For the past few months I have been thinking about getting a new look and I started to look around and asking fellow bloggers who they used and who they would recommend.
There was so many great choices and I stumbled upon alot of new bloggers in the process. But for me the one who stood out the most was:
I have been a follower of Lori’s blog for quite some time now. I actually stumbled across her and her blog from her IMM Vlogs on youtube. If you haven’t seen her vlogs you should check them out. You just might spot a cat or two lurking around. The cats are all so cute. Hello, need I say more?
Why did I use Lori you are asking? Well it was for a few reasons such as her unique work (she has done several other bloggers that I follow and each blog is different), her work speaks for itself and because of her cute cats.
I loved working with Lori. She was fantastic and I would highly recommend her if you are looking for a new look. She was quick with coming back with a look and at each phase asking me what I thought and telling me if I didn’t like something or if I wanted to change something to let her know. I think I did really good and wasn’t too demanding in the process. Right Lori?
She also designed a business card for me and I am so excited and I cant’ wait to order my new cards and perhaps some other stuff to go with this.
Thanks again Lori you are the best and I absolutely love the new look.
If you haven’t already checked out Lori from Pure Imagination you really should hop over and say hi. She is a fantastic YA blogger. I love reading her reviews and seeing what she gets in her mailbox each week, although I have to say since following Lori’s blog my wish list has been increasing.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Source: I received a copy of Inkblot from publicist Danielle and Sourcebooks Landmark for review purposes.
Synopsis: Life is easy, it’s men she’ll never figure out…..
When hotel manager Daisy MacLean meets cocky sports hero Deve Tyzack, it’s a no brainer – stay away.
He is arrogant and sarcastic – but also incredibly sexy. Daisy tries her best to steer clear of him, yet soon comes to realize he is the one guest she can’t bear to see leave.
Then she learns a devastating truth; most people are not who they seem to be, for better or worse….. (from back of book)
Staying at Daisy’s is the sixth republished book from Jill Mansell that Sourcebooks has published. I have been fortunate enough to have read them all and I have to say I loved each and every one. Just when I thing I have loved a book another one comes out that I love just as much.
This one was no exception. It was a great way to escape a rainy day.
Staying at Daisy opens up with Daisy MacLean (who is the hotel manager at her father, Hector’s hotel) getting some bad news about her husband, Steven. He was in a serious accident and it doesn’t look very good. She quickly realizes that he isn’t the man she thought he was. He was leading a double life with lying and cheating. Daisy had no idea this was happening.
Fast forward one year later and Daisy is busy making sure the wedding reception her hotel has booked runs smoothly and without a hitch. Of course we all know that won’t happen because the groom just happens to be Tara’s (who happens to be a chambermaid and Daisy’s best friend) ex-boyfriend, Dominic. Things quickly heat up and before you know it Tara and Dominic are caught in the act. Will the wedding continue?
Before long Daisy is confronted by the best man, Dev. Daisy sees through is act and swears she wants nothing to do with him because he reminds her of her dead husband. So she seeks comfort in her ex boyfriend, Josh who just happens to show up at the right time. While the timing is right for Daisy you can see that she is actually falling for Dev. How will this relationship play out? Can she truly trust Dev or will he turn out like Steven?
There were a few other characters that I loved such as Maggie and Hector. I wondered if there would ever be more to their relationship then what they had. I loved Maggie’s character and couldn’t help but laugh with her. She managed to some how always land in an embarrassing moment when it was the wrong time.
I loved how each of the characters were all looking for love and they didn’t see that the love for them was right under their noses so to speak.
Thanks again to Danielle at Sourcebooks for sending me this to review. I love reading Jill Mansell’s books. They are light and fun reads.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
The wonderful host of this weekly meme is Shelia from Book Journey. You can check out her blog to find out all the details on how to take part in this fun weekly meme. I should warn you though that this can add to an ever increasing TBR pile or wishlist.
What a difference a week has made. If you remember last Monday I shared some pictures of what was happening outside my window and today was a completely different scene. It was above 0 and the sun was out. Almost spring like. On the plus side this is the last week of winter so hopefully the nicer weather is finally coming.
Last week I read: This was mentioned last week as being almost finished and I did finish it right after I posted It’s Monday.
I also read: Books 1 to 4 were borrowed from my library and book 5 was received for a review recently. My review will be coming up for these books in a little while.
This is my current read: I finally picked this one up to read and so far so good. I am not that far into the book but I am enjoying it.
I am hoping that once I finish the above book that I will be able to get to: and
So, this is what I have read and what I plan to read. What about you?
Happy reading everyone.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Its that time for another Local Book Blogger Meet Up post.
As I was preparing to write up this post I realized that for some reason it feels as though its been awhile since we met up but in all honesty it was only a month. I think the time change had a lot to do with it. For some reason I have hard time adjusting to the springing forward bit. Thankfully it happens on a weekend.
This time around we were a much smaller group. The only ones there were Tina, Amanda and myself plus a full tea shop. Sadly Avis and Donna were unable to attend.
The first thing we commented on was how busy our little spot is getting and that is probably due to the fact there was a write up in their local paper about it. The place roughly sits about 20-25 people (gives you an idea how small it is). Reservations are a must.
While we sat, ate and drank we talked about books (about whats coming out and lack of books in the mail), work and school (for Tina and Amanda), life and of course BEA. What meet up would be complete without a BEA mention. Sadly I won’t be attending this year but I am definitely going next year (2012). Yes I am already in the work of planning it out.
Sadly no books were really exchanged in this meet up. Tina got a bunch of magazines that I brought for her and Amanda gave me the following book to pass on to my niece:
Not sure when the next meet up will be. Perhaps around the Dorval Friends of the library booksale in April. I know I will be attending. I went last year and managed to come home with alot of great books. I found out that last years sale the collected almost $5,000.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
Source: I received an advance readers copy from the publisher for my honest review.
Synopsis: Alice Love keeps her life (and job, and family) running in perfect order, so when her bank card is declined, she thinks it’s just a mistake. Sadly, someone has emptied her bank account, spending her savings on glamorous trips, sexy lingerie, and a to-die-for wardrobe—and leaving Alice with lots of debt. As a dashing fraud investigator helps her unravel the intriguing paper trail, Alice discovers that the thief is closer to home than she ever imagined. What’s more, it seems like her alter ego’s reckless, extravagant lifestyle is the one Alice should have been leading all along. As the little white lies begin to stack up, how far will Alice go to find the truth?
And whose life, exactly, is she fighting for?
My Thoughts: This could possibly be a persons worst nightmare and one that happens on a daily bases. Last year it was reported that over 8.1 million people were victims to ID theft.
What would you do if you found out that your whole life savings, credit and name were stolen from you? This is what has happened to Alice Love. Its her worst nightmare and she has no idea who could have done this to her but will stop at nothing to find out who the person is.
I really enjoyed the book and I have to admit at times I wanted to reach in and strangle Alice for not waking up sooner. The first time was when her bank card was declined and she didn’t really do anything about it. For me if my card is declined I am at the bank within minutes of it happening to find out what has happened.
Within a few chapters Alice (when her credit card is declined) wakes up and realizes she is in more trouble then just a declined bank card. She finds out her life savings has been removed and bill collectors are calling and asking for their money because someone has stolen her identity.
Alice is determined not to be the victim and begins her own investigation (the bank, police etc are involved in their own ways). She wants to know who could have done this to her and why. She quickly realizes that the person who did this is actually quite close to home for her. Its not who you think it is!
Alice’s sister, Flora enlists a very cute guy Nathan (investigator) to help her out. Alice and Nathan have met briefly at a party Flora threw and you could see the connection then and you still see it when they are together. I kept rooting for a happy ending with them. Will she end up with Nathan or will her best guy friend Julian ruin it for her?
As she begins to sort out the paper trail because she remembers “data never lies” she begins to realize that this person is living the life Alice never dared to do and buying things she would never buy. She follows the clues that are right on the paper in hopes of catching up with the person. The clues lead her all over the place from London to Rome and then finally to LA.
What will Alice do when she finally catches up with the person? Will she be able to clear her name?
I really enjoyed this book and discovering a new author. Although when I read the press realized and visited Abby’s site I realized that I actually have her young adult book Sophomore Switch sitting in my TBR pile. Which I am curious to read now and hoping to get too very soon.
I was hooked from the first sentence and I had a hard time putting the book down. I was just as curious as Alice was in finding out who the person was and why they did it.
This is definetly an author that I entend to read more of.
Thanks April at Sourcebooks for contacting me about this book. I am so happy that I got the chance to read this.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
It’s Monday! What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.
The wonderful host of this weekly meme is Shelia from Book Journey. You can check out her blog to find out all the details on how to take part in this fun weekly meme. I should warn you though that this can add to an ever increasing TBR pile or wishlist.
I thought I would start off my It’s Monday, what are you reading post? with these two pictures: This is the scene out my front window right now. Its been like this for a couple of hours.
School wasn’t cancelled so Michael’s spring break didn’t get extended. Which didn’t please him. He is actually starting to get tired of this weather and is looking forward to spring. We thought there might be a hint of it this past weekend because it was mild and raining all of Saturday but waking up yesterday and today we realize that even though spring is around the corner that we still have to frin and bare whats left of winter.
With this miserable weather I have decided that I am going to take it easy and spend whats left of the morning/day reading. I only have to get Michael at the bust stop at 2:30pm so that gives me about four hours of reading.
I have been out shoveling the steps numerous times (so that I can get mail/deliveries) today in hopes of getting something. Although I haven’t seen the mailman yet but I think I just missed a FedEx delivery because my drive way wasn’t cleaned out completely. AGH!!! I hate winter!
Anyways back to books. Last week I had these two books to read: I finished The Liberation of Alice Love and I am just a few chapters away from finishing Staying with Daisy. (Which I will be finishing today) and both books will be reviewed this week.
So this week on my radar is: I will be reading this two this week.
Happy reading everyone
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
I first got to know Deborah when I reviewed Alexis and she left me a comment. She is the creator and editor of the Louder Than Words books. (a series of teen-authored memoirs published by HCI Books).
I want to thank Deborah for taking the time out of her very busy schedule to sit and do this interview with me. I truly appreciate it.
Cindy: What would people be surprised to know or discover about you?
DR: Oh, gosh, there are so many things. I guess something that people are always shocked by is my ability to burp whole sentences (I think I inherited the gift from my dad). I still remember the first time I did this in front of my now-husband back when we had just started dating. I kind of forgot where I was and just let it rip, then covered my mouth in horror, fully expecting him to walk out the door. But instead he laughed, and even to this day, he continues to appreciate my special “talent.”
Cindy: I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that you wrote a ton of Blue’s Clues books, which my son loved (books and videos) and would watch Blue’s Clues religiously. What was your favorite thing about working with Blues clues?
DR: I loved so much about working on that show, especially because I knew what a great program it was and how thoughtfully it had been conceived – it was a job I felt really good about. But probably my favorite part of what today I refer to as my “Blue’s Clues Era” was the group of women I worked with there. Two of the co-creators, the head researcher, and the executive producers were all women, and cool, smart, inspiring ones at that. I grew so much as a person and really came into my own power while working on that show, in large part because of these women. And I’m grateful they’re still an important part of my life today.
Cindy: When I was on your site I noticed that you are very busy and I was wondering when your not busy running, hiking, singing, gardening, and playing piano what else do you do for fun?
DR: Well, those things take up a lot of time! But I also like to watch bad reality TV, go for walks with my bestie in Seattle, sort my son’s Legos (I thrive on organization), and go rock climbing.
Cindy: You are not the only one who watches bad reality tv (I should have ask what reality shows do you watch?) I also noticed that you do a lot of volunteering with teen girls, what is your favorite thing about doing that and why?
DR: I love developing relationships with teen girls, whether for an hour or two, or for years, and watching these girls grow and learn and have those kind of a ha moments that I know are going to make them look at life differently. It is an incredible thing to witness and I love being able to be a part of their support system and cheering squad.
Cindy: I should mention that Deborah has been named a Champion for Dove’s Movement for Self-Esteem, which invites all women to join in in creating a world where beauty is a source of confidence, not anxiety. Cindy: This is your debut YA novel, do you have any other books in the works? Is so are you able to share anything with us?
DR: I’m in the VERY early stages of several ideas at the moment. In the fiction world, I’m developing three different ideas – one a middle grade adventure series, one a YA realistic fiction, and lastly, another YA romantic comedy. I’m also knee-deep in writing two book proposals, one for a book aimed at recent college grads and the other is a collaboration for a book about parenting.
Cindy: If your main character, Janna had a theme song what would it be and why?
DR: Hmmm, that’s a tough one. Maybe Beautiful by Christine Aguilera, since Janna doesn’t realize how awesome, and beautiful, she is just by being herself.
Cindy: Janna, your main character is joking around in Starbucks and when approached by Julian why did you choose her to have her pretend to be Hungarian? My in laws are Hungarian and this was one of the reason I wanted to read the book.
DR: I’m not sure where the initial idea of having her pretend to be Hungarian came from other than I have been to Hungary and absolutely love the country and the culture. I also saw Hungary as a less-then-obvious choice for an exchange student story, and I thought it would provide lots of opportunities for misunderstandings and humor.
Cindy: When you write do you have a schedule and a routine? Any must haves while writing?
DR: As someone who’s worked from home for 8 years now, I periodically change up my routine and am always figuring out ways to be more efficient when it comes to writing, especially because I’m always juggling a ton of other things, like promotional work, freelance consulting, developing new projects, and raising an active kindergartener. So at the moment, my approach is to create a detailed work schedule every Sunday that lays out what I hope accomplish that week (yes, it’s color coded) and how and when I will actually make it happen. So far it’s working really well. Oh, and my latest writing addiction is Omm Writing, a free download that turns my giant, cluttered computer desktop into a zen writing haven. I love it!
Cindy: What are you currently reading and listening to?
DR:I just finished reading The Nixie’s Song from the Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles series (my son is into them and we’ve been having fun conversations about the books), and am halfway through Lorie Ann Grover’s lovely book in verse Hold Me Tight. I’m also reading a book by Byron Katie called Loving What Is, which is recommended reading for the life coach training I’m currently doing. DR: Music? Hmmm…I’ve been playing lots of Michael Jackson lately (trying to teach my six-year-old son some moves) and writing to one of my favorite musicians, Badly Drawn Boy.
(Cindy: I found this on You Tube and thought I would share this with you so you would know who this band is. I like them.)
Cindy:If you could give one piece of advice what would it be and why?
DR: One piece of advice? About anything? I guess I would share the words I try to live by, which is that everything happens for a reason…that everything we experience – good, bad, difficult, challenging, sad, incredible – is an opportunity to learn something and grow as a person. Sometimes it’s hard to see in the moment how something positive could actually stem from a particular situation, but if you’re patient and look for the opportunity, it really does work out that way.
I want to thank Deborah again for taking the time out of her busy achedule to do this interview with you. Thanks Deborah. I am looking forward to reading your upcoming books.
copyright 2010, Cindy (Cindy’s Love Of Books)
If you are reading this on a blog or website other than Cindy’s Love Of Books or via a feedreader, this content has been stolen and used without permission.
