New Years Eve....

New Years is almost here and I'm sure some, if not most are making their New Years Resolution.  Every year mine seem to be the same, so I can't be blamed for consistency LOL.  But it would be nice to achieve some of the goals I set.. well at least for one year.

So here are my goals for the year:

Give Up Smoking: It's a bad habit and one resolution I have every year.  Although this year I'm not going to try and start New Years Day, since I'm not exactly prepared lol.

Finish Editing Hallows Edge:  Since Christmas time has been hectic I haven't had a chance to put much time in editing this.  It's still in the very raw stages but I hope to have it done.

Be More Organized:  This is probably my biggest one.  Especially with blogging!  So that's why I've decided to jumble things around for the New Year.  This will start on Monday so check it out.  I'm looking at Spellbound Bookshelves a newish feature where readers can share their pictures of bookshelves! Thanks Amy at Stuffed Bookshelf for that idea :)  I will also have Spellbound Noticeboard up and running this week also, so if you have a book or book blog feature you would love to promote, send me the details and I will help get the word out there.

Do something daring:  I don't know whether I'd go all the way to sky diving.  That may be a little too daring, but something like that. 

Write another novel: This is a must.  Whether it be for NaNoWriMo or something in between.  I really need to get some more writing done.  I tend to get a bit whacky if I haven't written in a while and really, I'm sure my family and friends could use the break occasionally :)  Imagination tends to get carried away a bit.

Keep up to date with review copies coming in:  I've received many e-books lately and have had to put a temporary stop to this.  I find reading paperbacks easier to read than I do reading from my Kobo eReader.  It's easier on my eyes.

So this is just a couple of my New Years Resolutions.  I figure if I have a few I can at least cross a couple off my list.

So how about you?  What are your New Years Resolutions for this year?  If you'd like to send a pic in of your bookshelves please do. You can send these to melissa@spellboundbybooks.com ! 

If you'd like to be featured on Spellbound Noticeboard you can contact me on the same email.  Please make sure to use Spellbound Noticeboard in the subject line.

Hope everyone is having a fun New Years and look forward to bringing you some more fun on my blog for the New Year.  Be Safe!

Scourge by David H. Burton

Title: Scourge

Author: David H. Burton

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction/ Fantasy

Publisher:  David H. Burton

Publication Date: 29th November 2010

Stand alone or series: Series

Pages:  172 pages

Book Received from:  Author

First Lines:  There were three things that were a little different about Grimwald Doyle

Synopsis:

Grim Doyle has always known his life was not exactly "normal", and things gets even more curious when he discovers a set of stones that sweep him and his family to the fantasy, steampunk world of Verne - a place they had escaped from years ago. Now that they've returned, Grim and his siblings hide from the evil Lord Victor and his minions. And while learning about Jinns, Mystics, and the power of absinth they try to discover who is trying to kill them with the deadly Scourge.

My Thoughts:
I found this one really hard to get into in the beginning.  I was sucked in a little at the start but slightly put off when he was brought into the world of Verne.  From the top of my head I don't think I've read anything steampunk before so I'm not sure whether it was the unfamiliarity of the genre that kind of put me off or what.

In saying that, once I did get into it, the book was great.  Grim and his siblings made an interesting cast of characters, especially his 'two' Dads!  I also loved that Grim slips up like a kid of his age would do, when put in the situation they all were in.  Aunt Patrice was quite a surprise too.

I don't know whether I have a soft spot for animals though, but Scarlet was a definite favourite and when she turned up, that's when I really started to get hooked on what was happening to Grim and his family.  Least favourite character would have to be Festral.  I think I spelled his name right.

While I've never read any Steampunk books that I know of, and after a rocky start I really did enjoy the story and characters.  I'm quite curious to see what will happen next for Grim.

Spellbound Suggestion Box

Hi all.

I plan on doing up a new schedule for 2011 and would love your suggestions as to what new stuff you would like to see on Spellbound By Books.  At the moment I'm sort of winging it in the posting department and I'd love to be a bit more organized than what I am.  What would you like to see on here.. any ideas to help Spellbound By Books to stand out?

All suggestions are welcome so don't be shy!

Add Your Two Cents worth

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


I come across this book while reading through my Google Reader.  XVI by Julia Karr.  This one is out January 6th 2011!

Synopsis
Nina Oberon's life is pretty normal: she hangs out with her best friend, Sandy, and their crew, goes to school, plays with her little sister, Dee. But Nina is 15. And like all girls she'll receive a Governing Council-ordered tattoo on her 16th birthday. XVI. Those three letters will be branded on her wrist, announcing to all the world—even the most predatory of men—that she is ready for sex. Considered easy prey by some, portrayed by the Media as sluts who ask for attacks, becoming a "sex-teen" is Nina's worst fear. That is, until right before her birthday, when Nina's mom is brutally attacked. With her dying breaths, she reveals to Nina a shocking truth about her past—one that destroys everything Nina thought she knew. Now, alone but for her sister, Nina must try to discover who she really is, all the while staying one step ahead of her mother's killer.




What are your picks for WOW??

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Book Trailer

Sticky Beak (39)

Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

Cool Stuff to Check Out:
Mindful Musings: Best Blog and Best New Blog of 2010.  Go have a look and vote.  You may also come across a blog you haven't seen yet :)
NPR: Weird and Wonderful Books: 2010's Hidden Gems.
Writings of a Pensive Observer: There will be an Empty Seat Poem.  This is an absolutely beautiful but sad poem.  Pls spend the time to read this.
Examiner: News on the Hunger Games Movie
Pure Imagination: Interview with Vera Dietz character from the book Please Ignore Vera Dietz

Book Blogs I've Come Across:
Only Sexy Books Allowed:  Great Book Blog to check out.

What are some Blogs etc that you'd like to share.  Leave them in the comment section!

In My Mailbox (42)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

For Review:

Her Warrior Angel by Felicity Heaton (Her Angel #3)

Bought:

Homework for Grown-ups by E. Foley and B. Coates - Yes I did go and buy this.  I figured I might actually learn something more than what I did in school!

Enigma 2 by Fabrice Mazza - I admit, I did buy this book because of the cover and nothing more.  But check out the inside.  It's all really beautifully illustrated.

The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt

 

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!  It's Boxing Day here for us but for those of you overseas that are either just coming into Christmas Day or in the middle of it.  I hope your having an awesome day.

 

For everyone who's recovering from a hangover from yesterday (Christmas),  I hope you enjoyed a great day and aren't suffering too much.  And just remember, we have New Years coming up ;)

 

So what did you all get in your mailbox this week??

Christmas Eve Disaster...

If you've been following my blog for the last couple of weeks, I haven't had the best of luck.  Well, Christmas Eve is no different.  I had planned on working out the kinks in Spellbound Noticeboard when the little one went to bed.. but it never worked out that way.  Instead, we spent an hour up the hospital..

Why you're wondering?  Well.  Set the scene for you.. I'm washing dishes (which I hate doing!) and my other half and Cruzito had jumped in the shower.  I'd almost finished when I hear a thump... then "Oh Shit!  Mummy.. Mummy Quick!"  So of course I drop everything and run up the hall just about breaking my toe in the process and slam the door open to find Cruzito with his eyebrow split open.  After the episode with him putting his tooth through his lip a few weeks ago I learnt a few things quick a) Don't panic for their sake.. it only makes things worse.  b) make sure there are no mirrors in the vicinity that they can accidentally see damage!

So shaking but calm I grabbed the towel and stopped the bleeding.  "Looks like it's a trip to the hospital.." I say  Grabbed him out, got him dressed and by that time my other half is dressed and ready to go.  It's raining and all too.

We get him in the car.. and because I hadn't made a big deal he was fine.  The ride was fun, since I sat in the back and he'd obviously forgotten about his eyebrow.  Although .. since we had to skip the whole eczema cream in a rush, he was busy making a mess of his ankles by scratching.

All in all, we are fine.  He was even really chatty in the hospital towards the nurses, so yeah.  I have pictures which I intend to post so beware.. it's not too bad.  Funny though,  everytime I took picture he was saying "Cheese." lol.  Its a new thing.

Just after it happened..

Waiting at the Hospital.  He was playing with bubbles and was all happy.

An hour after the accident.  His eyebrows all glued shut and the bruise has started to appear.  He was so tired too.. poor thing. 

This is just the start though.  I know there will be plenty more to come.. It must be an unlucky day today for our family since my Dad broke his front tooth and had to go to the Dentist to have it pulled. 

What will Christmas Day bring.  (Knocking on wood as I say this.. the last thing I need is to have more dramas)

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride

Title: Hold Me Closer, Necromancer

Author: Lish McBride

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 22 November 2010

ISBN: 9780143204961

Stand alone or series: ? Not sure but I hope theres more!

Pages: 348 pages

Book Received from: Penguin Group (Aus)

First Lines: I stood in front of today's schedule still holding my skateboard, still drenched from the ride over, and still desperately wishing I hadn't dropped out of college.

Synopsis:

Sam leads a pretty normal life. He may not have the most exciting job in the world, but he's doing all right - until a fast food prank brings him to the attention of Douglas, a creepy guy with an intense violent streak. Turns out Douglas is a necromancer who raises the dead for cash and sees potential in Sam. Then Sam discovers he's a necromancer too, but with strangely latent powers. And his worst nightmare wants to join forces . . . or else. With only a week to figure things out, Sam needs all the help he can get. Luckily he lives in Seattle, which has nearly as many paranormal types as it does coffee places. But can a bratty harbinger named Ashley save his skin?

My Thoughts:
When I picked up this book I wasn't sure what I was in for.  The blurb on the front from Sherman Alexie has "This is a SCARY funny book OR a FUNNY scary book.  In either case, it is a GREAT book.  I LOVE IT".  I didn't know what to make of it at the time but it was pretty close to hitting the nail on the head.  Although I wouldn't say it was scary scary.

I really enjoyed each of these characters.  Sam especially, since the story was about him.  His illtimed humour provided a funny side to a potentially bad situation and the fact he couldn't help himself but make things worse made this story even better.  And with friends like Ramon, Frank and Brooke, they make a great team.

I had trouble getting into this in the beginning though and it was more of a personal thing for me than the writing.  I don't think I was in the right mood when I picked it up but it didn't take long to really be cheering for the characters.

Best thing I loved about this was the names on each of the chapters were titles/lyrics from actual songs!  It was maybe the third chapter in before I realised that.  Great touch.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer is a witty yet slightly dark read but definitely worth giving it a go.  Before you know it you'll be cheering for a good ending without realising you were sucked in to begin with!

Fave Line:  There were a couple of lines that struck me as funny but I've picked this one.  It's not a spoilery one so yeah. 'Working here just proved that the only things separating me from a monkey was pants.'

Waiting on Wednesday (42)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


Please Note: Due to crashing out last night and not waking up until 5 this morning (Thursday) this post is a little late.  Sorry bout that.

This week I've picked Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling.  I have received this one from the Publishers to read but I would like to share it on my WOW for all of you that may or may not have heard of this.  This will be released on the 4th January 2011

Synopsis
'You're the last of the werewolves son. Don't fight it...Conquer it'.

When the air is clear, sixteen year-old Drew Ferran can pick up the scent of a predator.

When the moon breaks through the clouds, a terrifying fever grips him.

And when a vicious beast invades his home, his gums begin to tear, his fingers become claws, and Drew transforms ...

Forced to flee the family he loves, Drew seeks refuge in the most godforsaken parts of Lyssia. But when he is captured by Lord Bergan's men, Drew must prove he is not the enemy. Can Drew battle the werecreatures determined to destroy him - and master the animal within?

Spellbound Hot Finds: For Christmas

If you are still wondering what to get those who love books etc for Christmas here are some things I've come across that look really cool!  You may not get them in time for Christmas but it might give you an idea of what you can get in the future.

Book Ends:

City Slickers Book Ends

Classic Wooden Bookends

Arrow Magnetic Bookends

Book Lights: Phillips LED Reading Light LED Flexible Clip on light ReLight  Book Holders/Stands: Dovetale Bookstand Peeramid Book Cushion

Sticky Beak (38)

Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.


The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

Authors I've come across:
Curtis Jobling: Author of a number of children's books as well as Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf which will be out in January 2011.
Ruta Sepetys: Author of upcoming novel Between Shades of Gray.  Awesome website as well.
Carol Oates: Author of Shades of Atlantis, her first book.
Allie Condie: Author of Matched her latest release.
C.J West: Author of The End of Marking Time.

Other Cool Stuff to Check out:
La Femme Readers: Winner of Random Magic Re-create Cover Winner!
Mary Ryan Books, Music & Coffee:  We have one of these stores at Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield.  Very Cool
You Tube: Wereworld - Rise of the Wolf Book Trailer

What are yours?

In My Mailbox (41) and Photos..

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

Bought:

Book of Souls by Glenn Cooper

In Cruzito's Mailbox

The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith , Katz Cowley

This is technically one of his presents for either Christmas or his birthday.  I haven't worked out which.  I hope he likes it!

So that's all I got for this week!!

News..

I have had an pretty eventful week this week.  If you live in Queensland Australia, you'll know we've had loads of rain so far.  Which is not good for the guys I work with since it's in the Earthworks industry.  Lots of rain means no work for them.  It sucks.

So Thursday we lost power at work and then I got a message from my neighbour telling me there is a tree branch resting on our roof.  There was only gutter damage until my other half took the tree down and broke the gazebo when it fell on it. lol  Talk about bad luck.

Then we were without power up until 11pm that night (not because of the branch though).  Next door had their generators going and were the only ones on the street with their Christmas lights working lol.

My other half got our generator working for a little while, so we were able to watch twenty minutes of tv and play on the internet while the place was still dark but then the generator conked out and the string snapped.  LOL

Testing out my new iphone 4.  The flash kind of went off at the wrong time though.  It's a good picture apart form that.

This dog is definitely living up to her name "Chet" from the books by Spencer Quinn.  She's got the wonky ears (although in the books he's got one black and one white) and she is getting into loads of trouble at my Mum and Dad's place.  Last night she decides to dig a hole around two feet deep for no reason whatsoever then rubbed up the side of Mum and Dad's house and put mud everywhere upstairs.  You can see part of the wall to the right in the picture.

Above is what Chet and Mischief look like clean. 

This picture is from last weekend.  The boys went out fishing and caught this crab which they cooked up and ate. 

And lastly.  Today I was at the bookstore, and while I didn't buy this book I had to have a laugh.  I was told this was a really good too.  The Dragon With The Girl Tattoo

Minder by Kate Kaynak

Title: Minder (A Ganzfield Novel)

Author: Kate Kaynak

Genre: Young Adult / Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Publication Date: 18th June 2010

ISBN: 9780984531103

Stand alone or series: Series

Pages: 264 pages

Book Received from: Author

First Lines:  I felt the eyes on the back of my head, like a too-warm itch within my skull.  Someone was watching me.

Synopsis
Sixteen-year-old Maddie Dunn is special, but she needs to figure out how to use her new abilities before somebody else gets hurt. Ganzfield is a secret training facility full of people like her, but it's not exactly a nurturing place.

Every social interaction carries the threat of mind-control.

A stray thought can burn a building to the ground.

And people's nightmares don't always stay in their own heads. But it's still better than New Jersey. Especially once she meets the man of her dreams...
 
My Thoughts

The cover really doesn't give much away on this book.  I feel stupid admitting this, but at first glance I actually thought it was a chess piece. 

I read this book in one sitting, and I absolutely loved it.  I was pretty much sold from the synopsis and once I started reading I was like "Wow!".  This story gets right into the nitty gritty from the beginning, where Maddy is grabbed off the street by older boys who attempt to rape her.  Suffice to say, it doesn't end well for the boys.  Maddy is whisked off to a "Training" facility the very next day. 

Minder grips from the very beginning, and while I had two little issues with the story line it was a fantastic read.  My first issue was how easily Maddie found the whole mind reading thing.  If it were me, other people's voices in my head would probably send me to the nut house.  The second issue was how quickly Maddie and her boyfriend connect.  I guess doing the mind reading thing doesn't leave many secrets lol.

All in all, an enjoyable read.  I'm looking forward to when Adversary comes out!!

Waiting on Wednesday (41)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


This week I'm featuring The Screaming Season which is book 3 in Nancy Holder's Possessions series.  This one won't be out until March 2011 but if you enjoyed the first two this one is bound to be good :)

Synopsis
The third novel in the bone-chilling Possessions series by New York Times bestselling author Nancy Holder
The gutsy heroine of Possessions and The Evil Within returns for another year of boarding school at the haunted Marlwood Academy. Lindsay wakes to find herself strapped down in the infirmary. She had a breakdown and might have tried to kill her nemesis Mandy or Mandy's boyfriend, Troy—or both. The details are hazy, but one thing is certain: she is possessed by a spirit she cannot trust.

Lindsay soon realizes that nowhere on campus is safe. Then, she finds a surprising ally in her former rival. Together, Lindsay and Mandy must figure out who can be trusted—and who wants them dead. But when Lindsay's ex-boyfriend shows up at Marlwood, she is given a chance to get away and be free of the curse. Will she take Riley's hand and run, or team up with a new love to save Marlwood from the evil spirits forever?

Raw Blue by Kirsty Eagar

Title: Raw Blue

Author: Kirsty Eagar

Genre: Young Adult

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 29 June 2009

ISBN: 9780143011453

Stand alone or series: Stand Alone

Pages: 288 pages

Book Received from: Author

First Lines: Friday Morning.  I'm heading down to the break, feeling antsy because I slept in.

Synopsis
The ocean is a vivid emerald colour and the wind ruffles the wave faces so that they shatter the sunlight like glass. Seeing that glittering skin always tightens my throat with joy … I forget about the underbelly of things, my secrets, and I feel easy and free.Carly has dropped out of uni to spend her days surfing and her nights working as a cook in a Manly café. Surfing is the one thing she loves doing ... and the only thing that helps her stop thinking about what happened two years ago.

Then she meets Ryan and Carly has to decide ... Will she let the past bury her? Or can she let go of her anger and shame, and find the courage to be happy?

My Thoughts
I'm completely blown away.  Kirsty just has that secret knack for capturing Australia's natural beauty and really drawing the reader in.   

Raw Blue is such an intense read.  I'm talking about the type that slowly sucks you in and twists your insides as you get to know the characters.  Carly's an avid surfer who is suffering from a traumatic experience.  It's slowly eating her up and the only thing that can take her mind off it is to surf.

There are a number of vividly painted characters throughout the book, especially some that I personally wouldn't want handling my food in a cafe, ever.  Hannah and Danny are definite faves of mine though.  There were parts in the book where I just cracked up laughing at the dialogue of these pair.  It helps to ease up the darker quality the book slips into.

It amazes me how much I actually looked forward to when Carly gets down to the beach.  The description of the water and Carly's reaction to it, really had me wanting to pick up a board and give it a go myself.  The only minor things that would stop me would be a) I can't surf and b) I can't swim.  See.. minor right lol.  It was like her love for the surf really jumped out of the page.

Raw Blue is a brilliantly written story about surfing, the aftermath of a traumatic experience, and Carly's way of dealing with it.  Add a splash of raw Aussie swearing at it's best.  Loved it!

One last thing before I go.  "Go Vaginas"  LOL (P.S You will get this line if you've read the book)

Sticky Beak (37)

Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.
The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

For Writers:
Oasis for YA: Writer's Wendesday - Beta Benefits.  I really enjoyed this post.
A Book in the Woods: Courses - A Subtitute for Writing?  Possibly Guilty of this one lol
Figment: Write Yourself In.  I haven't much time to check this out but it looks interesting!
 
Giveaways:
Susan K Mann: Miss Bohemia Guest Post and Giveaway
 
New Blogs to Check Out:
Wickedly Sweet Books: A Very new blog mostly about YA.  Check it out and make her feel welcome :)
 
Other Cool Stuff To Check Out:
The Staff Recommends: 2010 Holiday Book Gift Guide
 
So, What are Yours?

In My Mailbox (40)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

For Review

Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf by Curtis Jobling.

Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys

The End of Marking Time by C.J West

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Matched by Ally Condie

I'd like to say thnaks to the Penguin Group Australia for sending me Last Sacrifice, Matched, Between Shades of Gray, and Wereworld!!

Thank you to C.J West for sending me The Ends of Marking Time.

So that's what was in my mailbox for this week.  Whatd did you get?



Random Magic: Winterlong Tour Musical Blog Hop

Music is a strong theme in Random Magic  -- so strong, in fact, that one of the celestial characters Winnie

and Henry meet is Efterpe, the Muse of music.

In celebration of the winter season, here’s a fun blog hop to check out. You’ll find lovely songs with wintry themes that also match some of the

important themes in the book.

Come sit by the fire and enjoy a musical feast for friends with us...

You are here: #1 of 10 (Spellbound by Books)

Winter Winds - Mumford & Sons

Live performance: Winter Winds

Song and book themes: Buoyancy - Good Cheer

Random Magic quote:

A young girl, her silver hair in pigtails, burst through the door. Her hot-orange t-shirt and lime green mini-skirt were startling in the gloom. She

bounced along on purple sneakers that lit up with every step she took.

Henry stared.

“Our daughter,” the Count said wearily. “Hypatia.” (More)

Watch Random Magic trailer  - More Random Magic: Browse

Bonus: Free MP3 (as avail.): Cinnamon and Chocolate - Butterfly Boucher

Check out music stop #2 of 10: Take me there 

(If you enjoy a particular music pick, please consider buying the track to help support the person or group that created it for everyone’s enjoyment. River of Light  is the unofficial soundtrack for the 2010 Random Magic winter season tour, Random Magic: Winterlong. Happy listening!)

For the impatient, here are all the blogs on the hop:

#1 of 10: Spellbound by Books 

Themes: Buoyancy - Good Cheer

#2 of 10: Geeky Blogger Themes: Reflection - Spirituality

#3 of 10: The Book Swarm (@marybrebner)

Themes: Fortitude - Quirkiness

#4 of 10: Elbit Blog http://tinyurl.com/23x6wxx) 

Themes: Tenderness - Devotion

#5 of 10: The Reading Lassie http://tinyurl.com/2d4pv5r)

Themes: Mystery - Magic

#6 of 10: A Reader's Adventure http://tinyurl.com/22jzaxo) 

Themes: Celebration - Humor

#7 of 10: vvb32 Reads http://tinyurl.com/2cmrlg7 

Themes: Love - Geniality

#8 of 10: About Happy Books (@abouthappybooks)

Themes: Comedy - Creativity

#9 of 10: The True Book Addict (@truebookaddict)

Themes: Hope - Light

#10 of 10: The Fluidity of Time (Twitter n/a)

Themes: Art - Beauty - Inspiration

(Optional)

Reader note: You're invited! Do you have a favorite tune for the winter season? Feel free to share some of your top tunes in the comments,

maybe everyone will find a great new song to check out.

Entangled by Cat Clarke Book Trailer

Waiting on Wednesday (40)

Waiting on Wednesday was brought to you by Jill over at Breaking The Spine. It's a weekly post for you to share what upcoming books you can't wait for!


I've picked Beween Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys.  This won't be out until 28th March 2011.  I've just received an Uncorrected Proof of this from Penguin Australia.  I don't go for these books usually but to step outside my zone I'm going to give it a go.
 

Synopsis

Lina is a fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. She's just like any other girl. Until one night in 1941 when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known. Separated from her father, forced onto a crowded train car, Lina, her mother, and her young brother are taken slowly north to a Siberian work camp, where they are forced to dig for beets and fight for their lives under the harshest of conditions. Stalin has deported them and is claiming their home as his own. Suffering abuse both physical and emotional, Lina finds solace in her art, meticulously - and at a great personal risk - documenting events by drawing. She imbeds clues in her art of their location and secretly passes them along, attempting to contact her father, hoping these drawings will eventually make their way to his prison camp.
It is a long and harrowing journey, spanning years, covering 6,500 miles. Many lives were lost, but it was their incredible strength, love, and hope that allowed Lina and her brother to endure and ultimately survive.

Born at Midnight by C.C Hunter.  I just love this cover.  We won't be expecting this out until the end of March 2011!

Synopsis
Kylie Galen has had a lot of crap tossed in her lap. Her parents are getting a divorce. Her boyfriend broke up with her because she wouldn’t put out. Her grandmother died and now Kylie’s acquired a stalker. Unfortunately, she’s the only one who seems to be able to see the stalker. And that gets her sent to a psychologist’s sofa.
The kooky psychologist gets Kylie sent to Shadow Falls Camp. Kylie and her parents think it’s a camp for troubled teens.
They thought wrong.
It’s a camp of supernaturals: vampires, werewolves, fairies, witches and shape shifters. And if she believes the camp leader, Kylie is one of them, too.
Just because she’s seeing ghosts, just because she was born at midnight, does that really mean she’s not human? And if so, what is she? Not even the other supernaturals can tell her.

As Kylie attempts to cope with the realization that these creatures actually exist, and that she might even be one of them, the ever present stalker/ghost appears to have secrets that could unravel the mystery of Kylie’s identity and her destiny.

But getting a ghost to open up is as hard as getting a guy to talk about his feelings.
As Kylie struggles to find answers, two hot guys, a werewolf and a half-fairy vie for her attention. However, Kylie’s determined that before she lets her heart discover a new love, she needs to solve her indentify crisis and unearth the truth of her destiny.

Random Magic Tour: Winterlong Dec. 10

Random Magic Tour: Winterlong

Dec. 10-23, 2010

About: Random Magic

Tour organization: Lyrika Publicis

Tour prize coordinator: @LaFemmeReaders

Contact the tour: @RandomMagicTour

Win something wonderful: Tour prizes

Random Magic (Gift-wrapped, first edition)

Fairy tale mini-dolls (Madame Alexander series, complete set)

Magical Covers art event: Prize pack

Beautiful art journal

This Book Belongs To bookplates set

2011 ARC (pre-pub.) YA winter-themed novel

Dec. 10

Winterlong: Musical Blog Hop

Come sit by the fire and enjoy
some lovely winter tunes…

#1 of 10: Spellbound by Books

@Meeka_21

Themes (song and book): Buoyancy - Good Cheer

#2 of 10: Geeky Blogger

@thehistorychic

Themes (song and book): Reflection - Spirituality

#3 of 10: Ecstatic Reviews

@EcstaticReviews

Themes (song and book): Fortitude - Quirkiness

#4 of 10: Elbit Blog

@MeriGreenleaf

Themes (song and book): Tenderness - Devotion

#5 of 10: The Reading Lassie

@ReadingLassie

Themes (song and book): Magic - Mystery

#6 of 10: A Reader’s Adventure

@ReaderAdventure

Theme (song and book): Celebration - Humor

#7 of 10: vvb32 Reads

@vvb32reads

Themes (song and book): Love - Geniality

#8 of 10: About Happy Books

@abouthappybooks

Themes (song and book): Comedy - Creativity

#9 of 10: The True Book Addict

@truebookaddict

Themes (song and book): Hope - Light

#10 of 10: The Fluidity of Time

Twitter: n/a

Themes (song and book): Art - Beauty - Inspiration

(Blog Hop Summary)

Notes: Songs on the blog hop are nice songs for winter,

and they also reflect themes found in Random Magic.

Bonus: Free winter song for every stop

on the hop, feel free to visit all blogs to find them all.

Dec. 11

La Femme Readers

Twitter: @lafemmereaders

Magical Covers: Reimagining the cover of Random Magic

Welcome and prizes info

Voting: Dec. 18 - Winner revealed: Dec. 20

Dec. 12

My Love Affair With Books

Twitter: @Misha_1989

Review

Feat.: ‘Winter Dancers’

and – just for fun!

Unabridged Chick

Twitter: @unabridgedchick

Feat.: Elf Yourself (winter widget)

Dec. 13

Oodles of Books

Twitter: @oodlesofbooks

Review

and

Books, Sweets and other Treats

Twitter: @lindsiking

Feat.: ‘Winter Drinks’

Dec. 14

Stories and Sweeties

Twitter: @storiesweeties

Review

Feat.: ‘Sweets for the Sweet’

Dec. 15

vvb32 Reads

Twitter: @vvb32reads

Feat.: ‘Dandy Fellows’

Related event: Dandies and Delectables (Dec. 10-23)

Dec. 16

Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

Twitter: @blodeuedd83

Review

and

Chick Loves Lit

Twitter: @shanynlee

Review

Feat.: ‘The Secrets of Random Magic’

Dec. 17

This Miss Loves To Read

Twitter: @MissIrenne

Review

Feat. ‘Fairy Tale Top 10: Random Magic’

Dec. 18

Booklover - Book Chicks

Twitter: @LexieVmp666

Review

Feat.: Video review of Random Magic

More: The Booklover - Book Chicks video channel

and

La Femme Readers

Twitter: @lafemmereaders

Magical Covers: Reimagining the cover of Random Magic;
Voting on cover entries
Winning cover revealed on Dec. 20
Dec. 19The Fluidity of Time

Twitter: n/a
Review
Feat.: ‘Subtle Magic: A discussion of Random Magic themes’

and
Mundie Moms
Twitter: @MundieMoms

Twitter: @katiebmundiemom

Review (book chat format)

Dec. 20Makeshift Bookmark

Twitter: @makeshiftjen

Review
Feat.: ‘Casting Random Magic’ (gallery)

and

La Femme Readers

Twitter: @lafemmereaders

Magical Covers: Reimagining Random Magic

Finale: Cover winner revealed

Dec. 21The Bushwick Book Club (Seattle chapter)
 Twitter: n/a
Feat.: Songs inspired by Random Magic (audio/video)
Details: Video performances, two different singer-songwriters.
More: The Bushwick Book Club (Seattle) video channel

Dec. 22Girls in the Stacks
Twitter:http://twitter.com/girlsinthestack
Feat.: Bookshelf Theater: Random Magic (video)
Details: Video performance, cute scene from the book.
More: The Girls in the Stacks video channel

Dec. 23Winter Reading Circle: Tales for a Winter Night
Find some nice and cozy – or dark and spooky –
reads perfect for wintertime, on this fun blog hop.

#1 of 6: What Book Is That?

Twitter: @heynocupcake

#2 of 6: Willowdust Reviews – Tina’s Book Reviews

Twitter: @BooksatTinas

#3 of 6: Diary of a Bookworm

Twitter: n/a

#4 of 6: A Reader’s Adventure

Twitter: @ReaderAdventure

#5 of 6: vvb32 Reads

Twitter: @vvb32reads

#6 of 6 La Femme Readers

Twitter:http://twitter.com/lafemmereaders

Completing the reading circle -- and the Winterlong tour.

Thank you for coming along with us, and happy reading!

Sticky Beak (36)

Sticky Beak is all about sharing. Sometimes we can't all get around to every single blog and website available so that's where Sticky Beak comes in. By word of mouth (well you get what I mean) we are more likely to get to those blogs that we wouldn't have normally seen without someone pointing them out to us.

The links could be to your own post, a favourite blog post you would love to share, an authors blog/website, book/writing contests, reviews you really enjoyed, tour info or anything you would love to share with others. Just use the comments below to add your link!

Here's Mine for this week:

Cool Stuff To Check Out:

Rachel Vincent: What if you didn't know Vamps eat People. Interesting Post.

Hatchette Book Group: 2010 Holiday Gift Guide.

Penguin Books Aus: Newest Last Sacrifice Teaser Trailer. Oh I can't wait for this!!

For Book Bloggers:

Parajunkee's View: Book Blogging 101 - Informing an Author of a bad review. I love having this knowledge readily handy from more experienced bloggers. Being a fairly new blogger I'm still learning the ropes. Thanks for putting up really useful stuff :)

For Writers etc:

Divine Caroline: Peruse at This- The Commonly Misused Words and Phrases. Haha guilty of a few sayings on the second page.

Word Play: Why are you writing this story? Very Interesting Post!

Well here are my links for the week. Feel free to add your own in the comments section!

In My Mailbox (39)

In My Mailbox is a weekly post created by The Story Siren and inspired by Alea of Pop Culture.

For Review:

Shades of Atlantis by Carol Oates

(Thanks to Misha from Omnific Publishing)

Bought:

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

That's all from me this week. What did you get?

I don't know whether anyone else is having this problem too but I have had to resort back to the Old editor to be able to load any images including my own. It keeps coming up with server rejected. WTF??

Does anyone know how to fix this problem? I don't like the old editor because it throws everything out when I'm trying to add images in. Pls leave a comment if you happen to have the answer.

Thanks!