Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Review - Shattered by Melody Carlson



Shattered
By: Melody Carlson
ISBN: 978-1-60006-949-9
Published by: NavPress
Released on April 15, 2011
208 Pages

Back Cover (description from Amazon):
Everybody does it—sneaks out of the house now and then. It's harmless enough, right? Not this time. Cleo Neilson faces the chilling consequences of her actions. Now she has a secret and can’t tell anyone, and it’s breaking her heart. As Cleo fights through her grief and guilt, she learns about faith in God and forgiveness through him. As teenage girls read Cleo's journey, they too will learn the value of having faith and receiving forgiveness as well as just how dangerous it really is to keep a secret.

[series copy]
Every teenage girl has a secret. And every teenage girl loves hearing someone else’s secret. But some secrets are big enough to detour, derail, or even destroy a young person’s life. Each of Melody Carlson’s Secrets novels will propel readers into a world where promises are broken, life is not fair, and challenges can make or break them, while ultimately helping readers discover that solid faith, loyal friends, and a persistent spirit will see them through.

Review:
I have loved Melody Carlson since I read her Diary of A Teenage Girl Series, and she's one of my favorite authors. She wrote the True Color series, which is another one of my favorites. When my mom asked me if I wanted to review this new book in Melody Carlson's new series, I jumped on the opportunity.

This book is about Cleo and a lie she tells to her mother that completely shatters her from the inside out. I liked the surprising turns that this book took. I thought I had this book pegged when I first started reading it (because I always read the ending first!!) but Melody threw me a couple curve balls during the story.

Shattered was a quick read. I read it in a couple of hours, but throughly enjoyed it. I cared for Cleo and everything she went through. I related with a lot of the feelings she had in the book about her mother, and the guilt she felt for keeping secrets. I think the Secrets series is a great thing that Melody is doing.

Secrets can tear any teenager, or adult, apart. They will eat you from the inside out. It's amazing the way that Melody delves into the mind of Cleo and how she tries to not think about everything that's happening around her. She has a mentality that if she doesn't feel it, it's not really happening. It was very interesting watching all the puzzle pieces fall into place.

This book could have taken a lot of turns, and I appreciate the turns that it took. I wish the book had been longer, maybe more in depth and that her kind-of "break down" had been more intense. But I know she probably had a page limit, and it's probably just that "soap-opera" side of me kicking in. :D 

You will absolutely love this book, it deals with a couple of tough issues in a great way. If you're looking for a fast, but deep and enjoyable read check out Shattered by Melody Carlson. You won't regret it!!

About the Author(taken from here):
Melody Carlson has written around 200 books for teens, women and children. That's a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a "storyteller." Her books range from serious issues like schizophrenia (Finding Alice) to lighter topics like house-flipping (A Mile in My Flip-Flops) but most of the inspiration behind her fiction comes right out of real life. Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, TrueColors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She's won a number of awards (including the Rita and Gold Medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog. To find out more about Melody Carlson, visit her website at http://www.melodycarlson.com/

Other series by the author(check out all her books here):





Spellbound Book Tour At Bookish Delights Coming Soon!

Hi,

One of the book reviewers at Bookish Delights, Roshini, will be participating in the Spellbound Book Tour by author Cara Lynn Shultz, which is hosted by Kismet Book Touring (Click Here For Link To Spellbound Tour Page on Kismet). Roshini will be reviewing Spellbound on June 29th, so be sure to drop by then if you are excited about the release of this YA book. There will also be a grand prize giveaway of an iPod nano as well as finished copies of Spellbound at each tour stop. You won't want to miss this! Many other book blogs will be participating in the book tour. Be sure to check out the Spellbound tour schedule below to see all hosts:




Updated Schedule:











Monday June, 13th - Stacy, The Page Turners
Tuesday, June 14th - Candace , Candace’s Book Blog
Wednesday, June 15th - Lisa, Baffled Books
Thursday, June 16th - Michelle, Hooked To Books
Friday, June 17th - Truly Bookish






Monday June, 20th - Tishia, Paranormal Opinion
Tuesday, June 21st - Rie, Mission to Read




Wednesday, June 22nd - Angela, Reading Angel
Thursday, June 23rd - Sarah, Miss Page Turners
Friday, June 24th - Jenn, Books At Midnight


Monday June, 27th - Lorie, Pure Imagination
Tuesday, June 28th - (Spellbound Book Birthday!) - Missie, The Unread Reader
Wednesday, June 29th - Roshini, Bookish Delights
Thursday, June 30th - Jenny, Mimosa Stimulus
Friday, July 1st - Jamie, writers write, right?


-ELISE

Update

Hi, Elise here. Sorry I've been away from posting the majority of this month. I have been having computer trouble, my computer crashed. Sigh. So I've been having limited computer access at library until I get my computer fixed and I haven't had much time to go to library. So just an update that I will hopefully start posting reviews soon, updating tour dates for reviewers, and will try to get the winners announced for my blogoversary giveaways by the end of this week. It'll take a while to count all the extra entries. So just be patient with me. I have also been getting a lot of book review requests from authors/publishers. I will try my best to get back to you by the end of this week or early next week due to my computer troubles. I hope you understand. Thanks!

-ELISE

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer







Mara Dyer doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love.

She's wrong.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer hits stores everywhere 9.27.11. Pre-order your copy here. Download the widget here. Enter to win an Advanced Reader’s Copy here.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Review: Predator by Terri Blackstock

Predator
By: Terri Blackstock
ISBN: 978-0-310-25066-1
Published By: Zondervan
Released on May 24, 2010
336 Pages

Back Cover (Description from Amazon):
Bestselling author Terri Blackstock presents another stand-alone novel, Predator. The murder of Krista Carmichael's fourteen-year-old sister by an online predator has shaken her faith and made her question God's justice and protection. Desperate to find the killer, she creates an online persona to bait the predator. But when the stalker turns his sights on her, will Krista be able to control the outcome? Ryan Adkins started the social network GrapeVyne in his college dorm and has grown it into a billion-dollar corporation. But he never expected it to become a stalking ground for online Predators. One of them lives in his town and has killed two girls and attacked a third. When Ryan meets Krista, the murders become more than a news story to him, and everything is on the line. Joining forces, he and Krista set out to stop the killer. But when hunters pursue a hunter, the tables can easily turn. Only God can protect them now.

Review:
This is one of the best books I've read in awhile. Terri Blackstock grips you from the beginning and leaves you completely satisfied in the end. A fourteen year old girl is murdered essentially because of what is posted on her "Grapevyne" page. Grapevyne in this novel is a mix of Facebook and Twitter, people are constantly posting "Thought Bubbles", snapping pictures of themselves, and sharing their day-to-day activities with their followers. This book makes you think REALLY hard about what you post online. 


The murderer in this book knows everything about these girls because of their Grapevyne page. They take pictures of themselves in places, post about what their doing and what they're going to be wearing. One scene in this book, in particular, makes your hair stand on end. He finds a girl at the airport, and knows exactly who she is, what she's wearing and how to get her into his car, all because he's a follower on her Grapevyne page. 


This book makes me think twice about what to post on my own Facebook page,  I can have all the privacy settings in the world but there are people out there who can get into my Facebook page if they really want to. That's scary. I think that this book should be required to read in schools. Teenagers and children should be educated about what is safe to post on the internet. Personal information in the wrong hands can lead to devastating things.

Ignorance is not bliss. If you don't know what you're doing on Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, Blogger, Tumblr, LiveJournal, or any site like that, you can get into trouble. Nowadays, people are not getting jobs because of what's posted on their Facebook page. Your Facebook page will make you or break you. It represents you.



This book is amazing, and it's one of those books that makes people think. I HIGHLY recommend this book, and I think you should pass it along to everyone you know. I enjoyed this book immensely, and you will to! 

About the Author (taken from here):
Terri Blackstock hasn’t always written for the Lord. Just over a decade ago she was an award-winning secular novelist writing for publishers such as HarperCollins, Harlequin, and Silhouette. With thirty-two titles published and 3.5 million books in print, she found that she was miserable. The compromises she had made in her career had taken their toll on her spiritual life, and she yearned to renew her relationship with Christ.
After much soul-searching and wrestling with God, she finally told the Lord that she would never write another thing that didn’t glorify Him. Thinking she might never be published again, she began planning ways to supplement her income, while she worked on her first idea for a Christian novel.
Because she enjoyed reading suspense novels, she tried weaving a faith message into a fast-paced page-turner with ordinary people in jeopardy. When Christian publishers expressed great interest, she realized that a secondary job would not be necessary. God was paving the way for her to enter the Christian publishing world.
Since that time, she’s sold 2 million Christian novels. She has over thirty Christian titles, many of which have been number one best-sellers. Her latest book, True Light, reached number one on the Top 50 of all Christian books the first full month it was in stores. Night Light was the winner of the 2007 Retailer’s Choice Award for General Fiction. Both books are part of her popular Restoration Series which began with Last Light. Other reader favorites include her Cape Refuge Series, her Newpointe 911 Series, her SunCoast Chronicles Series and her “Seasons” books written with co-author Beverly LaHaye.
Terri has appeared on national television programs such as “The 700 Club” and “Home Life,” and has been a guest on numerous radio programs across the country. The story of her personal journey appears in books such as Touched By the Savior by Mike Yorkey, True Stories of Answered Prayer by Mike Nappa, Faces of Faith by John Hanna, and I Saw Him In Your Eyes by Ace Collins.



Other books by the author:

Book Trailer:











Monday, May 23, 2011

Winners!: Semi-Sweet Giveaway

The giveaway for the two finished copies of Semi-Sweet by Roisin Meaney has officially ended! I have chosen the winners for each copy using Random.org! Thank you to Roisin Meaney and her Publicist for the donation of the books for a giveaway! This took me sooooo long to organize! Especially considering this is my first giveaway winner announcement! Congrats to the winners!

Winner #1

# 116 on my list, Sierra!
"Virtual Claps"

Winner #2

# 156 on my list, Andra!

Congratulations, guys! I hope you enjoy your copy of Semi-Sweet!

Now... for all the not-fun, technical, but important stuff......
I'll email you guys, the 2 winners, shortly after this post is up.
You have 48 hours (2 Days) to reply to my email confirming all of your information.
I will send these out as soon as possible...but remember that I too need to be on a budget so I will probably have to use the least-priced way to send it to you.
You can expect your copy anywhere from a week to 60 days....I know....very long...bear with me. :)

ROSHINI

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Review: Prophecy of Days #1: The Daykeeper's Grimoire by Christy Raedeke


Book Reviewed: The Daykeeper's Grimoire
Author of the Book: Christy Raedeke
Series: Prophecy of Days, Book #1
Publication Date: May 1st, 2010
Publisher: Flux
Recommended Ages: 11 and Up
Type: Young Adult Fiction
Page Count: 384 Pages
Date Finished: April 22nd, 2011
Reviewer: Roshini
Acquired/Source: Received a review copy from Elise who received the book from the author.

Synopsis:

Can one (super smart) girl
(who just wants to be discovered)
decipher the cryptic Mayan calendar prophecy and SAVE THE WORLD?

When her safe-cracker mom and code-breaker dad inherit a dreary Scottish castle, sixteen-year-old Caity Mac Fireland is not happy. Ripped from her cushy life and friends in San Francisco, Caity’s secret fantasy of being discovered by a Hollywood agent, talent scout, or even just a pageant coach seems more unlikely than ever.

But when Caity stumbles across a hidden room in the castle, its walls covered in strange symbols, her life takes a bizarre turn. She finds herself center stage in an international conspiracy involving warring secret societies, assassins, the suppressed revelations of the Mayan Calendar and the year 2012, plus the fate of humanity.

With the help of her friend Justine back home, and Alex, a gorgeous and mysterious Scottish boy, Caity must race to decipher the code and reveal its message to the world before time runs out. (Via Goodreads)

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Review:

We've seen many books out there on the specific date, December 21st, 2012, but this book has been the best out of the enormous list of books. The book was filled with well written information that clearly had hours upon hours of research stringed to it. The first book in the series, Prophecy of Days, The Daykeeper's Grimoire, has conspiracy theories, a bit of...attraction between Caity and Alex, humor, and twists galore. Though the book had all of these great plot enhancers, my favorite thing about the book was an animal, a monkey that can do origami to be specific! I mean really, have you EVER heard the words monkey and origami in the same sentence before? Not including the time when a friend was making origami shaped like a monkey, of course! Mr.Papers, the origami making factory...oops...I mean monkey...has got to be the best part of the book!

What makes this book different from all the others out there about the Mayan calender prophecy? Well, instead of the usual "the world is ending" this book contains another theory on what would happen on the date. This new type of theory includes that instead of the world just plain old ending, it will just start over again...in simple words...a new beginning.

Caity, the main character of the plot, is a incredibly smart and tricky girl that has to get the code made up of strange symbols deciphered. She usually gets help from her friend, Justine, back in San Francisco, throughout the book. Her love interest is Alex, the inhumanely handsome Scottish boy.

I just love the setting of the book! An old Scottish castle? Count me in for the ride! Who wouldn't want to live where mystery and suspense is magnified?

The book in all was just a bit dull near the beginning, but once I got through the first few chapters, it progressed very quickly to an intricate plot with many scenes that hook the reader in. Miss Raedeke has certainly created a master piece! With the cliffhanger at the end that makes you want to JUMP off an actual cliff for the next in the series, I have to conclude that this book is epic!

My Take on the Cover:

I love how bunnies fit in to the cover! Most people who have not read this book would say this: BUNNIES?!?

Well, you gotta read the book to find out! Hehe...

Okay now for the actual thoughtout MTotC! I think that the ancient symbol truley brings the cover and the whole book to life! The symbols in the background also add the feel into the ancienty...is that a word?....and mysterious plot. The cover describes the book perfectly!

Rating:

4: Super but not superior! Go out and buy this book!



*Thanks to the author who gave Elise the book, who gave it to me, to review!*


Sunday, May 15, 2011

Crazy Giveaways Alert (7)

Here some awesomely crazy giveaways! (Click on name of blog to go to giveaway)
Madison over at Locket Stories is giving away a bunch of great new ya reads!
Confessions of a Bookaholic is giving away a lot more this week as well:

Also I might as well announce this right now: The giveaway for Semi-Sweet that was supposed to end on May 13th is now going to end on May 19th! Here is the link to the giveaway!


Another thing I have to tell you guys: the poll about the summer giveaway will actually give you guys some extra entries on the actual summer giveaway if you take it! The poll is actually really simple with ONE question on it, you don't have to comment just click on the your answer in the form. Link to poll:


P.S. The summer giveaway will include To Kill a Mockingbird totes, a copy of TKAM, and whatever souvenirs I find in India, Malaysia, and maybe Thailand!

-Roshini

In My Mailbox (4)

In My Mailbox is hosted by the awesome The Story Siren.

So, my IMM for this week features two books that I won in a giveaway and a small, unexpected....I guess you can call it a postcard...from an author. Also I might as well say that I just ordered City of Fallen Angels and Divergent on Amazon! Squee!!!! Those two will probably be on my next IMM. I also made sure they got to me before the 27th since I'll be leaving to India then! I'll probably finish reading both over the Atlantic Ocean! Sweet!


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Won:
Island Beneath the Sea by Isabel Allende won at Booktrib.com.
In Stitches by Anthony Youn, M.D. won at the blog, Crazy for Books.

Thanks to both for the awesome books!


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For anyone who couldn't read it:
It's a ...postcard... that the author, Elana Johnson sent me, which was really surprising because I never actually asked for it or anything like that! Now, I really want to read it, but it comes out in June 7th, I'll be out of the country! Gah!

Thanks, Elana! I'll probably attend the virtual launch party!


This Week's Posts: (Don't have tentative dates)

A review of Prophecy of Days that was supposed to be up last Monday, but Blogger decided to go wacko on me!

IMM (5)

Multiple reviews of books from Netgalley!


Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Starcrossed: Book Trailer

Most of you who have been followers for a while know that I am utterly obsessed with Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini. Check out my Review and Interview with Josie! Well, today I was jumping up and down on my bed when I got an email from Josie's website that Starcrossed now has a book trailer. I thought that I might as well make a post about it and show it to you guys!
Here it is:




What do you guys think???????

Preorder the Book:

Starcrossed Release Dates

Starcrossed book cover cropped for thumbnail

April 4, 2011 in Spain
May 17, 2011 in Germany
May 31, 2011 in the US
June 3, 2011 in the UK
September 7, 2011 in Italy

-Roshini

(\__/)

(='.'=)
(")_(")



P.S. I finally figured out how to put pictures larger than Blogger lets you put up since usually whenever I put something up its tiny!!!!!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

In My Mailbox (3)

In My MAilbox is hosted by the awesome The Story Siren.
Ok guys, here my is IMM, not many books this week. I have all these books which I put on hold at the library, ready to be picked up, but I don't have the time! Ugh! Curse you, budget cuts, shortening library hours!!!! Aaaahhhhh! Um...ignore that....

Also, I got a total surprise in my mailbox last week, by accident: Enclave by Ann Aguirre. The book was supposed to go to Elise but the publishers accidentally sent it to me. Elise, don't worry, it'll be in your mailbox soon! Me, being a good person, did not peek inside the book to read anything.....it took ALL my strength!


LibraryThing: Early Reviewers:
Calling for Angels by Alex Smith
Immortal Awakening by KC Randall
Netgalley:
Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon
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Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day!

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To all the loving and caring mothers out there-Happy Mother's Day!
Mom,
Thanks for being there-always! A big thanks for reading to me and telling me stories since I was born, you really brought out the reader in me!

-Not just for my mom, this is for all moms out there!


P.S. Since I my mom always wants me to appreciate my Indian heritage-I made a playlist with all my favorite songs from Indian movies including both Hindi and Telugu songs. Tell me what you guys think of some of the songs!





Crazy Giveaways Alert (6)

Here a really crazy giveaway alert for you guys:
Jessica over at Confessions of a Bookaholic has some major giveaways going on for here blogoversary! She also has some other crazy giveaways going on!

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Here the giveaways that are happening right now at here site:
Hurry and check out all of these awesome crazy giveaways!
(Click on the button to go to her site)

P.S. I forgot to tell you guys something seriously important: anyone who fills out the poll/form about the summer giveaway and watches the video,not exactly in that order, will get an extra entry in the summer giveaway.



Friday, May 6, 2011

Gone for School Camp and other Stuff...

Okay so for the next couple days May 7th through the 15th. I won't have a computer for that time either so I won't be reviewing or posting for a while. I might not have any reviews to post at that time either because at camp, we can't have books. I'm going to go insane without a book but rules are rules I guess. I;m also super sorry that I haven't been able to post reviews lately but school has been a giant pain. With state testing last week, another class book, some major projects that are due very soon, after school band practice for our Ajudicated concert, and then throw horseback riding on top of that, I have been busy beyond BELIEF. So there is the reason. Off to go work on one of my projects! (Woooooooooo...)

~Sarah

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

FOUR BOOK GIVEAWAY! :)

I read Beyond the Dead Forest by Steve Groll (you can read my review here) and I absolutely LOVED it. So when I saw this giveaway I just HAD to share it. Steve is giving away TWO SIGNED copies of his book (in paperback) AND two copies of his book in AUDIOBOOK!

This is one giveaway you CANNOT pass up! This book was fantastic, and it will stay with you!


Check out the book trailer here:



Go to this link to enter the giveaway! (Ends on May 19th.)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Review: Moonglass by Jessi Kirby

Book Reviewed: Moonglass (Review Copy)
Author of the Book: Jessi Kirby
Publication Date: May 3rd, 2011 (Today!!!)
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers
Recommended Ages: 12 and Up
Type: Young Adult Fiction
Page Count: 224 Pages
Date Finished: May 2nd, 2011
Reviewer: Roshini
Acquired/Source: Received a review copy prior to release date for a honest review on blog.

Synopsis:
From Jessi Kirby, a debut novel about confronting the past in order to move ahead.

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

Anna's life is upended when her father accepts a job transfer the summer before her junior year. It's bad enough that she has to leave her friends and her life behind, but her dad is moving them to the beach where her parents first met and fell in love- a place awash in memories that Anna would just as soon leave under the surface.
While life on the beach is pretty great, with ocean views and one adorable lifeguard in particular, there are also family secrets that were buried along the shore years ago. And the ebb and flow of the ocean's tide means that nothing- not the sea glass that she collects on the sand and not the truths behind Anna's mother's death- stays buried forever.
(Via Goodreads)
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Review:
How can I describe this book? It was pure and brought tears to my eyes at some points! At first, I thought that this was just another book about a lost family member being a mermaid when I only saw the cover. Once I read the whole book though, I realized that the book was more contemporary and not the least bit fantasy.
Anna, the main character, has lived a life of guilt and misunderstanding ever since her mother died when she was a little child. The book starts with her and her father moving back to her dad's childhood town after he gets a promotion. Anna doesn't appreciate this very much through the first beginning chapters of the book. Moving is the least of her problems though, one huge problem that she does have though is the place where she moves and people there.
The romance is this books is sweet and warm. Anna and Tyler, a handsome lifeguard slowly become more than just friends in the book. What I love about the romance is that it doesn't suddenly hit you full blast on, it creeps higher and higher until you know its inevitable. This type of romance in young adult books is always the best because the main characters act a bit more realistically.
Reality, as mentioned before is very prominent in the book. Readers can feel what Anna goes through as the guilt and mysteries of her mother's death press down upon her. Any teenage girl could have this happen to her which is easily connected with in the book.
I love the theme of sea glass in the book. The title of the book comes from a word Anna and her mother make. Moonglass describes sea glass found at night using moonlight. The word it self shows one connection point Anna had with her mother.
Jessi Kirby explores the heart of a teenaged girl who loses her mother not from accidental death but suicide. This topic is less addressed in the young adult genre but shows prominency for something enormous! The way she vividly writes places people right on the beaches where Moonglass takes place for most of the movie. It makes the reader yearn to visit a beach in Moonglass, somehow.
Moonglass was a story that taught me many lessons. It let me glimpse into a life of a teenager whose mother died in a completely different way. Anna tries to make a fresh start away from all of this. Rejuvenatingly inspiring, Moonglass is a novel compared to red sea glass on a beach-precious, beautiful, and rare.

My Take on the Cover:
The cover and back of Moonglass is phenomenal. I love the sparkly finish that they gave it. It gives off a feeling of gems and glass. Anna and Tyler holding hands, looking out in the ocean represents their romance in the book. The background, which is the ocean shows off the setting magnificently! The title is both in words and on the cover-the letters are silver and indented with a moon behind it. The small pieces of sea glass reflecting because of the moonlight gives the cover yet another reason to be even more gorgeous.

Rating:
5: People will not be able to resist this Bookish Delight!

*Thank you to Jessi Kirby and the publisher for sending out this review copy to me!*
As of today, May 3rd 2011, the book is officially out in the bookstores for readers!


Buy the Book: