Diary of a Mummy Misfit - Amanda Egan

Posted by Ananda at 7:30 PM Friday, December 16, 2011
Title - Diary of a Mummy Misfit
Author - Amanda Egan
Genre - Chick lit
Date published -  June 1st 2011
Publisher -  
Format - Kindle Edition
Pages -
Rating - 5 out of 5

All Libby ever wanted was for her son, Max to have the best education. She and her husband are not rich, but willing to sacrifice and invest in their son's future. Libby and Ned are on Cloud 9 when they find out their only child, Max is accepted at Manor House Prep School. But education at a prestigious school costs a lot, and Libby and Ned are starting to worry, and feel stressed, especially Libby.
But this charming and sweet mommy has more problems..Mainly the other women, mothers at the committee, new tasks, events to attend, not to mention the fact she has to put up with snobs and Gestapo mommies. But at least she has Fenella, who is rich but not a snob, so they create a lovely girly bond and a deep friendship.

I really enjoyed every page of this book! Wow, I think it helped me realize I LOVE British chick lit and British humor. I must admit I wasn't familiar with some of the phrases, and I had to check them online, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's witty, original and I just loved Libby. It was pretty much easy for me to identify with her on many occasions, her fear for being in a completely new world where it seems she doesn't belong. But she is lovely, and I shall quote Lou (Libby's old friend) - Libby, they may have money, but you have class!
I absolutely love the friendship between Libby and Fenella, and the way they support each other, though they have different backgrounds. As for the humor, it's absolutely fantastic! Libby is a hilarious character, positive, sweet and absolutely someone you would want to be friends with.
This is one of those book that guarantees you hours of laughing and complete enjoyment. It will also get you hooked from the very first page! The sequel is now out (as kindle) and I am really really looking forward to reading it. Mrs Egan sure got me addicted to her writing style and the adventures of lovely Libby. 


My rating


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Wish I was here... Launch day for 'Reaching for the Stars' by Janice Horton

Posted by Ananda at 12:46 PM Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Ah Paris! The city of light and one of the most romantic cities in the world! Not to mention wine and the food:) This is the place I wish I could escape...even for just few days. 

But what's the reason for this post?Oh there is a big reason!Today we are celebrating! Author Janice Horton has a new book 'Reaching for the Stars' and it's officially released today! Let's party!!! Oh and make sure you visit her site and see who else will be at the party! http://www.janicehortonwriter.blogspot.com/ Congratulations Janice and best of luck with the new book, let us see it fly up the charts and reaching for the stars:)


Amazon US


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Winners of "Accountable to None" by Ashley Fontainne Giveaway

Posted by Ananda at 6:57 PM Sunday, December 11, 2011
Before announcing the TWO LUCKY WINNERS, I would like to thank Ashley Fontainne for being so kind and genorously offering two copies of her debut novel to my blog readers. Best of luck with the book Ashley, and for the rest of you, my lovely followers I have another news - I will be interviewing Ashley soon, so stay tuned.

And now the moment you have been waiting for:)

The author has selected two winners that will have the pleasure of enjoying her amazing book, and their names are MAGLUVSYA03 and CAPTAIN BISCUITS!
Congrats guys! You will be notified by e-mail and don't forget - you have 48 hours to claim your price. You will also be need to contact the author so you can give your home address. 

Thank you for entering!



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Mind Over Matter (ASI #1) - S.J. Clarke

Posted by Ananda at 2:21 PM Friday, December 9, 2011
Title - Mind Over Matter (ASI #1)
Author - S.J. Clarke
Genre - Thriller, Paranormal
Date published -  November 4th 2011
Publisher -  MuseItUp Publishing
Format - Paperback
Pages -180
Author's website - http://sjclarke.com/
Rating - 4 out of 5
I really had no expectations from this book since this is Mrs S.J. Clarke's debut novel. All I really knew was that the book contains paranormal elements. But, now after reading it, I have to say I'm impressed!
The book is actually mystery/thriller with a bit of paranormal and it's a very enjoyable fast paced read. The story follows Rebecca, who's daughter disappeared three years ago,but she is starting to have strong visions that will lead her to many discoveries. Dan Cooper, former FBI agent who worked on the case previously but gave up the search, is deciding to help her out again. This time, they are on to something!

A body of another girl is found..
Another one is missing...
Rebecca's daughter is older in her visions, could it mean she is actually alive?

I have to say I'm a character driven reader, I want to "feel" the characters and relate to them. Well, the author sure succeeded in creating an original story with well developed characters. Being a mother myself, I could totally understand Rebecca's pain and her struggle to find Sabrina, and I sympathized with her greatly.
This sure is one of those books that will get you hooked from the first page, suck you in the story completely and leave you sad when you're done reading... because you would want to read more!
There is an adult content, I have to warn you on this (especially the younger population), and I found myself blushing few times, but even the romance parts were well written and implemented in the story just perfectly.
Finally I would like to thank the author and the R2R Program from PNR&UFF group on Goodreads for generously offering me a copy of this book. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the next installment. Since I got this one as an e-book I will most definitely buy the paperback as well because I know I would LOVE to reread it again and have it in my collection of books.

My rating


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Accountable to None - Ashley Fontainne Review and a Giveaway

Posted by Ananda at 5:27 PM Tuesday, December 6, 2011
 Title - Accountable to None
Author - Ashley Fontainne
Genre - Thriller
Date published -  October 29th 2011
Publisher - 
Format - Paperback
Pages -143
Rating - 4 out of 5

Wow, what a story!
Winscott & Associates is one of the largest and most successful accounting firms in Arizona. Five years ago the partners have voted and have chosen Olin as a managing partner. This is probably the biggest mistake they've made in their lives...a mistake that will shatter their comfortable positions at the Firm and maybe even endanger their reputation and lives!
Olin is cruel, lying, arrogant bastard..but he's always been that way. Everyone at the Firm is familiar with the fact he is manipulating people, especially women, offering promotions and a partnership in exchange for sex. Five years ago, just prior to settling as a managing partner, he found the "wrong" victim - Audra Tanner.
Cruel, powerful, rich, man with insatiable libidos, mistresses, ex-wife's, rape, murder..this story has it all!
Five years ago Audra was raped by Olin...
Five years ago they've all heard her screams but neither of them helped her.
Five years she waited for the right moment to destroy "The Elite" and this time they are all going to pay!
While reading the blurb of the book I assumed this story will be centered around Audra, but I must admit I was tricked (in a good way of course). Ashley Fontainne created a complex thriller with many interwoven stories. Each of her characters tells a story explaining their relationship with Olin, revealing a bit of Olin's nasty and cruel nature. I must admit I was fascinated by this!
Ashley created a profound thriller that will grab you from the very first page! I don't think I ever hated a book character that much in my life, but it's not because Olin was not well developed...on the contrary, he feels too real and it seems all evil is placed in him. I really love Ashley's writing style and her knowledge in human psychology. This sure is a book that deserves to be made into a TV series or a movie. Speaking of movies I already thought which actor could play Olin..

Photobucket

If you're looking for a fast paced read, with action/mystery/thriller elements, this is the PERFECT read for you. The author is currently working on the sequel and I am really looking forward to reading it.
Finally I would like to thank the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review and for being so kind in offering 2 copies (PAPERBACKS) to my blog readers.


TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY 
1. Become a GFC follower of this blog
2. Leave your comment and your e-mail address in the comment section of this post. (Please note: Entries without an e-mail address will NOT be counted. You can use AT and DOT to avoid spam).
There will be two winners picked by Random.org, which will be contacted by e-mail and will have 48 hours to respond. If not responding, new winners will be picked. 
Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY.
Giveaway ends December 11th, 2011.
Good luck to all!


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Sleeping with Paris - Juliette Sobanet

Posted by Ananda at 5:02 PM Monday, December 5, 2011
  Title - Sleeping with Paris
Author - Juliette Sobanet
Genre - Chick lit
Date published -  October 7th 2011
Publisher - 
Format - Kindle Edition
Pages -
Rating - 5 out of 5

Ok, before writing down my review of this AMAZINGLY FUN book I want to have your attention and just briefly tell you what this book focuses on.
1. Paris a.k.a city of Light and Love
2. Chocolate 
3. Hot Parisian guy (but this is the most important part, right?;)

So, if you mix all these three you get a sweet romance story, placed in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris! Of course I have your attention now, but trust me..the story just gets better and better.

All her life, Charlotte Summers has been dreaming about two things - moving to Paris and having a faithful, loving, romantic partner. Finally, looks like her dream is about to come true, she is engaged to be married to Jeff Dillon, hot and successful lawyer and they are about to move to their own apartment to Paris! What else could a girl want?
Could life become THAT perfect?
Just two days before leaving, she finds out her loving Jeff has been cheating her for months, and even planned on continuing this "double" life once they settle in Paris!
So, charming Jeff turn out to be lowlife Jeff! Oh well, he sure isn't the only bastard she dated over the years. Actually, every guy she dated was cheating on her! Wow, now this is what I call epidemic! 
'So, with a plane ticket, an acceptance letter, $15,000 and a broken heart, she is on her way to Paris.'
Sweet and reasonable Charlotte becomes single, wild, adventurous Charlotte writing down her RULES on her blog, sharing her dreadful experience, reaching out to all the women in the world that have been hurt by men.
And so the rules are set - How to date like a man in the city of Love!
While trying to heal and pick up the pieces of her broken heart, Charlotte is going to find out what true love is and is about to have her "walls" down.
What a fun book! I absolutely love everything about it, from the colorful cover to the characters and charming French phrases! Charlotte is really sweet, and though after the Jeff situation she may seem to you like a man-hater (I say this to warn the male population that is going to read the book) she will grow on you from the first minute. Some say chick lit is predictable to some extent, but on few occasions I really couldn't see some things coming. Charlotte's friends are also very likeable characters, different but well developed and you can certainly feel the girly-bonding between them. As for the romance part, oh I am trying not to reveal much about the hot, sexy, charming Luc..the man every woman dreams about. Sweet Luc is going to melt your heart ladies! Ah, if only there were more man like him out there!
Seat yourself comfortably, grab some chocolate and enjoy this lovely modern romance story. Finally, I would like to thank Juliette for giving me a copy of this wonderful book! I am really looking forward to reading the sequel 'Kissed in Paris' and I hope the author won't let us wait on it for too long. Je t'aime Juliette et merci beaucoup pour le livre :)

My rating


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Tales From My Hard Drive - Megan Karasch

Posted by Ananda at 1:40 PM Wednesday, November 30, 2011
 Title - Tales From My Hard Drive
Author - Megan Karasch
Genre - Chick lit
Date published -  December 18th 2010
Publisher - Createspace
Format - Paperback
Pages - 170
Rating - 5 out of 5

Melissa is a 40 and something year old and just caught her husband cheating on her. The man whom she was married to for more than a decade and whom she thought was the love of her life. Angry, hurt, disappointed, she decides she needs a new life far from LA and Brett-the son-of-a-bitch who broke her heart. So bye bye LA - hello New York!!!
She moves in with her friend and finds a job at trendsetter. com as a journalist. It's not a job she is crazy about, but she needs every buck to get on her feet.
But when you least expect it, chances appear. Only this time, the stake is high. Being single at 40, even in NY, is not easy. So she decides to try online dating..and that's when the craziness starts. Dating all kinds of people, mostly weirdos, she starts writing down her "dating adventures" (more like her dating catastrophes) and publishing them in the New York Beacon. Each time hoping she would find Mr Right for her, could it be that Mr Right was already in her life? Torn between her hard drive and the real life, Melissa is going to tell you a story you will never forget.

Ok, this looks like me while reading the book

lol Pictures, Images and Photos

I can't remember laughing so much while reading a book! Melissa's adventures are surely something I will never forget. She is funny, young spirited, totally lovable character. And of course... the romance! I try not to say much, because I really don't want to spoil it for you, but I will only say YOU HAVE TO READ THIS BOOK!
'Tales From My Hard Drive' is surely the funniest, wittiest romance story I have read in my life! Don't believe me? Well see it for yourself, but let me warn you,don't read it at night...you will laugh so hard you will wake up the whole neighborhood!
I would like to thank the author for sending me a copy of this LOVELY book. She is amazingly talented and the humor is so fresh. I really love her writing style and yes...can't praise the book enough!
So what are you waiting for? Get your copy of this fab book now!

My rating
 

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The Christmas Phoenix - Patricia Kiyono

Posted by Ananda at 5:23 PM Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Title - The Christmas Phoenix
Author - Patricia Kiyono
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Date published - November 24th 2011
Publisher - Astraea Press
Format - Kinde Edition
Pages - 
Author's website - http://www.patriciakiyono.com/
Rating - 3 out of 5
Christmas is all about giving, about family and spending quality time together..and about new beginnings.

Jess' life is not easy. Being a single parent to her 14 year old son,after losing her husband means she is in charge about everything. This means working a lot just to put some food on the table. No wonder she feels exhausted, having two jobs, a teenage son and no partner to help her out.
Jake Thompson has just moved into the neighborhood, coming to this town so he would "heal" his wounds and recover from a disastrous relationship.
One can say, both Jess and Jake have been hurt enough in life. But Christmas is a time for miracles to happen. They both have been mourning and suffering for far too long.
Will they rise from ashes just like a phoenix?

This short and sweet story is not only about love, but about family as well. I really felt sorry for Jess and everything she's been through. She is a lovely mother, warm and caring. My heart was really breaking when I was reading certain parts of the book.
My only complaint would be that the story was too slow paced for my taste in the beginning. However, I enjoyed it! It really made me think of life, priorities, second chances, forgetting and forgiving.
Definitely would love to read more by Mrs Kiyono. 

My rating


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The Key - Felicia Rogers

Posted by Ananda at 10:32 PM Sunday, November 27, 2011
Title - The Key
Author - Felicia Rogers
Genre - Paranormal, Young Adult
Date published  -    December 16th 2010
Publisher -  Solstice Publishing
Format - Kinde edition
Pages - 
Rating - 3 out of 5

I want to thank the author and the R2R program for giving me a copy of this book.

Reviewing this book is really going to be hard for me. WHY?
If you check this book on Goodreads you will see it as part of a List BOOKS THAT GET YOU HOOKED. Well, I agree, this book got me hooked from the very first page, though I am not really sure why. Now don't go judging me, but I personally don't think the story is original, it did remind me a lot of TWILIGHT, and I did have some issues that bothered me a lot. But before explaining the WHY's for not thoroughly enjoying this book, let me say few words regarding the plot.

Maddie just moved to a new town to live with her grand-mother. She is a senior attending the local High School, and of course, she feels like an outcast. Everyone out there seems to belong to a group, or already has a lot of friends. Two months after her arrival, Chase Donovan, also a senior starts attending the same school. He seems to like her from the very first day, though he is not quite sure why. Dougal Lachlan is the weirdo, the creep that is constantly stalking Maddie, staring at her for hours and making her feel very uncomfortable. From the very first day he arrives at the school, Chase becomes Maddie's protector, getting even into a fight with the weird Dougal guy.
Why does he feel so over protective over a girl he'd just met?
Well sure, it could be love..but it could also be the fact that Maddie is THE KEY.
Gryphons, mythological creatures, nightmares, shifters and of course, romance..this book has it all.

And now I come to the part "why I rated this book 3/5?"
First thing that bothered me was the plot resemblance with some other paranormal books. I don't know, it just didn't feel the story was original (though there were Gryphons involved).
But what bothered me the most were the dialogues between Chase and Maddie, and some of the other reviewers seem to "see" this as a problem as well. Well, Chase and Maddie are supposed to be 18, but somehow I felt them as they were grown ups. What I love the most in YA books is the teenage spirit, behavior, problems, way they act when in love..well, in this book it seems like the characters were not developed in the right direction. They surely don't seem like teenagers to me (or am I just old fashioned? Hmmm) .
Despite the flows I think the book has, I did enjoy it, especially the first half of the book. The second part I found a bit slow paced.
So, do I recommend this book? Well...YES.
Would I read the sequel 'Mara's Secret'? Oh absolutely! 

My rating

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A Cornish Christmas - Nell Dixon

Posted by Ananda at 3:55 PM Friday, November 25, 2011
 Title - A Cornish Christmas
Author - Nell Dixon
Genre - Contemporary Romance
Date published  -   November 25th 2011
Publisher -  Astraea Press
Format - Kinde edition
Pages - 
Rating - 3 out of 5

This is a short, yet sweet romance story about Meg and Adam. Meg is managing a clothingstore, while Adam is a part of a lifeboat crew and specializing to become a doctor. There are sparkles between them, yet Meg just doesn't allow Adam too near. Her father, a fisherman, drowned when she was a teenager, and she would really be crushed if she sees another man close to her heart lose the battle with the waves.
But Adam doesn't give up. His affection is just too pure and sincere to back up. Will he manage to win Meg's heart?
This is indeed a sweet Christmas story. I've been wanting to read something from Nell Dixon for quite some time now, and I am really grateful to the author for sending me a review copy of this sweet read. 
I could understand Meg and her fear to get into a relationship with Adam. And Adam..Oh he is really adorable, protective and warm person.
I really enjoyed this book. I am a big sucker for romance stories, especially Christmassy reads. Oh well, I am already feeling the Christmas Fever:)
It is a short and enjoyable read, the only problem I had with it was at times it appeared slow paced. However, I am really looking forward to reading another book from Nell, especially Renovation, Renovation, Renovation. Heard great comments about it.
So, my dear blog readers, if you are looking for a short yet sweet romance story, check it out. Get all cozy in your chair (or wherever it is you prefer to read), grab a blanket and a cup of hot choc and enjoy the Christmas magic.
Oh, and since today is the official release day, Congrats Nell! For all you romance lovers, grab your copy HERE
My rating

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Watch Over Me - Daniela Sacerdoti

Posted by Ananda at 9:19 PM Thursday, November 24, 2011
Title -Watch Over Me
Author - Daniela Sacerdoti
Genre - Paranormal, Romance
Date published  -   November 15th 2011
Publisher -  Black & White Publishing
Format -Paperback
Pages - 256
Rating - 5 out of 5

"If you have something precious and fragile and you keep it locked away like a little plant trying to grow into the darkness, well, it'll die and your secret will turn into regret. Love needs to be in the light of day. A secret love will eat itself and die, or eat your heart and kill you."

This is a story of a 35 year old woman, Eilidh, who's life is torn to pieces. After many attempts to have a baby, she and her husband Tom finally succeeded. She waited for so long to feel that joy, to feel those little kicks of the new life that is growing inside of her. Yet, she was not destined to have that baby. Shortly after the miscarriage, she finds out that her husband Tom is cheating on her, and that's when she decides..she needs a new life! A new life away of the painful memories, away from the failures.
She is off to Glen Avich, this little place in Scotland she used to live when her mom and dad had marriage problems. There, she is reconnected with Jamie, once a friend..but could it be she is starting to grow feelings for him?
Both Jamie and Eilidh have been very unfortunate in their love life, and they have both lost faith in love. But Destiny has plans for them, plans they are both not even aware of.
Even when it seems everything is lost, help can come from the most extraordinary places!

Oh, I don't think I will ever be able to express with words how much I enjoyed this book! Maybe if you were able to see the river of tears I cried while reading it, you could understand me. Eilidh is such a loveable character, so unfortunate, yet so strong.
I could be Eilidh..
Every woman could be Eilidh!
It was really easy to relate to her, and to feel the pain she is going through. But oh no..you won't be sorry for her, you will admire her! She is a fighter, someone you would love to be your best friend or a relative. I look up to her, for her strength to pick up the pieces of her broken heart and head towards a new life.
For even when the womb is empty and the heart is broken, hope is the last to leave. Make sure you never let it go, because When you let go off hope, you have nothing!

"Watch over me" is a debut novel by fantastic Daniela Sacerdoti. Funny, but while reading it, I didn't have the impression this is the FIRST book Daniela has written. I absolutely enjoyed every single page of it! By all means Daniela is a talented storyteller and someone that will surely conquer your hearts!
Finally I would like to thank Daniela and her publisher for sending me a copy of this book. It surely is a diamond I am going to keep forever!

 My rating



Watch the trailer of this AMAZING book. I love it!



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Visions - Anna James

Posted by Ananda at 12:04 PM Monday, November 21, 2011
Title - Visions
Author - Anna James
Genre - Paranormal
Date published  -  June 11th 2011
Publisher -  Sugar and Spice Press
Format - e-book
Pages - 57
Rating - 3 out of 5

Pru Bailey has just found out that Laura Bailey isn't her birth mother, but her mother's relative that adopted her when she was 5 years old. She inherits a house by her real parents and is on her way from California to New England to see the house. But the house is haunted by the ghost of Jane Adams, her birth mother that was stabbed to death by her father. At least, that's what the rumors say and the police who didn't really have much evidence, except the fact that Mr Adams committed a suicide after. The logical explanation was that it was a crime of passion and the reason for it were their marriage problems.

However, Pru is suddenly having visions that will revel the mystery of her parents death.

I did enjoy this read, though it's a novella, and I rarely read novella's because I know I will have some issues mostly because they are too short and the author doesn't have the "space" to express him/herself. Yes, I had the same feeling with this novella too. It felt like the story would have been more interesting if there were more pages to it.
What bothered me the most is the romance element in this book. It just felt like it was added during editing..Let me explain, I didn't mind the romance scenes and I am not saying they are not well written, but somehow felt they were introduced too early. What I loved was the mystery and action element in the story, that's what made this novella interesting to me. It felt like watching and episode from "Ghost whisperer" and I love that series.
It is an easy and enjoyable read, and I would like to thank the author and the R2R program for giving me a copy.

My rating
 

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In My Mailbox (#1)

Posted by Ananda at 3:40 PM Sunday, November 20, 2011
In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren

This is my first IMM post and I am so excited! Yay! I've been blogging for a month now, but I have already started getting my first books from authors and publishers. Thank you all for your support, my blog readers, twitter buddies, and of course fabulous authors for your interest in my reviews.  So here is what I got in my mailbox in the past two weeks:) All books I got are from the authors/publishers, so BIG THANK YOU to all of you for being so kind and sending me these "diamonds".



Those are all paperbacks, but I got some great e-books as well:)
Follow the links to read the synopsis from Goodreads. As you can see, I got some really great books. What about you? What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Happy reading!




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Dear Dee - Sue Uden

Posted by Ananda at 6:18 PM Saturday, November 19, 2011
Title - Dear Dee
Author - Sue Uden
Genre -Fiction
Date published  -  March 31st 2011
Publisher -   Olympia Publishers
Format - Paperback
Pages -195
Author's website - http://www.sueuden.com/
Rating - 5 out of 5

A friend of mine recently said it's darn hard to review books you absolutely loved! I agreed, however to be completely honest with you, it's been a while since I felt that way about a book. It's been a while since a book left me absolutely speechless!
But now, after reading "Dear Dee" I feel like whatever I would say about this AMAZING book, I won't be able to truly and appropriately present to you this terrific read. It's like my brain is really really struggling to write a coherent sentence, while all I want to say is OH MY DEAR GOD! FABULOUS..AMAZING..MESMERIZING!
But I know you want to hear more, so I am going to try although I know there is no way possible to describe with words my fascination over this book!

"As a work of fiction this leans on the truth. It is said that truth is stranger than fiction. It is also less kind. But in life who knows what is true and where the fiction starts"

Jacqueline Ann was the perfect baby when she came to this world, the perfect daughter to John and Nickii Tolley and the perfect sister to Claire. However 30 years later she is a shadow of all she once was. She is no longer the open, affection and fun loving kid. She is no longer "Kee", what her parents once used to call her. Now she is someone who is "ill", mentally unstable, mood changing, unpredictable, disappearing many times from home. Does she even have a home?
Though, (Thank God) I have not experienced what this family is going through I can't help but notice..it's something that some family out there maybe is experiencing. While reading this book, once again you will realize the true values of life and family. You will cry over this family's pain, sympathize with them, maybe even feel angry at life. But one thing is for sure, you will "feel" every written word.
This a story of a family who is trying to cope with a mental illness.
A story of someone who is struggling to get her own life back!
A story of winning...
losing...
accepting...
and moving on.
A story about LIFE!

Though this is her debut novel, I must say Sue did an excellent work! I love her writing style full of emotions. She is by all means not just an excellent storyteller, but also someone who understands humans psychology well.
I feel privileged to be her Associate Reader at loveahappyending.com
To find out more about this amazingly talented debut author and her book, visit her page http://loveahappyending.com/sue-uden/   

My rating

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Winners of "Watch over me" by Daniela Sacerdoti Giveaway

Posted by Ananda at 8:26 PM Friday, November 18, 2011
Before announcing the TWO LUCKY WINNERS, I would like to thank Daniela Sacerdoti for her lovely interview and for genorously offering two copies of her debut novel to my blog readers. Best of luck with the book Dani, and for the rest of you, my lovely followers I have another news - I will be reviewing Dani's book soon, so stay tuned.

And now the moment you have been waiting for:)

By using random.org I have selected two winners that will have the pleasure of enjoying Dani's book, and their names are SILVY and STEFFI!
Congrats guys! You will be notified by e-mail and don't forget - you have 48 hours to claim your price. You will also be contacted by the publisher so you give them your home address. 

Thank you for entering!




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Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1) - Julia Crane

Posted by Ananda at 10:31 PM Thursday, November 17, 2011
Title - Coexist (Keegan's Chronicles #1)
Author - Julia Crane
Genre - Paranormal
Date published  - June 19th 2011
Publisher -   Valknut Press
Format - Paperback
Pages -210
Author's website - http://juliacraneauthor.com/
Rating - 2 out of 5
"There has to be something more in this world than what the average eye sees!"

Keegan is a sixtien years old elf! Now I know you will start thinking of Santa and Christmas, but it's not that kind of elf. These elves are more human-like elves, maybe a bit shorter than an average human and with a bit sharpened ears, but overall very similar to humans.
Keegan is gifted, her mother is a healer, her brother is a seer, and her father is the chosen one, the one that will lead elves in the great battle that is supposed to come.
Keegan's brother Thaddeus, saw that Keegan will be married to Rourk and he is mighty good in predicting! But Keegan's life is suddenly shaken by finding out there's a great war going, and she must find out how to use and control her gift.
A war is been going on since the beginning of time, but this has been shield from the eyes of humans"

Ok, I must admit this sounds amazing and even poetic, so even got me thinking of the symbolism..a war is indeed going on, evil and good fight every day since the beginning of time. Evil and good in the human nature!

However, I experienced some difficulties reading this book. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying it's a bad book, however I must say it's not actually my cup of tea. It was challenging I admit, so far in my "history" of reading I have never came up with elves (except the ones in Santa's stories), so I really didn't know what to expect. Though I guess, this may disappoint the author if she reads my review, but I have to stay honest, book about elves is just not my kind of read.
But, before judging me (I hope you won't) I really gave this book a fair chance, yet I didn't like it that much.
So you see, besides "my" problem with elves, whom I found really less interesting than vampires lets say, I had some major problem with understand the main character Keegan. I really didn't like her, I simply couldn't get into her "psychology" and understand her. She's a modern elf, with a Facebook and Tumblr account, ok I get that..but I really didn't "feel" her personality.
There's a war going, yet I didn't feel the dynamics. I loved the fact that there are lots of dialogues, and the book is really easy to read, however, I am giving it 2 diamonds, and truly hope I will enjoy the sequel more.
My deepest gratitude to R2R from PNR&UFF group on Goodreads and the author for generously giving me a copy of this book. 


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Therian (The Bloody Crescent, #1) - Roxanne Kade

Posted by Ananda at 4:14 PM Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Title - Therian (The Bloody Crescent #1)
Author - Roxanne Kade
Genre - Paranormal
Date published  - October 9th 2011
Publisher -  48fourteen
Format - e-book
Pages -280
Author's website - http://roxykade.blogspot.com/
Rating - 4 out of 5

"Every couple of years the crescent moon turns a deep crimson color. It stays that way for three full days. It's the best time for spells to be cast and for the positive energy to be drawn to yourself"

Now, how's the sound of that!
Amberlyn Darksky is everything but normal. Living with her overprotective dad while not actually knowing her mother, makes her more miserable and sad every day. Lorena, her lovely mother, died while giving birth to her, and Amber is not only living with this cruel fact but also with her gift (or shall I say CURSE!)
She has the ability to "see and feel" other people's memories, their joy, happiness, but also pain and sadness they have ever experienced in their lives. Too much for a 18 year old girl who never got the chance to really live, have friends, go out.
Though her father Carmine strongly forbids her to apply for college, she feels the urge to breakthrough his "shelter" and discover what normal life is.
But can a person that is not "normal" actually experience normal life? Despite her dad's disapproval, she is off to Minnesota and the Cyprus Falls University. But instead of finally having a normal life, enjoying college, making friends, partying like every other, she is about to encounter her Destiny!
Vampires, paranormal creatures, mystery and romance..be aware, this book will have you totally sucked in from it's first page.
What I truly admire the author for, now that I read the book, is her talent to describe events so vividly! Look out for the prologue and the moment Lorena is giving birth to Amber! Honestly, I could almost feel the pain she was going through, could smell the blood and experience the horror Carmine (her husband) is going through after receiving the news.
Occasionally I could feel certain "holes" in the plot, but this didn't influence the pleasure of reading this book! Roxanne surely is a talented writer, building up her own unique style of writing and I will watch out carefully for the next installment!
Thank you R2R group on Goodreads and Roxanne for generously giving me a copy of this book.

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Sophie's Turn - Nicky Wells

Posted by Ananda at 2:15 PM Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Title - Sophie's Turn
Author - Nicky Wells
Genre - Chick Lit, Romance
Date published  - July 9th 2011
Publisher -  Nicky Wells
Format - Kindle Edition
Pages -
Rating - 4 out of 5
Before starting my review on this amazing book, I have two things to confess: First I am a sucker for chick-lit books and second, I just love music and rockstars! So what happens when I see these two combined! THE INEVITABLE - I LOVE THE BOOK!

Sophie Penhalligan is a journalist working for the Read London. She has a steady relationship for two years with Tim, and is waiting for him to propose. Tim is everything a girl would possible want and life with him would be safe, secure, cozy. Wait a minute..is that what she really wants?
Oh, there were times when she felt live and wild, times when she ended up following "Tusk" on their Tour. And Dan..the-yummy-wan't-to-die-for Dan! She still remembers him, even after ten years!
But what happens when she sees him again? Is her comfortable relationship with Tim in danger? Could it be she still has feelings for Dan "The wild thing"?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Through flash backs and virtuous past-present switching, Nicky Wells is going to entertain you and make you love her characters! Though this is her debut, I have to say Nicky did a great job in creating a funny, witty, warm modern romance story, full of twists and turns.
I confess, I didn't like Sophie at the beginning but by the end of the book I felt I could understand her and her confusion, and actually imagine myself in her shoes. I loved her best friend Rachel and the relationship she has with her. As for my favorite character, it would definitely be DAN! Yummy, wild but warm..I really want to read about this rockstar more. And speaking of more, I overheard Nicky is working on the sequel, so keep your fingers crossed guys! Let's hope we will see more of Dan, I promise you, you will love him!

This surely is a very amusing and interesting book, and I highly recommend it to everyone!
Oh wild thing, you make my heart sing!

I am proud to be an Associate Reader of Mrs Wells at loveahappyending.com and I am truly grateful for the copy of this book I received. To find out more about Mrs Wells, visit her PAGE

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