2011 The Year That Was :)

Wow another wonderful year of blogging has come to an end. I'm sure as I get older the years are moving faster! In matters of health 2010 has been another challenging year but I'm looking forward to all that 2012 has to offer with hope and happiness :))

To my family and friends; may 2012 be all that you wish for. Be kind and stay safe!

I read 70 books in 2011; a very sad effort lol but it was some of the best YA fiction around and some brilliant historical fiction and general fiction.

My favourites ** are linked to their book review so just click on the title to see what I thought. I've been quite stingy with my 5 star reviews this year but the select few have been bolded :)

Historical:

I Am The Chosen King by Helen Hollick**
The Tudor Secret by C W Gortner**
Exit the Actress by Priya Parmar**
The Matchmaker of Kenmare by Frank Delaney
A Race To Splendor by Ciji Ware
The Last Letter by Kathleen Shoop**
Becoming Marie Antoinette by Juliet Grey
Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Song of the Nile by Stephanie Dray**

Young Adult:

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand**

Pink by Lili Wilkinson
Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
The Fiddler's Gun by A.S. Peterson**
Heart With Joy by Steve Cushman**
Stay by Deb Caletti**
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Die For Me by Amy Plum**
Mercy by Rebecca Lim**

Bumped by Megan McCafferty

Radiance by Alyson Noel

Between Here and Forever by Elizabeth Scott

Ordinary Beauty by Laura Wiess**

The Taste Of Apple by James Laidler

Initiation by Rebecca Royce

Abithica by Susan Goldsmith

Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson**

Clean by Amy Reed

Nanberry by Jackie French**

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

My Soul To Save by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Keep by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Steal by Rachel Vincent

The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson

Cold Kiss by Amy Garvey

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh**

Without Tess by Marcella Pixley**

If I Tell by Janet Gurtler

You Are My Only by Beth Kephart

Blood Song by Rhiannon Hart**

Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

Mom & Dad Aren't Getting Along (Now that Mom's a Zombie) by Garry McNulty

Saving June by Hannah Harrington**

The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

Every Other Day by Jennifer Lynn Barnes** (review in 2012)

Flyaway by Helen Landalf

Fantasy:
The Restorer by Amanda Stevens**

Romance: Paranormal, Historical, Contemporary

The Touch of a Thief by Mia Marlowe
The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

General Fiction:
These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf**
Best Kept Secret by Amy Hatvany**
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain**
Here, Home, Hope by Kaira Rouda
The Coffeeholic and the Cafe by Elizabeth Martin
The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman**
Roam by Alan Lazar
Sister Pact by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter

Suspense/Thriller:

Indefensible by Pamela Callow

Violent Exposure by Katherine Howell**

Non-Fiction/Memoir
How To Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber
Living With It by Bev Aisbett
Bonjour 40 by Karen A Chase**

Junior's Dessert Cookbook by Alan Rosen

Surviving Maggie by John Fingleton

Children's Fiction:

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg
I See Savannah by Kirsten Graham
Feet and Other Silly Poems by Mitch Fairchild
Franklin's Christmas Gift by Paulette Bourgeois**


Short Story:
Again by Lance Zarimba

A Bit Of This & That ... and Winners :)

Pre-Christmas photoshoot with Santa at Surfer's Paradise 

View from the Skypoint Observation Deck - Q1 Surfers Paradise

One of the world’s fastest express lifts - ground to level 77 in less than 43 seconds

On holidays Surfers Paradise - Scooter fun :)

We had a wonderful holiday at the coast and got back on the 23rd December in time for a frenzy of Christmas shopping, wrapping and cooking. A terrific Christmas was had by all but getting a 'nice' family photo was a bit of a challenge LOL

And a big thank you to my Broke & Bookish Secret Santa ... I did some sleuthing and my lovely gifts are from Toni from New Zealand @ One Chocolate Box. Thanks so much Toni; made my day receiving these in the mail :)

Winners of QUEEN HEREAFTER by Susan Fraser King 

Congrats: Anne & FairyWhispers

Winner of FEET by Mitch Fairchild 

Congrats: MadRoo

Don't forget giveaway of MADAME TUSSAUD by Michelle Moran ~ enter here 

May Your Merry Be Very :)

Merry Christmas from my family to yours, hope your Christmas is blessed with love and laughter, stay safe over the holiday break and have oodles of fun!

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, hope you're spending it with those you love xx

Guest Post & Giveaway with Michelle Moran, Author of Madame Tussaud

Revolutionary or Royalist?

This December 1^st marked the 250^th anniversary of Marie Grosholtz’s birth. And while that name may not be immediately recognizable, Marie’s married name - Madame Tussaud - is probably one of the most famous in French history. It comes as a surprise to many people that the name behind the famous wax museums actually belonged to a real woman. Born in 1761, Marie grew up in a middle-class family on the Boulevard du Temple in Paris. As the daughter of a prominent wax artist who had friends in every walk of life, her family entertained impoverished young lawyers and hobnobbed with royals like the Duc d’Orléans. It was a rich and incredibly varied existence for Marie on the Boulevard. One day she might be dressed in a towering white pouf for a visit with the queen, while the next she might be working in a dirty artist’s apron. She knew how to curtsy and how to spice venison for stew, and was as comfortable in her uncle’s Tuesday evening salons as she was in his workshop, where she modeled wax figures of the rich and famous (and sometimes infamous) for their museum.

Marie in her workshop

But when discontent began to spread throughout Paris, evidenced by the heated debates which took  place in her family’s weekly salons, Marie had a choice to make. Would she side with the revolutionaries who were calling for fair taxation and an end to nobility, or would she support the royal family whose patronage had turned her Parisian museum into a must-see event for both French and foreigners alike?

While writing the book, I tried to imagine what I would have done in Marie’s place. I imagined that I was an acquaintance of Marie Antoinette’s, and that I was good friends with the king’s sister, Madame Elisabeth. As the Revolution gathers support from the masses, I witness firsthand the panic gripping the Palace of Versailles. At first, the king dismisses the uprising as a few discontented rabble-rousers. But as the protests becomes more violent, he begins to realize that this is something serious – something dangerous, in fact. Still, no one around him is telling him the truth. Not about the anger, or the violence, or even the state of his own treasury. Should I risk my place at court to speak up? If so, would he even believe me? And even if he did, what would it change at this late stage? There are also my three brothers to consider, all of whom are employed in the king’s Swiss Guard. Yet for all of my royal ties, I can see the revolutionaries’ point as well. People are starving in the streets, jobs are scarce, yet the rich are exempt from taxation.

So do I wear the black and white cockade to symbolize my support of the Bourbons, or do I wear the red, white and blue for revolution? It turns out that Marie did both. As the Revolution gained steam, anyone dressed in clothing that was deemed too “fancy” was subject to arrest. To be seen in public without a tricolor cockade meant literally risking your life. And at a time when nearly 40,000 people were guillotined (more than 80% were commoners), execution was a very real threat. So while Marie kept her ties with the royal family – even when it was dangerous to do so – she was also a very public (and unintentionally influential) figure in the French Revolution.

I can’t imagine the horrors Madame Tussaud lived through during this time, but I can empathize with the very difficult choices she eventually made in an attempt to survive. I didn’t always agree with them, but Madame Tussaud is - without a doubt - one of the strongest women I will ever write about.

Thank you so much to Michelle for guest posting on The Eclectic Reader.

To celebrate the 27th December release of Madame Tussaud in paperback I'm thrilled to offer readers a chance to win a signed copy of Madame Tussaud and the very cute Marie Antoinette earrings.


Want to know more about Michelle and her work? ~ Visit her website or her blog, History Buff. 


 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

1 signed paperback copy of MADAME TUSSAUD as well as a pair of Marie Antoinette cupcake earrings. US only sorry

Leave a comment regarding Michelle's guest post and don't forget your email address.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
+1 for followers of my blog (mention in your comment)
+2 post about this give-away on twitter or your blog & leave a link.

Ends Jan 6th 2012 and the winner will be announced on this blog. Good luck everyone!

Franklin's Christmas Gift by Paulette Bourgeois

Genre: Children's Fiction
Author: Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrator: Brenda Clark
Publication Date: 22nd Nov 2011 (1st published 1998)
Pages: 32
Book Source: Kids Can Press & NetGalley

Synopsis: In this Franklin Classic Storybook, Franklin can’t decide what to donate to his school’s Christmas toy drive. At first, all of his toys seem too special to give away, then nothing seems special enough. With some inspiration from his Great Aunt Harriet, Franklin finally comes up with the perfect gift.

Review:

I love Franklin, my boys loved Franklin (back in the day) and this was actually one of the many Franklin books we owned. Hence the reason I couldn't resist re-reading and reviewing this one. These books remain timeless, the moral message is just as relevant today as it was when my children were little. 

Every year Mrs Owl's class donate toys to the school's toy drive for needy families. Franklin has struggled to choose a gift because all his toys are "too special to give away." Mrs Owl reminds her class that the gift given may be the only gift some children receive so Franklin goes home to think about giving with thought and from the heart.

Franklin and his friends are very relatable and the bright colourful illustrations are a winner for children. Most importantly this cute little book conveys a beautiful message about the value and selflessness in giving.  

Suited for young children age 3 to 8

Virtual Advent Tour - Christmas Decorating

This is my first time participating in the Advent Blog Tour hosted by Marg from Adventures of an Intrepid Reader & Kailana from The Written World and oh what fun it is checking out everyone's posts from around the world.

Decorating the Christmas tree and loungeroom is something of a Christmas tradition in our house, just not quite the tradition I thought it was going to be. I must confess I had visions of all the family helping decorate, taking turns to hang ornaments, drinking eggnog (we don't do eggnog), listening to Christmas carols (yeah right ... the boys would stage a boycott) and sharing favourite Christmas memories.

Here's how it really is; it might not be the tradition I envisioned but it's ours and I treasure these times. Callum (17yr old) and I now decorate the tree on the 1st Dec or the first weekend after the 1st (give or take depending on enthusiasm.) This year Mike also helped; we have a glass of wine and listen to Callum's choice of music lol. We have an eclectic mix of decorations, old and new, hand-made by the boys and my niece,  hand me downs from mum and her mum, store bought, glass, tin, wood, felt, plaster, Australian like the little banksia cherub and international and many of them hold special memories.

Our Christmas Ornament Memories

When Mum was alive it was her tradition to buy each family a new Christmas decoration to add to their collection. We've continued the tradition and buy a new ornament or decoration each year, the tin santa with skates below was our 2010 addition.

We put Taleah's Nativity Windmill on the dining room table each Christmas, this was bought by a close friend in memory of our baby girl the 1st Christmas after she passed away. It's 21 years old and now missing a blade from the windmill but when the candles are lit the windmill spins and in a small way it feels like Taleah is sharing Christmas with us.

Callum is also the one who helps me do the Christmas treat cooking the week before Christmas. Christmas Eve is usually a traditional roast, then Christmas day is usually seafood and cold meats, family photos, followed by a swim in the pool as this time of the year in Australia is soooo hot :)

Here's one of our family favourite Christmas treats; I make them every year for family and friends. Homemade Ferrero Rochers ~ way yummier than store bought ones!

Ingredients:

400gm Nestle milk chocolate melts
1tblsp copha
10 ice-cream wafers
1 small packet macadamia nuts
1 small jar nutella
crushed almonds (optional)

Method:

Gently melt chocolate and copha and stir until combined (in microwave at 50% power) or on stovetop.
Stir in finely crushed wafers.

Half fill ice cube trays with teaspoon of chocolate mix
Place macadamia nut (whole or halved) on mixture.
Place 1/2 teaspoon of nutella on each nut and top off with more chocolate mixture.
Optional: sprinkle with crushed nuts.
Place in freezer for 5 mins to set then pop out of ice cube tray and store in fridge


Whatever you are doing this Christmas I do hope you and yours are blessed with good health, love, laughter and happiness.

Roam by Alan Lazar

Genre: General Fiction
Release Date: 1st November 2011
Pages: 336
Book Source: Simon & Schuster & NetGalley

Synopsis: It's the dog owner's greatest fear, even worse in some ways than a beloved pet dying. Your dog getting lost - missing for days, then weeks, perhaps gone forever. Roam is the story of a dog named Nelson who follows his nose one day and gets lost, becoming separated from his anxious owner.

Roam follows Nelson on his eight-year stray away from home, until one day he is miraculously reunited with his family. Through it all, Nelson maintains his optimistic spirit and unflagging yearning for the Great Love, his first human owner, a concert pianist named Katey. He never stops longing for her, and she in turn never stops searching for him.

Lazar's skillful rendering of a dog's cognitive, sensory, and emotional life celebrates the extraordinary magical power of dogs, showing what this scrappy little mutt with a courageous heart can teach us humans. This deeply moving story of families, the human condition, and longing in America will deeply affect readers and remind them of the healing powers of survival and enduring love.

Review:

What sets this "lost dog" story apart from others is that it's told from Nelson's point of view. Nelson being the half beagle half poodle protagonist and a fiercely inquisitive, loyal, bright, and courageous dog.

Author, Alan Lazar is also a composer and the soundtrack he's written and performed is embedded in the text of Roam. Using your smart phone you can scan the tag and listen to tracks such as "The Smell of Grass" and "The Great Love." If that sounds a wee bit complicated then visit the author's website and listen to the seven part soundtrack; it really does enhance the reading experience.

The matter-of-fact narration is an unusual combination; simply worded in parts, purely sensory in others, blunt to the point of cringing in places but also emotionally engaging. All tied together with a huge helping of the scents that are an integral part of Nelson's life experience. 

This is a fictional story but there are similar true stories where dogs like Nelson display extraordinary courage, lifelong loyalty, unconditional love and go to incredible lengths to be reunited with their own Great Loves.

Nelson's love for Katey is palpable, it oozes off the page, it made me smile, it made me tear up and it had me giving our little Bella an extra cuddle or two. Nelson's experiences and adventures in his 8 years apart from Katey are both sad and heartwarming.

Apologies in advance for this teensy weensy spoiler but if you're anything like me and a total sucker for animal stories and a big sookie (I howled in Marley & Me and Red Dog) then you'll appreciate knowing that Roam has a happy, happy ending :)

The unconditional love we humans receive from our furry friends is like no other.

Visit Alan Lazar's website to find out more.

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 :)

A huge week which culminated in a successful garage sale, Broke & Bookish Secret Santa posted, cards for Holiday Card Exchange posted, the Christmas tree finally decorated, lots of blog posting but no reading ... can't win them all :)

and I've made a few cards for family and friends but still have more to do!

Wednesday is my turn on the 2011 Virtual Advent Tour so come by for some of my family's favourite Christmas recipes, photos and of course Aussie traditions.

************

I posted reviews for: (click on title)

FEET and OTHER SILLY POEMS by Mitch Fairchild ~ review and giveaway

SURVIVING MAGGIE: An Australian Story by John Fingleton

************

Giveaways

 

FEET and OTHER SILLY POEMS by Mitch Fairchild ~ enter here

QUEEN HEREAFTER by Susan Fraser King - 2 copies International ~ enter here

 

MADAME TUSSAUD by Michelle Moran ~ signed copy & Marie Antoinette earrings - scheduled Tuesday

 

************

Finished last week:

nothing, nada, zip :))

************

This Week's Reading List:

 

THE DEMON LOVER by Juliet Dark ~ page 15

SISTER PACT by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter

 

************

Reviews Scheduled:

EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ~ loved it!!

 

ROAM by Alan Lazar ~ for all dog lovers

 

 

Reviews Still To Do:

 

THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting

 

MY SOUL TO STEAL by Rachel Vincent

MY SOUL TO KEEP by Rachel Vincent

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachael Vincent

 

BEAUTIFUL CHAOS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

 

 

 

Surviving Maggie by John Fingleton

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir

Publication Date: 1st Sept 2011
Pages: 272
Book Source: HarperCollins Australia & NetGalley

Synopsis: My father was no ordinary man and his was no ordinary life …

Watching Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush portray his father in the film Swimming Upstream inspired John Fingleton to uncover the story no one had told, of his father′s mysterious early life - and what made Harold the extraordinary man he became.

Nothing could have prepared him for what he discovered. Harold spent his early childhood on the streets foraging for food for himself and his sister and being beaten for his trouble by his alcoholic mother. Then, at eleven, Harold was removed to a state orphanage in Brisbane, where the treatment he and others endured haunted him forever.

From abused child to rebellious orphan, Harold Fingleton played many roles in his life - larrikin street fighter, gifted sportsman, prisoner, alcoholic, football coach to a bunch of street kids, even a murder suspect - but, most importantly, a man transformed by the love of a strong woman into a father determined his children would have the opportunities he never had.

A powerful true story of love, betrayal and redemption, Surviving Maggie will stay with you long after the last page.

Review:

How many of you remember the 2003 film Swimming Upstream starring Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis? "Write your own book if you're not happy" challenged Tony Fingleton, author & film co- producer. This was John Fingleton's impetus for telling the untold story of his father Harold's early life, hopefully providing some counterbalance to Harold's portrayal in Swimming Upstream.

Harold Fingleton's childhood is a pitifully sad account; after years of abuse at the hands of his mother, Maggie, Harold is taken into state care at the age of ten where he endures further neglect, hunger, harsh discipline and abuse.

"Idle hands are the devil's tools" was a popular adage among the nuns.

My heart broke for Harold during his brief release from St Vincent Orphanage on Christmas Eve 1920; at 1am on Christmas morning his mother was arrested for drunkeness and foul language and sent to Boggo Road Gaol, dashing Harold's hopes of a 'family' Christmas and a new beginning. Elation quickly turned to resignation and bitterness as Harold was returned to the orphanage on Christmas day. He was released as a ward at the age of 14.

I was caught up in Surviving Maggie, not only in the emotion of Harold's dreadful childhood but being a local Brisbane-ite many of the locations and points of interest mentioned are familiar to me.

Surviving Maggie gives readers an understanding of how Harold's early life molded the man he became, you learn not only of his faults, flaws and weaknesses but of his strengths, loyalties and love. John doesn't excuse his father's behaviour but as the story moves into Harold's adult years much of the emotion seems to be lost in the somewhat stark recounting of facts and circumstances that shape the man. Despite his attempt to set the record straight on the previous one-sided depiction of Harold, John doesn't sugarcoat his father's alcoholism or the impact on his family.

Through police reports, government records, his Aunt Mollie, his mother Dora, family and friends, a son pieces together a harrowing story of the father he loved with all his heart.

Giveaway: Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King ~ 2 Winners

Queen Hereafter: A Novel Of Margaret of Scotland

Refugee. Queen. Saint. In eleventh-century Scotland, a young woman strives to fulfill her destiny despite the risks . . .

Shipwrecked on the Scottish coast, a young Saxon princess and her family - including the outlawed Edgar of England - ask sanctuary of the warrior-king Malcolm Canmore, who shrewdly sees the political advantage. He promises to aid Edgar and the Saxon cause in return for the hand of Edgar’s sister, Margaret, in marriage.

A foreign queen in a strange land, Margaret adapts to life among the barbarian Scots, bears princes, and shapes the fierce warrior Malcolm into a sophisticated ruler. Yet even as the king and queen build a passionate and tempestuous partnership, the Scots distrust her. When her husband brings Eva, a Celtic bard, to court as a hostage for the good behavior of the formidable Lady Macbeth, Margaret expects trouble. Instead, an unlikely friendship grows between the queen and her bard, though one has a wild Celtic nature and the other follows the demanding path of obligation.

Torn between old and new loyalties, Eva is bound by a vow to betray the king and his Saxon queen. Soon imprisoned and charged with witchcraft and treason, Eva learns that Queen Margaret - counseled by the furious king and his powerful priests - will decide her fate and that of her kinswoman Lady Macbeth. But can the proud queen forgive such deep treachery?

Impeccably researched, a dramatic page-turner, Queen Hereafter is an unforgettable story of shifting alliances and the tension between fear and trust as a young woman finds her way in a dangerous world.

Want to know more about Susan Fraser King? ~ visit her website.

To celebrate the 6th December paperback release of QUEEN HEREAFTER I'm excited to offer readers an international giveaway thanks to the generosity of Crown Publishing Group/Random House.

GIVEAWAY:

2 copies of QUEEN HEREAFTER by Susan Fraser King and it's International!!

Open to Followers Only (if you're not a follower & you'd like to enter just click on the follow button on the left hand side of my blog - easy peasy.)

Leave a comment telling me what intrigues you about Queen Hereafter and don't forget an email address

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+2 tweet about this giveaway & leave a link

Ends Dec 15th and the winners will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!

FEET by Mitch Fairchild - Review & Giveaway

Title: FEET and Other Silly Poems
Author: Mitch Fairchild
Genre: Children's Poetry
Publication Date: Sept 2011
Pages:
Book Source: From author for review

Synopsis: Mitch Fairchild's wit and sense of humor shine through as he creates clever and funny poetic stories that will bring a smile to the face of children and parents alike. Mitch masterfully uses paper and pen, much like an artist uses a canvas and paint brush, to whisk the reader away through various silly scenes that will leave them wanting for more. “Feet” is the first in a series of five children's poem books written by Fairchild.

Review:

Mitch Fairchild does a great job of bringing humour to poetry, making FEET a delightfully entertaining read to share; whether that be between parent or grandparent and child, siblings or students reading aloud in class. Children usually find bodily functions highly amusing and Barney's Little Present had universal appeal.

Nonsensical poems, and bold, colourful, simplistic drawings are sure to appeal to the young and the young at heart. This is one poetry book that is definitely funnier read out loud. 

My eight year old niece enjoyed Feet: her favourite poems were Amanda the Panda because pandas are her favourite animal, Barney's Little Present and Little Timmy because both these made her laugh. She continued to recite her favourites the next day and giggles ensued. She did wonder why the drawings weren't coloured in properly :))

The Year 5 students of Cooroy State School also gave Feet and Other Silly Poems a tick of approval. Overall students found the poems funny and they especially enjoyed the rhyming ones. Their favourites were once again Barney's Little Present, The Trampoline and Little Timmy.

quotes from students about the poems: 

"they can be quite funny and quite clever" 

"sometimes they make you laugh for no reason"

"the drawings were creative and matched the poems"

However some students were expecting to see some emotion or expression on the faces of people in the illustrations.

"I couldn't tell if they were happy, angry or sad"

The year 5 teacher found this a worthwhile resource for her poetry unit and the students found reading out loud a lot of fun.

Purchase FEET @ Amazon and B&N

Mitch's follow up book Buzzz, Buzzz is also available @ Amazon and B&N.

Want to know more about Mitch Fairchild? ~ visit his website

GIVEAWAY:

To win yourself an eBook Copy of FEET by Mitch Fairchild just leave a comment on this post and don't forget your email address.

Extra Entries:

+2 tweet about giveaway & leave a link.

Giveaway ends 13th Dec and the winner will be announced on my blog

Vote for ORPHEUS & win a copy of THE GODDESS TEST - 20 copies to win!!

AUSSIE GIVEAWAY

Alex Alexander is working on a paranormal webisode series based on the Greek mythological story Orpheus and Eurydice -  Perhaps one of the first ever paranormal romances.  

Alex is running a promotion until 11.59pm Monday the 5th of December to get as many people to watch the ORPHEUS trailer (only 60seconds) on the Movie Extra webfest site. Most votes means funding to make the series.

In support of this Harlequin Teen Australia are donating copies of their successful book based on Greek Mytholgy: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter to help the cause.

The first 20 Australian Readers of my blog who vote Love it by following the instructions below will win a copy of The Goddess Test.

Go to this link on facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/mncwebfest/showentry/922854/null/4

1. watch the ORPHEUS trailer
2. Vote Love it - Facebook allow and LIKE the MNC Webfest facebook page. 
3. Take note of what vote you are.

Come back to my blog and let me know what  # vote you are and don't forget your email address.

Hurry ends 11.59pm Monday 5th of December.

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 :)

Well a very slack week on my blog *hangs head*. I have so much to post and I'm struggling to find the time and energy. But hey it's a new week so watch out, I may surprise you ;)

Lots of giveaways getting posted this week so please be sure to pop back and enter!

We did get the Christmas tree half decorated (does that count?) and then got sidetracked preparing for a monster garage sale this Saturday. Lots to do, lots to do!

************

I posted reviews for: (click on title)

SAVING JUNE by Hannah Harrington ~ 4.5 stars, great read!

************

Giveaways:

Vote for ORPHEUS & win a copy of THE GODDESS TEST ~ enter here (20 copies to win) - Aussies only sorry. Hurry ends 11.59pm Monday the 5th of December.

FEET and OTHER SILLY POEMS by Mitch Fairchild ~ review & giveaway scheduled Tue

QUEEN HEREAFTER by Susan Fraser King - 2 copies International (sheduled Wed)

************

Finished last week:

EVERY OTHER DAY by Jennifer Lynn Barnes ~ loved it!!

BEAUTIFUL CHAOS by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl (audiobook)

************

This Week's Reading List:

THE DEMON LOVER by Juliet Dark ~ page 15

SISTER PACT by Ali Ahearn & Ros Baxter

************

Reviews Scheduled:

FEET and OTHER SILLY POEMS by Mitch Fairchild ~ review & giveaway scheduled Tue

SURVIVING MAGGIE: An Australian Story by John Fingleton ~ review scheduled Thurs

Reviews Still To Do:

THE PLEDGE by Kimberly Derting ~ enjoyable

ROAM by Alan Lazar ~ for all dog lovers

MY SOUL TO STEAL by Rachel Vincent

MY SOUL TO KEEP by Rachel Vincent

MY SOUL TO LOSE by Rachael Vincent