On This Day Last Week (Monday)

As many of you know last week I made the treck from Montreal to New York City for Book Expo America last Monday.

I didn't get much sleep on Sunday so when the alarm went off at 6am I was really tired, excited and nervous. This would be the first time I have travelled alone since before 1998 went I went to Detroit to visit a friend.

On the way to the downtown Montreal train station I picked up Donna from Books Bound and her husband as we were traveling together.

Once at the train station we met up with Avis from She Reads and Reads, Tina from Bookshipper and Linda from Better With Books. We decided to grab a Red Cap to bring our bags down to the train as there was no checked baggage and the guy we had was super because he got us pre boarding. That meant no waiting in line.

The train ride was pretty uneventful except that it was long and we got into NYC late. We were delayed at the US border which I guess should be expected. I think we were on the train for almost 13 hours give or take a few.

Needless to say we all were a little antsy and dying to get to the big apple. Once in NYC we parted ways. I was sharing a room with Linda, Avis and Tina went to their hotel and Donna and her husband went to theirs. We all planned to meet up in the morning.

I stayed at the Hampton Inns Madison Square Garden. Which is two blocks from Penn Station.

Check back to hear about about our Tuesday in NYC tomorrow.

In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday

In My Mailbox is a weekly Sunday feature that is hosted by Kristi from The Story Siren.

Mailbox Monday is a weekly Monday feature that is hosted by Marcia from Printed Page.

I have to apologize for not posting a picture to go with my mailbox this week but I am still recuperating from being in NYC/BEA last week. I will have posts this week about the whole event.

This is what came to my mailbox last week while I was away:

• The Truth About Delilah Blue by Tish Cohen. (this is for the TLC tour)
• Strange Heaven by Lynn Coady

These came from Penguin Canada:

• Sea by Heidi R Kling
• God is in the Pancakes by Robin Epstein
  

This is what came to my door last week, what about you?

Wicked Lovely Review

TITLE: Wicked Lovely Desert Tales Sanctuary Vol 1
AUTHOR: Melissa Marr
PUB DATE: April 2009
PUBLISHE: Harper Collins
PAGES: 176
SOURCE: Library Books

ABOUT THE BOOK
This first volume in a manga trilogy features characters from the novel Wicked Lovely (HarperTeen, 2007).

Discover Melissa Marr's mesmerizing world of Faerie . . .

The desert is far away from the schemes of the Faerie Courts—and that's how Rika likes it. Once a mortal and now a faery, Rika seeks isolation and revels in her ability to appear invisible to humans. Then, she meets him. Artistic and kind, Jayce is the last person Rika wants to hide from.

But change is coming, challenging Rika's freedom and her new romance, as her past pursues her, even into the heart of the desert. . . . (HarperCollins website)

MY THOUGHTS
I have heard of Melissa Marr but have never read any of her books. She is the author of the Wicked Lovely series.

I thought that this would be a great introduction to reading her work but I quickly realized that I really should read the Wicked Lovely series because for some reason I felt lost. Perhaps its knowing that the mangas are based on the books.

I loved the illustrations in the book. They were very well done thanks to Xian Nu Studio.

If you have read the Wicked Lovely series then I am sure you will love this book.

Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales, Volume 2: Challenge is already out and in the stores.

Rumor Has It Review

TITLE: Rumor Has It
AUTHOR: Jill Mansell
PUB DATE: May 2010
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks
PAGES: 404

ABOUT THE BOOK
Would you be tempted?

Newly single, Tilly Cole impulsively accepts a job offer in a small town as a “Girl Friday.” Fun job, country house, fresh start, why not? But soon she finds herself in a hotbed of gossip, intrigue, and rampant rivalry for the town’s most desirable bachelor—Jack Lucas.

Rumors of Jack’s “love ’em and leave ’em” escapes abound, and Tilly decides to do the mature, sensible thing... avoid Jack at all cost. But the more time Tilly spends with Jack, the more the rumors just don’t make sense. Tilly doesn’t know what to believe... and Jack’s not telling.

PLEASE NOTE that cover image and about the book is from the Sourcebooks website.

MY THOUGHTS
I have to send out a huge THANK YOU to Danielle at Sourcebooks for sending me this advance readers copy of Rumor Has It. Danielle is the person who got me hooked on Jill Mansell's books. They are fantastic chick lit books in my opinion.

This is the fifth book from Jill Mansell that Sourcebooks got the US rights too. The sixth book called Take A Chance On Me is scheduled to be out in October.

For me personally I am devouring Jill's books. I love them. I am yet to be disappointed in them. I find the books to be a fun and easy read with some funny aspects thrown in.

Rumor has it is based on Tilly. She comes home to find out that her boyfriend Gavin has moved out.

You would think that this would make anyone sad and upset but really it doesn't bother Tilly a whole lot. She decides to head down to visit her friend Erin who is in Roxborough.

While visiting Erin, Tilly decides that she needs a new outlook on life so she decides to stay in Roxborough. She manages to get a job as a "Girl Friday" working for an interior designer named Max.

She quickly releases that no matter the size of the town everyone one has a secret and rumors can spread.

Tilly meets Jack, who is known to basically sleep with all the women he meets. Everyone warns Tilly to stay away from him because of what he is known for so she decides that she will pursues a friendship with him even though she wants more. He is like that bad boy we were warned about. Will she be able to just remain friends with Jack?

Dokebi Bride Review

TITLE: Dokebi Bride Vol 1
AUTHOR: Marley
PUB DATE: March 2006
PUBLISHER: Diamond Comic Distributors, Incorporated
PAGES: 184
SOURCE: Library Book

ABOUT THE BOOK
Korea''s most talked-about series in 2005! Born into a shaman family, Sunbi has inherited the power to see and communicate with spirits just like her grandmother, a notable shaman and savior of their little fishing village in the South Sea. Early on, she sees things like an imposter shaman being thrashed by a dragon of the deep, and doesn''t understand that none of her schoolmates can see such things. Her powers make her the amorous target of hedonistic demons even as a child. Long shielded from the reality of her power, she finally learns the secret of her mother''s death, and why her grandmother was never able to leave their village. Enter Sunbi''s world in this mind-boggling psychological chiller!

MY THOUGHTS
Right now there is seven books in this series that are out. I didn't get to borrow all of them because my library doesn't have them yet. I will probably wait until they get them or if I happen to find them at a second hand bookstore.

I have to say that this wasn't a favorite manga to read. Not sure why but it just didn't grab me like the previous ones I read. The illustrations in the book are very well done and loved looking at them.

Sunbi is borned into a shaman family and she has the power to see and to communicate with the spirit world. She takes after her grandmother in that regards because her grandmother has that power as well. Her grandmother is very well respected in the community. Sunbi discovers what really happened to her mother.

I really love the covers of this book.

The Dreaming Reviews

TITLE: The Dreaming Vol 1
AUTHOR: Queenie Chan
PUB DATE: December 2005
PAGES: 192
PUBLISHER:TokyoPop
SOURCE: Library Book

ABOUT THE BOOK
When twin sisters Amber and Jeanie are accepted into an exclusive Australian boarding school, their future looks bright. But the school's halls harbor a terrible secret: students have been known to wander into the surrounding bushlands and vanish...without a trace! No one knows where they went--or why. But as Amber and Jeanie are about to learn, the key to the school's dark past may lie in the world of their dreams.

MY THOUGHTS
I have to say I am not really sure how manga's are suppose to be reviewed as this is the first time I am reviewing one. So if anyone can tell me that would be great.

I always heard about mangas but never bought or read them until I borrowed one for Michael and ever since then I have been reading them. They are great quick reads in between regular books.

This is the first volume of a three-book manga series that came out in 2005. I am really happy that I was able to borrow all three from the library because once I read the first one I had to find out what happened in the second manga.

We are introduce to identical twin sisters named Jeanie and Amber. We find out that there parents sent then to a boarding school on the edge of the Australian bush, called Greenwich Private College. The school has a deep dark secret. Students go missing and are never to be found, teachers are tight lipped about what goes on, rooms are sealed off and there is weird paintings on display at the school.

What was really enjoyable about the story was that they mystery was built up and you couldn't put the book down because you had to find out what was going on or what would happen next.


TITLE: The Dreaming Vol 2
AUTHOR: Queenie Chan
PUB DATE: October 2006
PAGES: 192
PUBLISHER:TokyoPop
SOURCE: Library Book

ABOUT THE BOOK
Greenwich Private College grinds to a complete halt after the discovery of Millie's body. As gloom and despair sets in, most of the students leave the school. But Jeanie's curiosity keeps her on campus, and when she's led down the path of the Greenwich's dark history, has she awakened a ghostly curse?

MY THOUGHTS
I am so happy that I was able to get this book when I picked up the first one because the first one ended and I had to read what happened.

Amber appears to be getting worse and Jeannie is worried about her. A fellow student, Millie, has gone missing and there is no sign of her. They form a seach party to look for Millie, will they find her?

The second volume starts to dig deeper into what is going on and makes you want to read and not put the book down and that was me. You can see there is more the story then what is being told. Will Jeannie be able to find out what is happening at this school before its too late?



TITLE: The Dreaming Vol 3
AUTHOR: Queenie Chan
PUB DATE: December 2007
PAGES: 192
PUBLISHER:TokyoPop
SOURCE: Library Book

ABOUT THE BOOK
Where did the ghostly girls come from? And what do they want? Before the students know it, the missing girls enter the school, where Amber spots Millie, who speaks to her almost as if to warn her of something. Is there more to this supernatural mystery than just the school itself? The answers to why these girls have come back and what caused their death are revealed in this haunting series finale.

MY THOUGHTS
I can't believe that the series is finished. I have to say that I was really happy to have actually read them all in one sitting and to have read them. I think this was a great manga series to read.

In this book the dead girls are returning to school and no one knows where they came from. Jeannie is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery. With a little help from Miss Anu they start to put the clues to the puzzle together. Will they figure out what is going on before its too late?

I have to say that all the illustrations in the three books was beautiful.

You can see Queenie Chan's offical site here.

WOW! New York City Review

TITLE: WOW! NEW YORK CITY, imagine a city built with a paper clip
AUTHOR: Puck
ART: Rey David Rojas
PUB DATE: April 2010
PUBLISHER: DUO Press
PAGES: 32
SOURCE: contest win from Julie at Booking Mama

ABOUT THE BOOK
New York City has never been more whimsical than in this visual narrative that uses wire-art sculptures to explore the Big Apple. Everything starts with a paper clip that unfolds to create some of New York's most famous symbols, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Empire State Building. A lively text accompanies the striking visuals, and six pages of information chronicle everything needed to know about the included attractions and landmarks.

OUR THOUGHTS
We LOVED this book. The imagination that went into this book is fantastic. Who would have thought you could do this with a paper clip? Reading this book you will never look at paper clips the same way again.

Although the only down fall about the book is that Michael wants me to visit all those things while I am in NYC. I told him a few things that I will try to get to are the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. I am planning on visiting Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and perhaps riding a subway.

I am sure I will see tons of taxis and fire trucks as well as hot dog stands and pretzel stands. Any recommendations on where the best ones are?

Another great thing about the book is the fact sheet. Did you know that 12,000 taxis cruise the city every day? Did you know that the FDNY gets 500,000 emergency calls a year? Or that the Empire State Building has 6,500 windows?

I think this is a great book to give someone who is either going to visit NYC or has visited NYC.

If you would like a glimpse into the book look HERE

In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday

Even though it was a super busy week for me last week with getting ready to go to NYC/BEA this week. I have been cleaning and trying to pack.

In My Mailbox is a weekly Sunday feature that Kristi from The Story Sirenhosts on her blog.

Mailbox Monday is a weekly Monday feature that Marcia from Printed Page hosts on her blog.

You can check out what they and others got by going to their blogs. Just remember that viewing these posts can lead to long lists of books to get.

This is what I got last week: (sorry that I don't have a picture to accompany this but I am witting this up early and I might get a few other books in this time frame.)

REVIEW:
-The School of Possibilities by Seita Parkkola. This is an ARC and the book comes out in June.

WON:
-Wow New York City: Imagine a city built with a paper clip.. by Puck & Art by Rey David Rojas. I won this from Julie atBooking Mama. Thanks Julie.

New York Bound

I am not a Jay Z fan but I have to admit that I love this song.

So in honor of my trip to NYC & BEA I thought I would start the week off with this video.

This week I have some reviews planned and I am going to try and write up a nightly post about my day in NYC/BEA. Unfortunately I will only be able to share photos when I get back on the 30th because I am going to be on a netbook.

To my blogger readers who are going to NYC and BEA looking forward to meeting you in person.

Have a good week everyone and see you soon.

We Hear The Dead Review

TITLE: We Hear the Dead
AUTHOR: Dianne K. Salerni
PUB DATE: May 2010
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Fire
PAGE: 428

ABOUT THE BOOK
Maggie:
I began the deception when I was too young to know right from wrong. Only with the passing of time did I come to understand the consequences of my actions.

Kate:
I do not believe that I have ever intentionally deceived anyone. Maggie has a different understanding of the events that have happened. To her the spirits were always a game. For me they were my life’s calling. I have no regrets.

It starts as a harmless prank…then one lie quickly grows into another. Soon Kate and Maggie Fox are swept into a dizzying flurry of national attention for their abilities to communicate with the dead. But living a lie is sometimes too much to handle, even if you have the best intentions. Based on a true story, We Hear the Dead reveals how secrets and lies can sometimes lead you to what’s real and what’s right. And how sometimes talking with the dead is easier than talking with the people around you.

MY THOUGHTS
Another huge thank you goes out to Paul from Sourcebooks for sending me an Advance Readers Copy of this book.

This is Dianne's debute novel and I have to say that I am looking forward to her upcoming books if they are anything like this.

I love the cover don't you? Just something about the cover jumps out at you. If I saw this book in the store I would definitely buy it for that purpose.

What I discovered before reading this book is that its a true story of Kate and Maggie Fox. You can check out this site We Hear The Dead. They basically started the Spiritualist craze in the 1840's. You can goggle them to read more about them.

For now this is a mini review because I haven't quite finished the book and I am really surprised as this is the first time I didn't have the book finished by the time I had a scheduled review for it. As I started to read it I became curious about the Fox sisters that I have been goggling left and right to read more about them and quickly became distracted and let the book slip.

The book so far is more about Maggie then Kate. We Hear The Dead is told from their view points. The girls cousin is coming to visit and the girls aren't happy and try to come up with a way to get her to leave so they make up a pretty harmless prank but it quickly gets out of hand and out of control.

The story of the Fox sisters will truly grip you and keep you reading and wanting more and not wanting the story to end.

Picture The Dead Review

TITLE: Picture The Dead
AUTHOR: Adele Griffin
ILLUSTRATOR: Lisa Brown
PUB DATE: May 2010
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks Fire
PAGES: 272 (Hardcover)

ABOUT THE BOOK
A ghost will find his way home.

Jennie Lovell’s life is the very picture of love and loss. First she is orphaned and forced to live at the mercy of her stingy, indifferent relatives. Then her fiancé falls on the battlefield, leaving her heartbroken and alone. Jennie struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, but is haunted by a mysterious figure that refuses to let her bury the past.

When Jennie forms an unlikely alliance with a spirit photographer, she begins to uncover secrets about the man she thought she loved. With her sanity on edge and her life in the balance, can Jennie expose the chilling truth before someone—or something—stops her?

Against the brutal, vivid backdrop of the American Civil War, Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown have created a spellbinding mystery where the living cannot always be trusted and death is not always the end.

MY THOUGHTS
I have to send a huge thank you to Paul from Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an advance copy of Picture The Dead to read. I really enjoyed reading this.

I was pleasantly surprised when I started to read it because I normally don't read books that take place in this time period. The time period was the during the civil war. History wasn't my favorite subject when I was in school and since then have shyed away from those kinds of subjects and genres, but that could change.

Before I started the book I decided that I would read the press release that came with the book and they say:
"Picture the Dead, a mystery novel (with extensive graphic elements)". Which I have to say is very true. I liked how the mystery was built up and it happened gradually.

Jennie is an orphan who is living with her aunt and uncle. She had a brother, Toby but lost him in the civil war. You can see she is trying to fit into this extended family but it seems like her aunt and uncle are anything but nice to her. She fits in more with the hired help then she does with them.

Jennie is engaged to her cousin Will. He is now fighting in the civil war but Jennie fears he is dead because Quinn, Will's brother returns home wounded physically, mentally and emotionally.

When the family goes to get a family portrait done, Jennie is over come and faints. Its only when she goes back to pick up the portrait that Geist has something to tell and show her? Will she believe what she sees?

Jennie knows only what she is told such as that the army says Will died honorable in battle but Quinn tells her differently and that he died a violent death in prison camp. She quickly begins to realize that perhaps she isn't being told the truth and doubts everyone. Will she be able to solve the mystery of what really happened to Will?

It took me awhile to get into the book but once I did I really enjoyed reading it and I have to say that I loved all the illustrations that Lisa Brown did in the book. At the starting/finishing of the chapters she drew quite a few illustrations to go with the story. I think that element tied in perfectly with the story. I would have loved to have been able to read some of the letters that were on those pages.

This is the first time I have heard of Adele Griffin and read her book but I found out that she is the author of several books called Rainy Season, Witch Twins, Vampire Island, Sons of Liberty and Where I want to be. Which I am curious to look for and read.

Lisa Brown is also a best selling author and illustrator of books such as How to be, Sometimes and the board book series called Baby Be of Use.


I just wanted to share the cover of the Advance Readers Copy that I got and I have to say that that one is my favorite.

What do you think?

In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday

You've Got Mail is right. I got a few books last week in the mail.

Thanks to Kristi at The Story Siren for hosting In My Mailbox each and every Sunday.

Also thanks to Marcia at Printed Page for hosting Mailbox Monday each and every Monday.

You can go and see what they and others got the past week in books and you can find out how to take part if you want.


This week I got:

Catalog from Unbridled Books Fall 2010. I just love the cover of it and I think I want to use it for something, don't know what but I will think of something. Any ideas?

FOR REVIEW:
-The Summer of Skinny Dipping by Amanda Howells (Thanks Sourcebooks)
-Poor Girl Gourmet: Eat in Style on a bare bones budget by Amy McCoy. (This was a surprise package. Thanks Andrews McMeel)

WON:
-Leftovers by Heather Waldorf
-The Deadly Sister by Eliot Schrefer

Thanks to Jennifer from Rayments Readings, Rants and Ramblings for the win. In case you don't know about Jennifer or her blog you should go check her out. She is a new blogger and a Canadian one to boot. I love discovering new bloggers expecially if they are Canadian.

So this is what I got, what about you?

Nice Recovery Review

TITLE: Nice Recovery
AUTHOR: Susan Juby
PUB DATE: March 2009
PAGES: 272
PUBLISHER: Penguin Group Canada

ABOUT THE BOOK:
"There are families, which, through a combination of genetics, culture, and inclination, produce a startling number of professional athletes, such as tennis players or hockey stars. Then there are families like the Baldwins, which produce a high percentage of actors. My family seems to specialize in people who enjoy drinking. And taking drugs. In such families, there is usually one person who stands out as particularly gifted in the field. When I was a teenager, that person was me. I was the star, the Alec Baldwin, if you will. I started drinking seriously when I was thirteen, smoking pot with a vengeance at fourteen, and getting into cocaine at sixteen. By the time I was twenty I was done. Nice Recovery is the story of how I slipped so far off course, how I got back on track, and, most importantly, what it's like to come of age as a sober young person."

MY THOUGHTS:

Thank you to Vimala from Penguin Canada for sending me Nice Recovery to read and review.

One of the benefits to blogging and receiving books is the chance to discover an author you might not have read about and so was the case with Susan Juby. I have heard about Susan Juby but never read her books. She is the author of several books such as Getting the Girl, Alice I think and a few others.

Nice Recovery is Susan's personal memoir of her alcohol and drug addition when she was a teen until her 20s. What a teen life she lead. Reading Nice Recovery was like watching a train wreak happening and hoping and praying that Susan would see the light and want to come clean.

You can't help but want to reach in and grab Susan by the shoulders and shake her to make her realize what she is doing and tell her to get help but you can't do that with a person with addiction. They basically have to hit rock bottom first or they want to get help. Its something that can't be forced on them.

One thing I noticed while reading the book was how honest she was and wondered how it was possible that she could remember so much of what happened and what she did during those days.

I have to say it took her alot of courage to write about her life and her addiction. It just goes to show that there is more to a person that we might not know about. I am sure its a daily struggle for Susan and I am sending positive thoughts and vibes her way that she can stay clean.

Personally in my life I never was influenced by alchol or drugs even though they were around. I think it was seeing what it does that made me realize it wasn't for me. I can honestly say that I only got drunk once (that was in high school) and the closest I get to drugs are prescription drugs.

This is a great book for the Susan Juby fan or for someone who is struggling with an addiction problem.

Upcoming events:
Juby will appear at a hometown book launch on May 1 in Nanaimo, at the Saskatchewan Library Association conference on May 6, at Toronto Public Library school events on May 11, the Forest of Reading ceremony in Toronto on May 12, Belleville library events on May 13, and at a Vancouver Public Library event on June 7.

In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday & Books Bought #41

Its Monday so that means its another In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday post. I am also going to throw in my Books Bought meme. This post can lead to excessive book buying, toppling TBR piles or longer To buy lists.

In My Mailbox is a Sunday feature that Kristi from The Story Siren hosts and you can always see a ton of great books that she receives each week and this week is no exception. So go and check it out.

Mailbox Monday is a Monday feature that Marcia from Printed Page and you can see what she got this past week as well.

If you want to take part all you have to do is post what you got the past week in the mail and go and leave your link on their blogs.

This is what I got last week:
WON:


I took part in the twitter launch party for The Cinderella Society. It was alot of fun and thanks to Kay Cassidy for taking the time out of her busy schedule to do this. Here is my prize win: a silver shoe bookmark, a honorary Cindy member, magnet, two little cards (not sure what they are called) two book markers, a signed bookplate and a hand written note.

Review:

The Secret Lives of Princesses by Philippe Lechermeier and Illustrated by Rebecca Dautremer. This picture doesn't do the book justice its absolutely beautiful. I have to say I think this is my all time favorite picture book. I love the illustrations.







The Pony Whisperer: The Word on The Yard (BK1) by Janet Rising. A brand new series being released in the US by Sourcebooks/Jabberwacky in June.

Eating Local: The cookbook inspired by America's Farmers by Janet Fletcher




Books Bought is a meme that I am hosting. If you want to take part all you have to do is list the books you buy either weekly, bi-weekly, monthly etc and then come back to my latest books bought post and leave a comment and I will go and check out what books you bought.



-The daughters by Joanna Philbin
-Perfect Chemistry by Simone Elkeles (hoping to meet her at BEA)
-SAHM I am by Meredith Efken (bargain book)
-Wonderous Strange by Lesley Livingston

Two I bought with a Chapters gift card I found in my purse and two were Mother's day gifts.

So this is what I got, what about you?

Musing Mondays #2

Musing Monday's is a weekly meme that is hosted by Rebecca from Just One More Page. This is only my second time doing this. If you want to take part all you have to do is go to Just One More Page to find out what you have to do.

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS question is:

Do you have to carve out time in your day for reading (due to work and other obligations), or does your reading just happen naturally? (Question courtesy of MizB)

Being a stay at home mom I could basically read whenever I want to but I don't. I tend to reserve my reading time to when I go to bed or in the early evening.

I find if I read for an extend period of time during the day I tend to get sleepy. So during the day (unless I am sick) I will do all the errands and household chores and savour my reading for bed time.

I am not a big TV person (although I do have my favorite must see shows)so I tend to go to bed a little earlier so that I can read for a few hours before I get sleepy.

What about you do you have a carved out time of day to read?

Happy Mother's Day

Wishing all my mom readers A Happy Mother's Day.

Hailey Twitch is not a Snitch Review

TITLE: Hailey Twitch is not a Snitch
AUTHOR: Lauren Barnholdt
ILLUSTRATOR: Suzanne Beaky
PUB DATE: May 2010
PUBLISHER: Sourcebooks/Jabberwacky
PAGES: 160

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Seven-year-old Hailey Twitch knows three things for sure: who she’s the boss of, how to throw a tantrum, and above all, how to get exactly what she wants. But all that changes when Hailey gets paired up with annoying Addie Jokobeck on the class project. No matter what Hailey does, she can’t seem to change her teacher’s mind.

At home, a cranky Hailey is feeling sorry for herself when – poof! -- Maybelle, a magic sprite, comes flying out of Hailey’s dollhouse. Maybelle’s on probation with the Department of Magic, and on a special mission to get Hailey to have fun.

The only problem? The invisible Maybelle starts causing a lot of trouble, and when Hailey’s teacher wants to know who’s to blame, Hailey takes responsibility. After all, Hailey Twitch is not a snitch! Now if only Hailey can convince the Department of Magic that Maybelle has reformed.

Please note that the book cover and about the book was taken from the press release I was sent.

MY THOUGHTS:

I have to send a huge thank you to Carrie from Sourcebooks for contacting me about this book and for sending it to me to read and review.

I am really happy to tell you that Hailey Twitch is not a Snitch is being released today. If you have a child who loves chapter books then I highly recommend this. Amazon has it rated for children 4-8. Not sure if that is the right age group since its a long book.

I heard about Lauren Barnholdt last year and I bought a few of her books. I ended up pushing them further down on my TBR pile because they were books I bought and figured I could read and review them later but after reading this one I am curious to read her so I am probably going to bring Two-Way Street with me to NY.

I have to say that I loved Hailey Twitch is not a snitch. Hailey is seven years old and in grade 2. One day in class, the teacher has a special project for the kids. They will be studying a place and they have to present a food from that area and dress in a custom. Its part of Diversity Week.

Hailey is really excited and is eyeing her potential partner Antonio but her bubble is quickly popped when the teacher says your partners will be the person you sit next too. Her partner is Addie and Hailey doesn't really like her because she is boring and not fun. So Hailey goes home upset.

Alone in her room she wishes she was a princess so that she can buy her way out of being Addie's partner. Suddenly something flies out of the doll castle. Hailey is shocked. She discovers she has a spirit and that only Hailey can see her. Her name is Maybelle. Maybelle wants to learn how to be fun.

Maybelle is trying to bond with Hailey will trying to impress the Department of Magic. Unfortunately it seems like Maybelle is causing more problems then expected as she is following the rules and trying to keep Hailey from doing bad things. Hailey is getting into trouble at school, at home and with Addie. Maybelle is trying to help Hailey but everything she does just doesn't work. Hailey is your typical kid trying to push the buttons to see how far she can go.

I had to laugh when Hailey came up with the idea to make braces out of paper clips. They have paper clips, super glue and a wrench. Now we all know what super glues does. Needless to say the girls ditch the super glue idea and use denture cream instead. When Addie's mother comes into the bathroom she almost dies. The girls have made a mess of the bathroom and ruined her towels. I could just picture this and funny enough Suzanne did a great job in illustrating this for me.

This book was a quick and fun read and I am dying to read the next book to find out what happens because Hailey Twitch is not a snitch ended like this:

"No time for small talk," he says. Then he pushes up his glasses and looks at me kind of seriously. "We need," he says "to talk about Maybelle. And it is very important." Yikes....

Is that not a cliff hanger? Hmm what is so important?


UPCOMING BOOK:
The next book in the series is called Hailey Twitch Saves the Play and the release date is November 2010.

You can check out Lauren's site Here

Musing Mondays #1

Musing Mondays is hosted by Rebecca from Just One More Page.

I have to admit that I have been reading these Monday Musings for quite awhile and I never took part in them but today's question is one that is a good one to answer.

Do you frequent second hand book stores? Have you ever bought a book home only to find anything interesting within their pages?

Yes I do tend to frequently visit second hand bookstores. I always manage to find quite a few interesting books that I want to read. Although I have to admit that I am a little picky when I get books from second hand bookstores. I won't buy anything that looks like the book has seen better days or smells.

I have not found anything interesting in my books but I will definitely have to double check them now. Hmm perhaps a hidden treasure will be found.

If you want to take part all you have to do is head over to Rebecca's blog for this week's question.

In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday & Books Bought #40

Its hard to believe we are already into the month of May, wow where did the time go?

Its Monday so you know what that means? Its time for In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday. I know I haven't posted this meme in awhile and that's because I haven't really gotten that much lately.

Anyways, Kristi from The Story Siren hosts on Sundays In My Mailbox and Marcia from The Printed Page hosts on Mailbox Monday. You can check out both their blogs to see what they and others got this past week in the mail.

Although you must be warned that viewing this could lead to excessive book buying and a toppling to be read pile.


I am also including in this post my Books Bought that I am hosting on my blog. Books Bought is a meme where I highlight the books I bought in a week, a month or whenever.

Its been awhile since I have posted this one as well so this is a pile of books I have bought since my last Books Bought post.


In My Mailbox/Mailbox Monday: (for review)
-The Book Of Awesome by Neil Pasricha(Thanks Penguin Canada for sending this)
-Little Critter: Where is my Frog by Mercer Mayer (Thanks Sterling for sending this)

Books Bought:
(Scholastic School Order)
-le recyclage by Lynda Dallaire/Dominique Pelletier
-Papa et Maman by Diane Thibault/Dominique Pelletier
-La Feve by Diane Thibault/Dominique Pelletier
-Bob L'Eponge Vire au Vert une adventure ecologique

Scholastic Book Fair:
(This was happening at the senior campus at my son's school)
-Thea Stilton and the dragon's code (book 1)
-Thea Stilton and the mountain of fire (book 2)
-Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (book 1)
-Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (book 2) by Jeff Kinney
-Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The last straw (book 3) by Jeff Kinney

Second Hand Bookstore:
-Catch A mate by Gena Showalter
-The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter(not included in picture)
-The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter(not included in picture)

Bought at Chapters:
-Into the Dark by Gena Showalter
-Intertwined by Gena Showalter
-Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison
-Kiss in the Dark by Lauren Henderson
-Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
-Geronimo Stilton and the Phantom of the Subway (book 13)
-Geronimo Stilton and Following The Trail of Marco Pol0 (book 4 in graphic novel)

This is what I got in the mail this week. What about you?

This is what I bought in the last few weeks, did you get anything?

Have you read any of these books?

New Release Day in Books #1

Welcome to New Release Day. I am not sure if anyone else is doing this in the blogosphere and if it is being done please let me know and I can credit you for it.

I thought it would be nice to showcase New Releases being released today. I plan on showcasing the books that I own.(They were either sent to me or I either bought them.)

ABOUT THE BOOK:
A ghost will find his way home.

Jennie Lovell’s life is the very picture of love and loss. First she is orphaned and forced to live at the mercy of her stingy, indifferent relatives. Then her fiancé falls on the battlefield, leaving her heartbroken and alone. Jennie struggles to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, but is haunted by a mysterious figure that refuses to let her bury the past.

When Jennie forms an unlikely alliance with a spirit photographer, she begins to uncover secrets about the man she thought she loved. With her sanity on edge and her life in the balance, can Jennie expose the chilling truth before someone—or something—stops her?

Against the brutal, vivid backdrop of the American Civil War, Adele Griffin and Lisa Brown have created a spellbinding mystery where the living cannot always be trusted and death is not always the end.

Check for my review of Picture The Dead on May 19th.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Maggie:
I began the deception when I was too young to know right from wrong. Only with the passing of time did I come to understand the consequences of my actions.

Kate:
I do not believe that I have ever intentionally deceived anyone. Maggie has a different understanding of the events that have happened. To her the spirits were always a game. For me they were my life’s calling. I have no regrets.

It starts as a harmless prank…then one lie quickly grows into another. Soon Kate and Maggie Fox are swept into a dizzying flurry of national attention for their abilities to communicate with the dead. But living a lie is sometimes too much to handle, even if you have the best intentions. Based on a true story, We Hear the Dead reveals how secrets and lies can sometimes lead you to what’s real and what’s right. And how sometimes talking with the dead is easier than talking with the people around you.

Check for my review of We Hear The Dead on May 20th.

Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise (Camp Club Girls) Review

AUTHOR: Erica Rodgers
PUB DATE: March 2010
PAGES: 159
PUBLISHER: Barbour Books

ABOUT THE BOOK:
If dinosaurs are extinct, then why do they seem to come to
life each night? When Alexis’ friend, Miss Maria, tries to save her
business by importing mechanical dinosaurs to her nature park, Alexis and Kate
are instantly on the spot to show their support. But the Camp Club girls are
soon embroiled in surprises when they soon have to not only deal with mechanical
dinosaurs appearing to have minds of their own, but also the local media, which
also seems determined to destroy Miss Maria. Can the girls crack the case and
keep Miss Maria’s dreams—and business—alive?

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the fourth book in the Camp Club Girls series.

This is a series of middle grade books that I am really enjoying. I think they would make the perfect gift for middle grade girls who like a little bit of mystery without being scary. They are sort of like Nancy Drew books. Although I have to admit that I never really read alot of Nancy Drew books when I was younger as they never really interested me.

Alexis lives not very far from her friend, Miss Maria's nature park called Aspen Heights Conservation Park. The nature park is getting set to close when funding is being denied to the park.

When Miss Maria comes up with the idea to bring in prehistoric dinosaurs (animatrons) to bring in some business it all seems like a good idea until it appears as though certain dinosaurs are moving around in the night.

Thankfully Kate is coming to visit with Alexis and she brings Kate to see the park. As the girls are walking around looking at the dinosaurs, nothing is out of the ordinary for them until they go back to the visitor center to talk to Miss Maria. When a local biology professor mentions that he loves the foot prints and that he loved where the raptor was placed. Maria looks concerned and admits to the girls that she didn't move the raptor or make the foot prints. Maria goes off to check it out.

Before long everyone hears a scream. They all go running to Maria and find her flat on her back in the mud. She had climbed on top of the triceratops to get a better look at the foot prints.

With Maria starting to feel a little better she asks the girls to help find out who is moving the dinosaurs. The girls try various things such as setting up cameras, looking around and even camping out. The raptor keeps moving around the park. Can the dinosaur really come to life at night? Is someone moving it?

There never seems to any leads or evidence that a human is involved until the person starts to get a little sloppy and leaves clues. The girls are pretty sure they know who is involved but the person keeps denying it. Is he/she really involved or is it just coincidence? What will the girls think when they find out who is really behind it?

I am anxiously awaiting Kate's Philadelphia Frenzy - Camp Club Girls #5 and Bailey's Peoria Problem - Camp Club Girls #6 to come out May 1, 2010.

Special thanks to Angie Brillhart of Barbour Publishing, Inc. for sending me a review copy and for First Wild Card Tours for allowing me to be a part of this tour.