Friday, June 30, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: June 30th - July 6th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Kristin @ Lukten av Trykksverte!

Name a book that changed your life.

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 Wow! Great question this week. I would say the one book that changed me life would be Goosebumps: Welcome to Dead House by R.L. Stine, aka the first published Goosebumps title. Well, it didn't really change my life, but it did lead me to start reading other horror novels. Reading Goosebumps lead me to the Fear Street novels and other Point Horror titles. Then I started reading Stephen King, John Saul, and Anne Rice.



Linky List:

Thursday, June 29, 2017

Interview & Giveaway with Norman Green, author of Sick Like That




Being released on paperback on July 11th from Witness Impulse is the mystery SICK LIKE THAT, An Alessandra Martillo Mystery, by Norman Green.




The author has taken a few minutes out of his busy schedule for a Q&A about his novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

I’ve always been interested in telling stories, it’s the most human activity there is.

What was your first book/story published?

‘Shooting Dr. Jack.’ 

What inspired you to write SICK LIKE THAT?

I’d resisted writing anything with a ‘private eye’ in it, but I wondered what would happen if you did it from a female perspective, especially a female who came from the inner city, who maybe isn’t the biggest proponent of law enforcement.

What character in SICK LIKE THAT is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Interview with D.D. Miers, co-author of Gravestones & Wicked Bones




Coming soon from authors D.D. Miers and B. Crow is the urban fantasy Gravestones & Wicked Bones, book one in the all-new Shadow Creatures series.


Half Fae. Half Demon. 100% Badass Bitch.

My sisters and I weren’t born with magic. No, we were forced into it. Betrayed into it by the one person who was supposed to protect us. Now we’re living in a shithole desert town at the mercy of a sexy-as-hell Fae named Bastian.

So far, I’ve been able to buy Violet and Jade time to live freely, without being held to Bastian’s constant call. I’ve been doing his dirty work for five long years, but my sisters’ freedom is wearing thin. Soon he’ll summon them, just as he did me—and I can’t let that happen.

Bastian’s latest assignment offers an escape for my sisters, and I’d be a fool not to take it. But my target is more powerful than any man I’ve faced before, and doubly seductive. He draws out my inner demons—literally—and evading this attraction might prove more difficult than finishing what I started.


D.D. Miers has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedules for a Q&A about her newest novel. 


When did you become interested in storytelling?

It sounds like the answer you always hear, but I love to tell stories. It hit a certain point in my life where I couldn’t get them to quiet down. These characters and ideas had formed and grown and they needed an outlet.

What was your first book/story published?

Dark Summoner, the first book in my Relic Keeper Series. I actually have it for free at the moment because book two is coming out next month!

What inspired you to write Gravestones & Wicked Bones?

You know, my idea started with a setting. I imagined some dumpy crap town where you’d least expect supernaturals to live. Then I imagined what kind of people would live there? Not anyone by choice. And so was born the concept for Gravestones & Wicked Bones. A story about our lack of choice and how we (or Ivy) faces that reality.

What character in Gravestones & Wicked Bones is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

What Should I Look For In A Wedding Jewelry Company?



Getting married is generally one of the most exciting and personally significant experiences of an individual's life. As such, it's not surprising to note that many people find it important to ensure that they select the perfect wedding ring. Remember that one big key to finding the perfect wedding ring is locating the right retailer. Read on to learn about some of the attributes that the best wedding jewelry companies will have:

1. Great Online Reviews.

One of the most important attributes to look for in a wedding jewelry company is great online reviews. This attribute is important because it proves that the retailer's customers think the services and products offered were excellent. Note that the majority of consumers now think that online reviews are at the level of credibility afforded to personal recommendations. If you come across a wedding jewelry retailer that almost always receives glowing online reviews, this is a good indication that you'll attain wonderful products from the company. On the other hand, be sure to think twice about doing business with a retailer that consistently receives negative or neutral feedback from customers.

2. Fair Prices.

In addition to seeking out a wedding jewelry retailer that consistently receives great online reviews, look for a team of professionals who offer fair prices. Good retailers know that many of their clients are on a tight wedding budget, and they don't overcharge just to line their pockets. Luckily, the internet makes it easy for you to do research and determine what the average asking prices are for specific brands and styles of jewelry. Comparing and contrasting the prices of at least three retailers will help you make cost-effective purchasing decisions!

3. Industry Experience.

Another attribute you'll want to look for in a wedding jewelry company is industry experience. This attribute is important because it empowers you to attain assistance from individuals who have extensive knowledge within the field. Note that a company that has been in operation for ten years or longer has likely maintained a good reputation as well. You can generally learn how long a wedding jewelry retailer has been operating by checking their website.

Monday, June 26, 2017

Summer Reads: The Captain's Daughter by Jennifer Delamere


Bethany House; 348 pages; Buy Link; Blog Tour

Now available from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is the historical romance The Captain's Daughter, book one in the London Beginnings series, by Jennifer Delamere.

The novel begins at Dartmoor Coast, England in 1873, where a seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Bernay finds herself leaving the orphanage that she has called home for many years. She's also leaving behind her two sisters, Julia and Cara. Now considered an adult, she must venture into the world to find her place, which for her it happens to be working as a maid for Mrs. Huffman in London.

Six year later, Rosalyn finds herself penniless on the streets of London. Luckily, she stumbles upon a job working backstage at a theater as a dresser. She has always had a passion for music, so she fits right in at the there.

Nate Moran arrives in London to help out his brother, who had broken his leg working backstage at the theater. Nate is going to fill in as a stagehand, so his brother won't lose his job. He had previously served in the army regiment in India before injuring his hand, so working temporarily at theater should be an easy task. Of course, his plans on returning to the army as soon as hand is healed, but plans for the future changes after he meets the beautiful Rosalyn.

Bookends #7


What am I currently reading?

After finishing Alien Covenant: The Official Novelization by Alan Dean Foster last week (look for my review on here sometime this week), I had to squeeze in several reads for upcoming book tours, which includes The Captain's Daughter, Freedom's Price, and Under a Summer Sky. I also had time to finish reading the novella collection An Amish Summer.

Next, I'm finally going to start reading Royally Roma by Teri Wilson!

What am I reading next?


Most likely, I'm going to be reading The Enchantment of Emma Fletcher by L.D. Crichton next; followed by either Ties That Bind by Cindy Woodsmall or Ink And Bone by Rachel Caine.

Saturday, June 24, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Saban's Power Rangers Dino Super Charge: The Complete Season


NOT RATED; 284 minutes; $19.98; Amazon

Landing on DVD on June 27th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment is Saban's Power Rangers Dino Super Charge: The Complete Season, featuring 20 action-packed episodes from the franchise's 23rd season. There are no special features or bonus extras on the 4-disc set.

Power Rangers Dino Super Charge aired throughout 2016 on Nickelodeon, picking up shortly after the events of the first season (Power Rangers Dino Charge). Believing that Sledge, an intergalactic bounty hunter, has been killed, the Rangers (Tyler, Chase, Shelby, Koda, Riley, Sir Ivan of Zandar, Kendall, and Prince Philip III) have begun to move on with their lives, but sadly they won't have much time to relax, as a new threat has emerged from the ashes - Heckyl and his armored half Snide.

With Heckyl/Snide teaming up with what's left of Sledge's henchman, the Rangers must join forces with two new Rangers -  the Aqua Ranger (Tyler's missing father, James) and the Silver Ranger (an alien named Zenowing), so they'll be strong enough to save Earth.

The episodes on the 4-disc set are:

Roar
Disc 1
"When Evil Stirs"
 "Forge and Forget"
"Nightmare in Amber Beach"
"A Date with Danger"
"Roar of the Red Ranger"
Disc 2
"Forged Under Fire"
"Home Run Koda"
"Riches and Rags"
"Besties 4Eva!"
"Gone Fishin"

Extinction
Disc 1
"Love at First Fight"
"Catching Some Rays"
"Recipe for Disaster"
"Silver Secret"
"Wings of Danger"
Disc 2
"Freaky Frightday"
"Worgworld"
"The Rangers Rock"
"Edge of Extinction"
"End of Extinction"

Friday, June 23, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: June 23rd - 29th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews!

If you are at a really good point in a book and the phone rings or the door bell rings, do you stop reading or let the phone or door bell go unanswered?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 I don't have a landline phone; I only have a cellphone. If the cell rings while I'm reading a book, I would probably put the book down and check to see who is calling. If I don't recognize the number, I won't answer the call, and then I would return to reading the book. As for the doorbell, yes, I would put the book down and answer the door.



Linky List:

Popcorn & Coffee: Murder 101 Collection DVD Review


Mill Creek Entertainment; 174 minutes; $9.98

Now available on DVD from Mill Creek Entertainment is the Murder 101 Collection, featuring the made-for-television movies Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses and Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery. There are no special features or extras on the single-disc.

The Murder 101 was a series of made-for-television movies that aired on the Hallmark Channel between 2006 - 2008. The movies starred Dick Van Dyke and his son Barry Van Dyke, who both also played together in the long-running mystery series Diagnosis Murder. Instead of playing father and son again, Dick Van Dyke stars as Dr. Jonathan Maxwell, a criminology professor, who teams up with an old friend's private detective son, Mike Bryant (played by Barry Van Dyke), to solve murder cases. A total of four films were made - Murder 101, College Can Be Murder, If Wishes Were Horses, and The Locked Room Mystery.

Directed by David S. Cass Sr., Murder 101: If Wishes Were Horses centers on the Barwley family's prize racehorse being kidnapped. Being a friend of the family, Professor Maxwell takes up it upon himself to investigate the kidnapping. Unfortunately, what starts out as a simple ransom, quickly turns to murder. Maxwell teams up with Mike Bryant to solve the mystery.

Once again directed by David S. Cass Sr., Murder 101: The Locked Room Mystery (also known as Murder 101: New Age) centers on a spiritual "healer" named Samuel (played by Charles Shauchnessy) being murdered in a locked room with four students. The twists is that all the students were will in a deep trance while Samuel was murdered. Professor Maxwell, Mike Brant, and Mike's nephew Ben (played by Barry Van Dyke's son, Shane Van Dyke) team up to solve the mystery.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Review - The Beautiful Word: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering

 
Zondervan; 112 pages; $15.99; Amazon
Now available from Zondervan is the adult coloring book called The Beautiful World: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering, featuring illustrations & lettering by Megan Wells and interior designs by Mallory Collins.

The idea that there were coloring books for adults seemed a bit silly to me at first. However, after I looked through several titles at local Walmart a year or so ago, I can easily see the appeal. Actually, coloring is no different than any other craft hobby.

Zondervan has jumped into the adult coloring book world by releasing a series of titles under the "Coloring Faith" line, which typical contains Bible Verses along with beautiful illustrations for you to color.

At a whopping 112 pages, The Beautiful Word: Creative Coloring & Hand Lettering features a variety of different illustrations, from abstracts to landscapes, which are all paired with a Bible Verse page. Some of the lettering can be colored in, and normally these pages have an illustrated border.


Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Interview & Giveaway with David H. Minton, author of Where On Earth? An Alaska Adventure



Now available from Fiery Seas Publishing is the romantic novel Where On Earth? An Alaska Adventure by David H. Minton.


The author has taken a few minutes out of his busy schedule for a Q&A about his novel.


When did you become interested in storytelling?

My mother was a librarian and she always brought home interesting books from the library. So as far back as I can remember, I’ve always been interested in stories, both fiction and non-fiction. My father liked Robert W. Service and Rudyard Kipling, and through those writers, I became interested in poetry—especially descriptive poetry.

What was your first book/story published?

My first book was a non-fiction book about the history of the Boeing 737. It was published by McGraw Hill in the Aero series. I’ve always been interested in planes and writing about an airliner seemed natural to me.

What inspired you to write Where on Earth? An Adventure in Alaska ?

For some years I’ve had an idea of a novel with a male and a female protagonist on opposite sides of the environmental/climate debate. I plan for more of these books with the same characters, including the French-speaking dog, in other locations in the world. Over the last several years I’ve worked on outlines of these various stories. I don’t know why Alaska floated to the top first.

What character in Where on Earth? An Adventure in Alaska is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

Dan Richardson, the male protagonist and I share have a lot of common experiences, war veterans, helicopters, survey work, and environmental impact statements. I think he is most like me in that he is very solution oriented, much more interested in solving problems than being stymied or frustrated by them. I think it is pretty common among writers in that you write best about which you know best, like yourself.

What is your favorite part in Where on Earth? An Adventure in Alaska ?

Monday, June 19, 2017

Bookends #6


What am I currently reading?


After nearly a month, I finally finished reading Into The Water by Paula Hawkins, which I was extremely disappointed with it. Read my review here!

I had planned on returning the book to the library on Saturday, but it was closed due to weather damage. There was a horrible thunderstorm with 60+mp winds on Friday night & early Saturday morning and the part of the library's roof was torn off. There was also water damage to the inside, mostly on the office side of the building.

Anyhow, the book drop was reopened, so I returned the book today. Repairs to the library are currently underway. Visit the library's Facebook page for their most recent update.

As for my current read, I'm reading Alien Covenant: The Official Novelization by Alan Dean Foster.

What am I reading next?


My current plan is to finally read Royally Roma by Teri Wilson, that is if I don't get distracted by another book.

Saturday, June 17, 2017

Have a Saturday Morning Cartoons Marathon!


If you're in your 30's, like I am, then you mostly likely grew up watching cartoons every Saturday morning. You know, back way before the Federal Communications Commission mandate, which required networks to air at least 3 hours of educational program per week - aka, killing Saturday Morning Cartoons forever.

Yes, you can still find plenty of new cartoons on cable channels; some even have 24 hours of animated programs, but it just doesn't feel the same as it did in the late 1980s and the early 1990s. Thankfully, many of our cartoon favorites are now available on DVD, so we can watch them anytime we like. We can even have a Saturday Morning Cartoons Marathon, if like.
14 hours 20 minutes: $19.98; Mill Creek Ent.

Now available from Mill Creek Entertainment are 'the complete series' sets of Where On Earth is Carmen Sandiego? and Archie's Weird Mysteries.

Where On Earth is Carmen Sandiego? is based on a series of computer games. It aired on the now defunct Fox Kids block from 1994 to 1999, lasting for only 40 episodes. The series won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Animated Program in 1995.

The series centers on the ACME agents Ivy and Zack, whom happens to be brother and sister. In each episode, the duo tries to track down Carmen Sandiego, the leader the organization V.I.L.E, who is always stealing a historical artifact. With the help of the Player (a live-action kid who is playing  a computer game), Ivy and Zack follows the clues left behind by Carmen to solve the mystery and retrieve the missing artifact.

The DVD set has 4 discs (10 episodes per disc). There are no special features or extras, though there is a bonus episode from the short-lived series Liberty's Kids.




14 hours 52 minutes; $19.98; Mill Creek Ent.
Way before Archie and his pals were rebooted in the hit CW series Riverdale, there was a short-lived 1999 series, titled Archie's Weird Mysteries, that aired on PAX (now known as Ion Television).

Lasting for only 40 episodes, the series centered on Archie (now a school reporter) and his friends, as they investigate strange occurrences around Riverdale. The episodes were basically spoofs of low-budget B-movies from the 1950s, involving encounters with Frankenstein's monster, werewolves, mad scientists, UFOs, zombies, and vampires.

The DVD set has 4 discs (10 episodes per discs). There are no special features or extras, though there are bonus episodes fro Sabrina: The Animated Series, Sabrina's Secret Life, and Mona the Vampire. It comes with an instant digital access code that be redeemed at www.millcreekent.com/redeem.


Summer Reads: Into The Water



Riverhead Books; 400 pages; Amazon
If you've been following this blog for the last few weeks, then you would know I've been reading the new novel Into The Water by Paula Hawkins, the author of The Girl On The Train. I had checked out the book from the library and it has taken me over three weeks to finish it.

From just looking at the cover art, you can clearly tell the novel is a murder mystery, and that's exactly what it is, well, sorta. The plot centers on the mysterious death of a woman, Danielle Abbott, who was found at the bottom of the river, otherwise known as the Drowning Pool to the locals.

Over the years, many people have died in the Drowning Pool, so it was no shock to anyone that Danielle died there. However, she isn't the most recent death there, as the body of a teenage girl was found in the Drowning Pool earlier in the summer. Are the two deaths connected?

Friday, June 16, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: June 16th - 22nd




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Elizabeth @ Silver's Reviews!

How do you organize your blog in terms of what is in your side bar? Do you have categories and defined sections in your side bar?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 I have my blog's sidebar somewhat organized. I have spots/sections for a Featured Post, Giveaways, About Me, Goodreads, Blog Stats, Followers, etc..



Linky List:

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Review & Giveaway - The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks



Now available on for Digital Download from HBO Home Entertainment is The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks. Written & directed by George C. Wolfe, the film stars Oprah Winfrey, Rose Byrne, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Courtney B. Vance, Reg E. Cathey, Ruben Santiago-Hudson, and Leslie Uggams.

Based on the book of the same name by Rebecca Skloot, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks follows writer Rebecca Skloot (played by Rose Byrne), who seeks out to learn the history of Henrietta Lacks, an African American whose cancer cells were the source of the HeLa, the first immortalized cell line. Rebecca seeks out Henrietta's children in the hope of letting her write about their mother.

Upon meeting Henrietta's emotionally-drained daughter, Deborah Lacks (played by Oprah Winfrey), Rebecca learns the Lack family never authorized the harvesting of Henrietta's cancer cells back in 1951. Over the years, scientists have used the cancerous cells in medical research and for commercial purposes.

Together, Deborah and Rebecca chronicles Henrietta's life, leading them to understand the meaning beyond her death.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Dragonheart: Battle For The HeartFire


Universal Pictures; PG-13; 98 minutes

Now available to own on Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is the fantasy-adventure Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire.

Directed by Patrick Syversen, the film stars Tom Rhys, Jessamine-Bliss Bell, Andre Eriksen, Richard Cordery, Martin Hutson, Turlough Covery, Delroy Brown, Lewis Mackinnon, Marte Germaine Christensen, Orjan Tormod Gamst, Daniel Berge Halvorsen, Stig Frode Henriksen, Tamzin Merchant, and Patrick Stewart as the voice of Dargo.

The original Dragonheart was released to theaters in 1996. It received positive reviews from critics and was mild success at the box-office. A direct-to-video sequel Dragonheart: A New Beginning was released in 2000, but was shunned by critics and fans, mostly due to the bad CGI effects and silly storyline. The franchise seemed to be dead until a direct-to-video prequel, Dragonheart 3: The Sorcerer's Curse, was released in 2015. Despite the prequel's low budget, the CGI effects for the dragon were impressive.

The second prequel, Dragonheart: Battle For The Heartfire, picks up many years after the ending of the third film. King Gareth and Queen Rhonu (and the dragon she was connected to) are both dead. The dragon Drago (now voiced by Patrick Stewart) shared a heart with the king, but somehow survived after the King's death. The King's only son had left the kingdom years ago and since then had died, but he left behind twins - a boy named Edric and a girl named Meghan.

The twins were born with a connection to Drago, who had only noticed their existence after the King had died. Due to their connection with the dragon, the twins have supernatural powers. Edric has superhuman strength and Meghan can control fire.

With Drago's help, the kingdom locates Edric and crowns him the new king. Unfortunately, Edric has no time to enjoy his new life, as his sister has sided with an army of vikings. She's determined to take the kingdom for herself by stealing the power of the heartfire that lies within Drago.

Bonus Features on the Blu-ray are:

  • The Making of Dragonheart: Battle for the Heartfire
  • The Magic Behind Drago
  • Inside the Castle

Summer Reads: Naomi's Hope by Jan Drexler


Revell; 383 pages; $14.99; Amazon
Now available from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group, is Naomi's Hope, book 3 in the Journey To Pleasant Prairie series, by Jan Drexler.

Set in LaGrange County, Indiana, in 1846, the novel centers Naomi Schrock, a single Amish woman who had taken in a young boy Davey after his family had been killed. Getting married is not an option for her, because she believes no man would be interested in a woman with an adopted kid. Well, her thoughts begin to change after Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and starts a friendship with Davey.

Cap comes with emotional scars, as he had loss his family back in Ohio. Despite his heartache, he journeyed to Indiana to start anew. The last thing he was looking for was love, but he that changes once he meets Naomi.

Cap's and Naomi's future is tested when Preacher Shem Fischer moves to the county and causes a whole set problems.

Interview & Giveaway with Kira Shayde, author of Ancient Heat




Now available to purchase on Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, Google Books, and Barnes & Noble is the paranormal romance Ancient Heat, book one in The Followers series, by Kira Shayde.


The author has taken a few minutes out of her busy schedule for a Q&A about her newest novel.



When did you become interested in storytelling?

As a child, I had a severe case of over imagination and would not shut up. I wrote my first romance in fifth grade (I vaguely remember it also featured a cat). In high school, I wrote angsty poetry and had a sketchbook where I drew just parts of people. Then I found sci-fi and began to express the weirdness in my head on paper. But after a half-completed sci-fi/paranormal novel drew confusion from a class of general fiction writers (is your heroine an animal or an alien?) and consternation from a sci-fi group (why is there sex in this?), I lost my gumption and stopped writing for a long time.

What was your first book/story published?

My first story published was in 2012. On Par with a Fairy by Lyla Bardan is a young adult fantasy novella about a fairy who sacrifices immortality to become human and date a teen boy.

What inspired you to write Ancient Heat?

My dreams. All my books are inspired by my weird, lucid dreams.

What character in Ancient Heat is the most/least like you, and in what ways?

None of the characters are like me. The heroine has a number of traits from my daughter though, my son pops up in a couple of the secondary characters, and whenever I needed the hero to be a moody poop, I relied on my husband. LOL.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Bookends #5


What am I currently reading?


Well, I'm still reading Into The Water by Paula Hawkins. To be honest, I have only read a few pages of it since checking it out at the library. What's the holdup? I had to read a few review titles last week, such as The Fifth Petal, and Book One and Two in The Girls Of Spindrift series. A blog tour suddenly came across my radar (actually, I had forgot about it), so I now have to read Naomi's Hope either tonight or early in the morning, as my review needs to be posted tomorrow. Hopefully, I'll have time tomorrow to start reading Into The Water, again! The book is due back at the library on the 20th, but I like to get it read by Friday.

I also have a bookmark already slipped inside the Alien Covenant paperback, as I've already started reading a few pages of it.


What am I reading next?


I'm still planning on reading Royally Roma by Teri Wilson as soon as I can. However, before then, I"ll have to read Freedom's Price by Christine Johnson for an upcoming book tour.

Review & Giveaway: The Girls Of Spindrift Books 1 & 2


Being released this summer from Pocket Star eBooks are the first two books in the all-new e-novella series "The Girls Of Spindrift" by V.C. Andrews, the New York Times bestselling author of Flowers in the Attic and My Sweet Audrina. There will be four e-novellas in the series, which will all form a prequel to the novel Bittersweet Dreams (2012).

Kindle; Nook
CORLISS, Book One of the Girls of Spindrift, was released today! It centers on an incredibly intelligent teenager named Corliss. Despite her high IQ, she doesn't have very many friends, mostly due to her shyness and her difficulty of fitting in with the other students at the Los Angeles high school. Though she has always been known as the 'good girl" in school, Corliss gets in a bit of trouble at a school party, where a group of girls spikes her drink.

After a trip to the emergency room, which scares her parents to death, Corliss decides to get even with her classmates.

DONNA, Book Two of the Girls of Spindrift, will go on sale on August 14th! It centers on a half Latino, half Irish teenager named Donna, who is the most gifted student at her high school. Her teachers have no clue what to do with her, as it seems she always has the correct answers to every test she takes. Of course having a high IQ comes with a price, as Donna isn't very popular at school.

Out of nowhere, a boy becomes interested in Donna, which leads to her stepping outside of her comfort zone. Everything in her life seems to be perfect, well, that is until a violent confrontation rocks her world.

Summer Reads: The Fifth Petal


Crown; 448 pages; Amazon
Probably the best way to hear about a new book is  by word-of-the-mouth, which is exactly how heard about The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry. I kept noticing other book bloggers were reading the title, so I signed up to review an electronic galley several weeks ago.

Set in Salem, this murder-mystery centers around a teenager boy being murdered on Halloween night. John Rafferty, aka the chief of police, believes the boys death is somehow connected to the notorious cold case known as "The Goddess Murders," in which three young women, all descendants of accused Salem witches, were murdered on Halloween night in 1989!

John teams up with one of the 1989 victim's daughter, Callie Cahill. While all the clues points to the local historian Rose Whelan as the killer, John and Callie believe someone or something else is the murderer. Maybe even something supernatural!

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Popcorn & Coffee: Strawberry Shortcake: Dance Berry Dance DVD Review


Fox Home Entertainment; 88 minutes; $14.99
Now available on DVD + Digital HD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is Strawberry Shortcake: Dance Berry Dance, featuring four exciting episodes from the hit series. There are no special features or extras on the single-disc; though it does includes a 'printable coloring pages.'

Based on the popular American Greetings' character, Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures aired on The Hub (now known as Discovery Family) from 2010 to 2015. The series centered on Strawberry Shortcake, a chef and owner of Berry Bitty Café. The episodes follows Strawberry and her pals as they go on adventures, tell fun tales, and explore their city.

The four episodes on this release are from the fourth and final season of the series.

The episodes are:

"A Berry Merry Birthday" - Twins Sweet and Sour Grapes decide to have separate birthdays.

"The Berry Bitty Dance Disaster" - Apple makes a pair of magical grove booties to make her dance better.

"Doggie Dance No-Show" - Strawberry and Plum uses the groove booties to teach a trio of pups how to dance.

"Dance Puppy Dance" - Cherry's new song "Dance Puppy Dance" is a hit all over town. Everyone loves the song, well, except for Cherry. She believes the song is too big of a distraction, so she attempts to destroy it.

Friday, June 9, 2017

Book Blogger Hop: June 9th - 15th




Instructions: Select all code above, copy it and paste it inside your blog post as HTML


Welcome to the new Book Blogger Hop!

If you want schedule next week's post, click here to find the next prompt question. To submit a question, fill out this form.

What to do:

1. Post on your blog answering this question:

  This week's question is submitted by Kitty @ Vicarious Bookworm!

If you could have lunch with any living authors and/or book bloggers, who would you choose and why?

2. Enter the link to your post in the linky list below (enter your Blog Name and the direct link to your post answering this week’s question. Failure to do so will result in removal of your link).


3. Visit other blogs in the list and comment on their posts. Try to spend some time on the blogs reading other posts and possible become a new follower.  The purpose of the hop is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
  

My Answer: 

 If I could have lunch with any living author(s), I would choose either Stephen King and/or R.L. Stine, as they are my favorite authors.



Linky List: