Monday, October 31, 2011

Mid-Winter's Eve Giveaway Hop



Welcome to the second annual Mid-winter's Eve Giveaway Hop. 


Dates for this year's hop are Dec. 21st to 27th.


Thanks to Jessie Harrell from Oasis For YA & The Daily Harrell for co-hosting. 


If you would like to be added to the linky send me an email with a link to your post and I will add you.  (Be sure your include the giveaway image & linky, that your site is family friendly and that you have no more than 4 possible entries). toobusyreading at gmaildotcom





Kids Need to Read Immortality Auction

Touch immortality and go down in literary history! Several critically acclaimed, bestselling authors are auctioning off character names to benefit Kids Need to Read, a national nonprofit foundation that promotes childhood literacy and addresses the crisis in library funding that currently exists in the United States.

If you are one of the winning bidders, you will have a character named after you in an upcoming young adult novel by one of the following participating authors: Becca Fitzpatrick (Hush, Hush; Crescendo), Shannon Hale (Princess Academy, The Goose Girl), Brandon Mull (Fablehaven, Beyonders), Janette Rallison (My Unfair Godmother, Slayers), Kiersten White (Paranormalcy, Supernaturally), and Robin Brande (Evolution, Me & Other Freaks of Nature; Doggirl).

Should you win one of the auctions, the author agrees to use your name in an upcoming book. The character that is bestowed with your name may be a secondary or minor character, may have villainous tendencies, or may die at some point in the book or series. The character may have many or very few of your actual characteristics. The author is simply using the name for a character, not transporting your personality into the book. Also, editors have veto power over any name. (So if your name is Ima Jockstrap, you might be out of luck.) If an editor vetoes your name, you will be entitled to a full refund from Kids Need to Read.

The Kids Need to Read Literary Immortality Auction has started and will end Thursday, November 3, 2011. There are separate auctions for each author. Bidders can bid on multiple auctions.

http://stores.ebay.com/Kids-Need-to-Read

In My Mailbox


Bought:
Crossed by Ally Condie

The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

For Review:
Desert Fire by Marcia Lynn McClure

She opened her eyes and beheld, for the first time, the face of Jackson McCall. Ruggedly handsome and her noble rescuer, he would, she knew in that moment, forever hold captive her heart as he then held her life in his protective arms. Yet she was a nameless beauty, haunted by wisps of visions of the past. How could she ever hope he would return the passionate, devotional love she secreted for him when her very existence was a riddle? Would Jackson McCall (handsome, fascinating, brooding) ever see her as anything more than a foundling-a burden to himself and his family? And with no memory of her own identity, how then could she release him from his apparent affliction of being her protector?

To Echo the Past by Marcia Lynn McClure

As her family abandoned the excitement of the city for the uneventful lifestyle of a small, western town, Brynn Clarkston's worst fears were realized. Stripped of her heart's hopes and dreams, Brynn knew true loneliness. Until an ordinary day revealed a heavenly oasis in the desert...Michael McCall. Handsome and irresistibly charming, Michael McCall (the son of legendary horse breeder Jackson McCall) seemed to offer wild distraction and sincere friendship to Brynn. But could Brynn be content with mere friendship when her dreams of Michael involved so much more?


The Snowman's Revenge by Mark Smythe

If you were left out in the cold snow all by yourself, would you be mad? Of course you would! Well, this snowman is out for revenge, especially after he sees those kids in the nice warm house, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! So, let's see what happens in this delightful story, nicely flowing with rhymed verse, beautifully illustrated and quite humorous indeed. So loveable, it's sure to be an instant favorite and a timeless classic with "kids" of all ages.

An Inconvenient Amish Zombie Left Behind The Da Vinci Diet Code Truth by Tom Smucker

Bad Diets? The Rapture? The War of 1812? Global Warming? Political Conspiracy? Violence on the borders of the USA? The lost history of Soft Rock? Follow the non-stop action from the museums and cafes of Paris to the fast food rest stops and motels on the highways of Ohio, as past and future collide, forging an apocalyptical present where people from all walks of life must battle to determine the fate of the planet.

Beyond Broccoli by Susan Schenck

Beyond Broccoli is written by Susan Schenck, who herself was a raw vegan for six years, followed by a year of raw vegetarianism (including raw dairy and eggs), and ending with her returning to just a bit of raw and lightly cooked meat. Going raw proved to have so many benefits that Schenck wrote a 2-time award-winning book about it, The Live Food Factor. But after a few years, she began to exhibit health issues such as deficiencies in B12, memory problems, muscle tissue loss, bloatedness, irritability and cravings. Her research, spurred on by Dr. Stanley Bass, led her to conclude that it was a lack of vital nutrients found only in animal products that were causing the problems.

Download From Audible.com
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stievfater

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line. Some riders live. Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn’t given her much of a chance. So she enters the competition — the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.



In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Book Review: The Haunting of Autumn Lake by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Haunting of Autumn Lake
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Release Date: October 26, 2011
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Tags: Clean Romance

Autumn Lake stopped cold in her tracks. She puffed a breath of summoning courage as she gazed at the old covered bridge before her. Ever since she was a child and Sawyer had read to her the fascinating yet thoroughly haunting story of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Mr. Washington Irving, Autumn had secreted a fear of bridges. Each time she was meant to cross a bridge (especially the old covered bridge on the far side of the orchards), she expected the ghostly headless horseman to appear and attempt to decapitate her. Oh, certainly the tale of the Specter did nothing to soothe her either, for it was said that this was to be a year of the Specter. As the story went, the local phantom, the Specter, only appeared once every ten years—but this was to be the year of the Specter, and Autumn did not like crossing bridges even when it was not a year of the Specter.
Gulping down her fear, however, Autumn glanced behind her, assuring herself that there was no headless horseman riding up behind her intent on stealing her head.
“He wouldn’t want a woman’s head anyway,” she mumbled to herself, even as rising fear caused her heart to pound in her chest. “And besides,” she said, looking back to the old bridge, “I’m eighteen years old…nineteen in less than a month. Surely I can cross the bridge without runnin’.”
Pulling her sketchbook to her chest and tightly folding her arms across it, she spoke aloud to the cattails. “Wish me luck, my darlings…for I do prefer to keep my head attached to the rest of me.”
As Autumn stepped onto the bridge, the roof blocked the warm sunshine, making the space inside the bridge dark and gloomy. Yet she’d expected this. What else would one expect of a covered bridge? After all, its very purpose was protection from the elements, and that included the heat of the summer sun. Naturally, Autumn preferred to think of its purpose as being made for something else—the seclusion necessary for the romance of lovers’ trysts.
She sighed with disenchantment for a moment—disappointment at never having had a lover of her own. She thought how different it would be to cross the old bridge if her arm were linked to that of a strong and handsome lover. Still, she had no lover, and the fact remained that she must indeed cross the bridge.

No surprise that I loved this story. I'm a huge Marcia Lynn McClure fan and love to escape into her clean romances. If you have not read a Marcia Lynn McClure book before I highly recommend you give her books a try. But don't start with this one. The Haunting of Autumn Lake is the sequel to her beloved book The Visions of Ransom Lake. You must read that book first to appreciate this one.

Marcia Lynn McClure's favorite season is Fall. Her love of all things autumn shows in this book. From pumpkins and apples to fall colors and ghost stories, this book was perfect for making me appreciate the beauty of this season. In the author's notes in the back there are even recipes for some of her fall favorites.

Handsome Ransom and Vaden are no longer newlyweds but are just as in love as the day they married. Their only daughter Autumn is of age but how can she ever find a man as wonderful as her father? Filled with old fashioned values, a hero who will do whatever is necessary to protect a woman's virtue and plenty of kissing and romance this book is perfect for anyone who like me loves good old-fashioned love stories.
Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: From author for review

This book is currently available only through the authors website: http://distractionsink.com/, but will be available from amazon.com and other booksellers soon.

Book Giveaway: Signed Copy of Crossed by Ally Condie


The hotly awaited second book in the dystopian Matched trilogy.

In search of a future that may not exist and faced with the decision of who to share it with, Cassia journeys to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky - taken by the Society to his certain death - only to find that he has escaped, leaving a series of clues in his wake.

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.


At the St. George book festival on Saturday I got my hands on a signed copy of Crossed by Ally Condie.  Since I love to share books and want someone else to have a chance to read this fabulous book, I'm giving away my once read signed copy.









Giveaway Details:
Open to US only unless you are willing to pay the extra shipping charges.
Ends 11/28/11
To enter be a follower of this blog and fill out the form below.
For an extra entry share this giveaway: Twitter @toobusyreading, facebook, on your blog, etc.

WINNER: Joy G.W.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Book Review: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Title: The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Series: None
Released: September 13, 2011
Publisher: Doubleday
Tags: Fantasy, Magic
The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des RĂªves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.
True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus per­formers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.
Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart.

Many new books will debut this fall,
So many in fact, it’s hard to remember them all.
But one novel in particular I’d like to remind,
Defies all expectation, it’s one-of-a kind.
The title you ask? Why The Night Circus of course!
It’s a formidable debut, an enchanting tour de force.
A reminder if you have yet to enter the Circus gates,
A matchless world of wonder, novelty, and fervor eagerly awaits.
So I invite you dear friend to read with tenacity,
And you’ll see that the above is said with veracity.
Le Cirque des RĂªves is calling your name,
Once you step inside, you’ll never be the same…


First off I listened to the audio version of this book.  Jim Dale is the narrator and everything came alive as he read this book.  I'm not sure if my experience would have been different if I had read the book.  It is full of details and descriptions.  It seemed like half this book was nothing more than imagery and the characters seemed almost secondary to the circus itself.  I usually enjoy books that are much more fast paced and plot driven but this held my attention the entire time.  It is beautifully written.

There is romance in this book but it wasn't the focus of the book. There was a large cast of characters who all played a large part in the story instead of just focusing on the two main characters.  This has to be one of the most original, well written books I've read.



Content: (May be considered a spoiler)
There was only one swear word that I remember in the entire book (but it was the F word) and one scene with implied sex.
So if you take white out to the F word on page 10 and skip the second half of page 295 it would be a clean read. (At least those were the page #s in the ARC I have).

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: ARC from publisher but I downloaded it from Audible.com because Jim Dale is the narrator.

St. George Book Festival - Ally Condie

I ran up to the St. George book festival this afternoon to hear Ally Condie speak.  The St. George book festival is a small community event so we are lucky that Ally Condie has roots in Southern Utah and was willing to come down for the event.  Last year I was a little disappointed by how "small town" the festival was.  This year I knew what to expect so there was no disappointment.

Ally spoke for about an hour about her inspiration for Matched and the road to publication.  It was very interesting and entertaining.

I should have taken some notes but didn't. I just sat and enjoyed listening to Ally.


I was lucky enough to snag a signed copy of Crossed even though it doesn't come out until Tuesday.















Look for a giveaway for this copy of Crossed coming soon!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Author Interview & Book Giveaway: LS by Kelvin O'Ralph

Welcome to Author Kelvin O'Ralph


Bio:
I am a student at a university in the UK. Also, I am an avid writer who loves writing fantasy/YA books. Fast Forward: Into The Future is my first official project, and I hope the readers will love it. Right now, I released a paranormal romance book on Amazon, titled, LS: The Beginning.

I am a very friendly person. I love making new friends, and will accept any friend request here on goodreads. Feel free to send me a message if you want to know more about me.
Kelvin O'Ralph - Twitter
Kelvin O'Ralph - Facebook

Interview:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Into the Future; I have no regrets whatsoever on my past.I believe there's a good reason for everything.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
My parents, my brother(mentor) and my sisters :)

What is one book everyone should read?
The Bible

If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
Telekinesis: The ability to move object with one's mind.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It brings out a new aspect of paranormal romance, plus it's well written.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I'm editing a fantasy/romance novel at the moment, and I'm also plotting the final book in the LS series. Beside these two, I plan on writing a thriller novel sometime next year, with a powerful story line. Also, I hope to publish my paranormal series with a major publisher and transform it to the big screen.

What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I've always preferred writing as a means of communication, but it all started when I wrote a short preface for one of my novels. I gave it out to friends and they loved it.So I decided to share my gift of 'story=telling' to the world.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
When someone sent me a fan mail, expressing how much she loved my book after buying and reading it:)

If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
Harry Potter

What is your dream cast for your book?
Lisa Morgan (Female MC) - Emma Watson
Stephen Wilson (Male MC) - Corbin Bleu
Julie Hitchens (Stephen's Admirer) - Dakota Fanning
Stacy Ford(Stephen's Cousin) - Katerina Graham

What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Consistency, Passion and Determination are the three nouns every aspiring author must posses.

What is your favorite Quote?
'I believe time's the only barrier between greatness and me' - Kelvin O'Ralph

How do you react to a bad review?
Quite well. I went back and wrote my books, so I wouldn't get any bad review again.


LS: The Beginning: 
A handshake between strangers has never held so much promise for discovery.When Stephen Wilson meets Lisa Morgan at his new school in Sloutenville, it is the simple act of extending his hand in greeting that flips both of their worlds upside-down. With the gesture, both discover that in some way they are connected, and that they share the ability to manipulate the elements, fire and water. Though their abilities vary, they share the gift of telepathy allowing them to communicate without words, which creates a bond between them stronger than either had expected.As the two begin to spend more and more time together David, Lisa's ex, becomes wild with jealousy, lunching multiple attacks on Lisa. In the fight against the dangers that await them around every corner, Stephen and Lisa soon discover that they are up against much greater odds than they had originally known, and that their struggles are far from over.




LS: Deception: 
This is the second book in the LS series.
Lisa and Stephen are back together as a new school year kicks off. This time, they're much stronger than they've ever been, plus their love life has moved to a higher level. Everything seems perfect as they learn about Lisa's new abilities, until Lisa's father, Ben Morgan is attacked while receiving an award.
In this installment of LS, the two lovers face what seems to be their greatest challenge. As they uncover the mystery behind the attacks on their lives, they are left to make a final decision. It's time to fight back.

Giveaway Details:
Paperback copy of both LS: The Beginning & LS: Deception open to US only
Ebook copy of both books open Internationally
Ends 11/20/11

Optional Extra Entry:
+2 Follow Kelvin's Blog: http://icire.blogspot.com/

WINNERS
Paperback Winner: Kat C
Ebook Winner: E. Susan Baugh

Friday, October 28, 2011

Guest Post & Book Giveaway: Beautifully Broken by Sherry Soule

Welcome back to Author Sherry Soule.  I just wrapped up an ebook giveaway for her book Beautifully Broken.  She's back with a fun quiz and a paperback & ebook giveaway.




Bio:
She lives in San Francisco.
She has a morbid fascination with the supernatural.
She adores her family.
She reads 3 to 5 books a month.
She enjoys blogging.
She is not represented by a literary agent or agency. (Hopefully someday)
She is super shy.
She has been writing since she was seven-years-old.
She is an uber chic-geek. (At least, she thinks so)
She likes to listen to spooky music or sound effects when writing a suspenseful scene.
She is a Twitter junkie. (Are there any support groups for this?)
She adores cats.
Halloween is her favorite holiday.
She loves to watch scary movies. (not to be confused with slasher films)
She's a bookaholic.
Her last name is pronounced "Sue-Lay".
She talks to herself. A lot. And the computer. And her cat. Sometimes the TV, too.
Links:
AMAZON WEB PAGE
AUTHOR'S WEB PAGE
Book Trailer YouTube
AUTHOR BLOG
GOODREADS
TWITTER

Take this super fun pop-quiz to see which character BEST suits YOU and score a paperback copy of the paranormal romance novel, Beautifully Broken!

Are you a Shiloh or an Ariana?

Are you a quirky, romantic witch with supernatural powers? Or a snarky and outgoing blond with lots of vitality? 

Well, they both love to read, have their own sense of style, and have big dreams for the future—but while they share those things, Shiloh’s tall, and Ariana’s not. Ariana’s got major curves and Shiloh’s super skinny. Ariana hearts Christina Aguilera and Shiloh’s all about the Foo Fighters.

Take this quiz and be sure and check the bottom of the post for the details regarding the random giveaway. Good luck!

1.     You have $50 to spend. Where do you go?

a.      Steve Madden. A girl can never have too many shoes!
b.      Everyday Magick. Stock up on snake blood and eye-of-newt.
c.      Duh! Abercrombie & Fitch
d.      Hot Topic, of course!

2.    It is dinnertime. What are you in the mood for?

a.      Chinese takeout.
b.      Salad and iced tea—please
c.      Brains.
d.      BBQ Chicken Pizza. Yum!

3.    The fog in Whispering Pines is extra thick. What keeps you warm?

a.      Bolero jacket with Lucky jeans and Uggs.
b.      Denim jacket with my skinny jeans and Doc Martens
c.      The fires of hell—so toasty!
d.      Denim jacket with my black pants and converse

4.    What is your dream destination?

a.      Hawaii. Warm and tropical. Plus hot guys.
b.      New York. Architecture and culture
c.      Underworld. One way ticket—please!
d.      Paris. The city of romance!

5.    What’s your favorite footwear?

a.      Flip-flops.
b.      Doc Martens
c.      Hoofs
d.      Converse.

6.   Favorite supernatural hunk?

a.     Dean Winchester—heavy sigh!
b.     Stefan Salvatore—so romantic!
c.     Shadow People
d.     Edward Cullen—bite me!

7.    What’s your favorite TV show?

a.      Pretty Little Liars
b.      The Secret Circle
c.      SUPERNATURAL
d.      The Vampire Dairies

8.    Favorite book?

a.      Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
b.      Revealers by Amanda Marrone
c.      Crowley’s Demon Index by A. Evans
d.      Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

9.   What’s your dream job?

a.      Hairstylist
b.      Architectect
c.      Ghost Hunter
d.      Personal Shopper

10. What pet would you like to own?

a.      Hamster
b.      Siamese cat
c.      Hell Hound
d.      None

11.  Favorite movie?

a.      Gone With the Wind—I like to channel my inner Scarlett.
b.      The Craft—awesome witch movie!
c.      Insidious—haunted houses are uber scary!
d.      Ginger Snaps—werewolves are cool.

12.  What is the best season?

a.      Spring. warmer weather and flowers.
b.      Fall. Halloween!
c.      Winter. It gets dark early…
d.      Summer. Yay! No school

13.  What is your favorite color?

a.      Metallic blue. Duh
b.      Pink. I can be a feminist girly-girl and like pink!
c.      Red, the color of blood.
d.      Silver, it’s sparkly and magical.



If you answered...

Mostly a's: You and Ariana need to hang at the mall!
Mostly b's: Shiloh has a haunted house to cleanse—you free tonight?
Mostly c's: Creatures of the underworld are watching you
Mostly d's: Ariana and Shiloh are your new BFFs!


Beautifully Broken:
Thirteenth daughter. Heritage witch. Demon slayer.

They say every town has its secrets, but that doesn’t even begin to describe Whispering Pines. The townsfolk are a superstitious lot and the mystical disappearance of a local teen has everyone murmuring about a centuries old witch’s curse.

Sixteen-year-old Shiloh Ravenwolf is a heritage witch from the Broussard family, a family both destined and cursed. When she takes a summer job at Ravenhurst Manor, she discovers a ghost with an agenda. That’s where she meets the new town hottie, Trent Donovan, and immediately becomes spellbound by his charms. Yet she is determined to discover the connection between them before it’s too late.

Finally, Shiloh's met someone who is supercute and totally into her, but Trent may be the next victim on the supernatural hit list. And Shiloh is the only person with the power to save him. Complicated much?

It sucks to have a destiny, especially since Shiloh would rather spend her summer being a normal girl who worries about clothes and boys, not the supernatural. But she’s never been
normal and the stranger things become the more her own magical senses awaken.

With cryptic messages from a pesky wraith, she will begin to understand the mysterious significance of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and decide how much she's willing to sacrifice to protect the other teenagers in town.

Unfortunately, for Shiloh, not all ghosts want help crossing over. Some want vengeance.

Giveaway Details:
1 paperback copy of Beautifully Broken open to US only
1 ebook copy open to International only
Ends 11/22/11

WINNERS
Paperback: Christina Madison
Ebook: manet11

In My Mailbox


For Review:


Beautiful Chaos by Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia

Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.
Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.


The Story of Jesus by Eliza R. Snow

From Christ's birth and ministry to His crucifixion and even His appearance to the Nephites, Eliza R. Snow, one of the great early sisters of the LDS church, teaches of Christ in such a way that children, as well as adults can understand the simple truths that truly testify that He is the Son of God and our Savior.


Lit Fuse by Mike McPheters

Two children of Pakistani immigrants, Delisha and Lufti Ahmed, have been conditioned by Al Qaeda to despise America as an infidel nation. They, along with five other sibling pairs, have been raised as potential suicide bombers with targets to major US cities in hopes to be exalted into Allah’s presence in the hereafter. Everything changes when they encounter two young Mormon missionaries


All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall

When a Methodist minister meets a Mormon missionary, his life is changed forever. But this new convert soon finds himself struggling to recognize the promised blessings of the gospel when violent persecution shakes the fledgling Church in Wales. Told with passion and heart, this triumphant tale is guaranteed to uplift and inspire.


Miles From Ordinary by Carol Lynch Williams

Thirteen-year-old Lacey wakes to a beautiful summer morning excited to begin her new job at the library, just as her mother is supposed to start work at the grocery store. Lacey hopes that her mother's ghosts have finally been laid to rest; after all, she seems so much better these days, and they really do need the money. But as the hours tick by and memories come flooding back, a day full of hope spins terrifyingly out of control....


Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn

When everyone reads minds, a secret is a dangerous thing to keep. 
Sixteen-year-old Kira Moore is a zero, someone who can’t read thoughts or be read by others. Zeros are outcasts who can’t be trusted, leaving her no chance with Raf, a regular mindreader and the best friend she secretly loves. When she accidentally controls Raf’s mind and nearly kills him, Kira tries to hide her frightening new ability from her family and an increasingly suspicious Raf. But lies tangle around her, and she’s dragged deep into a hidden world of mindjackers, where having to mind control everyone she loves is just the beginning of the deadly choices before her. 

Won in a Giveaway on iWriteNetwork


The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals. 
On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with ZoĂ« at his side. 
A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it.
Download from Audible.com


The Help by Kathryn Sockett

Three ordinary women are about to take one extraordinary step.
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone.
Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken.
Minny, Aibileen's best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody's business, but she can't mind her tongue, so she's lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own.
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.
In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.


In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren.

The idea behind IMM was not only to put new books on your radar but to also encourage blogger interaction. IMM explores the weekly contents of my mailbox & books bought.

Anyone can participate in IMM and you are not limited to only sharing books that arrive via your mailbox. You can also share books that you've bought or books that you've gotten at the library.

Book Giveaway & Author Interview: All That Was Promised by Vickie Hall

Welcome to Author Vickie Hall.


BIO: 
Vickie is a native of Utah, but grew up in Montana, Nebraska, Idaho and Colorado. She loves to go camping with her family, travel, and study history. She loves animals of all kinds, especially her cat Katie. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she enjoys her calling as a ward Gospel Doctrine teacher.
http://www.vickiehall.com
http://www.authorvickiehall.blogspot.com


INTERVIEW:
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
I would go back to the past - to the 1930s to 1950s era. I love that time period, the music, the fashion, the movie, and the history.

If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Adam, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, Cary Grant, and Groucho Marx.

Pet Peeves?
People who drive with their turn signal on, and people who write checks at the grocery store…hello, debit card…

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I’m working on a manuscript now about a Hawaiian family in 1880’s Hawaii who convert to the Church. They leave their lush Hawaiian home for Zion, but find Zion less than hospitable. The family moves to a community in the West desert known as Iosepa (Joseph in Hawaiian) where they struggle to fulfill their measure in the Gospel. The working title is Garden of The Gods. I’m also researching for another book about early missionary work in 1850s India.
I have a completed manuscript out to two agents now for the general market about a Japanese-American family interned during World War II. It’s called Rising Sun, Falling Star and I hope to get this published soon.

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
My sister told a co-worker about my book and he decided to read it, but said that it would be a challenge for him. He is severely dyslexic and had never read anything after graduating from high school. When he started reading he didn’t stop until he’d finished every page and is anxiously awaiting Part 2 of All That Was Promised. He’s my hero.

What is your dream cast for your book?
Hugh Jackman as Richard Kenyon. Kate Beckinsale as Leah Kenyon, and Anthony Hopkins as Reverend Trahern.

What is your favorite Quote?
Because my writing success came a little later in life my favorite quote is from George Eliot:
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
To write a book about a vampire who is afraid of blood, with his werewolf friend who’s afraid of dogs.

If you could have a signed copy of any novel what would it be and why?
Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. I love this story for its example of redemption and that change is possible for all of us.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Watching horror movies…I know, I know, but I can’t help myself. I love a good scare.

What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
When I get the chance, I watch Spongebob Squarepants, but let’s just keep that between you and me.


ALL THAT WAS PROMISED

In 1847 Wales Methodist Minister Richard Kenyon converts to Mormonism. Richard’s newfound faith is put to the test when he faces the anger of his former congregation, his wife’s indecisiveness, his brother’s betrayal, and the murderous intentions of misinformed villagers.
Book Giveaway:
1 Paperback copy available to US & Canada
1 PDF ebook Open Internationally
Ends 11/22/11

Winners:
Paperback Liza - Lankford
Ebook - Lisa M.

Zompacolypse Giveaway Blog Hop

Paranormal Wastelands

Welcome to the Zompacolypse Trick or Treat Giveaway Hop hosted by Paranormal Wastelands.  This hop runs from October 28th through October 31st.

40 Blogs are each hosting a giveaway.

My Giveaway:
1 winner will receive a copy of these 2 books:

Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry


Bloodthirsty by Flynn Meaney


Giveaway open to US only
Ends 10/31/11

To Enter just follow this blog at least one way.
For a bonus entry Tweet about this giveaway @toobusyreading and leave a link.



Now hop to another blog on the list to enter their giveaway.
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