Waiting On Wednesday: Secondhand Charm by Julie Berry

In a secluded village, magic sparkles on the edges of the forest. There, a young girl named Evie possesses unusually strong powers as a healer. A gypsy's charms—no more than trinkets when worn by others—are remarkably potent when Evie ties them around her neck. Her talents, and charms, have not escaped the notice of the shy stonemason's apprentice. But Evie wants more than a quiet village and the boy next-door. When the young king's carriage arrives one day, and his footman has fallen ill, Evie might just get her chance after all . . .

Berry's debut novel garnered glowing reviews and strong sales—and now she's done it again with a beautifully woven tale to keep all readers, young and old, absolutely charmed.

I really enjoyed Julie Berry's book The Amaranth Enchantment. I'm looking forward to her release of newest book Secondhand Charm which will be released next week.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted on Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Childrens Book Wednesday: The Bracelet by Miriam de Rosier

Teddy is not Miss Thompson's favorite student. He doesn't focus in class, his homework is never complete, and he comes to school unkempt. When, at Christmas, Teddy gives Miss Thompson a bottle of cheap perfume and a rhinestone bracelet with half the stones missing, Miss Thompson is confused-until she discovers that these items had belonged to his recently deceased mother. Miss Thompson's profound realization changes her attitude and behavior forever; in turn, young Teddy begins to truly blossom. The Bracelet is a heartwarming story of how one person can deeply affect another person's life, and it will touch everyone who reads it.

What a beautifully done, touching book. I've heard this story before but it still made me cry. Gorgeous illustrations accompany the retelling of this classic story.

This book would make a great gift for a teacher who has touched your child's life. It illustrates how a teacher can open a world of possibilities for a struggling student. Also a good lesson it not judging others because we don't know what they've been through.

The perfect gift book for teacher appreciation.


Childrens Book Wednesday is a feature started by The Crazy Bookworm. Since I adore children's picture books I'll be joining The Crazy Bookworm by sharing at least one picture book each week.

Review: Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex

Artemis has committed his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy. Can it be true? Has goodness taken hold of the world’s greatest teenage criminal mastermind?

Captain Holly Short is unconvinced, and discovers that Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common in guilt-ridden fairies. Symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, multiple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy.

Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe from Holly’s past is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind—and the grips of a giant squid—in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?

I have really enjoyed the Artemis Fowl series. I've been looking forward to the release of what I thought would be the final book in the Artemis Fowl series. I hope this is not the last book. Too many things are left unanswered and unresolved leaving this series open to another adventure.

Of the books in this series The Atlantis Complex was probably my least favorite. Don't get me wrong I was happy to hear more from all my favorite characters. Butler, Juliet, Foaly, Mulch, Holly and Artemis all working together makes for a fun filled adventure. The problem I had with this book was that Artemis Fowl's alter ego "Orion" nearly drove me crazy through the first half of the book. I also had a hard time visualizing several scenes in this book. My ten year old daughter used this book for her book report and asked me exactly how something happened so I know she had trouble visualizing the same scene I struggled with.

Dear Eoin Colfer,
I'm anxiously awaiting the release of the next Artemis Fowl book. Please start writing it ASAP.
~Inspired Kathy

Content: A clean read

Rating: 4 stars

500 Follower Giveaway!

This blog has been up and running for a little over 3.5 months and I've hit the 500 follower mark.

As a thank you to all those who visit this blog I'm having a 500 Follower Giveaway.

Since I have a diverse following I am offering 1 winner their choice from the following prize packs.

Adult Prize Pack:
An Old Fashioned Romance by Marcia Lynn McClure

Audiobook of The Island by Elin Hilderbrand



Young Adult Prize Pack:
The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan



Childrens Prize Pack:
The Traveling Trunk Adventures: Pirate Treasure

The Traveling Trunk Adventures: Lost City of Atlantis



This is a giveaway to thank my followers so obviously to enter you must be a follower (new or old).

This giveaway is only open to the US. One entry per person.
Sorry International - please come back and enter my Spooktacular Giveaway at the end of the month and my Gratitude Giveaway in November which will both be International.

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment about this blog: tell me something you like about it, something you would like to see more of, something I could do better, etc.


2. Indicate which prize pack you would like if you win: Adult, Young Adult or Childrens.


3. Make sure I have a way to contact you: if your email is not visible on your profile leave a link to your blog or your email address.

Giveaway will be open until November 4th. Winner will be chosen at random by the Random Number Generator.

While you are here take a minute and enter my other giveaways listed on the right sidebar.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. I'll find time in the next day pick a random winner. In fact since I gained so many new followers this past month I will pick 3 winners... one for each prize pack.

Review: The Big Book of Girls Stuff by Bart King

The Big Book of Girl Stuff shares everything a girl needs to know-from sleepovers to diaries to makeup to boys to shopping, and everything in between! It's the ultimate guide to unlocking the delightful mysteries of being a girl. Dozens of girls, young women, teachers, and mothers collaborated on this book to make it the most comprehensive guide to being a girl that has ever existed! Perfect for pre-teen, 'tween, and teenage girls, The Big Book of Girl Stuff shares inspiration, empowerment, and some seriously silly laughs just when girls need it the most! It's filled with information, activities, quotes, and games, as well as lists for favorite books, movies, and music.

I received copies of The Big Book of Boys Stuff and The Big Book of Girls Stuff by Bart King from publisher Gibbs-Smith to review. My 8 year old son reviewed The Big Book of Boys Stuff so to be fair I'm allowing my 10 year old daughter to review The Big Book of Girls Stuff.

I like this book because it was funny and awesome.

I learned how to make a ring out of a dollar bill. The chapter on babysitting was full of good ideas. I liked the trick to make a stuffed animal jump to entertain the kids. In Sleepovers and Slumber Parties I thought it was funny that one person came in a robe with a towel around her head to the Come as You are Party. I liked the part on how to throw a ball like a girl who's not throwing like a girl. I want to make a toothbrush bracelet and I learned how to make a friendship bracelet.

I took it to school with me and the girl who sits next to me kept taking it to read it during silent reading time. My best friends and I like to read this book after school at my house. They all think it's funny.

I would recommend this book to all girls 8-12. I caught my 15 year old brother reading this book.

So there you have it. According to my 10 year old this book is awesome!

Content: Clean

Rating: 5 Stars

Source: From publisher for review.

Giveaway Winner: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Congratulations to the Winner of

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Random Number Generator has spoken!
The Winner is:


Christy from Dearest Dreams



A copy of the book The Maze Runner by James Dashner is headed your way

as soon as I receive your mailing address.

Giveaway: Power Thoughts by Joyce Meyer Audiobook

Joyce Meyer has a knack for coining phrases-her fans call them Joyceisms-and one of her best loved is "Where the mind goes, the man follows."This was the basis for Battlefield of the Mind, and in her latest book, Meyer provides "power thoughts," bringing the reader to a new level of ability to use the mind as a tool to achievement. In POWER THOUGHTS, she outlines a flexible program to turn thoughts into habits, and habits into success. Sections include: · The Power of a Positive You · 5 Rules for Keeping Your Attitude at the Right Altitude · More Power To You bulleted keys to successful thinking in each chapter · The Power of Perspective Nobody has more of a "can-do" attitude than Joyce Meyer. Now you can, too.

A huge thanks to Anna at Hachette Books for allowing me to host this giveaway.

3 Followers of this blog will win an audio version of Joyce Meyer's book Power Thoughts.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Giveaway ends October 27, 2010

To enter you must be a follower of this blog.
3 Extra entries are available:
+1 Share this contest - Tweet, Blog, FB or Link(leave a direct link)
+1 Be a Friend on Goodreads
+1 Follow on Twitter

This Giveaway is Now Closed.

He Blew Her A Kiss by Angie Pechak Printup

It comes as a brush of the shoulder, a breath, a familiar scent, or perhaps a gentle breeze when everything else is still. These remarkable sensations are all examples of our loved ones communicating to us after they are gone from this life-letting us know they are in a better place, and yet still with us.

He Blew Her a Kiss collects dozens of such stories of after-death communication, in which husbands, wives, children, grandparents, and others, gently let us know that their spirit lives on. This series of short, delightfully written vignettes-based on real-life stories from all over the country-describes:

-How a simple note tied to a balloon proves the incredible power of love to transcend all, following the death of a beloved wife

-The voicemail message a sister receives after her brother has passed-and its incredible tidings of hope

-The uncanny revelation contained in a TV game show that supplies comfort to a family after the death of their patriarch

-The nightlight that flickers only when a granddaughter speaks of her late grandmother-and how it refuses to go out...and much more

Filled with touching accounts that will make you smile and cry at the same time, He Blew Her a Kiss is required reading for anyone who has ever experienced the loss of a loved one and needs a little help to carry on.

He Blew Her a Kiss is a collection of inspirational stories that tell of experiences people have had with those who have passed away. Having a had my own experience at the passing of my mother I found many of these experiences ones I could relate to.

By far my favorite story was the story the book title was based on in which Tom sends a message to his deceased wife and receives a miraculous message himself. Most of the other stories were nothing spectacular in comparison but still touching to read.

I would recommend this heartwarming book to those who have lost a loved one and are seeking comfort and peace.

Authors Angie Pechak Printup & Kelley Stewart Dollar are collecting stories from those who have felt the presence of someone who has passed away on their website.

Content: Clean and uplifting

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Source: From author for review.

Giveaway: Nearly New Books For You

I love to receive free books in the mail.

Unlike most avid readers I don't have a huge personal library.

I believe books should be read and then shared instead of sitting on a shelf collecting dust.

This unique belief could mean free books for you.

Each week I will be hosting a Nearly New Books For You Giveaway. At least 3 books will be offered each week. The winner of the giveaway will get to choose which book they want. All books are in excellent condition.

This week's choices:
Adult:
Come Sunday by Isla Morley


The Skye in June by J. Ahern


Young Adult:
The Ghosts of Ashbury High


Middle Grade:
ESPete Sixth Grade Sense by Arnold Rudnick


Picture Book:
G.W. Frog and the Circus Lion by George W. Everett


Queen Vernita Meets Sir Healthy Bean


Giveaway is open only to those over the age of 13 with a US mailing address. Must be a blog follower to enter. Giveaway closes 10/18/10. Winner will be chosen from all eligible entries by the Random Number Generator.

This week's extra entries:
+1 Become an email subscriber - the box to enter your email is on the right column of the blog under current giveaways.
+1 Follow this blog via Networked Blogs - link can be found in the right column near the bottom of the page.

This Giveaway is now closed.

In My Mailbox - Mailbox Monday

My mailbox loved me this week. Unbelievably I had at least one book in my mailbox everyday. One day I had 4 different packages that all had books in them!

From author for review:

A Modest Proposal by Michele Ashman Bell

Hometown Girl by Michelle Ashman Bell

From author for review:

Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison

Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

Unbroken Connection by Angela Morrison

Won in a "Read the Book Before You See the Movie" promotion.

Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture by Kathryn Lasky

Wolves of the Beyond: Lone Wolf by Kathryn Lasky

ARC from Author for Review.

The Jumper Chronicles: Quest for Merlin's Map by W.C. Peever

From Author Rita Web for Review.

Unlocked: Ten "Key" Tales by Wendy Swore & Rita Webb

Won in a giveaway on Squeaky Books.

Ice by Sarah Beth Durst

Won in a giveaway on Walnut Spring Press.

Unlocking the Power of the Spirit by Campbell Gray

From Author for Review.

The Study Train: Reunion of the Untouchables by Kurt Frenier

Won in a giveaway on Ashley's Bookshelf

Audiobook of The Island by Elin Hilderbrand

Won in giveaway on author Kathi Macias's website.

No Greater Love by Kathi Macias

More Than Conquerors by Kathi Macias

Red Ink by Kathi Macias

Won in a Giveaway on Goodreads.

How Lucky You Can Be: The Story of Coach Don Meyer by Buster Olney

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.

Mailbox Monday was created by Marcia at the Printed Page, and this month is hosted by Avis at She Reads and Reads.

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks and audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Giveaway: Room by Emma Donoghue - Audiobook

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It is where he was born and grew up; it's where he lives with his Ma as they learn and read and eat and sleep and play. At night, his Ma shuts him safely in the wardrobe, where he is meant to be asleep when Old Nick visits.

Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it is the prison where Old Nick has held her captive for seven years. Through determination, ingenuity, and fierce motherly love, Ma has created a life for Jack. But she knows it's not enough...not for her or for him. She devises a bold escape plan, one that relies on her young son's bravery and a lot of luck. What she does not realize is just how unprepared she is for the plan to actually work.

Told entirely in the language of the energetic, pragmatic five-year-old Jack, ROOM is a celebration of resilience and the limitless bond between parent and child, a brilliantly executed novel about what it means to journey from one world to another.

A huge thanks to Anna at Hachette Books for allowing me to host this giveaway.

3 Followers of this blog will win an audio version of Emma Donoghue's book Room.

Entry rules:
Only residents of the U.S. or Canada are eligible to win.
No PO boxes, please.
Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule. If you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title. Books will be sent directly from the publisher.
Giveaway ends October 25, 2010

To enter you must be a follower of this blog.
3 Extra entries are available:
+1 Share this contest - Tweet, Blog, FB or Link(leave a direct link)
+1 Be a Friend on Goodreads
+1 Follow on Twitter

This Giveaway is Now Closed.

Giveaway Winner: Luck of the Draw by Rachael Renee Anderson

Congratulations to the Winner of my

Birthday Giveaway

The Random Number Generator has spoken:
The Winner is:


Jolene Allcock



A copy of Luck of the Draw by Racheal Renee Anderson is headed your way

as soon as I receive your mailing address.