Giveaway: Hades by Alexandra Adornetto

The story that Alexandra Adornetto built in her bestselling debut, HALO, comes alive in action-packed and unexpected ways, as angels battle demons, and the power of love is put to the test.

Heaven Help Her. 

Bethany Church is an angel sent to Earth to keep dark forces at bay. Falling in love was never part of her mission, but the bond between Beth and her mortal boyfriend, Xavier Woods, is undeniably strong. But even Xavier?s love, and the care of her archangel siblings, Gabriel and Ivy, can?t keep Beth from being tricked into a motorcycle ride that ends up in Hell. There, the demon Jake Thorn bargains for Beth?s release back to Earth. But what he asks of her will destroy her, and quite possibly, her loved ones, as well.

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/AlexandraAdornetto 

Macmillan page for the book & author: http://us.macmillan.com/hades

GIVEAWAY:

1 copy of HADES by Alexandra Adornetto

US/Canada Only

Leave a comment with your email address.

Extra Entries:
+2 tweet about giveaway & leave a link.

Giveaway ends 11th September and winner will be announced on my blog ~ good luck everyone!


Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Tara from Zeitghost Media for giveaway.

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

Genre: YA Fantasy
US Publication Date: 1st September 2011
Pages: 305
Book Source: Lerner Publishing Group & NetGalley

Synopsis:
Once upon a time there was a girl who was special.

This is not her story.

Unless you count the part where I killed her.

Sixteen-year-old Alison has been sectioned in a mental institute for teens, having murdered the most perfect and popular girl at school. But the case is a mystery: no body has been found, and Alison's condition is proving difficult to diagnose. Alison herself can't explain what happened: one minute she was fighting with Tori -- the next she disintegrated. Into nothing. But that's impossible. Right?

Review:
Ultraviolet is is one of those stories you lose yourself in, oblivious to everything and everyone around you ... an author's imagination at it's best. It's a book of layers, Anderson's writing has a magical quality and is so intensely visual, it's breathtaking. A refreshingly original storyline, a plethora of twists and turns, a maelstrom of emotions ... get the idea?

Immersion in the psychciatric hospital setting is effortless thanks to Anderson's exceptional writing. Alison's condition reads like a character itself, it's a fascinating concept that I'd love to talk about more but I'll endeavour to keep my review cryptic as Ultraviolet is best experienced with as little foreshadowing as possible.

Doors flapped open and slammed shut, like the valves of a pounding heart. Footsteps splattered blue onto the fluorescent orange shriek of the alarm, and the air thickened with shouting voices ...

The arrival of Sebastian Faraday at Pine Hills provides Alison with some clarity as she questions her sanity but also raises further questions. Faraday is a really interesting character, mysterious, empathetic and entirely likeable.

"Dark chocolate, poured over velvet: that was how his voice tasted. I wanted him to follow me around and narrate the rest of my life."

Did I completely love the slightly unorthodox genre digression? Not really, but regardless this is a clever, addictive and completely hypnotic read.

Want to know more about R.J. Anderson? - Visit her website.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Once again not much reading or reviewing done but I had a great week and a fun weekend. A bit of scrapbooking, a night out in the city with Mike on Friday night and a card night with Alaine and hubby Ian on Saturday night. Alaine is leaving in 10 days for a 4 week holiday to UK & Scotland so a night of fun was called for ~ quite a few drinks and uproarious laughing ensued.

We have a another big weekend coming up, Friday night we are going to watch the Socceroos play Thailand. Saturday we are having a family brunch and early father's day celebration and Saturday night we are spending at Alaine and Ian's in a farewell party for Alaine & Kristianne ... phew.

 Callum at my sister's home, May 2009

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I posted review for: (click on title)

CLEAN by Amy Reed ~ a really powerful addiction/recovery story

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Finished last week:

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachael Vincent ~ (audiobook) - I'm enjoying this series

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This Week's Reading List:

BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE by Juliet Gray ~ page 202; enjoyable.

THE GIRL OF FIRE & THORNS by Rae Carson

MY SOUL TO KEEP by Rachel Vincent ~ (audiobook)

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Reviews to post:

FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater ~ review scheduled this week

NANBERRY by Jackie French ~ review scheduled this week

ULTRAVIOLET by R. J. Anderson ~ review scheduled Tuesday.

LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols

Clean by Amy Reed

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: July 19th 2011
Pages: 288
Book Source: Simon & Schuster GalleyGrab

Synopsis: Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: They’re addicts. Addicts who have hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them wants to confront the truths about their pasts. But they’ll all have to deal with themselves and one another if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there’s nowhere to go but down, down, down.

Review:

This was a really powerful account of 5 teens facing their addictions in a rehab setting. Not a pretty read, nothing sugar-coated, it's honest and raw which adds a sense of intimacy to the story. Yes there's pain, suffering and heartache, yes it's hard-hitting, (I'd be disappointed if it wasn't) and yes there's bad language, the F-bomb is dropped often but none of this felt gratuitous.

The story is told via the first-person narratives of Kelly and Christopher but accompanied by group transcripts and personal essays from all five, the reader gains unique insight into each teen's slide into addiction and the struggle to change their life.

I appreciated the ending, it's not too clean (pardon the pun) or too good to be true ... it's realistic and hopeful; just as it should be. An important read for teens and adults alike.

I'll definitely be reading more from this talented author who's not afraid to tell it like it is.

Want to know more about Amy Reed and her work? - Check out her website.

Scrapbook Camp, Winners & It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Alaine & I had a wonderful weekend at scrapbook camp,  late nights, lots of laughs, chats and creative time. I did a number of layouts I'm really happy with, you can check them out on this post.

Packing for camp and a few family dramas during the week meant I didn't get much reading or reviewing done but it's a new week. Fingers crossed it'll be productive!

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I posted reviews for: (click on title)

TOUCH OF A THIEF by Mia Marlowe ~ deliciously naughty

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Giveaways -

Win 5 copies of I SEE SAVANNAH by Kirstan Graham ~ enter here.

Winners of ECSTATIC EVIL by Amanda McNeil

 

Alicia0605 & Linda

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Finished last week:

FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater

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This Week's Reading List:

MY SOUL TO SAVE by Rachel Vincent ~ (audiobook) chapter 3.

BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE by Juliet Gray

THE GIRL OF FIRE & THORNS by Rae Carson

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Reviews to post:

NANBERRY by Jackie French

ULTRAVIOLET by R. J. Anderson ~ review scheduled this week.

CLEAN by Amy Reed ~ review scheduled this week.

LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols

All The Fun Of Scrapbook Camp

Mike & I at Taleah's 21st Memorial day July 2011

Callum with his Aunty on Mother's Day 2011 (adapted from Narelle's layout)

Alaine and I did this layout together

Anthony & Callum in October 2010

My travel bucket list, inspired by a layout I saw somewhere

Alaine and I had a wonderful weekend at scrapbook camp, late nights, lots of laughs and getting up to no good. It's always great catching up with old friends and making new ones to keep in touch with until we see them at the next retreat. Of course no cooking & no washing up is always a bonus! There's something very nurturing about spending time with female friends in a warm, creative environment.    



Touch Of A Thief by Mia Marlowe

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Touch Of Seduction #1
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 320
Book Source: from the lovely Mia Marlowe

Synopsis: London's most talented criminal is about to be fingered...

Lady Viola Preston can relieve a gentleman of the studs at his wrists without his being any the wiser and pick any lock devised by man in less than a minute. But she's careful to wear gloves when she steals jewels. Because when Viola touches a gemstone with her bare skin, it "speaks" to her, sending disturbing visions—visions almost as unsettling as the sight of the cool-eyed stranger who catches her red handed.

Now Viola will only be stealing at Greydon Quinn's behest. And even more daunting than the violent history of the red diamond he's after is the prospect of a night in the devastatingly handsome lieutenant's arms. Touch has always been Viola's weakness, and the full body-to-body contact Quinn has in mind is about to shatter her defenses and set her senses reeling.

Review:

If you like your historical romance deliciously naughty then you'll love Touch Of A Thief. But there's more to this one than smokin' hot sex scenes; the characters are fully fleshed out, the plot is packed full of adventure, mystery and danger and loosely touches on aspects of British rule in India in the 1850's.

Lady Viola is a strong, sassy heroine, an impoverished aristocrat supporting her family through her aptitude as a jewel thief. Quinn is of the English ton, a lieutenant serving in India with an obscure past and some talent in Kama Sutra, making for the entertaining and provocative scenes I previously mentioned :)

With an opening scene designed to ensure a captive audience, the story progresses from India to England and France. Prince Sanjay of Amjerat is stripped of his Princedom, a rare red diamond is stolen from an Indian temple and Sanjay, Viola and Quinn join forces in a quest for justice.

What I really loved (besides the sex scenes lol) was the psychometry element; gemstones 'speak' to Viola, an original and refreshing angle in a historical romance.

Touch of a Thief is a fun, sexy read with trademark witty dialogue.

Mia wrote several novels as Emily Bryan and many of you know how much I love her work. Touch Of A Thief is no exception.

Want to know more about Mia Marlowe? Visit her website.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Another wonderful weekend; we watched Callum play a couple of games of soccer and my sister came for a visit and we scrapbooked and chatted into the wee  hours.

I got a layout of my gorgeous niece done and the first card for Alaine. The second card is one I made for Anthony & Christine's engagement, (a Stacy Marks scraplift.) This week Alaine and I will be madly packing for scrapbook camp which is this weekend coming ... I'm seriously in the mood for more creative fun so I can't wait.

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I posted reviews for: (click on title)

THE TASTE OF APPLE by James Laidler ~ brilliant Aussie YA

I SEE SAVANNAH by Kirstan Graham ~ very cute children's book (see giveaway)

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Giveaways -

Win paranormal romance ECSTATIC EVIL by Amanda McNeil ~ enter here

Win 5 copies of I SEE SAVANNAH by Kirstan Graham ~ enter here.

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Finished last week:

NANBERRY by Jackie French ~ great Aussie historical fiction

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This Week's Reading List:

FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater ~ page 25

BECOMING MARIE ANTOINETTE by Juliet Gray

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Reviews to post:

ULTRAVIOLET by R. J. Anderson ~ enthralling & refreshingly different.

CLEAN by Amy Reed ~ in depth look at addiction in teens.

LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols

TOUCH OF A THIEF by Mia Marlowe ~ deliciously naughty (review scheduled this week)

Win 5 copies of I See ... Savannah & Interview with Kirstan Graham

Please welcome Kirstan Graham, author of I See Savannah to The Eclectic Reader and take the time to read her interview. Kirstan has a special reason for seeing her book publication dreams to fruition. PS. I printed some of the animal colouring pages from Kirstan's website for my niece, she'll love them!

1.  Tell us a little about yourself? 

I am a full time mom, part time author, graphic designer, and artist. Wait. That's too many hours a day right? Ok. Well, I'm a lot of different things depending on the time of day, but one thing I'm not is bored. I went to school for an A.A.S. in graphic design and worked in the corrugated packaging business for nearly a decade. While doing fifty-plus hour work weeks I managed to squeeze in a full load of college credits to earn my B.A. in Arts & Letters. Being a mom is definitely the hardest and most important job I've ever had and deciding to leave my 9-9 to raise my little one was by far my best decision. I love spending time teaching her about her world and sitting back letting her teach me all the things I'd forgotten. Our favorite past time is reading together.

2.  Can you tell us your inspiration for your I See Animals series?

My daughter and I devour books, and when we aren't doing that we are usually at the zoo. I had always wanted to write a book, but never knew what or how to start so that dream just stewed in my brain popping up now and then but never taking shape. Back in January I was diagnosed with Melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, and after treatment resolved to stop waiting for "someday" and start making my dreams happen today. I was very unsettled by the idea of not being here to see my little girl grow up, but more so by the thought that she was so young she may not remember our time together. That's when I came up with the I see… Animals series. For me it was a therapeutic way to deal with some painful fears while creating something my daughter would always have. They are a distillation of our favorite things, animals, adventure, and time together, which other parents can also enjoy with their kids.

3.    What do you think makes your stories different or unique to others in the market?

As I've mentioned, we read a lot in our house, and I haven't seen anything like my books. There are seek and find types of things out there, but very often they are flap based and don't lead the child to guess but rather focus on the surprise of the reveal. My books are designed to encourage the child to take part in the adventure by guessing and building that guess through a series of clues. I also created the books as a way to engage parents using smart phones and e-readers to share those devices with their children in a safe and fun way. The ebook revolution is really taking off but there still aren't many ebooks specifically designed for children. The ones out there tend to be print books just reformatted, where as mine are specifically created for digital devices.

4.  Do you have a favorite book from childhood?

Many! The first book I could read on my own was Danny and the Dinosaur, which I still have, so that will always hold a special place in my heart. My very favorite though is really a series. I adore the Serendipity books by Stephen Cosgrove and Robin James, especially Flutterby and Morgan Morning.

5.  What are you reading now?

I'm eagerly awaiting the new Terry Goodkind book, The Omen Machine, which comes out very soon. In the meantime I'm rereading the Dark Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop, my other favorite author.

6.  Describe yourself in three words.

Grateful. Geeky. Go-Getter.

7.  If you could be dropped into any book as a character who would you be and why?

I would be Kahlan Amnell from the Sword of Truth Series. She consistently overcomes tragedy through courage, intellect and unerring sense of reason.

8.  What has been your experience to publication … challenges??

Being a graphic designer certainly made formatting and publishing my own books easier. I have self-published both I see… Savannah and I see… Serengeti through Smashwords, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. For me, marketing is the biggest challenge. Once the books were done the real work began with getting the word out. My books are steadily gaining momentum though so I feel like my efforts are making an impact.

9. What’s next on the table for Kirstan Graham?

I'm already planning my next book in the I see… Animals series which will feature Dinosaurs. I'm hoping to have it out before Thanksgiving. To make it fun for my readers I'm holding a little contest over on my blog to pick the Dino to be featured on the cover. The winning suggestion will not only be featured but that child (or parent acting for their child) will be mentioned in the dedication as well as win a copy of all of my ebooks. The full contest information, and how to enter, is on my site http://www.dkgraham.com/blog/2011/08/i-see-jurassic-contest-see-your-childs-favorite-dinosaur-in-my-next-book/

10. How do you connect with your readers?

I think readers are key to any books success. I try to make myself very available through social media and the web. Primarily I run my own site, http://www.dkgraham.com/, where readers can get the latest news from my blog and email or follow me. I'm also known to post lots of freebies like mini-books and coloring pages that parents can download and enjoy with their own little ones. Or color themselves. There's no shame in enjoying a good crayon session!

Your Baby, Binoculars, and African Animals! Join your child on a safari of discovery as you both spy animal clues through your trusty binoculars. Each animal is revealed after three clues and your child will love being engaged by the simple text and whimsical characters while using their powers of observation to guess who they will find next. Meet these five unique animals on your journey: Elephant, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Lion, and Zebra.

Giveaway:
5 eBook copies of I SEE ... SAVANNAH to readers of my blog

*You must comment on my review of I See ... Savannah & leave a comment on this post regarding Kirstan's interview. Don't forget to leave an email address.*

Extra Entries:

+2 post about this give-away on twitter, fb or your blog & leave a link.

Competition ends 26th August and the winner will be announced on my blog.

I See ... Savannah by Kirstan Graham

Title: I See ... Savannah
- Your Baby, Binoculars, and African Animals
Author: Kirstan Graham
Genre: Children's 
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 22
Book Source: Courtesy of author

Synopsis: Your Baby, Binoculars, and African Animals! Join your child on a safari of discovery as you both spy animal clues through your trusty binoculars. Each animal is revealed after three clues and your child will love being engaged by the simple text and whimsical characters while using their powers of observation to guess who they will find next. Meet these five unique animals on your journey: Elephant, Rhinoceros, Giraffe, Lion, and Zebra.

The first in a series of books designed to emphasize early literacy development by engaging children in print motivation and simple narrative skills — the ability to describe things and events.

Review:

A very cute, entertaining book with simple phrasing & colourful illustrations. Perfect for pre-readers, for parents or grandparents reading to littlies and for early readers to read to younger siblings. My niece thought this was a wonderful way to teach her soft toys about African animals.

I thought the 3 clues prior to the reveal of the animal were terrific for heightening anticipation and a fun way to teach & engage children in further discussion. Combining I Spy, Hide & Seek type game play was a great strategy to captivate and maintain attention, and encourage participation.

In this technological age of e-readers, i-phones, netbooks & laptops this is a portable, fun & educational way to keep a young child entertained and definitely a lovely series to keep. Kirstan's next book in the series, I See ... Serengeti is now available.

For 99cents on Smashwords, Amazon, iTunes, & B&N you really can't go wrong. My only suggestion would be download it for a colour device to appreciate the illustrations.

And be sure to come back tomorrow for an interview with Kirstan. Up for grabs will be 5 copies of I See ... Savannah!!

Visit Kirstan Graham's website to find out more about this author and her work.

The Taste Of Apple by James Laidler

Genre: YA Contemporary
Copyright: 2010
Pages: 328
Book Source: Courtesy of Author

Synopsis: Pedro Jones is lost. Abandoned by his father and forced into commission housing with his Filipino immigrant mother, the future seems bleak.

But when Pedro meets the 'mad' street busker, Johnny Lazzaro, and gets involved with the East Timor freedom movement, life takes an unexpected detour through the uncharted backblocks of the human heart.

Review:

I have to confess I said yes to reviewing James's novel purely for the fact that I enjoy supporting Australian author's and I thought the book trailer was exceptional but my expectation of enjoying The Taste Of Apple was actually quite low. *embarrassed grin* I'm keen to try new things but I didn't think I'd like the verse style but this is one experience that echoes the addage "don't knock it till you've tried it."

We follow Pedro's journey from age 10 to 18, from a 2 parent home in the suburb of Heidelberg to the housing commission apartment block in Richmond with his Filipino mother. When Pedro is 'introduced' to Juan "Johnny" Lazzaro of Johnny says a lot of stuff fame, Pedro's world expands exponentially, and he learns the difference between being alive and staying alive.

Sister McKenzie, 5 year old Evie and Mr Santiago and his Question of the week and words of wisdom 

"Better you eat the apple, Pedro
than the apple eat at you."

 play an integral role in the novel and are wonderfully characterised.

Laidler's debut novel is my first experience with a novel in free verse and I was completely amazed at the depth of emotion and characterisation conveyed. The prose is powerful, beautiful, hard-hitting. The book is accompanied by a 13 track interactive cd with songs and spoken word that paint vivid pictures and takes the reading experience to another dimension.

You can almost feel the heat radiating from the asphalt, smell the rank odours of urine and beer, hear the drone of traffic; it's all so raw and intense and real.

It's 9'oclock at night
and looking past Mum
I see
the setting sun
through the lounge rooom window
as it coughs up
a molasses of murdered red
on the city's skyline ...

The red covers everything:
the buildings,
the sky,
the events of this night,
and the promise of tomorrow.

I stand there
fighting back tears,
watching the setting
summer sun

slowly bleed out
into
darkness.

My son is in year 12, not much of a reader but I know he'd enjoy reading this, it would have made an excellent study piece covering the themes and issues of identity, belonging, racism and Australia's involvement (or lack of), during the Indonesian invasion of East Timor and the plight of the East Timorese after the Dili Massacre in 1991.

What a truly innovative & poignant story ... I'm richer for having read The Taste Of Apple.

 Want to know more about James Laidler? ... check out his website.

YIPPEE Blog Makeover & It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

Grab a cup of coffee or a cold drink, this post is a biggie LOL

Well the most exciting news is my blog makeover; designed by the very talented Danny from Dreamy Blog Designs. I'm in love with the new look, hope you like it too! Let me know if there's any probs or if you're running IE8 & having problems viewing The Eclectic Reader or other blogs for that matter please contact me and I'll let you know how to fix it. Maybe I'll post a little tutorial on viewing compatibilty if there's anyone interested.

To celebrate my blog's new look and my 3rd Anniversary in blogging I'll be posting a competition later this week so be sure to check back.

I had a super busy and wonderful week and wanted to share some photos of the fun! My son Anthony and his fiancee Christine have a new addition to their family, baby Bundy is just adorable & we've been doing quite a bit of babysitting. Our puppy Bella has such a sweet nature and Bella & 6 week old Bundy are already the best of friends.

We had a lovely night at the coast & spent Sunday at Movieworld; enjoying all the rides and shows. Cal and I haven't been to Movieworld since Callum was a toddler. Our favourite ride was the Superman Escape but I got some great photos of Mike & Cal upside down (last feet on the left of picture) on the Lethal Weapon ride.

 Mike & Cal with The Green Hornet & The Flash; see the resemblance?

me and Bugs

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With my new blog look being loaded I only had the opportunity to post the one review this week but it was a brilliant book!

ORDINARY BEAUTY ~ 5 star awesomeness!! Check this one out!

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Giveaway - Win paranormal romance ECSTATIC EVIL by Amanda McNeil ~ enter here

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Finished last week:

ULTRAVIOLET by R. J. Anderson ~ enthralling & refreshingly different.

CLEAN by Amy Reed ~ in depth look at addiction in teens.

I SEE SAVANNAH by Kirstan Graham ~ cute picture book (review up this week)

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This Week's Reading List:

NANBERRY by Jackie French ~ another Aussie author :)

SURVIVING MAGGIE -An Australia Story by John Fingleton ~ page 15

FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater ~ page 25

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Reviews to post:

THE TASTE OF APPLE by James Laidler (review scheduled this week)

LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols

TOUCH OF A THIEF by Mia Marlowe ~ deliciously naughty (review scheduled this week)

Guest Post & Giveaway With Amanda McNeil author of Ecstatic Evil

Tova Gallagher isn't just your average tough as nails, intelligent Bostonian. She also just so happens to be half-demon, and halvesies have an important role to play in the supe world. Whether they choose to go with the instincts of their demon or human half is supposed to predict the outcome of the endtimes, and now Tova has a deadline to choose sides. But all of that is hard to care about when she's just met a sexy stranger on the edge of the Charles River.

The Tova Gallagher series will consist entirely of bite-sized novellas for the busy paranormal romance fan. New entries will release every two to three months. The first entry, Ecstatic Evil, was released on July 7th.

Please welcome Amanda McNeil to The Eclectic Reader

Ever notice how a lot of paranormal romance tends to take place in the American south? I’m a huge fan of the genre, so when I decided to write my own novella series, making the main character a northerner born and raised was a no-brainer.

Tova Gallagher embodies the best and worst of northern women. She’s fiercely independent, brassy, and some would say tactless. Attempts at being fashionable sometimes fall to the wayside in order to stay warm and/or dry in fierce Boston winters. Bourbon is always on hand, and she gives men a bit of a run for their money when it comes to drinking at the pubs. But she’s also loyal to a fault and has a soft heart under the tough exterior. Her stress levels running an independent bookstore with her best friend and being perpetually boyfriendless may be high, but her biting Yankee sense of humor helps her keep a positive outlook.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a paranormal romance if Tova was just a typical northern woman, would it? She’s also half-demon. The result of the supe world attempting to determine of humans or demons will win in the endtimes. Whichever half Tova and other halvesies allow to control their lives is supposed to help predict this future. Personally, Tova thinks this whole issue has more to do with demons being unable to keep it in their pants around humans, but her demon cousin Bartleby always shoots down this theory. You’d think choosing sides would be easy, but demon magic can be really tempting to use. Even more so when a mysterious stranger shows up that makes her tingle in more ways than one.

To find out more about Amanda and her writing visit her @ http://opinionsofawolf.wordpress.com/.

Follow her on twitter & on Goodreads.

 

GIVEAWAY:

I'm thrilled to be able to offer 2 eBook copies of Ecstatic Evil to readers of my blog.

Leave a comment with a question for Amanda & don't forget to include an email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link.

Competition ends 19th August and the winner will be announced on my blog.

Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess

Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: 14th June 2011
Pages: 320
Book Source: ARC Simon & Schuster Galley Grab

Synopsis: Sayre Bellavia grew up knowing she was a mistake: unplanned and unwanted. At five months shy of eighteen, she’s become an expert in loneliness, heartache, and neglect. Her whole life she’s been cursed, used, and left behind. Swallowed a thousand tears and ignored a thousand deliberate cruelties. Sayre’s stuck by her mother through hell, tried to help her, be near her, be important to her even as her mother slipped away into a violent haze of addiction, destroying the only chance Sayre ever had for a real family.

Broke, homeless and alone, Sayre struggles to survive and wonders if her mother has ever, even for a moment, actually loved her and if, after a lifetime of being blamed for ruining her mother's life, she still loves the woman who hurt her so badly. Needing the truth, Sayre embarks on an urgent, terrifying journey to reach her mother, who is near death, ravaged by her own destructive behavior, and who alone holds the answer to Sayre's desperate, unspoken question.

Review:

A beautiful, brilliant, agonising read that tugs at your heartstrings. My first Laura Wiess book but it definitely won't be my last.

This was one of those rare reads that had me alternating wildly between holding my breath unable to turn the page for fear of what I might read, desperate to put the book down and escape from the raw emotion and powerless to tear myself away from the page.

Laura Wiess doesn't shy away from tackling the harsh truths of addiction, child neglect and abuse but what makes Ordinary Beauty so much more poignant is that stories like this are often not stories, they are someone's reality.

Sayre is strong, compassionate  & courageous, a character you can't help but love and want love for. Sayre's mother on the other hand; alcholic, meth addict and all round loathesome creature I quite often found myself wishing her a nasty end and early in the story hoping that someone would back over her with a truck ... I know, I know, where's my compassion ;)

Sayre's story is heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful, it's not a 'victim' story but a story of survival and triumph and it's far from ordinary. It's an ageless read that reminds us how blessed are we whose lives are far removed from Sayre Bellavia's.

Want to know more about Laura Wiess? ~ check out her website; Welcome To The Asylum.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

A weekly event hosted by Sheila from Book Journey to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week. Thanks Sheila :)

I didn't get much read during the week but I did do some catching up on book reviews, housework and blog visiting :)

Winner of INITIATION by Rebecca Royce:

Congratulations ~ Cassandra

Posted reviews for: (click on title)

ABITHICA by Susan Goldsmith ~ loved it 4.5 stars!

A STORM CALLED KATRINA by Myron Uhlberg ~ beautifully illustrated children's book.
 
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Finished last week:

TOUCH OF A THIEF by Mia Marlowe ~ deliciously naughty

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This Week's Reading List:

ULTRAVIOLET by R. J. Anderson ~ page 105 and loving it

CLEAN by Amy Reed ~ page 50

FOREVER by Maggie Stiefvater

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Reviews to post:

ORDINARY BEAUTY by Laura Wiess (review scheduled this week)

THE TASTE OF APPLE by James Laidler (review scheduled this week)

LOVE STORY by Jennifer Echols

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