Looking for Something?

Did you come to Cindy's Love of Books looking for my regular post but all you see is the October Middle Grade Book Challenge sign up post? Did you think I wasn't going to blog all month long? Well look no further all you have to do is scroll past it to find this months regular posts.

Enjoy!

(October) Middle Grade Book Challenge

We are into month two of the Middle Grade Book Challenge. As you can see we have a new button for this challenge. What do you think?

Are you reading middle grade books this month? If so, which titles and from which authors?

The rules again are really simply all you have to do is commit to reading 12+ Middle Grade books and posting your review and then coming back and sharing your link in this post. You have from now until August 2011 to complete this challenge.

Just add your blog link/name to the MckLinky below. Your blog name and book titles will be fine.

Just to let everyone know I have given it some thought and I think I am going to go ahead and do a monthly giveaway. Please note it won't be a big prize just because I will be mailing it so some ideas will be a gift card for coffee, a bookmark etc.

So the only rules are in order to qualify all you have to do is come back and link your reviews and for everyone you add for the month of October will count for one entry into the bowl.

Have fun and happy reading.

Wishing everyone a Happy Halloween.

The Mailbox Post

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page. Marcia has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of November Mailbox Monday is being hosted by Julie from Knitting and Sundries. So be sure to hop over to Julie's blog to see what she and others got and while your there leave a link for your own Mailbox Monday post.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the previous week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!

REVIEW:
Nothing showed up this week for review.

BORROWED:
I didn't stay long at the library this week when I went to return the two Wii games that Michael borrowed last week. I made it a point to just drop off and not look around. I am hoping to read the books I already borrowed but for some reason that's not happening.

BOUGHT:
This past weekend our church had their annual huge bazaar and we went. This is what I picked up for a $1 each:
-Cross Bones by Kathy Reichs
-Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs

I also bought a case/cover for my Kobo. As you can see its a pink one. I was actually pleasantly surprised because it was only scheduled to arrive next week.

SWAG/OTHER GOODIES:
This past week I got some great goodies in my mailbox. The first one came via a book mark exchange I took part in that Alyssa from The Shady Glade organized in September.




Alyssa is also hosting a Holiday Bookmark Swap and you can click on the link to find out more about it and the deadline to register. I will be taking part again.

The other goodies I got in the mail were from an old high school friend who I found on facebook. She had posted pictures one day of the bookmarks she was making and I commented on how nice they were, well low and behold she messaged me back asking for my address because she was going to make me one of the book marks. I got the package and was super excited because she didn't just send me a book mark but other goodies that she made as well.


The package included:
-a couple of little notes she wrote
-a notebook
-and two book marks

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

Local Happenings In My Neck of Woods

If you happen to be in (Montreal) Pointe Claire, Quebec on November 6th (Saturday) at 2pm, Melissa Anderson (Mary from Little House on the Prairie) will be signing her memoir The Way I see It at Chapters Pointe Claire. It was released this year. (May 2010)

I won't be able to make the signing because we have my in laws coming in that weekend. I am a little disappointed because I always love to go to book signings for authors especially if they are a local author. Melissa lives in Montreal with her family.

I got to meet Melissa when she was at BEA in May signing her book The Way I See It. She was super friendly when I met her and I even mentioned that I was in from Montreal. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people were in line to meet her. This was the photo taken at BEA.

Local Book Blogger Meet Up October Edition

Its hard to believe its time for another Local Book Blogger Meet Up post. It actually feels as though its been awhile since I wrote one up but in reality its only been a month.

This month Avis from She Reads and Reads was unable to attend. We missed you Avis. In attendance was Donna from Books Bound, Linda from Better With Books, Tina from Bookshipper also joining us for the second time was Amanda from Tales and Treats.

We were happy to welcome two new bloggers to our meeting, Laura who blogs at Library of Clean Reads and if you remember she is also an author of the book Daughter of Mine which I have read and reviewed. Laura brought her co-blogging partner Sandra with her.

For some reason I always find that it seems like its a long time between the meet ups and I am always anxiously awaiting for them when then come but then once we go I find the time just flies. I am sure we could sit and chat much longer then we do.

One thing that Tina and I commented on was how busy our little tea shop has gotten since we started meeting up. Its no longer a quiet spot on a Sunday to meet up with a few stray customers coming and going. Within an hour of being there the tables quickly fill up which is a good thing for them. Thankfully Tina always reserve the tables for us. Thanks Tina.

One of the great things about our meet ups is being able to talk about anything at all and no one hates us for what we say. We speak our minds and what we feel. Plus we all can poke fun of each other without anyone getting hurt. Although this week I quickly realized how alike we are becoming that some of us are starting to dress alike LOL right Tina?

Its nice being able to talk about books, blogs, life etc with everyone in the group. I personally love that because my other friends aren't much into books or blogs so its nice to be able to have a group of friends that like the same things I do even if we don't share the same interest of certain genres of books.



Here is the list of books I picked up at this meet up:
From Tina:
-Late, Late at night by Rick Springfield (I am so excited to read this one)
-Louder then words series: Rae, Alexis and Hannah (another set of books I am excited to read)

From Laura:
-Lone Wolf Book 1 of the Wolves of the Beyond by Kathryn Lasky (I love the cover)

From Linda: (I actually borrowed this from her)
-book 3 of Scrapped Princess manga

From Amanda:
-Room by Emma Donoghue
-The Percy Jackson & Olympian series book 1 to 4 by Rick Riordan
-Eragon by Christopher Paolini
-Sarah's Key by Tatina De Rosnay
-The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

I also came home with a bag of hot chocolate and tea bags that I bought while we were in the tea shop and Tina gave me a can of Banana Nut tea that I picked up for her earlier that she didn't like.


Oops almost forgot that Donna gave me two puzzles for Michael and I. Michael loves doing puzzles and has always loved doing them. Which I think is good for kids to want to do.

Sadly there won't be a November meet up because things are planned but we do have a meet up planned for December on my birthday so that will be fun. What better way to spend your birthday then with fellow book lovers. See you then :)

(Review) Tweet Heart

TITLE: Tweet Heart
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Rudnick
PUB DATE: June 2010
PUBLISHER: Hyperion Book CH
PAGES: 272

SOURCE: I bought this book when I was on vacation this summer in Illinois at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. I scored big on this because it was actually a signed copy that had a bookmark in it.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Claire is a #hopeless romantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secret crush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan. Claire can't believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone. But the Twitter verse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she's falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected?. Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, Tweet Heart is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter.

MY THOUGHTS

This is a debut novel by Elizabeth Rudnick and when I first heard about the book it went on my wish list. I have tried to look for it here in Montreal and no one was selling it. I would have to order it online so I figured when I was in the US that I would check there and I spotted it right away and picked it up. I quickly noticed the sticker on the cover that said Autographed Copy.

This was a super quick read and I managed to read it one afternoon when we took the boys (Michael and his cousin) to the local pool. It was a great pool read since the boys were constantly distracting me I didn't have to worry about missing parts.

Tweet Hearts is done in the format of tweets, blog posts, and emails. All are things I love to do and read.

Even though it was done in this format Elizabeth managed to weave it all together to make a great plot that left you wanting to read more and more. Even though there was alot of characters it all worked out and it didn't leave the reader confused.

It was funny as I was reading it, it brought back memories of when I was in high school except back then we didn't have the computer and to talk with others we passed notes (which I still have some of the important ones that mean alot to me). Do you remember doing that?

Claire is really the main character and she is a regular high school girl who has a crush on one of the most popular guys in school, JD (something of which I could relate to) and she has had this crush on him since she was little basically. In her circle of friends is her best friend Lottie (the one that always has the guys) and her two male friends Will and Bennett.

As the book goes we see that Will actually has a secret crush on Claire. Trying to figure out how to get her attention he ends up taking advise from Bennett which could cost him everything. Will his plan going to far?

Will Claire take the chance or will she possible loose her friend in it?

I really enjoyed reading this book. I would sit and almost laugh at parts and then other parts I felt like I was yelling into the book at Will because I could so relate to what he was feeling and thinking.

(Review) A Homemade Christmas

TITLE: A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday
AUTHOR: Tina Barseghian
PUBLISHER: Harlequin
PUB DATE: September 2010
PAGES: 128
SOURCE: I received an ARC of the book from NETGALLEY and downloaded it onto my KOBO.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Making something with your own hands—whether it's a plate of just-baked cookies, a handcrafted stocking, a homemade wreath, or a hand-folded origami ornament—is a great way to connect with the true meaning of Christmas.

From holiday decorating to gift giving, A Homemade Christmas is chock-full of projects, recipes, tips, and helpful hints that are guaranteed to add a homemade touch to your holiday season. Open this charming volume to any page and discover a wealth of practical and easy-to-accomplish ideas for a homemade holiday:

• create personal, distinctive holiday greetings

• deck the halls with festive, handmade trimmings

• cook simple but memorable homemade dishes

• make unique, handcrafted gifts

• share the joy of the season with friends and family

Packed with inspiration and how-tos for ideas that are family-friendly and eco-conscious, festive and meaningful, A Homemade Christmas will put homemade back into your holidays!

MY THOUGHTS:
I have to admit that I am surprised that I am actually going to be making my first Christmas book post. I find it hard to believe that there is only like 65 days till Christmas and Halloween isn't even here yet.

You can tell that Christmas is coming because I am starting to see commericals on tv, the advertising in the paper is happening, the stores are starting to put out their Christmas decorations and items and the once good kids tv channels are now becoming bombarded with all kinds of toy commericals.

I think everyone tries to get a head of the game to make Christmas a stress free holiday. I know I do and its about this time that I begin to start my Christmas shopping. I like to be done my shopping come my birthday.

This book offers alot of great ideas on how to have an earth friendly, festive and frugal Christmas. As I was going through the book I realized there is so many great things that I can do with Michael to teach him that we don't need to spend a fortune to have a great holiday season with family and friends.

The book is broken down into five chapters and they cover: greeting, trimming, cooking, giving and celebrating along with a great resource section.

Within in section such as Greeting you are given ideas and tips on how to create your own personal cards that are quick and easy. Some ideas are making your own photo cards (I actually know friends that do this and they turn out beautiful), recycle last years cards to make new ones (you can use the front of the card) and making your own out of assorted craft supplies you have. I am thinking of making my own cards this year for close family and friends.

In Trimmings there are ideas and tips on how to make your own ornaments, decorations, how to make your own embellishments, quick ideas on how to make home made touches around your home that are all earth friendly such as getting an earth friendly tree ( every year we get a real tree and at the end of the Christmas season the city collects the trees to make into wood chips that go back into the parks.) During the holiday season I tend to burn alot of candles and over the past few years since we don't use our fireplace (as Michael has said "if the fireplace is going then how does Santa come down the chimney?") so I have taken to putting a bunch of candles in there to light the fireplace up and then blowing them out at bed time.

My favorite section is Cooking. Nothing says the holidays are here better then home made cooking and in this section Tina offers suggestions for cooking and baking that you can share with your family and friends. Who doesn't love a home made gift of yummy goodies? In order to get ready for holiday baking you have to make sure you pantry is well stocked and Tina offers suggestions on what to stock up on (dips, cheeses, crackers, nuts etc), also included are several recipes (pumpkin bread, chutney, berry jam, shortbread cookies, Russian tea cake, truffles, and many more) that you can make and give as presents, meals to make as well as drinks.

In Giving there are some great ideas on how to use what you got to make beautiful thoughtful gifts to give this year. There are some gift ideas on things to make. When it comes to gifts I have to admit it gets harder and harder to find the perfect gift but after reading this section I have to say has given me a ton of ideas such as making infused olive oil, doing a cookbook, a picture book, bookmarks (right up my alley), and many other ideas.

Finally the last chapter is Celebrating. When its all said and done this is what we look forward to being able to share the holidays with loved ones. In this chapter there are ideas for starting new traditions, cementing the old ones you do and reaching out to your community. I know some of our traditions is making popcorn and watching all the classic Christmas movies together over the holiday season.

One of the best things about the book is that there are a ton of things that are kid friendly and isn't it great being able to do things with your kids during this holiday season?

The Mailbox Post & Books Bought

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page but recently she has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of October Mailbox Monday is being hosted by my really good friend and fellow local blogger Avis and she blogs at She Reads and Reads.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the previous week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!

Just on FYI Avis loves to see pictures of the books you get so this is for you Avis.

Its really hard to believe that this is the last Monday in October. Where did the month go?

Starting next Monday, November 1st the Mailbox Monday tour stops at Julie from Knitting and Sundries for the month. So be sure to hop over to Julie's blog to see what she and others got and while your there leave a link for your own Mailbox Monday post.

This is what came through my door this week:


REVIEW:
-To Fetch a Thief by Spencer Quinn (just showed up for review)

WON:
About two weeks ago I won the following books from my fellow Canadian blogging friend Marci from Serendipiter. It was a give away that she hosted during her DK book month.
-Look Now: The world in Facts, Stats and Graphics
-The Big Idea Science Book
-Help Your Kids with Math

Thank you Marci.


BORROWED BOOKS:
-It Started with a Dare by Lindsay Faith Rech

BOUGHT:
-Priceless by Nicole Richie
-Shadowland by Alyson Noel (book 3 in the immortal series)
-The Alpha bet by Stephanie Hale
-Elixir by Hilary Duff

This is what came through my door this week, what about you?

Happy Halloween Everyone.

(Review & Give Away)The Waiting

TITLE: The Waiting
AUTHOR: Suzanne Woods Fisher
PUB DATE: October 2010
PAGES: 311
PUBLISHER: Revell
SOURCE: Finished copy of this book was provide by Amy as part of theLitfuse Publicity Tour.

Description:
Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man? A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

MY THOUGHTS:
I am a bug fan of amish fiction and I was so happy to be able to add another fantastic author to my list of must reads.

I got to read Suzanne's first book The Choice earlier this year and loved it. When I finished the book I couldn't wait for the second book to come out and I was so excited that I was able to get on the tour for this book.

Just in case you haven't read The Choice don't worry this book is a stand alone in the series.

I have no idea why I am so interested in Amish fiction. There has always been something that intriques me about them and I always end up devouring all kinds of Amish fiction.

Anyways you are hear to read my review of The Waiting. All I have to say is that I LOVED it. I am dying to read and honestly can't wait for book three to come out and its called The Search.

Jorie King is the main character. She is a young girl waiting for her love Ben Zook to return home from Veitnam. He is there as a contentious objecter. She loves Ben and she can't wait to marry him and has promised him she would wait for him. She hopes that once he returns to Lancaster County that he will decide to settle down and join the church.

While she is anxiously waiting they get news that Ben was killed. Everyone is upset. Just when you think that is the worst that can happen Ben's brother, Caleb loses his wife to leukemia two weeks later but before she dies she tells Caleb that he is free to marry again to help him. He is left to raise is young children and run a farm on his own.

Caleb and Jorie are becoming closer and are there togethe greiving their mutal loses. You can see that they are becoming closer and they both need to move on. It begins to look that way but before they are able to they get word that could possible change everything.

What will Jorie do? Will she stick to her promise that she made or is it too late?

GIVE AWAY
I have one copy to give away to one of my lucky readers. The only rules are you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment about an amish book you have read or want to read along with your email address so that I can email you if you are a winner.

This is open only to Canada and US residents with a valid mailing address sorry no PO boxes. Contest runs from now until October 31st.

Please note you will have 48 hours to email me back with your mailing address should you be the winner.

(Tour) The Waiting

About The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway!
Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting, book two in The Lancaster Secrets Collection. In The Waiting Jorie finds herself caught be two loves and two lives in this compelling page turner about complex people living the simple life.

A must read!

Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!

Learn more about Suzanne and her books at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/!

The Waiting is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.

One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle preloaded with Suzanne Woods Fisher titles and a Amazon.com gift certificate! The Prize Pack (valued at over $185.00) includes:

* A brand new KINDLE, Free 3G, 6", Latest Generation

* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher

* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate

To enter, simply click on the icons below to fill out the entry form, then tell 5 or more friends about the contest. Oh, and enter soon! Winner will be announced on October 28th at Suzanne's Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party.

Join Suzanne for the Lancaster Secrets Book Club Party on October 28th! She’ll be announcing the winner of the The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway, hosting a book club discussion of The Waiting and The Choice, and giving away copies of both books and HEAPs of readerly prizes! Be sure to join us on Thursday, October 28th at 5:00 PM PST (6:00 MST, 7:00 CST & 8 EST) at Suzanne’s Author Page.

Book 2 in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and hot on the heals of the best-selling The Choice, The Waiting is a compelling page turner. Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?

A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.

Blog tour schedule: The Waiting Blog Tour you can see who else toured this book already and up is coming up. Today I am going to share with the tour stops today:
10/18
Sheri at
The Shades of Pink

Carie at
Carie's Coins & Cents

Tammy at
Bluerose's Heart

Janie Hickok at
JHS at Colloquim

Carol at
Books Before Food

Myrtle at
Myrtle's Turtles

Revka at
The Porch Light

Heidi at
Reviews & Reflections

Stefany at
To Be Thode

Deb at
Just Short of Crazy

Check back later this morning for my review on The Waiting and a giveaway as well.

The Mailbox Post & Books Bought

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page but recently she has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of October Mailbox Monday is being hosted by my really good friend and fellow local blogger Avis and she blogs at She Reads and Reads.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the previous week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!

Just on FYI Avis loves to see pictures of the books you get so this is for you Avis.

REVIEW:
-Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohen & David Levithan
-Behemoth by Scott Westerfield
-When Strawberries Bloom by Linda byler

BOOKS BOUGHT:
-A Blue so Dark by Holly Schindler (absolutely love the cover)
-Other by Karen Kincy
-Secret Society by Tom Dolby (this was on the bargain table)

KOBO DOWNLOADED:
-Hide in Plain Sight by Marta Perry (this was a free download)

BOOKS WON:
-Bad Boy by Peter Robinson. This was a win from Tina at Bookshipper. Thanks Tina. If you click on Bookshipper it will take you to her review of the book.
-The 39 Clues books 1 through 10 by various authors. This was a win from Laura at Library of Clean Reads. Thank You Laura. If you check her site I believe you can find reviews for all 10 books in this series. I was pleasantly surprised to find two signed books in the box. Thanks Scholastic Canada.

So this is what books I got last week, what about you?

2nd Annual Fall Festival Recipe Exchange

Amy from My Friend Amy's Blog is hosting the 2nd annual Fall Recipe Exchange this year. For some reason last year I missed this one.

Here's how it works. You dig through your recipes and come up with something delish to share with Amy and her readers and well my readers too! On October 14th, post it on your blog and then jet back over to My Friend Amy's Blog, drop your link in the Mister linky and scoot on around to all of the other participating blogs so that you'll have the YUMMIEST season of the best food yet. Amy is also planning on having a few giveaways, nothing huge just some low key fun as well.

I was trying to think to what I wanted to share with you and the first thing that came to mind was this:



Its called Hot Spiced Apple Juice. I have a similar drink when I go to our monthly book blogger meet ups and just love it. So I have been trying to find the recipe and this one comes pretty close to what I get at our meet ups.

Hot Spiced Apple Juice
-2 litres of fresh apple juice (I have used regular kinds as well)
-2 sticks of cinnamon
-2 each of whole spice and cloves
-brown sugar to taste (this is optional)

Put all the ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil and then let simmer for 15 minutes. Strain.

Enjoy!

Please let me know if you are going to post a recipe so that I can check it out and don't forget to go to My Friend Amy's Blog to share your post.

Another Just Released

I am a huge fan of the show on TLC called What Not to Wear and Clinton Kelly. Last year I got Clinton Kelly's book Freakin' Fabulous and loved it.

Earlier this year I heard that Clinton had a new book coming out called Oh NO She Didn't and I was super excited and quickly made a note that I wanted to get it.

Then I found out that he was going to be at BEA and I knew I had to get in line to see him and was really praying that he would have his book with him and that I would get a copy signed. I wasn't sure that I would get to see him because the line was so long but I have to say I am happy to report I did get to see him and get this picture taken with him.

I have to say that I was pretty nervous about meeting him. Not so much him but because of what he does on tv and honestly I tried to say pretty neutral in what I wore I believe it was a basic white top with black Capri's but sneakers on my feet and I made that comment not to look down and he was so funny and said not to worry its a convention and its hard to dress up and walk around so phew.

This is what he was signing:

Its basically a chapter out of his book I believe. It wasn't his book which bummed me out because I would have loved to have gotten that signed and I didn't think to bring my copy of Freakin' Fabulous and I wish I had.

Anyways today Clinton's new book is being released and I have it on my wish list and hoping to pick it up very soon. If you are fan of the show then this is the book for you. Pick it up and enjoy it.

ABOUT THE BOOK
Muffin tops. Scrunchies. Suntan hose. Slut shoes. Visible panty line.

Who hasn't had the unfortunate experience of witnessing—or (gasp!) actually wearing—one of these fashion disasters?

The atrocities Clinton Kelly has seen—it's a surprise he hasn't gouged out his own eyes. Mom jeans? Fancy fingernails? Tracksuits? In the same straight-talking style that has made TLC's What Not to Wear a smash hit for eight seasons, the cheeky media personality and author of Freakin' Fabulous shows women how to outfit themselves with confidence and style as he pokes fun at fashion "don'ts." From the most obvious faux pas (Texas tuxedos) to borderline offenses (peekaboo boobies), Clinton offers detailed and entertaining critiques of our top one hundred sartorial slip-ups. He turns his keen eye to wardrobe, color, cut, cleanliness, hairstyle, accessories, and even posture. And because he loves you, he presents easy alternatives and practical suggestions for creating fabulous outfits that will make you forget you ever wore socks with clogs.

Clinton also explains how to use trends to your advantage at any age, from deciding which ones work for you to understanding how to wear them to keep your look relevant. Because if you're not comfortable in the sequined mini, everyone around you will know it.

A delightful mix of hilarious dish and expert fashion advice, Oh No She Didn't will turn anyone from fashion victim to fashionista in no time.

Gallery, October 2010

Hardcover, 208 pages

ISBN-10: 1439163162

ISBN-13: 9781439163160

Just Released

I am super excited because Rick Springfield's memior Late, Late At Night was just released a mere second ago. I have to admit that I am not a huge memoir fan but this is the exception to the rule.

I think my very first exposure to Rick Springfield was when he worked on General Hospital. I was a devoted fan back then and then I heard he had a album (yea one of those) I can remember saving up my babysitting money to buy the cassette (am I actually dating myself here?) Which I think I might still have packed away in my basement somewhere. Its been replaced by a cd. I played that cassette over and over and I have to admit that I am surprised it last with the numerous times it was played.

In May (2010) I was really excited to hear that Rick was going to be at BEA promoting his book. I have to say sadly there was no ARC's of the memoir to be seen except a promotional item. Which you can see my review of it here. Which I just love.

I thought I would share once again the picture I had taken when I met Rick in May. He is super sweet and truly appreciates his fans. I was pleasantly surprised at how sweet he was. This hug was a genuine hug and not one of those yea here you go take the picture and sends you on your way kind of hugs.



From the Publisher
In a searingly candid memoir which he authored himself, Grammy Award-winning pop icon Rick Springfield pulls back the curtain on his image as a bright, shiny, happy performer to share the startling story of his rise and fall and rise in music, film, and television and his lifelong battle with depression.

In the 1980s, singer-songwriter and actor Rick Springfield seemed to have it all: a megahit single in "Jessie's Girl," sold-out concert tours, follow-up hits that sold more than 17 million albums and became the pop soundtrack for an entire generation, and 12 million daily viewers who avidly tuned in to General Hospital to swoon over his portrayal of the handsome Dr. Noah Drake. Yet lurking behind his success as a pop star and soap opera heartthrob and his unstoppable drive was a moody, somber, and dark soul, one filled with depression and insecurity.

In Late, Late at Night, the memoir his millions of fans have been waiting for, Rick takes readers inside the highs and lows of his extraordinary life. By turns winningly funny and heartbreakingly sad, every page resonates with Rick's witty, wry, self-deprecating, brutally honest voice. On one level, he reveals the inside story of his ride to the top of the entertainment world. On a second, deeper level, he recounts with unsparing candor the forces that have driven his life, including his longtime battle with depression and thoughts of suicide, the shattering death of his father, and his decision to drop out at the absolute peak of fame. Having finally found a more stable equilibrium, Rick's story is ultimately a positive one, deeply informed by his passion for creative expression through his music, a deep love of his wife of twenty-six years and their two sons, and his life-long quest for spiritual peace.

Format:Hardcover

Dimensions:336 Pages, 6.12 x 9.12 x 1 in

Published:October 12, 2010

Publisher:Simon & Schuster

The following ISBNs are associated with this title:
ISBN - 10:1439191158
ISBN - 13:9781439191156




So don't forget if you are a Rick Springfield fan then this is the book for you. I can't wait to get it and read it. I think this one will actually be pushed up on my TBR pile when I get it.

The Mailbox Post & Books Bought

Its that time of the week again when I get to share with you what books came to my door this week.

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page but recently she has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tour and for the month of October Mailbox Monday is being hosted by my really good friend and fellow local blogger Avis and she blogs at She Reads and Reads.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the previous week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!

Just on FYI Avis loves to see pictures of the books you get so this is for you Avis.

REVIEW:
-Lots of Dots by Craig Fraser
- 2 copies of The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher (check later this month for my review and a giveaway) (Sorry no pictures of The Waiting)

BOUGHT:
-Pretty Dead by Francesca Lia Block
-Kisses from Hell
-Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad
-Geronimo Stilton The Kingdom of Fantasy
-Geronimo Stilton The Quest for the Paradise
-Vermont travel guide

This is Michael's Scholastic Order:
They are all french books. I'm not going to list the titles of the books but if you would like to se them in future posts let me know and I will do it.

LIBRARY:
-The extraordinary Secrets of April, May and June by Robin Benway (Sorry no pic for this.)

NETGALLEY BOOKS:
This is what I ended up downloading this week on my Kobo:
-The Lying Game by Sara Shepard Pub Date: 12/07/2010
-The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin Pub Date: 03/01/2011
-Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton Pub Date: 02/15/2011
-Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Pub Date: 01/04/2011
-Once in a full moon by Ellen Schreiber Pub Date: 12/28/2010
(I don't have a picture for this because they are all on my Kobo)

WON:
-The Search For Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi (This was a win from twitter via Simon & Schuster Canada)

The following win is from Decadent Publishing and BBAW (book blogger appreciation week). I won $25 and I was able to pick $25 worth of ebooks so this is what I picked:
-For the Love of Mollie by KT Grant (This was an automatic win)
-The Claiming Of Suzy
-The Strange Fate Of Capricious Jones
-Red Riding Hood
-Reds Return
-Blood Moon
-Love by Auction
-The Temple Of The Heart
(I also don't have pics of this because they are all on my Kobo)

On Friday I was out of town for the day (spent the day in Vermont) and I came home to a sticker attached to my door from DHL attempting to deliver an item. I have no idea what it is so I will have to wait until Tuesday because Monday is Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

I am just curious for books that I download to my Kobo do you want to see the covers or just links to a bookseller site/publishing house?

So this is what came to my door this pst week, what goodies did you get?

(Meme) Top Ten Tuesday

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because they are particularly fond of lists at The Broke and the Bookish. They love sharing their lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

Each week they post a new Top Ten subject. You can read their answers weekly. Everyone is welcome to join and all you have to do is link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND sign Mister Linky at the bottom to share with them and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. Don't worry if you can't come up with ten every time...just post what you can!

TOP TEN FAVORITE AUTHORS

As you can see I don't do alot of Top Ten Tuesday posts but this week I wanted to take part and share with you my TOP TEN FAVORITE AUTHORS. I was able to complete this within seconds of reading it.

In no particular order here is my TOP TEN FAVORITE AUTHORS:

1. Kelley Armstrong
2. James Patterson
3. Adele Griffin
4. Cassandra Clare
5. Gena Showalter
6. Holly Black
7. Cecil Castellucci
8. Sophie Kinsella
9. Melody Carlson
10. Jill Mansell

Have you read anything from these authors? If so do you enjoy their books? Do you like them? Why or Why not?

Next week the topic is: Top Ten Books I'll NEVER Read

(Review) Take a Chance on me

TITLE: Take A Chance On Me
AUTHOR: Jill Mansell
PUB DATE October 2010
PUBLISHER:Sourcebooks
PAGES: 432
SOURCE: I received an ARC from the publisher. Thank You Danielle.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Cleo Quinn doesn’t have the greatest track record when it comes to men, but now Will’s come along. Handsome and attentive, he could be her Mr Right. Things are definitely looking up for Cleo... apart from one small problem with a rather large ego. Johnny LaVenture, sculptor extraordinaire and her personal childhood nemesis, is back in Channing’s Hill and tormenting her as if he’d never been away.

Meanwhile Cleo’s sister Abbie has a problem of her own—husband Tom has become distant and withdrawn, and she’s determined to find out why. But will the shocking truth mean the end of their idyllically happy marriage?

The sisters are about to discover that the past can come back to haunt you, and that love can flourish in the unlikeliest of places...

MY THOUGHTS:
I must point out firstly that the cover that I have shown is the arc version and the final copy cover from Sourcebooks (US cover). Sadly the Canadian cover is totally different and I don't really like it and prefer the US one much more.

I believe this is my fifth Jill Mansell that I have read since Sourcebooks was given the US rights too. I have to say that I am yet to be disappointed in them. They are funny, entertaining and quick reads. I love them and looking forward to the next Jill Mansell book to come out in the US.

One of the things that I think I enjoy from the books is that in someway I can relate to the characters. This time I thought I could relate well with Cleo. She is almost 30 and still living in the same little town she grew up in, Channings Hill. She is working as a limo driver. She is dating this guy Will and he seems to be the perfect guy and even though they have only been dating a short time Cleo thinks she has met the perfect guy but quickly realizes that he isn't so perfect. His has a deep dark secret that will tear them apart.

Then if that wasn't enough someone approaches her and what she thinks could be the worst thing to happen quickly turns into the best thing that could have happen not only to her but perhaps to Ash as well.

The other character I have to say I loved was Ash. He is Cleo's best friend and next door neighbor. Ash is just your typical guy in the real world he has a hard time talking to the ladies but once he is on air working as a DJ he has women drooling over him. I can actually say I knew someone who was like Ash. You could listen to him on the radio and practically drool over this guy but upon meeting him was completely different. So when I was reading this I automatically thought of him and knew he was Ash in my eyes.

Cleo soon realizes through the course of the book that an old arch enemy has come back to town to try and sell the house he grew up in but quickly realises that Cleo has managed to ruin the one and only offer he might have gotten. Can old arch enemies be able to bury the hatchet and let by gones be by gones?

Another main character in the book is Abbie, Cleo's sister. Reading the book you see that Abbie has the perfect husband and perfect marriage. We all know that in fiction that doesn't always happen and this is a case of that being true. Abbie has to stumble on a letter that makes her question her husband and marriage? Is it what it is or something else?

My favorite quote in the book is:

They can give the impression on the surface of being really nice. But deep down, they're capable of all sorts.

Is that the truth?

The Mailbox Post

I can't believe we are already into the month of October and sadly today is your typical fall day here in Quebec. Its sunny but cool. The temperature is roughly about 10C (about 50F). When I look out the window I see the leaves falling from a neighbors tree a sure sign its fall.

As you know Mailbox Monday is originally hosted by Marcia at The Printed Page but recently she has decided to put Mailbox Monday on a blog tours and for the month of October Mailbox Monday is being hosted by my really good friend and fellow local blogger Avis and she blogs at She Reads and Reads.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house during the previous week. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists!


This past week the following came to my door via the mailman/delvery guys.
[Single Voice Flip books (2 stories in 1)]
-Film Studies (Caroline Adderson)/The Trouble with Marlene (Billie Livingston
-Train Wreak (Malin Lindroth/Too Late (Clem Martini)
Thank Annick Press for sending this to me. Look for my reviews this week.

-Don't Kiss him Good Bye (Book 3 London Confidential Series) by Sandra Byrd (Requested to review)

-The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
-Thumb Love by Elise Primavera
Thanks to Random House Canada for sending these. Look for my review of Thumb Love this week. (Requested to review)

-Canning Preserving: All you need to know to make jams, jellies, pickles, chutneys and more by Ashley English
Thanks Sterling for sending this. (This is for a blogging event coming up)

-Foodista 100 Great Recipes, Photographes and Voices: Best of Food Blogs Cookbook
Thanks to Andrews McMeel Publishing for sending this to me.

BOUGHT BOOKS:
This past week I only bought one book and that is The Exile by Diana Gabaldon. I have been told that I need and should read The Outlander. I actually have it on my bookcase in the basement to read and never read it. So I thought I would pick this up and read it to see if it peaks my interest. I actually read Jane Erye in a graphic novel recently and now want to read Jane Erye.

LIBRARY BOOKS:
Everytime I leave the library I always say to myself why did I take out so many books to read when I have stacks at home to read! This past weekend Michael had story time at the library and I got to looking around and needless this is what jumped in my bag:
(Since there is alot of books I won't list then but you can see them from the pictures)
This one is the books I took out for me and the one below is for Michael.

This is what books found there way to my house last week, what about you?

Does anyone else go to the library and take out more books then they should? Thankfully some of the ones above if I don't read them in three weeks I am able to renew them online for another three weeks.

*As per Avis's request I have included pictures :)