Michelle Moran Giveaway - Cleopatra's Daughter and the Heretic Queen

CLOSED

Thanks to Michelle Moran I have a lovely treat for you all today. I am hosting a giveaway of her new book Cleopatra's Daughter which comes out on September 15th, and I also got a paperback of The Heretic Queen to give away to a lucky winner.

I can't wait to read this book myself, since it has all the ingredients that I like.

You can enter for both books but you can only win one. Prize 1 is Cleopatra's Daughter and prize 2 is The Heretic Queen.

Entering is simple and the contest, thanks to the wonderful Ms Moran, is open WORLDWIDE.

1. Leave a comment, and you're entered for both.

2. If I can't reach you through blogger or wordpress or so on, then please leave your email.

3. If you do have a preference then do tell me so I can enter you only for one of the books.

4. Open to all

4. Ends September 10th.

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s vengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome, but only two—the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander—survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

In ancient Egypt, a forgotten princess must overcome her family’s past, and remake history.

The winds of change are blowing through Thebes. A devastating palace fire has killed the 18th dynasty’s royal family—all with the exception of Nefertari, niece of the reviled former queen Nefertiti. The girl’s deceased family has been branded as heretical, and no one in Egypt will speak their names. A relic of a previous reign, Nefertari is pushed aside, an unimportant princess left to run wild in the palace. But all of this changes when she is taken under the wing of pharaoh’s aunt, and brought to the Temple of Hathor where she is educated in a manner befitting a future queen.

Soon Nefertari catches the eye of the crown prince, and despite her family’s history, they fall in love and wish to marry. Yet all of Egypt opposes this union between the rising star of a new dynasty and the fading star of an old, heretical one. While political adversity sets the country on edge, Nefertari becomes the wife of Ramesses the Great. Destined to be the most powerful pharaoh in Egypt, he is also the man who must confront the most famous exodus in history.

Mailbox Monday (in 6 hours)

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired.

In the company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant. Won over @ Historical Fiction

Escaping the sack of Rome in 1527, with their stomachs churning on the jewels they have swallowed, the courtesan Fiammetta and her dwarf companion, Bucino, head for Venice, the shimmering city born out of water to become a miracle of east-west trade: rich and rancid, pious and profitable, beautiful and squalid.

The Italian's inexperienced mistress by Lynne Graham, won over @ Anna's Book Blog

When Angelo Riccardi sought revenge Gwenna Hamilton added another, delicious dimension. Innocent and pretty, she had no chance when the Italian tycoon offered her the devil's bargain: pay for her father's freedom with her body. In her naivete, Gwenna thought that Angelo would tire of her and her innocence very quickly. But he had more in mind than just one night…

The Light of Burning Shadows by Chris Evans, won over @ (edit later since I have the name on my computer and not here)

The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch, and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army's elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.



I will finally have time to read again for a couple of weeks since I have no classes at all, and I sure have some good books lined up.
Stop by tomorrow when my Michelle Moran contest starts :) Open to all.

What did you get in your mailbox?

Review: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanvich

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Published: June 2009
Genre: Chick-lit, romance, mystery
Pages: 320

Recipe for disaster:
Celebrity chef Stanley Chipotle comes to Trenton to participate in a barbecue cook-off and loses his head --literally.
Throw in some spice:
Bail bonds office worker Lula is witness to the crime, and the only one she’ll talk to is Trenton cop, Joe Morelli.

Pump up the heat:
Chipotle’s sponsor is offering a million dollar reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the capture of the killers.
Stir the pot:
Lula recruits bounty hunter Stephanie Plum to help her find the killers and collect the moolah.
Add a secret ingredient:
Stephanie Plum’s Grandma Mazur. Enough said.
Bring to a boil:
Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, A.K.A. Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, solve Ranger’s problems and not jump his bones?
Warning:
Habanero hot. So good you’ll want seconds.

Perhaps it were the reviews I had read that made me look more critical at this one, or perhaps it just wasn't as good as previous novels. It never made me laugh out loud, just smile now and then. And I always laugh when I read the number novels.

I think I may know the reason, the lack of Morelli. I love these because of the dynamics between Stephanie, Morelli and Ranger. They are the perfect triangle, and I enjoy how they all act together. And the whole who will she pick, who will do what. That was not here, so that crucial ingredient was missing and it showed.

Because of that I started looking at other things, like how annoying it is that the only word Ranger seems to know is babe, that she never understand that the skips will climb out the window while she waits patiently for them. She should have learnt by now.

What I wont get tired of is crazy grandma Mazur, I love her. I will not get tired of Stephanie's cars exploding, I would actually be upset if they weren't. And I will not get tired of the oh so funny side-kick Lula, though I could have lived without the farting in this one.

It was a normal Plum novel, she is trying to find those who failed to show up in court, that usually means crazy old men, exploding cars, and her getting all dirty. And there is always the big story too. This time Lula has witnessed a murder and the bad guys are after her. And while they try to stay away they also try to catch the killers to get the reward.

It was ok, alright more than ok, but I expect more from Evanovich by now. I want laughs, not just smiles. And if it hasn't got me giggling and laughing then it can't get more than a ok from me. Though this one is still better than her between the numbers novels and her other novels.

Library Loot - August 26

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Marg
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

Yes I was not supposed to enter the library, but had to go and say bye to the girl I had worked with, and of course I had to borrow a book. And then I found out that Finger Lickin' 15 could be found and rushed to the other library at once ;)

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is working overtime tracking felons for the bonds office at night and snooping for security expert Carlos Manoso, A.K.A. Ranger, during the day. Can Stephanie hunt down two killers, a traitor, five skips, keep her grandmother out of the sauce, solve Ranger’s problems and not jump his bones?

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

An old woman tells of her relationship with her "old-same," their arranged marriages, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood—until a terrible misunderstanding written on their secret fan threatens to tear them apart. With the detail and emotional resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha , Snow Flower and the Secret Fan delves into one of the most mysterious and treasured relationships of all time—female friendship.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

When Truly Plaice's mother was pregnant, the town of Aberdeen joined together in betting how recordbreakingly huge the baby boy would ultimately be. The girl who proved to be Truly paid the price of her enormity; her father blamed her for her mother's death in childbirth, and was totally ill equipped to raise either this giant child or her polar opposite sister Serena Jane, the epitome of femine perfection

Almost finished with the Plum novel :)

Review: The Appeal by John Grisham

The Appeal by John Grisham

Year: 2008
Genre: Legal political thriller
Pages: 368

Politics has always been a dirty game.
Now justice is, too.

In a crowded courtroom in Mississippi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town’s water supply, causing the worst “cancer cluster” in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict or reverse it.

Who are the nine? How will they vote? Can one be replaced before the case is ultimately decided?

The chemical company is owned by a Wall Street predator named Carl Trudeau, and Mr. Trudeau is convinced the Court is not friendly enough. With judicial elections looming, he decides to try to purchase himself a seat on the Court. The cost is a few million dollars, a drop in the bucket for a billionaire like Mr. Trudeau. Through an intricate web of conspiracy and deceit, his political operatives recruit a young, unsuspecting candidate. They finance him, manipulate him, market him, and mold him into a potential Supreme Court justice. Their Supreme Court justice.


First I thought, is this the same Grisham, where are my courtrooms, I thought about that for a while and soon enough I got sucked into this book. Not that much about lawyers but more about justice and the political game, and Grisham knows how to tell a story.

The book starts in a little town, where many now have cancer, or are sick in other ways, if not dead. A case have been built and the big chemical company is trying to prove that they sure didn't have anything to do with the fact that this town is a cancer cluster, and no place in the US even comes near the numbers. The lawyers representing a woman who lost her husband and son, wins, and the company is to pay. Here the real story starts. Carl Trudeau can burn 20 million on a painting but he does not want to pay 41 million to the woman in question. The case is to be taken to the Mississippi supreme court, and what if they could get just the right person there. A conservative, Christian, gun loving, gay hating, trial lawyer disliking, white male.

Soon enough I started to go insane, I was so upset with certain characters and I just wanted to go and yell at them, or play real dirty too. Because politics is a dirty game, and towards the end i could only read a couple of pages before I hate to stop and bite my tongue. It gets really intense, and I only grew more angry.

Justice can be bought easily, and Grisham shows what could happen with the right money. What he is saying is that the juridical system should not have anything to do with justice and he makes the point clear. He also shows how the people can be lead to think a certain way, perhaps they don't think at all that this candidate is the best. But he has the best coverage, most money, and his opponent is getting crushed in lies.

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and I am sure I could have liked it even more if it hadn't been for the end. It sure awakened a lot of emotions in me, mostly anger, but still that is what a good book should manage to do.

There is no action, but it builds up to something intense. Who will win the seat on the Supreme court and what will happen to the people in "cancer county"?

For people who like Grisham this is a book to read, his legal thrillers are always the best. For the rest, if you haven't tried a Grisham then there are many to choose from, and they are very addictive. He has a certain way of writing, something you would think is so boring comes alive with his writing.

Mailbox Monday - August 24

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired.

Renegade by Sarah Parr, won over at Leontine's Book realm. Sarah also sent me the yummiest cookies, candy and tea.

Captain Jonathon Barry is captivated the instant he sees Jaline - she is too magnificent not to notice. Her voice is intoxicating, soft as velvet with a sweet, lilting quality, as she recounts an evil bargain made against her will. She is to be his mistress, and he may do with her as he pleases. Jonathon is deeply torn, for Jaline is indeed his by right. She is only a slave, the prize he has won in a Constantinople gambling den. Trembling, bared to him, body and soul - oh no - he can see how cruelly she has been treated. It is clear that Jaline is in danger still and he may well be her only hope. Yet even a renegade like Jonathon would risk anything to save so beautiful a woman...and to love her, if she will let him.




The Magician's nephew by CS Lewis. First book.
My boyfriend's mother got this for me when they were at this huge fair over the weekend where they sell everything. So she came back with a book for me, and something for him too.

BBAW Meme

I thought about completing this meme long ago but I am finally getting it done. I do want to be a part of this fun week, might even do a giveaway since I just found the book for it (trying to look through my old books and organize them, you all know what that is like ;)

Now to the questions:

1) What has been one of the highlights of blogging for you?
2) What blogger has helped you out with your blog by answering questions, linking to you, or inspiring you?
3) What one question do you have about BBAW that someone who participated last year could answer?



1) Meeting a lot of interesting and friendly fellow bloggers. When I look back at the little lost blogger who took a step out in the big blogworld, well I wouldn't still be here if it weren't for all the lovely people I have met.

Also, I have found so many new authors, and books. I have read more than usual and I have gotten the chance to read new to me genres and such. Best book year of my life.

2) There were bloggers who took time to check back after I had visited, and those that came back again. I remembers my first followers and friends with joy. I could give you a whole list, but most of them know how grateful I am for their help *hugs all*

But I do want to mention someone, Lea from Closetwriter who made my blog into 3 columns and made it look all professional. She is always there with a helping hand if I ever need one. She is a blog-angel.

And to the rest, you are the reason I blog in the first place.

3) Hm, I honestly can't say. How was the week?
Oh yes not very creative today.


(A little sidenote. Got some wonderful news, will be having a Michelle Moran (The Heretic Queen and Cleopatra's Daughter) giveaway starting from next week, 2 books to give away, and it's international. Will see you there. More next week :)

I got a BBAW nomination :D

I got the best surprise when I opened my email today. I have been nominated for a BBAW award. Best commentor :)

A check at the site what that means

Best Commenter/Commentator – This blogger is a major part of what makes the community great – they comment early and often, and always have a way of keeping the conversation rolling. You always look forward to a comment from them.

Aww, that is so sweet. I want to thank the one or those who nominated me for this lovely award. It's truly an honor. And a part of what I love best with blogging, to see what you all are reading and doing and comment on that. It it was makes this into such a fun and great community. And I would be nothing without you, you keep my blog alive, and my interest peaked. I have learnt about so many great books that I could be set for life already.

And last, it's an honor just being nominated

My Favorite Reads

Alyce @ At Home with Books chooses each week a favourite book of hers. If you want to participate just head over to her blog with your own favourite read.

This is a good idea, since there are so many books I read before I started blogging. So this week I will present one book I really enjoyed: The Moonlit Cage by Linda Holeman


It is the story of two people as extraordinary as the Victorian age they lived through. Daryâ is the brutalised but courageous young wife of an Afghan tribesman. She is a cursed woman, married under false pretences, for she is unable to bear children. But more awful than her barrenness is the punishment she will face when her husband discovers Daryâ's curse. Knowing she must flee or he will kill her, Daryâ escapes.

David Ingram is an enigmatic Englishman, traveling in Afghanistan. Although he is a stranger to Daryâ, he is also the only man who can help her. He saves her life and, for reasons of his own, eventually offers to take her back to England with him.

With David by her side, Daryâ embarks upon the journey of a lifetime — one that takes her from the unforgiving valleys and mountains of her homeland to 1850s London, the heart of the mighty British Empire. And there Daryâ finds herself in an equally difficult position: can a girl who has navigated her way across the cruel landscape of the Northwest Frontier face what might be most perilous of all — the polite society of Victorian London? (authors site)


I would have to read it again to really express myself cos I can't remember all the details just that it was one of the best reads that year. This was a great story that sucked me in at once. I loved Darya because she wanted more, the did not always choose the right way, but I struggled there with her And then there was David who she met and who helped her. They were so perfect for each other, and I just kept wishing they could see that. But there was an entire society between them.

She paints beautiful pictures while writing and I can feel like I am there in Afghanistan and looking back at a time gone by. Even the sad parts were beautiful in their own way. The search for happiness was long and there was time I feared, but I kept on reading. A truly good and magical book. A story about love and loss because, and the dark places had me aching.

There was this beautiful quote about a golden cage that really expresses the book but I can sadly not find it now.

Awards

Award time :)

Thank you all so much! *hugs everyone* I do love my awards and they always makes me feel so happy and thankful. They truly brighten my day. You all are the reason I blog. What is better than talking books with people who love books.

Must make a post 2 tomorrow and nominate some new bloggers, but now school. Which is less stressful now since I know when I will get those own lessons and which lessons I will follow this week and the next...tomorrow I will try to find a history lesson to follow since I do love that subject.

From Hilda @ Dip-Files
The rules are simple:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
chosen for this award.
2. Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.

Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

From Cecile @ All I want and more and Missy @ Missy's Book Nook I got the Proximidade award

Being a recipient of this award affirms that this blog invests and believes in the Proximity – nearness in space, time and relationships.

From Anna @ Anna's book Blog

The Kreativ rules state that: Once you receive this award you are to list seven of your favorite things and then nominate seven other blogs.

Today I feel like:
1. Books, I have always been and will always be a reader
2. Chocolate, my true addiction
3. History, I love to learn more
4. Mythology, I got my name from somewhere :)
5. Watching a good movie with K
6. Walking in the warm summer rain
7. Summer

The heartfelt award From Mari @ Bookworm with a view


Do you reach for a cup of cocoa or tea when your relaxing, seeking comfort, sharing a plate of cookies with family and friends? You know the feeling you get when you drink a yummy cup of cocoa, tea, or a hot toddy? That is what the Heartfelt Award is all about, feeling warm inside.

Mailbox Monday

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired.







One book this week, from bookmooch. I was supposed to get another Austen sequel too, but that one seems to be lost, or never sent.

Darcy and Elizabeth by Linda Berdoll

Hold onto your bonnets, Mr. and Mrs. Darcy have an exceedingly passionate marriage in this continuing saga of one of the most exciting, intriguing couples in the Jane Austen sequel literature.

As the Darcys raise their babies, enjoy their conjugal felicity and manage the great estate of Pemberley, the beloved characters from Jane Austen's original are joined by Linda Berdoll's imaginative new creations for a compelling, sexy and epic story guaranteed to keep you turning the pages and gasping with delight.

How was your week then?
.

Review: Soulless by Gail Carriger (ARC)

Soulless by Gail Carriger
Parasol Protectorate Series 1

Genre: Steampunk historical urban fantasy romance
Release date: September 29th 2009
Pages: 384

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire, and the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate. With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible.

Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?


This book is a mix of things and I fell head over heels for it. I had heard a lot about steampunk and after reading this I want more. I love a good alternate history/earth kind of book.

And yes I know I put up a lot of genres there, but there is a lot of different things in here, and how to tell what is what. Also I am first now getting the whole steampunk idea. What not to miss is that it's also comedic. It's so witty, and even if it's not laugh out loud haha, it has that witty streak through out the whole book that I often sat there with a smile on my face. I loved the banter between the main characters.

Alexia is a great heroine, witty, smart and not like her half sisters or other women. She is also soulless, a soulsucker as the vampires call her kind. She has been a spinster from once, her mother does not know about her condition, but because of her Italian look she has been on the shelf for 10 years. But she is quite happy there, and she has the freedom to at least try to do what she wants.

But then there is the nasty incident with a rude vampire who does not introduce himself instead he goes straight for her neck. Vampires have more manners than that since they, werewolves and ghosts now are a part of society. She is of course shocked and does what she has to do. here the book starts, and we get to meet Lord Maccon who she has come across now and then. The alpha wolf from Scotland who came and took control over the London pack. Rather rude, and very much a werewolf. Can she figure out things without running in to him all the time?

Lord Maccon, well yes I fell for him. He is all alpha, and the dance between those two is great, she has really succeeded with creating chemistry between them. They are so annoyed by each other, but at the same time there is something more there. Something a soulless really should not feel for a werewolf, because what would others say? How I wanted them together.

Werewolves. vampires and ghosts are a normal sight in England, and the rest of the world these days. In England they are a part of society, and it's a nice twist to it. The setting feels normal.

This is a great and funny book. There is the romance, the comedy of manners, and the insight in how things could perhaps have been. The main characters are lovely, and very rude. The side characters are nice, especially Lord Akeldama, her vampire, and very eccentric friend.

For lovers of paranormal, historical, urban fantasy, steampunk or romance, this is a book that I can recommend. It's a nice read, and I am so happy I was lucky to win it, and discovering yet another great side genre. With likeable characters, a funny story and that little bit of extra this is a good start to a series. The next book will be released in the spring of 2010, and I hope to hear more of this author in the future.

Friday Finds

Friday Finds is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

Good way to take my minds of things, and remember the books I found while visiting my friend who works at the bookstore. 2 of the books pointed out I already found in the library. (in Wednesdays post) I am so tempted to read the last book in Finnish cos I so want it. The 2 first, gotta find them too one day.



Elizabeth has wanted two things her entire life to keep her happy and fulfilled - an Italian husband and lots of rosy-cheeked bambini. The first she has, dark and sexy Roberto, the second is proving harder to achieve. But when Roberto loses his job and decides to leave London for Italy, Elizabeth hopes to relax. Except, no matter how much ice cream she eats in the sun-drenched piazza, it's impossible to relax when her wily mother-in-law (the original black widow) seems hellbent on destroying her marriage.The language barrier is tricky, as is Roberto's beautiful, significant ex who practically lives next door.




Helene Zaharis's politician husband keeps her on a tight leash and cancels her credit cards as a way of controlling her. Lorna Rafferty is up to her eyeballs in debt and can't stop her addiction to Ebay. Sandra Vanderslice, battling agoraphobia, pays her shoe bills by working as a phone sex operator. And Jocelyn Bowen is a nanny for the family from hell . On Tuesday nights, these women meet to trade shoes, and, in the process, form friendships that will help them each triumph over their problems—from secret pasts to blackmail, bankrupcy, and dating.
Shoe Addicts anonymous - Beth harbison



Being immortal isn't all it's cracked up to be. Life's hard for a Greek god in the 21st century: nobody believes in you any more, even your own family doesn't respect you, and you're stuck in a delapidated hovel in north London with too many siblings and not enough hot water. But for Artemis (goddess of hunting, professional dog walker), Aphrodite (goddess of beauty, telephone sex operator) and Apollo (god of the sun, TV psychic) there's no way out...Until a meek cleaner and her would-be boyfriend come into their lives, and turn the world literally upside down.
Marie Phillips - Gods behaving Badly

Review: Dead until Dark - Charlaine Harris

Dead until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Book 1

Genre: Paranormal romance mystery perhaps
Pages: 292
Published: 2001

Sookie Stackhouse is just a small-time cocktail waitress in small-town Louisiana. Until the vampire of her dreams walks into her life-and one of her coworkers checks out....


Maybe having a vampire for a boyfriend isn't such a bright idea.


A fun, fast, funny, and wonderfully intriguing blend of vampire and mystery that's hard to put down, and should not be missed.
(fantastic fiction)

Hm, could not find a real long blurb, and no time to write one. I am really stressed, and my mind wanders. Started school again, and it's hectic, and I am so nervous cos have to plan 3 lessons of my own and have them in front of a bunch of kids who every year has the same nervous inexperienced teachers to look forward to....., and I have no idea what to do. I so envy those that have previous experience, of course they will do better. Well at least there is only 2 more crazy weeks, with no time to read, and then some weeks in the fall, and then a really crazy spring where I fear for my blogging days.

Ok, short review, I mean everyone has surely read these books anyway so why make it long. I really disliked the tv-series, too much sex, and no plot. Oh and everyone was ugly, at least I thought so. I am afraid it ruined the book a bit for me. I kept thinking of what happened in season 1 and how everyone looked. The book was so much better than the tvshow, an actual plot that I could follow instead of the filled out sex. Of course the book had sex, which was great, loved that first scene, they sure didn't do that in Twilight, lol. The book just felt more real, and I liked the storyline, I even found myself liking Eric (as long as I didn't think of Skarsgård).

I will read the next two books I have because I want to know. It's a good series, but could have been better for me if I hadn't watched that show. I know people love it, but it felt like The Tudors and Rome for me, just sex for the sake of having it. Nothing fun about that.

Still a good book, that kept me reading, I did not want to stop even if I kind of knew the plot.

Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Marg
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

Sookie Stackhouse 1-3
by Charlaine Harris







A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff
Phoebe takes refuge in her work - restoring these wonderful old clothes to their former glory so that they can go on to have new lives. But what of the past lives these clothes have lived she often wonders? What stories would they tell if they could speak?




Myrrha - Ulrika Känrborg
Hannah Cillwick becomes the maid for the poet Arthur Mumby, together they are involved in an erotic affair.


The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard
Imagine that some people have the power to affect your thoughts and feelings through books. They can seduce you with amazing stories, conjure up vividly imagined worlds, but also manipulate you into thinking exactly what they want you to.




The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
If you've ever wondered what your dog is thinking, Stein's third novel offers an answer. Enzo is a lab terrier mix plucked from a farm outside Seattle to ride shotgun with race car driver Denny Swift as he pursues success on the track and off.




So I did not mean to borrow any books this week. but it was the last day before school and I went to my old library that I only visit a couple of times a year and look at the goodies I found.

Review: Pretties by Scott Westerfeld

Pretties by Scott Westefeld
Uglies, book 2

Published: 2005
Genre: Futuristic YA
Pages: 384

Gorgeous. Popular. Perfect. Perfectly wrong.

Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she's completely popular. It's everything she's ever wanted.

But beneath all the fun -- the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom -- is a nagging sense that something's wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally's ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what's wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.

Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life -- because the authorities don't intend to let anyone with this information survive. (good reads)

The second book is not as good as the first, but that would be a hard thing to do anyway. This is still a great book, and it leaves me with a cliffhanger that leaves me wanting more at once.

Tally has become pretty, she is perfect in every way and she is loving the parties, drinking and all the pretty things. The gang she is in is the coolest and she is drawn to the leader, Zane. But she cannot stay in her bubble forever and she is contacted by an ugly person, some bells ring in her head that they have met before. That is the beginning to trying to figure out what really happened before she became pretty, when she was "kidnapped" by uglies and taken to their camp, Smoke. But all is not what it seems to be. And the constant rush for a moment of clarity is dangerous.

It's great seeing Tally again, and this time she has fallen for Zane, who is troubled and who had started to figure out that when you become pretty, they do something to your personality too. I can see them as a couple even if I miss "ugly" David.

This book is about the struggle she has in pretty town where she is trying to figure things out. Not much happens in a way but it leaves more time to think. First I was horrified at what was being done to people, but now I see it has to be done. By doing this there are no wars, not even fights, people are happy and loving, and yes terribly shallow. They take care of nature and they live in their cities while nature takes care of itself outside. By doing this they are saving the world. The people that escape and go to Smoke, those burn the trees and cut them down. If there were more they would soon be too many and the planet would be harmed. Mankind stood on the brink of extinction and was only saved by this. Yes the way it's being handled is wrong, but there is a good thought behind it. It leaves me wondering, what is right and what is wrong? And what will Tally choose in the end?

He has managed to create an interesting world, and I like the concept behind these books. I really need to know what Tally will do and that cliffhanger, oh yes you should be ready with book 3 because it's a big one.

If you want to have a look at book one, here is a free download

Mailbox Monday - August 10

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired.

The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox
From Staci @ Life in the Thumb as part of Marcia's Read it Forward
I’ve decided to write my own manual, The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers, because no one tells me anything. Dimitri, my “protector,” may be one stud of a shape-shifting griffin, but he always thinks he can handle everything by himself. Only he’s no match for the soul-stealing succubi taking over Las Vegas. If I can’t figure out how to save him—and Sin City—there’ll be hell to pay.

Stolen Fury by Elizabeth Naughton
Won over at Shelli Stevens Blog

To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who's stolen both an ancient relic and her heart...

Breach of trust by Kimber Chin, from Kimber

For years, Anne James has played a dangerous game, secretly manipulating venture capitalist Philippe Lamont into financing her clients. She knew there would be a price to pay for her arrogance. That price, she thought, was three months of negotiated torture as his sexy Girl Friday.

Magic in the Blood by Devon Monk, won at authors blog
Allison Beckstrom knows better than most that when magic's involved, nothing is free. She's had to pay its price of migraines and forgetfulness while working as a Hound, tracing illegal spells back to their casters. And even though magic has stolen her recent memory--including her history with the man she supposedly fell in love with--Allie isn't about to give up on Hounding or the city she cares about.

How was your week?

Free Book Saturday

For a limited time only you can download Uglies, book 1 in the Uglies series by Scott Westerfeld for free!
Go here
My review of this great book

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.


But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.


For more free reads check out Suvudu
New this month is The Brass Bed by Jennifer Stevenson, a juicy read about Lord Randall. He must satisfy one hundred women or be trapped in a brass bed forever. He was a lousy lover in 1811, so his magician-mistress turned him into a sex demon.
The Briar King. Book 1 by Grey Keyes and King's Property by Morgan Howell.

Older Books include Dark Fever by Karen Mooning, Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian, Blood Engines by T.A.Pratt and Assassins Apprentice by Robin Hobb (a must read for a fantasy addict, you will want to Hug Fitz just like me.)

Hurry up since the old ones are soon no longer up for free downloads.

Have you ever taken a look at BookCrossing, people are setting books "free". perhaps there is a freebie read somewhere in your town. Head over and see, and perhaps set a book free yourself.


And if you had missed it, 16 books are up for grabs over at Harlequin in celebration of 60 years.

Review: The Hungergames by Suzanne Collins

The Hungergames by Suzanne Collins
Book 1

Published: September 2008
Genre: Futuristic YA
Pages: 384
Cover: The Swedish publication

Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.




Ok this book was messed up, not in a bad way, no, this book was amazing! But in the sense of the horrible world they have to live in. Everything is a struggle and the most horrifying thing of it all is The Hunger Games.

First, that is that Swedish cover, what can I say, I like it more, and it was on the cover of the book I read so here it is.

This is a bad world, but a world that feels real. Why could this not happen? It has happened before and it can sure happen again. It's a tool by a regime who wants to oppress it's people by sending their children to slaughter. No one dares to put anything against them, they have the power and the people out in the districts have nothing, and they are surrounded by wilderness, mutant killer bees, and other dangerous things. They must stay inside their compounds and starve.

Katniss is a 16 year old girl who is the provider for her mother and sister. She can hunt and she dares to venture outside in the constant struggle to survive. Each year there is the danger of being sent to the Hunger Games, and this year she takes her little sisters place, and faces certain death. 24 children will go into the games, and only one can come out. They will hunt each other down and kill each other. The one who wins will never starve again.

It's not a world I will like to even be in for a second, a terrible existent than they endure. And the Hunger Games are the worst things, the parents and friends have to watch their loved ones die on big tv screens. It's the leaderships way of saying, look what we can do to your children, now just sit still and be quiet.

Katniss is a great heroine, strong and willing to sacrifice herself for her younger sister, because at least she has a chance of getting anywhere in the games. I would not have her courage or will to live. There is one other big character, Peeta, the boy from her district since there are always a boy and a girl chosen. I like him, while she is more wild he can be quiet and nice. Another contender is 12 year old Rue, and my heart bleeds again thinking of a little girl in a situation like that, kill or be killed.

This is a great YA book, one of the best I have read. The future is very grim, but it does have something to say too. Like our obsession with reality tv, blood, death and all to get as many people to watch as possible, in this future world everyone gathers to see children be hunted down and die in agony. Of course do not all like it, they hate it, but they are forced to watch once a year.

I do recommend this book to all, I sat there and turned page after page wanting to see how Katt would get out of it, would she? It's not an easy book either, but it does manages to keep the blood under control. Not to much because that would be tasteless.

I want to read the next book at once, sadly I will have to wait a long time to see what happens, since I guess I will wait for the translation

Review: A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison

A Taste of Magic by Tracy Madison

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 292
Published: February 2009

Gypsy Magic Series #1

Elizabeth Stevens is one bite away from happiness.

Today is Elizabeth Stevens’s birthday, and not only is it the one-year anniversary of her husband leaving her, it’s also the day her bakery is required to make a cake—for her ex’s next wedding. If there’s a bitter taste in her mouth, no one can blame her.

But today, Liz is about to receive a gift. Her Grandma Verda isn’t just wacky; she’s a little witchy. An ancient gypsy magic has been passed through her family bloodline for generations, and it’s Liz’s turn to be empowered. Henceforth, everything she bakes will have a dash of delight and a pinch of wishes-can-come-true. From her hunky policeman neighbor, to her gorgeous personal trainer, to her bum of an ex-husband, everyone Liz knows is going to taste her power. Revenge is sweet…and it’s only the first dish to be served.
(author' site)

The Book Trailer

This was a sweet book, and then I am not only talking about the yummy things that she was baking. Those sure made me crave cake and pie.

Liz got divorced a year ago when her husband of many years left her for a much younger woman. Now she just lives, without really leaving. But as her 35th birthday comes to pass something is about to change. There is gypsy-blood in her and it's magic, by accident she sets the first magic free and more will follow.

I liked Liz, she felt real, and I do like the scene where she first meets her hunky police neighbour. There is some chick-lit in here and that was perfect for my mood. She is a bit insecure, but who can blame her. The gift of magic is perfect for her because so grows stronger and you get to see how sweet she is. Because she does try to make others feel better too, even if the results are not always great.

Hunky neighbour Nate, yes I do like him. He wants the best for her, he is nice, and he is so sweet around his nephew. Giggle, and then there is really hunky personal trainer Kevin. The girl knows how to spice it up when she finally starts walking among the living.

Grandma Vera is love, I love quirky grandmother's, and the books gets funnier with her in it. Many other side characters too, her buddies Jon and Maddie, her idiot ex, and her sister Alice who is the main character in A Stroke of Magic, a book that I really want to read now since there is big things in store for Alice at the end of this book.

This book has the romance, sweet, but with a few sidesteps and mixups, because it's not an easy road to finding love. There is the paranormal, not big really, yes there is magic in her baking but it feels so normal and real. Makes me wish I had a gypsy ancestor who had given me some magic. There are the funny parts that just keeps you reading and wanting more. All in all a sweet ride to the end, you keep turning the page to know what happens to them all, oh and to see what else she is baking.

In the end, a really good and funny book. I guess a feel-good book, that will make you want something yummy to eat.

Bad News from Hilda at Dip-Files in China

Hilda asked me to tell you all that she discovered that blogger is a restricted site, and blocked by the Chinese Government. No access at all. She will try to find someone who can perhaps unblock some sites for her using other means. But until then no blogger at all, no posts, no comments, and she is truly upset about that.

I can belive that, I do would go crazy not being able to access blogger, and all my sites. So I hope you find someone Hilda to cheat your way into blogger. I wish you all the best! And I hope to see you around in a couple of days, or how ever long it takes to do just that.

Library Loot

Library Loot hosted by Eva and Marg
asks us to list what we brought home from
the library this week.

The Appeal by John Grisham
In a crowded courtroom in Mississipi, a jury returns a shocking verdict against a chemical company accused of dumping toxic waste into a small town's water supply, causing the worst “cancer cluster” in history. The company appeals to the Mississippi Supreme Court, whose nine justices will one day either approve the verdict or reverse it.
Who are the nine? How will they vote? Can one be replaced before the case is ultimately decided?





May not be so much looting for me now, I worked in the library this summer and got to all the goo stuff first, and did have time to look through everything. But now perhaps not so much.

Things about me - The Dip Files questions

This is started by Hilda @ The Dip-Files

The rules are simple:

1. Post these questions (with your own answers) on your blog.

2. Come back and leave a comment with the link back to your post.

3. Answer the questions as honestly as possible.

4. Have fun!

Let's start this thing then!

Foremost, what’s your name? I'ts Linda, Blodeuedd is just my alter-ego

What is your favourite word and why? I have no idea, no not really

What is the hardest word for you to pronounce? It depends, all words, in all languages can be tricky at times

If you had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? (Includes one drink):Pasta, you can never go wrong with some yummy pasta

If you had to choose one book to read for the rest of your life, which would it be? (I know, I’m mean!): Well I have to go with my all time fav book, Magician by Raymond E.Feist, I re-read it every year, but I haven't this year, what a shame.

Hypothetical scene: You’re invited to a huge party where all your favourite authors are going to be at, but you are only allowed to speak to one of them. Who would you choose to talk to and why? Can we have a ghost over too, cos I wanna have a look inside Tolkiens brain. He created such a great world, with history, mythology and language. I aim to be like him

We know you like blogging, but what else do you enjoy doing? Books, haha, you would never have guessed ;) But ok I love movies, most genres too. And tv, yay, I am waiting for the fall to watch Dexter, Supernatural, Chuck, Smallville, Merlin, dr Who and more again. Some lost favs are Dark Angel, Firefly, Farscape, SG1 and Reaper. And so gonna check out the Vampire Diaries. I also enjoy writing letters, and writing on my books, even if I haven't done that in awhile

Do you speak any other language? If so, which one? If not, would you like to learn one? Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian and Danish, some German, a tiny bit of French and Estonian. Oh and of course English. Ok I know that it sounds like a lot but honestly I have no head for languages, it's just our way here.

Hypothetical scene N˚2: You’re trapped in a dark room, haven’t eaten for days and are starting to stink. Your only salvation lays within ten feet from you. It’s a huge spider (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets size) with the key to the door hanging from its neck. Do you go get it or do you doom yourself to death? Well the other alternative is death so I will give it a go, even if i get eaten in the process...though I HATE spiders.

If you could move anywhere in the world and be given tons of money in that specific monetary unit, where would you go and why? Ireland! Even my boyfriend knows I am a sucker for the accent, hm, perhaps it's best that I don't go then ;) I love the music, the language, the country. I so wanna visit one day

So there you go, something about me.

Mailbox Monday - Aug 3rd

What arrived in YOUR mailbox this week? Visit Marcia at The Printed Page to leave a link to your post and see what other readers acquired.

First my Amazon Loot, The Black Jewels trilogy: Daughter of the Blood, Heir to the Shadows, and Queen of the Darkness by Anne, Bishop, The Darkest night by Gena Showalter, Pleasure unbound by Larissa Ione and the impulse buy Poison Study by Maria Snyder.




























A taste of Saffron by Shaila Abdullah. I won it over @ At Home with books.

It's the recipes featured in Shaila's book Saffron Dreams







Branded by Liza James. Donna Marie Rogers sent me this one since it's one of the stories she has written under her other name. A short story e-book
When young widow Lily McCourt is attacked, Troy Hammond comes to her rescue, just as he has since the day her husband died. For Lily, it was love at first sight. She's also certain Troy's loyalty to her dead husband has kept him from acting on his feelings, and if she wants to break the reluctant cowboy's stubborn sense of honor, she'll have to shed more than her petticoats to brand him as her own.

The Texicans by Nina Vida. Won @ Book Reviews by Bobbie

It tells the story of Joseph Kimmel, reclusive Missouri schoolteacher, who goes to Texas to settle his brother's estate. Texas changes him. He battles Indians, rescues an escaped slave, marries Katrin, a young Alsatian immigrant, and becomes the biggest landowner in the Texas Hill Country, but it is his obsession with Aurelia, a mysterious Mexican girl with mystical powers, that nearly destroys him.



How was your week?