. She's got killer blue eyes, gorgeous blond hair, and impeccable grades. There's just one tiny-all right, enormous-flaw: her nose. But even that's not so bad. Sarah's got the best best friend and big goals for print journalism fame.

On the first day of senior year, Rock Conway walks into her journalism class and, well, rocks her world. Problem is, her best friend, Kristen, falls for him too. And when Rock and Kristen stand together, it's like Barbie and Ken come to life. So when Kristen begs Sarah to help her nab Rock, Sarah does the only thing a best friend can do-she agrees. For someone so smart, what was she thinking?

I love a good contemporary book and Flawless is my newest find.  There isn't much buzz about Flawless yet but I know once people start reading it, there will be.  Flawless is one of the cutest contemporary books that I have read and it will definitely top my list of recommendations.

Sarah Burke is gorgeous except she has one flaw; her huge nose.  Sarah has lived with her nose for 17 years and never once did she desire to change it until she met Rock Conway.  Rock is the perfect guy for Sarah but she knows he will never date her if she has her nose.  Especially not when her gorgeous best friend Kristen goes after him too.  When Kristen asks Sarah to help her get a date with Rock she is too nice to say no.  But when will Sarah realize that sometimes she has to put herself first?  And what if Rock really can see past her nose to how perfect they would be together?

I loved Sarah.  She knew her nose wasn't attractive but she loved it anyway.  She was unwilling to change that part of herself just to be prettier and get the attention of some guy.  Instead she was true to herself and realized that if someone couldn't see past her nose they weren't worthy of her love.  Kristen, on the other hand, I didn't love so much.  There were times when she was an awesome best friend to Sarah but a lot of the time she seemed very selfish.  The harebrained scheme she came up with to get Rock to like her was kind of comical though.  Rock was a sweet, smart, funny guy but a lot of the time he seemed clueless.  I did still like him though.

Overall, Flawless has its flaws but I definitely loved it all the same.  If you are looking for a cute, fun, quick read, check this one out. I guarantee you will enjoy it!

First line:  I love the first day of school.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A

Giveaway: Signed ARC of What Happened To Goodbye!

This week I was lucky enough to go to one of Sarah Dessen's signings here in Colorado.  Sarah Dessen is the author who got me into reading.  If I hadn't picked up This Lullaby in Target one day, this blog wouldn't exist.  So in honor of that, I got my ARC of her latest book, What Happened To Goodbye, signed for one lucky reader!

Book:  What Happened To Goodbye
Author:  Sarah Dessen

Since her parents' bitter divorce, Mclean and her dad, a restaurant consultant, have been on the move - four towns in two years. Estranged from her mother and her mother's new family, Mclean has followed her dad in leaving the unhappy past behind. And each new place gives her a chance to try out a new persona: from cheerleader to drama diva. But now, for the first time, Mclean discovers a desire to stay in one place and just be herself - whoever that is. Perhaps her neighbor Dave, an academic superstar trying to be just a regular guy, can help her find out.

One winner will receive:
-A signed ARC of What Happened To Goodbye
-An assortment of swag

Requirements:
-You must have a US or CA mailing address.
-You must fill out the form.

Fill out the form here!

This giveaway will end on May 31!

Also, if you want to double your chances, check out Stuck In Books' giveaway for a signed copy here!

Blog Tour: OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy + Giveaway

Book:  OyMG
Author:  Amy Fellner Dominy
Release date:  May 10, 2011
Publisher:  Walker & Co.
Pages:  256
Source:  Publisher

Jewish girl. Christian camp. Holy moly.

Ellie Taylor loves nothing better than a good argument. So when she gets accepted to the Christian Society Speech and Performing Arts summer camp, she's sure that if she wins the final tournament, it'll be her ticket to a scholarship to the best speech school in the country. Unfortunately, the competition at CSSPA is hot-literally. His name is Devon and, whether she likes it or not, being near him makes her sizzle. Luckily she's confident enough to take on the challenge-until she begins to suspect that the private scholarship's benefactor has negative feelings toward Jews. Will hiding her true identity and heritage be worth a shot at her dream?

OyMG is not a book that I would normally pick up but I am glad I did.  It was cute, funny, and the best part is that it had a great message.  Aren't those the best kind of books out there?

Ellie Taylor is dying to go to the elite school, Benedict's.  She knows that she can really improve her talent there and she also knows that she can't afford it.  That's why the scholarship offered by Doris Yeats would be perfect for her.  Who cares if it means going to a Christian speech camp when she is Jewish?  Ellie doesn't mind, especially when she meets Doris Yeats' grandson, Devon.  Devon is perfect boyfriend material.  Too bad he's the competition.  And what happens when he shares a secret that just might ruin Ellie's chance at the scholarship?

I hate to say it but for about half the book I hated Ellie.  She seemed so spineless and she refused to stand up for herself and what she believed in.  It was hard to like her when she didn't seem to like herself.  She did change her attitude though towards the end.  I liked her after that!

The story was very cool.  It was definitely a new story for me.  It did have to do a lot with religion obviously but it wasn't overpowering.  Ellie was a character that wasn't defined by her religion.  Oh and I loved reading about the speeches.  Hilarious!

Overall, OyMG was a wonderful debut from Amy Fellner Dominy that I found myself laughing about but also really relating to.  It is a great book for teens who aren't sure what they believe in or where they fit in.  So that means all teens.  =)

                                                                                            

Giveaway:

-One reader will receive an ARC of OyMG

Requirements:

-You must have a US mailing address.

-You must comment on this post, including your email  address.
-This contest will end on May 30.

Bloody Valentine (Blue Bloods Novella) by Melissa de la Cruz

Book:  Bloody Valentine
Author:  Melissa de la Cruz
Release date:  December 28, 2010
Publisher: Hyperion
Pages:  160
Source:  Bookstore

Vampires have powers beyond human comprehension: strength that defies logic, speed that cannot be captured on film, the ability to shapeshift and more. But in matters of the heart, no one, not even the strikingly beautiful and outrageously wealthy Blue Bloods, has total control. In Bloody Valentine, bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz offers readers a new story about the love lives of their favorite vamps - the passion and heartache, the hope and devastation, the lust and longing. Combined with all the glitz, glamour, and mystery fans have come to expect, this is sure to be another huge hit in the Blue Bloods series.

Also, witness the bonding of Jack and Schuyler.

Bloody Valentine is the first set of short stories that I have read about the Blue Bloods but if Keys To The Repository is anything like this one I will have to check it out.  Bloody Valentine really shed some light on the characters that I love from the Blue Bloods series.

The first story is about Oliver and it also introduces Freya Beauchamp who will be in Melissa de la Cruz's new book, The Witches Of East End.  I really liked finding out more about what happened to Oliver after Schuyler left and I like Oliver even more now.  And I am dying to read The Witches Of East End!

The second story is set in the past and features Schuyler's mother, Allegra Van Alen, as a teen.  It is about her love for the human, Bedix Chase, who I assume is Schuyler's father.  This one left me with some questions though so it wasn't my favorite.

The last story is about Jack and Schuyler's bonding and I loved it.  It takes place after the events in Misguided Angel and this story just reinforced my love of Jack and Schuyler together.  I can't wait to see what is next for this pair.

Overall, Bloody Valentine is a great set of short stories to go along with the Blue Bloods series.  Each story had me hooked and I read the whole book in a little over an hour.  Sadly, now I have to wait for October to see what's next!

Rating:  A

Cover:  A++

Giveaway: Summer Prize Pack!

Recently I have posted some reviews of very summerish books (and yes I know that isn't a word.)  Today I am lucky enough to have the chance to giveaway two of those books to one of you guys.

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

If you want to know more about We'll Always Have Summer check out the site here!
Also, if you want to take the quiz to see which Fisher boy would be best for you go here!

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

If you want to know more about Moonglass check out the book website here!

One winner will receive:
-A finished copy of We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
-A finished copy of Moonglass by Jessi Kirby
-A tote bag (perfect for taking your books to the beach with you)

Requirments:
-You must have a US mailing address.
-You must fill out the form.

Fill out the form here.  

 This giveaway will end on May 30!

Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Book:  Moonglass
Author:  Jessi Kirby
Release date:  May 3, 2011
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Pages:  224
Source:  Publisher

I read once that water is a symbol for emotions. And for a while now, I've thought maybe my mother drowned in both.

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.

While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.

Jessi Kirby's debut novel is a must-read for summer.  That gorgeous cover drew me to it but the story is what really got me.  It's a heartbreaking story of love, loss, and finally learning how to live again.

Anna Ryan does not like the way her life is going.  Moving back to the beach where her parents met is not a good idea, in her opinion.  Too bad her opinion doesn't matter.  As soon as Anna and her dad get settled in in their new town things start to get complicated.  First off Anna starts to fall for a guy who just happens to be off limits to her.  And then Anna starts to get drawn into the secrets of her mom's past.  She can't let her death rest and if she keeps digging it just might tear apart every relationship she has.

I really enjoyed Anna's character.  Her emotions were all over the place (I can relate) and most of the time she cracked me up.  She had some very witty comebacks and her banter with Tyler was cute.  Her friend Ashley was also hilarious.  She was so clueless.  It was cute.  And OMG a sexy, sweet lifeguard?  Such a perfect summer crush!  =)

The story is not all romance and beaches though.  The history of the abandoned cottages of the cove was so sad.  The story of Anna's mom's death and what led up to it was also heartbreaking and very real.  I enjoyed this book so much because of the meaning to it.  I will give you fair warning though:  you might need some tissues.  I did.

Overall, Moonglass is a perfect fun summer read with a lot of heart.  It's also blurbed by Sarah Dessen.  What more could you want?

First line:  Rain and wind pelted the ocean's surface so hard it looked like it was boiling.

Rating:  A

Cover:  A++

In My Mailbox 110 (week of May 8)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:

-Wildefire by Karsten Knight

-The Lucky Kind by Alyssa B. Sheinmel

-Settling (Solid #2) by Shelley Workinger

-Bitter End by Jennifer Brown

-Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley

-Sorta Like A Rock Star by Matthew Quick

-The Midnight Palace (Niebla #2) by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

-The Magnolia League by Katie Crouch

-Viola In The Spotlight (Viola #2) by Adriana Trigiani

Trade:

-Dreamland Social Club by Tara Altebrando

-Nomansland by Lesley Hauge

-Secret Society Girl by Diana Peterfreund

-If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Sorry there are no pictures this week.  My computer just crashed so I am using someone elses.

I had a fabulous week of surprises for books.  I am dying to read them all but as usual, I don't have a clue where to start.  This is turning into a problem.  =)

Oh and Erica at The Book Cellar sent me those lovely trade books.  If you haven't already checked out her blog, you should.  It's one of my favorites!

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

Book:  We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3)
Author:  Jenny Han
Release date:  April 26, 2011
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Pages:  288
Source:  Publisher

It's been two years since Conrad told Belly to go with Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah have been inseparable ever since, even attending the same college-- only, their relationship hasn't exactly been the happily ever after Belly had hoped it would be. And when Jeremiah makes the worst mistake a boy can make, Belly is forced to question what she thought was true love. Does she really have a future with Jeremiah? Has she ever gotten over Conrad? It's time for Belly to decide, once and for all, who has her heart forever.

I didn't think she could do it but Jenny Han did.  We'll Always Have Summer is a very satisfying end to the Summer trilogy and I adored it.

Belly finally has to make a decision in this book.  Things have really come to a head.  Either way she loses one of the boys she loves but she can't keep stringing them, or herself, along.  For once Belly seemed grown up.  Definitely not at the beginning of the book but about halfway through I finally started to see it.  It was good to finally see her grow as a character.

Conrad and Jeremiah are such confusing boys.  They were all over the place.  I still loved them both though.  Conrad became a much better person in this book.  Jeremiah was pretty much the same lovable guy as always.  In the end I was really satisfied with who Belly picked but I won't even give you guys a hint of who it was.  I'm mean like that.  =)

Overall, We'll Always Have Summer is a fabulous ending to an absolutely amazing trilogy.  If you haven't checked it out yet, you really should.  It's great for chick-lit lovers.  Oh and if you have read the first two books, get your hands on a copy of this one NOW!

First line:  On Wednesday nights when I was little, my mom and I would watch old musicals.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han

Book:  It's Not Summer Without You (Summer #2)
Author:  Jenny Han
Release date:  April 27, 2010
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Pages:  288
Source:  Publisher

Can summer be truly summer without Cousins Beach?

It used to be that Belly counted the days until summer, until she was back at Cousins Beach with Conrad and Jeremiah. But not this year. Not after Susannah got sick again and Conrad stopped caring. Everything that was right and good has fallen apart, leaving Belly wishing summer would never come.

But when Jeremiah calls saying Conrad has disappeared, Belly knows what she must do to make things right again. And it can only happen back at the beach house, the three of them together, the way things used to be. If this summer really and truly is the last summer, it should end the way it started--at Cousins Beach.

I fell in love with Belly, Jeremiah, and Conrad in The Summer I Turned Pretty.  I am even more hooked on their crazy relationship now.  It's Not Summer Without You is a fabulous sequel and once again I can't wait for more.

Belly thought things were perfect after the way last summer ended but she could not have been more wrong.  Everything is different now and summer will never be the same.  It will never again be the time that Belly most looks forward to.  So when Belly gets a call from Jeremiah asking her to help him find Conrad who has disappeared from summer school, Belly is skeptical.  Of course nothing can keep her from Conrad though so she agrees.  Will she finally get some closure or will things become even more complicated than before?

These boys have me hooked again.  I love Jeremiah.  I just want to kiss him.  He is so sweet and wonderful and sad.  I hated seeing him like that.  Conrad, on the other hand, I wanted to slap.  He was so selfish and mean in this book.  I couldn't see what Belly saw in him but I still loved Belly.  She was confused, sad, scared, and every emotion in between.  She is a very real character and teen girls will love her.

The plot was great, once again.  It is just a cute quick chick-lit story but I never got bored with it.  It only took me a few hours to read the whole book.  This series is hard to put down.

Overall, It's Not Summer Without You may be even better than The Summer I Turned Pretty.  I laughed, I cried, I was shocked.  I went through every emotion with this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

First line:  It was a hot summer day in Cousins.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Book:  The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer #1)
Author:  Jenny Han
Release date:  May 5, 2009
Publisher:  Simon & Schuster
Pages:  276
Source:  Bookstore

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

It's 12:25 A.M. and I just read straight through The Summer I Turned Pretty.  This is one of the best chick-lit books I have ever read.  It ranks right up there with my favorite Sarah Dessen and Meg Cabot books.  I can't get enough of Belly and the boys and I am dying to dive into It's Not Summer Without You.

Belly lives from summers.  Every year she looks forward to the months she will get to spend at the beach house with her mom, brother, Susannah, Jeremiah, and especially Conrad.  Belly has always been in love with Conrad but he has never shown interest in her.  This summer is different though.  This is the summer Belly turned pretty.

Ahh!  Conrad and Jeremiah are amazing.  I will take whichever one Belly doesn't want.  Conrad was dark, brooding, and mysterious whereas Jeremiah was an open book.  Personally, I loved Jeremiah.  Conrad was a little too moody for me.  Honestly though I could not pick which one is better for Belly.  She was a great main character and I really liked her.  I can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

The plot was a bit typical.  There didn't seem to be a lot going on in the beginning but the book did not drag at all.  I could not stop reading it.  In fact, once I started it, I didn't put it down once.  Jenny Han is a master story teller.

Overall, The Summer I Turned Pretty is a spectacular book and if you haven't read it yet, now is the perfect time.

First line:  I say, "I can't believe you're really here."

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book:  Divergent (Divergent #1)
Author:  Veronica Roth
Release date:  May 3, 2011
Publisher:  Katherine Tegen Books
Pages:  496
Source:  Publisher

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Divergent has been compared to The Hunger Games a lot in the past few weeks.  I have heard many people say they thought it was better than The Hunger Games.  I didn't think that was possible but I was wrong.  Divergent is a completely new dystopian novel that I could not put down and it definitely ranks right up there with The Hunger Games.

Beatrice Prior has always felt like she didn't belong in Abnegation.  She didn't know where she would fit in but she knew she had to try to figure it out.  When she chose her new faction she had no idea just what she was getting into but she knew it felt right.  Just like her feelings for a member of her new faction feel right.  But something big is happening in the factions and Tris has no idea exactly what her role in it will be.  And what she soon finds out is that it may not be her choice.

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started Divergent.  I didn't have much time to read when I first started it so I only read about 20 pages at that point.  I found it interesting but nothing too special and nothing that really made me want to read more.  When I finally had time to read more, I completely changed my mind.  I couldn't stop reading and I was dying for more.  The first 20 pages are no indication of how the rest of the book will go.

Tris is a fabulous heroine.  She started out as a bit of a wimp but she quickly grew out of that.  She became brave and strong and watching her grow made it more real.  Christina, Will, Al, Four, Uriah, and all the rest were great characters as well but Tris definitely was the best.  I loved her!  (And Four!)

Overall, Divergent is a brilliant debut that I want more of.  I never thought a 496 page book would be too short for me but this one was.  =)

First line:  There is one mirror in my house.

Rating:  A++

Cover:  A++

Blog Tour: Percival's Angel + Giveaway

Book:  Percival's Angel
Author:  Anne Elliot Crompton
Release date:  March 1, 2011
Publisher:  Sourcebooks Fire
Pages:  224
Source:  Publisher

Lili, an apprentice of the Lady of the Lake, is the childhood friend of Percy, the boy who will become one of Arthur's greatest knights. But as they grow older, Lili begins to see their differences. She has otherworldly magic while he has the magic that lives within the Human Heart. Lili dreams of knowing human love while Percy dreams of finding the Holy Grail. Neither can succeed without the other.

Percival's Angel is a very odd book.  I'm torn about how I feel about it.  The story was not bad but it was very different and I had a very hard time getting into it.  It's just a very weird book and this review is really hard for me to write.

Lili has never known life outside the Fey forest.  She has never had the urge to know it either until Merlin tells her about the powers of the Human heart.  Lili sets out on a quest to get a Human heart along with her best friend, Percival, who is on his own quest to become a knight.  Along the way both Lili and Percy will face great trials and their friendship will be tested.  Will Lili get a Human heart?  Will Percy become a knight?  Will their two quests tear them apart?

Anne Elliot Crompton's writing style is very different.  It seemed disjointed to me.  Also, the point-of-view switched a lot and sometimes it took me a while to ever realize ti was a different person.  There was absolutely no warning.  So not only did the writing confuse me, so did the point-of-view switching.

The characters were just okay.  Not bad but definitely not great.  Lili was a bit contradictory.  She said she wanted a heart because she didn't have one but her actions made me think that she did.  Percival just seemed kind of dumb.  Nothing he did endeared me to him.  I don't know how else to explain it.

Overall, Percival's Angel is definitely a book I recommend getting from the library.  It just did not do anything for me and I honestly just did not like it.

______________

Giveaway:

-One reader will receive my once-read copy of Percival's Angel

Requirements:

-You must have a US/CA mailing address

-You must comment on this post with your email
-This contest will end on May 14

In My Mailbox 109 (week of April 30)

In My Mailbox is a meme created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture Junkie! It is a list of what books you have received over the previous week, either for review, from the library, from the bookstore, or from trades. =]

For review:
-We'll Always Have Summer (Summer #3) by Jenny Han (second copy)
-Moonglass by Jessi Kirby (2 finished copies)
-Undercurrent (Siren #2) by Tricia Rayburn
-A Discovery Of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Bought:
-In The Arms Of Stone Angels by Jordan Dane

Gifted:
-The Perks Of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
-City Of Fallen Angels(Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare (SIGNED AND PERSONALIZED!)

This week was one of the slower ones for me but I like it.  I am trying to get caught up with my reading and with finals right now, it's not really working.  At least I didn't get too many books this week to add to the pile.

And I want to thank Nancy from Tales Of A Ravenous Reader for my signed copy of City Of Fallen Angels.  Nancy is amazing and if you haven't checked out her blog, you should.

So what was in your mailbox this week?