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Girls*Heart* Books: July 2012

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Mel's Book Blog Gets a Face Lift

Hello, fellow readers! 

Lana and I have been doing some thinking and with Tammy embarking on her own solo blogging journey, we've decided the time is ripe to make a few changes of our own. Don't panic, we aren't going anywhere, we've just come to the realization that our name doesn't really fit our blog anymore. When I started, it was just me, so it was easy to say hmm ok, I'll call it 'Mel's Book Blog'. However, things are very different now; seriously, where would I be without Lana?!? 


So after some brainstorming, we've decided to rename our blog, 'Girls *Heart* Books'. We think it's very fitting. To keep things a little simpler, our url will stay the same, but the email will change and we'll be launching a brand spanking new facebook page. So, don't think you've come to the wrong place when you see our new background and banner. It's still us, and we're still 100% devoted to bringing you honest reviews, interesting author interviews & some fun giveaways! Thanks everyone, as always,  for all your support, this wouldn't be nearly as much fun without you! 

& 
                                                     


Goodbye, Tammy's Two Cents

We have two announcements for you today, readers. The second shall come this evening, so check back later for that! But for now, the first order of business calls...

It is with a heavy heart that we here at Mel's Book Blog write this. We regret to inform you that Tammy, 'the chaotic mind behind Tammy's Two Cents', has decided to move on and create her own blog, Tam's Book Blog (found in the links below). 

Though we're sad to see you go, Tammy, we are very glad you have decided to go on solo, and not disappear completely from our lives. You are a wonderful friend, and have been a pleasure to work with. You have never failed to bring a smile to our faces, or gotten a laugh out of us when we were feeling down, and that can sometimes be a difficult task. 

We wish you the best of luck with Tam's Two Cents, love; you have our full support in the endeavor!


Much love from,

&

Monday, July 30, 2012

Group Book to Movie Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Begun a decade ago and encompassing six shelf-bending novels, the seventh and concluding volume of the international literary phenomenon that is the Harry Potter saga comes to a bombshell-packed - and oh so satisfying - conclusion in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, arguably the most wildly anticipated release in modern publishing history. (from Goodreads)

Sadly, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the seventh and final book in this spellbinding series by J.K. Rowling. I have to say, I was one of those who had spent hours agonizing over what would go down in this final installment. I had notebooks full of theories..yes I needed a life, but that is neither here nor there. There is so much on the line for Harry and his friends and it all comes to a head in this poignant conclusion. 

In all honesty, upon reflection after the initial omg I finally know what happens feeling faded, I really was not overly impressed with this book. I didn't find it flowed as well as it's predecessors. The story seemed to stutter several times before finding a rhythm towards the end. Did I still enjoy it, yes, of course. However, when held up to the first six books I found it lacking.  A must read, of course, merely to see how all those loose ends get tied up. But not an earth-shattering finale in my opinion. 
My Rating: 

I try to be a fast reader, I really do, but I simply ran out of time here, and I haven't even started The Deathly Hallows. Since I am a terrible person, you won't be getting my opinion of the book, but I will tell you my opinion on the movies.

These two movies are probably the most-watched flicks in my household, and really, I'm not sick of it, yet. It's a nerve rattling story and it made me cry and flinch and even snort a few times. 

Though I do think there was a lot going on (which will probably also make me huff in the book), which left a lot to remember, and a lot to click here to there from there to here. I like braiding with stories, but come on... We don't need five million strands going on at one time.

All in all I think it's a great conclusion to this saga, tied up everything in a nice little bow, and didn't disappoint at all. As a movie on its own, it's highly enjoyable.

My Rating:








And so we leave the best for last! This book had to have been a challenge to write; with all the storylines Rowling needed to bring full circle and the loose ends to tie up. For those Potter fans that think they knew exactly how this would end, don't be so sure, Rowling keeps you guessing until the very end about what will really happen. I loved this book most of the series, how fantastic as a reader is it to be invited into this person’s life, to live with them for several years, to experience their pain and happiness, joy and sorrow. Through these 7 extremely well written books we have gotten to ride along with Harry and company and now we get a front row seat to the finale! We’ve read Harry’s journey, now we get to read the destination!

I think Rowling did a fantastic job and it was a fitting end.

My Rating:



Along the way they have left entirely too much out of the books when making the movies, it just makes me ill. They completely destroyed Neville’s character, he was definitely a main character in the books and they tried to turn him into a side show in the movies, they make up for that slightly in the final movies. The relationship with Harry and Ginny was NOT, NOT, NOT relayed at all accurately in the movies! That being said, the movie in and of itself, LOVED IT! Part 1 was a bit slow in places but it was a necessary step to get to the finished product. I saw Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows part II at a midnight showing; there were more people there in costume than not. It was so fantastic, the kids were having duels and playing quidditch, there were even 2 grown men dresses as Sirius and Severus dueling it out with their wands; it just made the experience all the more fantastic.

The fastest 2.5 hours of my life, from start to finish this movie kept me engrossed and anxious. I’ve read the book twice, I know what’s going to happen! And yet, I was sitting on the edge of my seat like a giddy school girl. There is a lot of darkness in this movie as well, many people die, many senseless deaths; sacrifices are made and the bonds of friendship that have been forged are put to the ultimate test, who will make it out with their lives? If you are the one person on the planet who hasn’t seen this movie (any of these movies) you must! It touches those of all ages and all walks of life. 
My Rating: 

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Tammy's Two Cents: Interview and Review with Claire Merle


The Glimpse

London, in the not too distant future, and people are now divided into Pures and Crazies, according to the results of a DNA test, with the Crazies sectioned off to live within 'the City', on the other side of the Community wall. Until the age of fifteen, Ana has lived a privileged existence amongst the Pures, but her whole world crumbles when she finds out that her DNA test was faked, which makes her one of the Crazies. She has just three years before she will be cast out of the Community . . . But Ana meets Pure-born Jasper and is offered a ticket to freedom when he asks her to Join with him. She looks forward to a 'normal' life, and fulfilling her dreams of becoming a musician. Then, just a week before the Joining ceremony, Jasper goes missing; it appears he is somewhere in the City, and no one knows why. Ana sets off on his trail, which takes her through the underbelly of society and into the pits of the human soul. And as she delves deeper into the mystery of Jasper's disappearance Ana uncovers some devastating truths that destroy everything she has grown up to believe, but she also learns to love as she has never loved before. (from Amazon.com)

There is a lot going on in this novel; at times I was a little lost in details and dialogue but, I stuck with it and enjoyed it in the end.  I was actually surprised Merle was able to keep the story intriguiging with the multiple plots and characters; it really is a well written novel.  Merle will leave you questioning the Mental Health field with this “Glimpse” into her Dystopian London that is completely plausible! 
I do LOVE the female lead, Ana (Ariana)( a Pure)!  She is a no nonsense, smart as a whip, tough cookie.  Several of the secondary characters in the book are memorable as well; there is even a teency weency zombie part thrown in there.  We know I do love my zombies; Merle’s version of these is plausible as well.  My interest peeked with the introduction of Cole Winters (a Crazy) He’s intelligent, sweet and Musical, like our Ana.  There is an attempt at a Love triangle, don’t be fooled, anyone that reads this book and thinks there is, is a Crazy!
Slow to start but full speed ahead in the end, I give “The Glimpse” 3.5 out of 5 Quills… I’d recommend it to anyone that loves Dystopian Novels.  But, that’s just my 2 cents!! 
And now for the good stuff; here is my Interview with Author Claire Merle
(Photo of Claire Merle with Author Amy Plum)
  
*Tell me a bit about yourself.
Ooh, that could go so many ways. But I’ll keep it simple! I’m 37, I live in Paris and have two
young boys. I moved to Paris after meeting a French man who became my husband a year
later.
*Where were you born and where do you call home?
I was born in Oxford, England but I never lived there. I actually grew up in Highgate, North
London. For me, home is where my husband and kids are.
*What was your inspiration for Glimpse?
The original idea came to me around ten years ago after I went to a talk on mental health and
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). I was alarmed to learn about the rapidly
increasing number of children being prescribed medication such as Ritalin for behavioural
problems.
Over the years I found myself returning again and again to read up on mental health issues,
particularly in regards to young people. I started asking myself, ‘what will happen if the
number of people with mental health problems just continues to go up and up?’ ‘What kind
of solutions are out there?’ ‘Why are more young people experiencing these sorts of problems
than ever before?’
*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Glimpse, how would you introduce it?
A YA thriller set in a near future, with a romantic twist.
*What are the Pro's and Con's to being a published Author?
Pros: I don’t need to make excuses anymore for all the time I spend writing. It is
officially ‘my job’ and I love my job!
Cons: Juggling everything there is to do and keeping up with the deadlines.
*What was the first thing you did when you got the news Glimpse was being published?
I called my husband, who didn’t answer his mobile phone. Then I called one of my oldest and
closest friends in the UK.
*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most?
That’s hard. My husband is definitely close to the top of the list though. He is a very
determined person. Never accepts ‘no’ for answer. Never admits defeat. He’s helped pick me
up along the way when I’ve been nursing injuries and feeling sorry for myself.
*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?
To be honest I’ve stopped reading reviews. It is very hard to write book 2 with all that going
on in your head. But it is intriguing to discover the way different people interpret what you’ve
written. One review that I found particularly interesting was from a woman who has suffered
mental health problems and who said, ‘For me this book was not about mental health at all.
The people who are being segregated are not sick. They are people the government consider
dangerous or problematic. The whole ‘Pure’ vs ‘Crazies’ thing is a lie being used by the
government to control the people.’
I think it’s important to let the reader make their own conclusions, but this reviewer is
very close to a truth that is sometimes overlooked in the book.
*Who is YOUR favorite Author?
Ooh, that’s like asking what’s your favourite ice cream or who is your favourite actor. It
totally depends on my mood. I love variety.
*What are you reading right now?
The Time Traveller’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.
*Tell us your latest news.
I was very excited about The Glimpse being selected on Amazon UK as editor’s pick of the
month in June. I’m also about to take part in the massive author YA Scavenger Hunt with lots
of signed book prizes by wonderful authors. Highly recommended!

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Author Appreciation, David McAfee, Nasty Little F!#*ers!

 NASTY LITTLE F!#*ERS

From the bestselling author of 33 A.D. and Saying Goodbye to the Sun.


Eight scientists and one ex-marine accept an assignment to study the effects of deforestation in Aroostook County, Maine. It’s a routine job, and everything seems to be going according to plan. But when one of their number goes missing, leaving behind only a severed foot as evidence, former lieutenant Colby Phillips must lead an expedition to find him.

What they find instead is an entirely new species. A large breed of insect whose ravenous larvae display features and abilities never before seen in nature. The scientists’ amazement turns to fear when they find themselves at the bottom of the food chain. Can Colby lead the survivors to safety? Or is it already too late?

Of course, escape would be much easier if the dead would stay that way. *amazon.com*


These are DEFINITELY some Nasty Little   F!#*ers!  Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Night of the Living Dead; for real!  I am a huge B-horror movie buff (see previous sentence) and this book would be the PERFECT script for a FANTASTIC B-movie.  McAfee does not waste any time introducing his “Grubs” into the story as we begin our journey on a camping trip; Husband wakes up, Wife is not in tent… there is something amiss in these woods, something deadly.  Seriously… flesh eating grubs, woods, tents, camping and LOTS of warm bodies for them to feast on.  It’s a fiasco in the making and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it play out chapter after chapter.
By the time I finished this book my heart was pounding in my chest; I also slept with the lights on that night.  As with most of McAfee’s works, this is NOT suitable for children of all ages, Mature Content, Parental discretion is advised!!  If you are a campy, gory, bloody, disgusting and down right creepy with just a dash of humor fan; this is the book for you.  It got under my skin from the first page and I could not put it down (pun intended!)! 
5/5 Quills.. Must Read!!


Giveaway - up for grabs is a Signed copy of Nasty Little F!#*ers!
the usual rules apply; good luck everybody!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, July 27, 2012

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling: Review


The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggle governments are noticing. Ron scans the obituary pages of the Daily Prophet, looking for familiar names. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet . . .

As with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate—and lose a few eyebrows in the process. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Classes are never straightforward, though Harry receives some extraordinary help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.

So it's the home front that takes center stage in the multilayered sixth installment of the story of Harry Potter. Here at Hogwarts, Harry will search for the full and complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort—and thereby find what may be his only vulnerability. (from Goodreads)




This series is so sporadic with quality it astounds me. There is no real middle ground; I either love, or I hate the book, and I can say for Half-Blood Prince, it's the former.

This book is amazing. It has suspense, and romance, and humor, and heart-break, and even with everything going on I wasn't bored! There wasn't a moment where I was waving my hand and huffing because two [or more] characters were taking a billion years to figure out the obvious, nor were there spots where I was growling at the characters for being idiots.  

Also, without spoiling anything, I'm gonna hint real quick here...You all should know by now how much I love love-stories that have been budding and growing for YEARS (years, people, YEARS!). And we see that here... And this makes me very happy. :3

All in all I REALLY enjoyed this installment in the series, and I'm very much hoping the next one (the final book) won't disappoint.. I like to end on a bang.

My Rating:




Now, I couldn't have liked this movie that much (and neither did my family, for that matter) considering we don't own it. Whoops. So I'm going on memory with this review, so hang with me, guys...


...um. In all honesty, everything I read from book six, I don't remember seeing the movie. Some things seemed familiar, but that was the extent. This bothers me... Main points are brushed aside, and look flat-out wrong (*cough* aforementioned love-story*cough*), characters are forgotten, points are dulled, I just... This gives me a headache, readers, seriously.


I don't know why I let Mel talk me into this; I used to love the movies! And now, so far, I approve of two, hate two, can separate ONE and then, there's this... I have tainted my favorite movies... Though, I suppose that's not on Mel or the books, but on the directors, now, isn't it? 


*sigh* I am genuinely scared of how my opinion is going to drop when I finish book 7... For book 6, here, I'm not as disappointed as I was for the previous film (or book 3....will. not. let. this. go.), so...


My Rating:



Thursday, July 26, 2012

Treasured Thursdays: Harry Potter Style Part 4

Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This month, as you all know by now, we are ALL about Harry Potter, so we decided to focus on HP specific topics. This week we're talking about (as weird as this is going to sound) our most treasured Death Eaters. Come on, you all know, everyone has at least one Death Eater they have a soft spot for. Here are ours. 


For me, this was simple and honestly, I'm surprised I'm the only one who made this choice. My most treasured Death Eater is..



That's right people. Severus Snape. I have to admit, I spent a good portion of the series loathing his character but once you know his back story, that changes things slightly. Who here has never made a bad choice? Never wanted to take something they've done back? I know I have. Snape lived his mistake every day. And while I didn't like the way he treated Harry, I understand it better now. I can't imagine how confusing that must have been for Snape. I can't say more, obviously because we don't do spoilers. But I will say this, he is probably the character with the most depth in the entire series. And he was perfectly portrayed by Alan Rickman. He simply IS Severus Snape. In my opinion, Severus Snape is one of the greatest characters ever written. 















Be real, people, there are no 100% Death Eaters that we all truly LIKE. They are all a bunch of evil people, for God's sake! No one sides with them, and not one of us were crying if they died. And if you are, well… Let me know who, otherwise I’ll just be hiding now.

But! With that very ranty thing, I have to say, this one? This one I LIKED.





Bellatrix Lestrange.. 

Now, heh, I realize she’s killed off my favorite character ever (I won’t say in case you haven’t seen the movies but… Yeah, get off the computer and go WATCH IT. Urgh.) and has caused more heartbreak than one person can handle, but come ON guys… The poor girl is brainwashed! 

Honestly, I find her story a bit sad. She is so helplessly and utterly in love with Voldemort (guess this really proves looks don’t matter, eh?) and I’m really not sure she truly and fully understands he would kill her in an instant to get his way. And though I usually detest females who are THIS obsessed with a guy, I actually like how this was done. It’s not like Voldemort pretended to love her back because he has mental issues, he just treated her like a good pet kitty and called it a day (at least in the movies, haven’t gotten that far yet!)

Bellatrix, while batshit and evil as they come, would definitely be someone I do treasure… Even if that makes me weird… Especially because I cheered when it was all over… *blinks* Ah, well. I loved it all the same!




Narcissa Malfoy; hands down! She is more active in the books than the movies but when she is in the movies it is almost always about Draco. Hate the Death Eaters and even the Malfoys all you want but, she is a mother first and foremost and I LOVE that about her! Her protectiveness of her son is what makes her so special to me. She defies Voldemort to find Draco, it’s exactly what I would have done. I can’t say more without letting loose some spoilers and we can’t have that. She’s my pick, enough said!
These are our most treasured, tell us about yours!

Cold Fury Blog Tour





Sara Jane Rispoli has just turned sweet sixteen, but so far it's anything but sweet. She'd planned to spend this birthday at the spring dance with the handsome Max Kissberg, not being chased and attacked by a masked assassin, dirty cops and a turncoat uncle. She certainly didn't plan on discovering that her family is deeply embedded in the Chicago Outfit (aka the Mob) or to come home and find them gone. 

Now on the run but determined to find her family, Sara Jane fights back with a flame burning in her gut--a deadly cold fury. Though also armed with a .45 and a briefcase full of cash, and old tattered notebook might be her best defense. It holds the key to "Ultimate Power." It's why she's being pursued, it's why her family was taken away, and it could be the key to saving her life.

Action-packed with fresh cinematic writing, Cold Fury is a riveting and imaginative adventure announcing a compelling new voice in YA.

I learned about Cold Fury from this blog tour, because the author offered a hard copy to read, and since, at the time, I was that girl who didn't own a Kindle, so a hard-copy reminded Miss Tammy of me. And ooooohh, I cannot thank you enough, girlie!

Cold Fury has got to be the best book I've read all year, if not the best book I've read in the past three years (mind you, three years ago is when I started to love reading). Sara Jane is a badass who didn't ONCE whine about how she could never talk to her friends again and poor-me-poor-me and lemme tell ya, with what happened to the poor girl, she had every right to break out sobbing at least once. But no! No self-loathing or moping, Sara Jane means business, and I can't tell you guys how much I LOVE that! She even manages to add a little comic relief to the story every once in a while with a witty remark or quirky thought; which is good, because I was close to having a heart attack a lot of the time...

Every character has an actual purpose and is brought back into the story at exactly the right time, leaving no loose ends or forgotten story lines. From the villains to chatty best friends, to an Italian Greyhound and rats, no one is left out, and I think that is just wonderful. The world kept on spinning at Fep Prep even when Sara Jane was somewhere else (i.e., running for her life) and Goeglein didn't fail to bring it up, nor did he fail to put suspense into that section, as well. I have stubs for nails and I have torn the first layer of skin off my lips when my nails started to bleed because of this book.

And once you get to the climax, it's easy to see how much thought was put into this. Cold Fury makes such a hard left turn to the who-done-it, and I had NO idea that was coming, yet, it was mentioned near the beginning, and I literally started banging my head against the page that I didn't even consider that outcome. This means; it is written VERY well!

Cold Fury made me laugh, cry, and hyperventilate multiple times, without a dull moment throughout all 320 pages! I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller, (hell, to anyone who loves a good book) and I am anxiously awaiting the next novel in the trilogy!

My Rating:

And now here's a little teaser from Cold Fury

    I parted the ropes and carefully entered the boxing ring, raised the .45 directly toward Ski Mask Guy, and he giggled girlishly. That he was amused by a gun aimed at his face only unnerved me more, and I heard my voice break as I repeated myself. "I... I said...let him go."
    "Hey, didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to point guns at your elders?!" he said, tossing Willy aside like a sack of potatoes. The old man hit the canvas hard, groaning and turning onto his side. Ski Mask Guy faced me, cracking his knuckles and rolling his horrible head on a thick neck.
    The cold blue flame kindled and flickered in my gut when I saw him move like that, like a career heavyweight preparing for battle. Nervous fear drained from my brain and body, replaced by a jarring, it's-him-or-me sense of reality as sharp as the blade of a knife. The .45 suddenly felt weightless in my hands, and I licked my lips knowing instinctively that lowering it meant lowering my only defense against the bulky maniac. I didn't want to shoot him, but it was plain that Willy and I were dead unless I kept the gun squarely and confidently between us, which meant that if he took even one step...
    "Gimme that thing, you silly little...!" Ski Mask Guy squealed, lunging like a crazed grizzly bear.
    And then my finger squeezed metal just once, lightly, as the shot filled the room with an echoing blast and Ski Mask Guy grabbed his shoulder. The bullet had grazed him just enough to cut a line in his filthy suit and the skin beneath it. "You shot me," he said, amazed, touching the surface wound and holding up bloody fingers. "I mean, you barely shot me, but you shot me! I didn't think you had it in you!"
    "It was easy," I said, looking at him down the barrel, seeing that my hands had stopped shaking. "Easier than I thought it would be..."


About The Author


T.M. Goeglein began his career as a writer of print and television ads for a host of advertising and media companies. As a screenwriter, he created both original scripts and worked as a script doctor for several production companies in Los Angeles. He was an original contributor to the Huffington Post 'Living' section, and continues to write for both the national edition and Huggington Post Chicago. Read T.M. Goeglein's stories on the Huggington Post.

His debut young adult novel, COLD FURY, will be published by Penguin/Putnam in 2012 and is the first in a trilogy; he's currently working on the second book. He lives in Chicago with his wife, Laura, and two young children.

Visit T.M. Goeglein:


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

"Waiting on" Wednesday: The Rise of Nine by Pittacus Lore

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about. This week, my pick is:

The Rise of Nine
Lorien Legacies #3 
By Pittacus Lore
Published By: HarperCollins
Available: August 21, 2012



Until the day I met John Smith, Number Four, I'd been on the run alone, hiding and fighting to stay alive.

Together, we are much more powerful. But it could only last so long before we had to separate to find the others. . . .

I went to Spain to find Seven, and I found even more, including a tenth member of the Garde who escaped from Lorien alive. Ella is younger than the rest of us, but just as brave. Now we're looking for the others—including John.

But so are they.

They caught Number One in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number Three in Kenya.
They caught me in New York—but I escaped.
I am Number Six.

I don't know about the rest of you but I am LOVING these books!  I can't wait to see what happens next!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

'From Mangia to Murder' by Caroline Mickelson: Review, Interview & Giveaway

From Mangia to Murder
Sophia Mancini Mystery Series 
By Caroline Mickelson
Published 2012 by Bon Accord Press


Little Italy, 1946 – Sophia Mancini would have enjoyed the grand opening celebration of her family’s private detective agency if the volatile chef at Vincenzo’s Ristorante had actually survived the meal. But before Sophia’s chilled spoon hit the spumoni, someone plunged a knife into Vincenzo’s back and the word on everyone’s lips went from mangia to murder.

Sophia soon finds herself trailing crime boss Frankie Vidoni, chatting with his mouthy mistress Maria, and dodging henchman Mooch DiMuccio. She’s suspicious of Vincenzo’s widow, Stella, and his assistant chef, Eugene, because they don’t appear the least bit dismayed by Vincenzo’s passing. There is no conversation Sophia won’t eavesdrop on, no question she won’t ask, and no danger she won’t face to find the killer.
(from Goodreads)



From Mangia to Murder is the first book in the Sophia Mancini Mystery series by Caroline Mickelson.  Set in 1946, the story takes place in Little Italy after World War II. The boys are coming home, but not in the same shape they were sent away in. Unfortunately this is true of Sophia's brother, Angelo. For Angelo and his son, Sophia will do whatever is necessary to keep their family together. 


I love this book. It is well written, the characters are vibrant and interesting and it's full of action and humor. In short, it's the perfect book for me.  Normally, when reading a mystery I find myself able to foresee the outcome but that never happened here.There was mystery layered throughout the story with twists I never saw coming. This is an edge of your seat read, for sure.  


Sophia is my favorite kind of heroine; smart, spunky, brave, loving and loyal. You can't help but love her. In a time when women were expected to stay at home and let their menfolk take care of them, Sophia is shaking things up. She is fiercely protective of her family and friends and it's that love and protectiveness that drives her desire to solve this case before the cops can. 


I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from beginning to end. I especially enjoyed Captain Tiernan McIntyre. He is a no nonsense sort of cop with little patience for civilians interfering in his work. He was a great counterpoint to Sophia and I can't wait to see how and if their relationship progresses. 
My Rating:





And here is my interview with Caroline Mickelson

*Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I live in the southwest with my husband, four pre-teen /teenage children and our wonderful German Shepherd. I love to write and love to read. Sometimes it feels I spend more time in another time and place than in the real world! I love my life.
*Where is your favorite place to write?
Any place quiet. I generally write in my office at home, which is our dining room converted into an office. I have a beautiful view of the Catalina Mountains which is fortunate because when I’m stuck on something in my writing I spend a good deal of time looking out the window while puzzling it out.

*What do you consider ‘perfect’ writing conditions?
Interesting question – I’ve never thought about that. I could write anywhere but would need a computer, I’m afraid, because I can’t read my own handwriting.

*Were any of the characters in ‘From Mangia to Murder’ inspired by people in your life?
No, I can’t take any credit for creating the characters. They came to my mind fully formed. I don’t even remember picking out names, the characters just appeared with names and fully formed personalities. The woman on the book cover is my paternal Grandmother. I love the job my talented cover artist, Laura Miller, did with From Mangia to Murder. I especially love having my Grandmother’s photo on each cover in the series. That’s a nice connection to someone I loved very much.

*If you could only recommend one book to us, which would it be and why?
I’d have to say ‘Gone with the Wind’. It’s not even that I really like Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie or Ashley, and I don’t care for the movie, but as a writer I’m in awe of the way Margaret Mitchell wrote such a brilliant book. I read it every summer.

*Is there a dessert you can’t say no to?
LOL! The easiest way to answer this is to say the only dessert I *can* say no to is apple pie. I’m afraid I’m powerless when it comes to chocolate.

*Can you tell us a little about what’s next for Sophia?
Sophia is in for some fun in the next few books . She’ll be busy resisting her family’s efforts to get her settled down and married, she’ll be interfering with Captain McIntyre’s police investigations, and she’ll be chasing after clues and solving murders.

*When can we expect Book 2?
Lights Out in Little Italy will be out in October. I’m plotting the third book and am having enormous fun writing this series.

*Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!
Thank you, Mel, for reading From Mangia to Murder, and letting me visit your blog!


You can find Caroline Mickelson: 

And now for the giveaway! 
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Monday, July 23, 2012

HVYAS July Event: Signing with Cassandra Clare, Holly Black & Sarah Rees Brennan

From left to right: Sarah Rees Brennan, Cassandra Clare and Holly Black!
On July 15th, I, along with Touya from The Reader's Garden, were lucky enough to attend the Hudson Valley Young Adult Society's July event at Oblong Books & Music in Rhinebeck, NY.  Neither Touya or I had ever been to a book signing before and when we saw who was to be featured at the event we ( or I) nearly died with excitement.  Cassandra Clare, Holly Black and Sarah Rees Brennan, all at the same signing, only a little over an hour away from home! We decided pretty quickly that we would not be missing this event. 


We arrived early, 10:15 am, for me to get my signing line ticket; Touya was smart and had pre-ordered her books online so she received a priority line ticket. From the moment I stepped inside Oblong Books, I was in love. It really is the most excellent bookstore I've ever been in.  The staff was friendly, the store was beautiful and it had that wonderful BOOK smell that I love so much. After chatting with the staff at the store and with a few hours to kill, we decided to peruse the local farmer's market and then meandered through the town making our way to the most perfect little diner. It was there, at Pete's Famous, where I had the most delicious and filling breakfast I may have ever eaten.  From there, Touya and I set up shop on a bench outside a very nice smelling soap store and talked for a while about the book she's writing (be excited, guys, because it's gonna be great!) and enjoyed the sunshine. 


Finally, it was time to line up for the signing. Of course, right about the moment we got in line it started to rain, but it wasn't too bad at first. When the downpour started, the lovely staff at Oblong Books & Music was kind enough to let us in early. I can now attest to the fact that their music selection is vast and varied as that is where they had us stashed until it was time for seating to start. Touya and I found seats about three rows back and settled in to wait for the event to begin. There were prizes given away and lots of laughs while we waited for the ladies to arrive and honestly, the time flew right by for me. 


When Holly Black, Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan arrived at the store, the room seemed to erupt with excitement. These ladies were hilarious from the very beginning. You can easily see the friendship that ties them all together. They did readings from their upcoming works and told highly amusing anecdotes about how they met, how it feels to see their books on the shelves in book stores and answered countless other questions from fans. 
Holly Black & Cassandra Clare answering questions!

Holly Black read to us from The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, which hasn't even been to her editor yet (*squee*), it's about vampires and I really can't wait to read it!  Cassandra Clare read the prologue to Clockwork Princess and made us promise not to record her. I am anxiously awaiting that book, so getting to hear the beginning from the author, herself, was pretty huge for me. Sarah Rees Brennan hilariously acted out a scene from Unspoken as she read it. She had Holly Black hiding her head in her hands and laughing hysterically along with the rest of us.  
Sarah Rees Brennan acting out a scene from Unspoken & Holly Black's reaction. 
I was pretty nervous by the time I made it up to the table where the authors were signing, these are some of my very favorite authors of all time, my idols, really, and I was afraid I would be rendered speechless. That wasn't a problem at all though, I actually managed to have conversations with all three ladies.  Cassie, Sarah and I discussed the ABC tv show, Revenge  and Sarah complimented me on my hair clips. When I got to Holly, she and I talked about our mutual distaste for zombies.  A successful outing if ever there was one. 
Me & Holly Black! 

Me & Sarah Rees Brennan!
 I felt like jumping up and down the entire way home, of course, because I was still so revved up, I couldn't be calm. I had been among other readers, people who understand how I can gasp and ooh and ah over words on a page and get so emotionally invested that I cry when it's over sometimes, even when nothing sad has happened.  Add that to meeting three of my favorite authors and I'm surprised I slept that night. I was like a kid on Christmas Eve. My poor husband listened to me rant for hours when I got home that night.  Saying I had a good time would be a vast understatement.  

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Tammy's Two Cents; Review of Sara Ghost, A School of The Ages Short Story

Author Matt Posner
Sara Ghost
Sara Ghost is not a ghost at all, she calls herself a ghost because she feels invisible.  Filled with self loathing and inner turmoil that is only fueled by her emotionally unavailable parents, she hurts herself so she can feel.  Sara is a ‘cutter’ who is dangerously close to becoming a ghost until a chance encounter at school brings two unlikely new friends into Sara’s life and her self image issues slowly begin to change.  Goldberry and Simon (School of the Ages students) actually SEE her, the real her, and slowly but surely she begins to see herself as well. 
It is a dark story but, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  I especially liked the way Sara learns by watching the relationship between Goldberry and Simon; how it brings about a slight change not only in how she thinks but, her confidence as well.
I think that Sara Ghost as well as Teen Guide to Sex and Relationships (another of Posner’s works) should be read by all our teens. One is fiction and the other advice, but both books can help and entertain high schoolers.  Yes, this book is about a dangerously serious illness that encompasses more and more people every day.  On the upside, Posner does not sensationalize the issue at all; he gives valid reasons why Sara is this way and why she hurts herself.  He then gives valid reasons why she shouldn’t and, in the end, the opportunity to change her circumstance.
There is also a sneak peak at book 3, The War against Love, The School of The Ages series.  There is an Author Interview with Matt Posner AND a ghost story at the end.  For a 99 cents novella, he really stuffed this one full of goodies!
5/5 Quills!