Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »

2024 Goodreads Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge

2024 Reading Challenge
Sheila has read 4 books toward her goal of 100 books.
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Review of Bound by CK Bryant


Bound (The Crystor #1)
Author: C.K. Bryant
Publisher: Dragonfly Press
Published Date: October 2011
Paperback/Kindle/E-book; 398 pages
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Book Description:
When a photo shoot ends in tragedy, Kira discovers her best friend, Lydia, has been keeping a secret. Knowing the truth, and accepting it, will change Kira’s life forever and thrust her into a world of ancient curses, magical objects, and savage enemies. What happens next will challenge everything Kira knows about her world, herself and the shape-shifting warrior she’s falling in love with. No longer the timid mouse her mother accused her of being, but a woman who finds the mental and physical strength to endure and survive.

BOUND is a heroic tale of true friendship, infinite sacrifice and untamed love.
 
 
My Review:
I have really been looking forward to reading Bound. I had been hearing bits and pieces and wanted to know for myself how great this book was. I had also been staring at the amazing cover and couldn't wait to see what had brought about all of this buzz circulating around the net.
 
It starts out with two ordinary high school girls in gym class. Kira and Lydia soon end up on an adventure that you never would have imagined from reading the first chapter. Kira finds herself abandoned and also finds out that her friend Lydia is not an ordinary high school girl. As the two girls head to the mountains for a photo shoot, this is when the fun begins. One way to describe it would be, taking a quiet walk on a flat path, then all of a sudden finding yourself running up a steep incline and being chased by a cougar. This is how fast the story changes! I loved this! 
 
Kira is exposed to people(?) from a different world with supernatural powers. Lydia is a two souled creature and has a hunk of a brother that changes into a fearsome creature when angered or around blood. I loved Octavian; even though at first he seems to be a rude, rough and exasperating character. By the end of the book, I fell in love with him. Move over Edward and Jacob, C.K. Bryant has written men/creatures that will blow you away! With crisp, descriptions and great characterizations, Bound will keep you reading quickly until the end. We are left with a merciless cliff-hanger that had me moaning and groaning, but excited to read the second book. Another thing I really liked about Bound is the unique storyline. So much of paranormal fiction is written from the same cookie-cutter storyline. Bound is not in that category. Without giving anything else away, let's just say you will also be awed by the creativity found in Bound.
 
I recommend Bound to teens (15+) and adults. There are a few cuss words and some mild violence. If you love paranormal romance, with interesting characters and storyline, this is the book for you.
 
 
 
 
 
About the Author:
~ I'm a loving wife and mother of two wonderful boys, living in Magic Valley, Idaho. Our home sits in the middle of sage brush and lava rock with the view of the Snake River Canyon, a truly amazing place to be. I love music, books, photography, friends, family and, of course, writing. At first I may seem shy, but once you get to know me you'll see I'm a bit sassy and a rebel.
 
 
Coming Soon....
"BROKEN"
Book two in THE CRYSTOR Series:
 
With Kira injured and dying, Octavion's last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla's magic isn't free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he's fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara? Find out when BROKEN takes you on a journey into the savage and unpredictable world of Ophera.
 
 
 
To purchase an autographed copy of BOUND by C.K. Bryant visit the author’s website here.

The Kindle version of BOUND can be purchased here.

**I was given a review e-copy of Bound. In no way did this influence the review that was given.**
 

Monday, November 28, 2011

Winners of the Gratitude Giveaways...

Congratulations!! Here are the winners of the Gratitude Giveaways. They were selected by Random Picker.com. 

The three winners will each receive an e-copy of Don't Fear The Reaper by Michelle Muto. They will soon get an e-mail from Michelle with instructions of how to get their books. 

The Winners are...
1. Michelle@Book Briefs
2. BJ
3. Mandi Slack


The next giveaway, The Book Lover's Holiday Giveaway Hop, starts this Friday and there will be more great books to win. So come on back! Thanks for supporting me and visiting/following my blog.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George

Product Details:

  • Title: Tuesdays at the Castle
  • Author: Jessica Day George
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens; 1 edition (October 25, 2011)
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  • Hardcover: 240 pages
  • ISBN-10: 1599906449
  • ISBN-13: 978-1599906447

Book Description:

Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.
My Review:
  Tuesdays at the Castle is a great addition to the writing of Jessica Day George. This book was written for the Middle-Grade group, 8-12, but even I enjoyed it as an adult reader. As a teacher of the targeted age group, I know that they will love this book!

 I have always loved castles, especially magical ones. This castle is like no other one, because it is alive. It seemed to me like it had a personality and feelings. It will do things for the royal family, especially the young Princess, Celie. When she wishes to go somewhere or have a door appear, the castle will honor her request. With the King and Queen of Glower, and their oldest son, Bran, missing and presumed dead, enemies come calling and trying to slowly take over the castle and the kingdom. The remaining siblings, Rolf, who will be the new King, and sister Lilah and Celie, will do what ever they can to keep their beloved Glower castle safe.

The things that happen next are exciting and also quite funny. I love the many humorous things that the castle does to protect itself and the royal siblings. It will change and add rooms, hallways and secret passageways. I especially liked when the castle was able to change where many of the rooms were located. The castle would also furnish the rooms, lavishly to almost bare, according to how well it liked the occupants.  

I loved many of the characters in this novel, but especially main character, eleven-year-old Princess Celie. She is brave, spunky and downright likable. You bond with her right from the beginning. Celie is a force to reckon with and the bad guys, foreign Prince Khelsh and the way-word council members, can’t handle her.I also liked the fighting spirits of Rolf and Lilah and their friend Pogue. They do some pretty clever things to the "bad" guys, one having to do with manure and another with disappearing chamber pots. :)

All readers will love this new, fun-filled fantasy. It is a fast read that will leave you wanting to read more of Jessica’s work. Jessica happens to be one of my favorite authors. If you have never read any of her books, you need to head to Amazon.com or goodreads and read about her books.(AND then buy some!!) I can tell you that you will never be disappointed in her writing.

News From Jessica's Blog: 
(Here is recent book news that Jessica has posted that her fans will be happy to hear!)

"TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE is the first book in a new series, and is a middle grade book about a young princess who lives in a magical castle. There will be at least three books about Princess Celie and her castle, and there is more information about this specific book on the book's page.

My next book will come out next fall (roughly) and is the third and FINAL book about the Twelve Dancing Princesses. It is entitled PRINCESS OF THE SILVER WOOD. It is Princess Petunia's story, and is based on Little Red Riding Hood."

   About the Author:

Jessica Day George likes chocolate, knitting, books, travel, movies, dragons, horses, dogs, and her family. These are all things to keep in mind if you ever meet her. For instance, you could bring her chocolate to make the meeting go more smoothly. You could also talk about how adorable her children are, even if you have never seen them. You could discuss dog breeds (she has a Maltese named Pippin, and grew up with a poodle mix and a Brittany Spaniel). You could talk about Norway, and how it's the Greatest Place On Earth, and Germany, The Second Greatest Place On Earth. You could ask her about yarn, and indicate a willingness to learn to knit your own socks, if you can't already do so.

And, well, you could talk about books. Jessica's books, other people's books. It's really all about the books. To paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, Friends, family, school, they were just obstacles in the way of getting more books.

She would like it if books came with chocolate to eat while reading them.

Jessica Day George earned a BA in Humanities/Comparative Literature from Brigham Young University, where she enjoyed classes in Pottery and Old Norse, and dutifully forced herself to take Algebra and Biology. Originally from Idaho, she now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, their two children and a five pound Maltese named Pippin.

**I received a review e-copy of this book from Netgalley. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**

Friday, November 18, 2011

Review of: No Holly for Christmas by Julie N. Ford

  • No Holly for Christmas 
  •  Author: Julie N. Ford
  •  Publisher:Whiskey Creek Press
  •  Published: Fall 2011
  •  Paperback/Kindle: 390 pages
  •  Genre: Romantic/Suspense
  •  ISBN-13: 978-1611602944



 

 

 

  Book Description:

As Brian McAlister struggles to move past being jilted not once, but twice by the only woman he's ever loved, he's all but given up on relationships. Then, on special assignment for the DA's office, he crosses paths with ex-socialite turned social worker, Holly Cavanaugh Winter-and romance blossoms. Widowed, practically penniless, and reduced to shopping at WalMart, Holly is dreading the approaching Holiday Season. However, her angst isn't due to her husband's untimely death the previous December 25th, but because of a secret that could reveal itself unless she can find a way to avoid the coming Christmas. Love at first sight quickly turns frigid for Brian and Holly when Holly gets pulled into a manhunt for an accused murderer who now has his sights set on her. His case unraveling, Brian finds himself tasked with keeping Holly and her two daughters safe while bringing an assassin and the powerful man who hired him to justice. A heart-warming story of suspense, healing, giving and receiving, No Holly for Christmas is the perfect addition to everyone's holiday reading list.

 My Review:
No Holly for Christmas is a love story with a lot of suspense. I really like the main characters in this novel because they are not your typical hero and heroine in a romance novel. In fact, the male and female are both quite flawed. I think that is why I liked them so much. The main female character, Holly,formerly a rich socialite, is frankly a snob, and very, very beautiful. The main male character, Brian, is a jerk at times and not very sensitive to Holly or others. But, they both really grow on you as the story goes on. Julie has a wonderful way of writing, that soon you are fully invested in the story and care deeply about the characters. Holly is a single Mom. I am also a single Mom, so I probably get her, and why she acts the way she does,more than other people might. She also is a widow whose husband had been unfaithful to her before his death.Brian is aloof and acts the way he does because he has been hurt from a previous relationship. In other words, they both carry a lot of baggage. 


The suspense part of the story is very good. there is one scene that totally creeped me out. A crazy man is after Holly and breaks into her home, You are holding your breath as she enters her home and realizes that someone is/has been there. That has always been something I have feared, so this scene really shook me. Brian assigns himself, he is the assistant DA, to protect Holly and her two daughters by moving in with them. There is a lot of romantic tension that takes place between Brian and Holly. But, nothing too sexual happens between the two characters which I appreciate. It does get frustrating when they keep bating each other and being stubborn. They fight and kiss and make up, then fight and kiss and make up again. 

The overall story is strong, suspenseful and I love the romance. I don't want to give anything away about how the suspense part turns out, but let's just say it is very exciting! I love Julie's writing and also loved her other book I reviewed called, Countdown to Love. 

To purchase No Holly for Christmas go here. 
To learn more about Julie's book go visit her website here.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop


Welcome!!

Gratitude Giveaways Blog Hop

Hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
& All-Consuming Books
This hop runs from November 17th until November 27th, which will give you plenty of time to enter all of the giveaways.

There are over 300 blogs each saying thanks to their followers by offering a simple, easy, one entry giveaway. No long list of optional entries on this hop.

I want to thank all of my old followers and all of my brand new followers by giving away one of my favorite books of 2011. Not only am I giving away one  e-copy of this book, but three e-copies of this book.

You have a chance to win Don't Dear the Reaper by Michelle Muto, who has generously donated the e-copies for this blog hop. Here is a little about the book:

"Grief-stricken by the murder of her twin, Keely Morrison is convinced suicide is her ticket to eternal peace and a chance to reunite with her sister. When Keely succeeds in taking her own life, she discovers death isn’t at all what she expected. Instead, she’s trapped in a netherworld on Earth and her only hope for reconnecting with her sister and navigating the afterlife is a bounty-hunting reaper and a sardonic, possibly unscrupulous, demon. But when the demon offers Keely her greatest temptation—revenge on her sister’s murderer—she must uncover his motives and determine who she can trust. Because, as Keely soon learns, both reaper and demon are keeping secrets and she fears the worst is true—that her every decision will change how, and with whom, she spends eternity."

Don't Fear the Reaper is one of my favorite books of 2011. I gave it 5 stars at goodreads.com.Here is a quote from my review about this book:

“This book will move you; it will make you laugh, cry, cringe and hold your breath in anticipation.” 

Michelle has written a haunting tale of a teenager who realizes too late how important her life is. This book is the first book in the Netherworld series. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. Please also go and read my review that I posted about Don't Fear the Reaper here. 

All that you need to do to enter to win a copy, is to follow my blog. That is it! If you are already a follower, just comment and let me know. If you are a new follower, also comment and say "Hi" to introduce yourself.If you want to, it would be great if you would tweet about this super giveaway. You can go to Michelle's website to learn more about her and the books that she has written. 

Thanks so much for dropping by and we will see you around on the blog hop and Good Luck!! Now go and visit as many blogs as you can in the next 10 days. The list of all of the blogs are shown below.