If you happen to be in (Montreal) Pointe Claire, Quebec on November 6th (Saturday) at 2pm, Melissa Anderson (Mary from Little House on the Prairie) will be signing her memoir The Way I see It at Chapters Pointe Claire. It was released this year. (May 2010)
I won’t be able to make the signing because we have my in laws coming in that weekend. I am a little disappointed because I always love to go to book signings for authors especially if they are a local author. Melissa lives in Montreal with her family.
I got to meet Melissa when she was at BEA in May signing her book The Way I See It. She was super friendly when I met her and I even mentioned that I was in from Montreal. I was pleasantly surprised at how many people were in line to meet her. This was the photo taken at BEA.
Its hard to believe its time for another Local Book Blogger Meet Up post. It actually feels as though its been awhile since I wrote one up but in reality its only been a month.
This month Avis from She Reads and Reads was unable to attend. We missed you Avis. In attendance was Donna from Books Bound, Linda from Better With Books, Tina from Bookshipper also joining us for the second time was Amanda from Tales and Treats.
We were happy to welcome two new bloggers to our meeting, Laura who blogs at Library of Clean Reads and if you remember she is also an author of the book Daughter of Mine which I have read and reviewed. Laura brought her co-blogging partner Sandra with her.
For some reason I always find that it seems like its a long time between the meet ups and I am always anxiously awaiting for them when then come but then once we go I find the time just flies. I am sure we could sit and chat much longer then we do.
One thing that Tina and I commented on was how busy our little tea shop has gotten since we started meeting up. Its no longer a quiet spot on a Sunday to meet up with a few stray customers coming and going. Within an hour of being there the tables quickly fill up which is a good thing for them. Thankfully Tina always reserve the tables for us. Thanks Tina.
One of the great things about our meet ups is being able to talk about anything at all and no one hates us for what we say. We speak our minds and what we feel. Plus we all can poke fun of each other without anyone getting hurt. Although this week I quickly realized how alike we are becoming that some of us are starting to dress alike LOL right Tina?
Its nice being able to talk about books, blogs, life etc with everyone in the group. I personally love that because my other friends aren’t much into books or blogs so its nice to be able to have a group of friends that like the same things I do even if we don’t share the same interest of certain genres of books.
Here is the list of books I picked up at this meet up:
From Tina:
-Late, Late at night by Rick Springfield (I am so excited to read this one)
-Louder then words series: Rae, Alexis and Hannah (another set of books I am excited to read)
From Laura:
-Lone Wolf Book 1 of the Wolves of the Beyond by Kathryn Lasky (I love the cover)
From Linda: (I actually borrowed this from her)
-book 3 of Scrapped Princess manga
From Amanda:
-Room by Emma Donoghue
-The Percy Jackson & Olympian series book 1 to 4 by Rick Riordan
-Eragon by Christopher Paolini
-Sarah’s Key by Tatina De Rosnay
-The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
I also came home with a bag of hot chocolate and tea bags that I bought while we were in the tea shop and Tina gave me a can of Banana Nut tea that I picked up for her earlier that she didn’t like.
Oops almost forgot that Donna gave me two puzzles for Michael and I. Michael loves doing puzzles and has always loved doing them. Which I think is good for kids to want to do.
Sadly there won’t be a November meet up because things are planned but we do have a meet up planned for December on my birthday so that will be fun. What better way to spend your birthday then with fellow book lovers. See you then 🙂
TITLE: Tweet Heart
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Rudnick
PUB DATE: June 2010
PUBLISHER: Hyperion Book CH
PAGES: 272
SOURCE: I bought this book when I was on vacation this summer in Illinois at Anderson’s Bookshop in Naperville. I scored big on this because it was actually a signed copy that had a bookmark in it.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Claire is a #hopeless romantic. Lottie is determined to set up her BFF with Mr. Perfect. Will wants his #secret crush to finally notice him. Bennett is a man with a plan. Claire can’t believe it when her dream guy starts following her on Twitter. She never thought he noticed her, and suddenly he seems to understand her better than almost anyone. But the Twitter verse can be a confusing place, especially when friends act differently online than they do in person. Things get even more complicated when Claire realizes she’s falling for someone else, the last person she ever would have expected?. Told in an innovative format combining tweets, emails, and blogs, Tweet Heart is a contemporary romantic comedy that will set your heart atwitter.
MY THOUGHTS
This is a debut novel by Elizabeth Rudnick and when I first heard about the book it went on my wish list. I have tried to look for it here in Montreal and no one was selling it. I would have to order it online so I figured when I was in the US that I would check there and I spotted it right away and picked it up. I quickly noticed the sticker on the cover that said Autographed Copy.
This was a super quick read and I managed to read it one afternoon when we took the boys (Michael and his cousin) to the local pool. It was a great pool read since the boys were constantly distracting me I didn’t have to worry about missing parts.
Tweet Hearts is done in the format of tweets, blog posts, and emails. All are things I love to do and read.
Even though it was done in this format Elizabeth managed to weave it all together to make a great plot that left you wanting to read more and more. Even though there was alot of characters it all worked out and it didn’t leave the reader confused.
It was funny as I was reading it, it brought back memories of when I was in high school except back then we didn’t have the computer and to talk with others we passed notes (which I still have some of the important ones that mean alot to me). Do you remember doing that?
Claire is really the main character and she is a regular high school girl who has a crush on one of the most popular guys in school, JD (something of which I could relate to) and she has had this crush on him since she was little basically. In her circle of friends is her best friend Lottie (the one that always has the guys) and her two male friends Will and Bennett.
As the book goes we see that Will actually has a secret crush on Claire. Trying to figure out how to get her attention he ends up taking advise from Bennett which could cost him everything. Will his plan going to far?
Will Claire take the chance or will she possible loose her friend in it?
I really enjoyed reading this book. I would sit and almost laugh at parts and then other parts I felt like I was yelling into the book at Will because I could so relate to what he was feeling and thinking.
TITLE: A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for an Earth-Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday
AUTHOR: Tina Barseghian
PUBLISHER: Harlequin
PUB DATE: September 2010
PAGES: 128
SOURCE: I received an ARC of the book from NETGALLEY and downloaded it onto my KOBO.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Making something with your own hands—whether it’s a plate of just-baked cookies, a handcrafted stocking, a homemade wreath, or a hand-folded origami ornament—is a great way to connect with the true meaning of Christmas.From holiday decorating to gift giving, A Homemade Christmas is chock-full of projects, recipes, tips, and helpful hints that are guaranteed to add a homemade touch to your holiday season. Open this charming volume to any page and discover a wealth of practical and easy-to-accomplish ideas for a homemade holiday:
• create personal, distinctive holiday greetings
• deck the halls with festive, handmade trimmings
• cook simple but memorable homemade dishes
• make unique, handcrafted gifts
• share the joy of the season with friends and family
Packed with inspiration and how-tos for ideas that are family-friendly and eco-conscious, festive and meaningful, A Homemade Christmas will put homemade back into your holidays!
MY THOUGHTS:
I have to admit that I am surprised that I am actually going to be making my first Christmas book post. I find it hard to believe that there is only like 65 days till Christmas and Halloween isn’t even here yet.
You can tell that Christmas is coming because I am starting to see commericals on tv, the advertising in the paper is happening, the stores are starting to put out their Christmas decorations and items and the once good kids tv channels are now becoming bombarded with all kinds of toy commericals.
I think everyone tries to get a head of the game to make Christmas a stress free holiday. I know I do and its about this time that I begin to start my Christmas shopping. I like to be done my shopping come my birthday.
This book offers alot of great ideas on how to have an earth friendly, festive and frugal Christmas. As I was going through the book I realized there is so many great things that I can do with Michael to teach him that we don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great holiday season with family and friends.
The book is broken down into five chapters and they cover: greeting, trimming, cooking, giving and celebrating along with a great resource section.
Within in section such as Greeting you are given ideas and tips on how to create your own personal cards that are quick and easy. Some ideas are making your own photo cards (I actually know friends that do this and they turn out beautiful), recycle last years cards to make new ones (you can use the front of the card) and making your own out of assorted craft supplies you have. I am thinking of making my own cards this year for close family and friends.
In Trimmings there are ideas and tips on how to make your own ornaments, decorations, how to make your own embellishments, quick ideas on how to make home made touches around your home that are all earth friendly such as getting an earth friendly tree ( every year we get a real tree and at the end of the Christmas season the city collects the trees to make into wood chips that go back into the parks.) During the holiday season I tend to burn alot of candles and over the past few years since we don’t use our fireplace (as Michael has said “if the fireplace is going then how does Santa come down the chimney?”) so I have taken to putting a bunch of candles in there to light the fireplace up and then blowing them out at bed time.
My favorite section is Cooking. Nothing says the holidays are here better then home made cooking and in this section Tina offers suggestions for cooking and baking that you can share with your family and friends. Who doesn’t love a home made gift of yummy goodies? In order to get ready for holiday baking you have to make sure you pantry is well stocked and Tina offers suggestions on what to stock up on (dips, cheeses, crackers, nuts etc), also included are several recipes (pumpkin bread, chutney, berry jam, shortbread cookies, Russian tea cake, truffles, and many more) that you can make and give as presents, meals to make as well as drinks.
In Giving there are some great ideas on how to use what you got to make beautiful thoughtful gifts to give this year. There are some gift ideas on things to make. When it comes to gifts I have to admit it gets harder and harder to find the perfect gift but after reading this section I have to say has given me a ton of ideas such as making infused olive oil, doing a cookbook, a picture book, bookmarks (right up my alley), and many other ideas.
Finally the last chapter is Celebrating. When its all said and done this is what we look forward to being able to share the holidays with loved ones. In this chapter there are ideas for starting new traditions, cementing the old ones you do and reaching out to your community. I know some of our traditions is making popcorn and watching all the classic Christmas movies together over the holiday season.
One of the best things about the book is that there are a ton of things that are kid friendly and isn’t it great being able to do things with your kids during this holiday season?
TITLE: The Waiting
AUTHOR: Suzanne Woods Fisher
PUB DATE: October 2010
PAGES: 311
PUBLISHER: Revell
SOURCE: Finished copy of this book was provide by Amy as part of theLitfuse Publicity Tour.
Description:
Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man? A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.
MY THOUGHTS:
I am a bug fan of amish fiction and I was so happy to be able to add another fantastic author to my list of must reads.
I got to read Suzanne’s first book The Choice earlier this year and loved it. When I finished the book I couldn’t wait for the second book to come out and I was so excited that I was able to get on the tour for this book.
Just in case you haven’t read The Choice don’t worry this book is a stand alone in the series.
I have no idea why I am so interested in Amish fiction. There has always been something that intriques me about them and I always end up devouring all kinds of Amish fiction.
Anyways you are hear to read my review of The Waiting. All I have to say is that I LOVED it. I am dying to read and honestly can’t wait for book three to come out and its called The Search.
Jorie King is the main character. She is a young girl waiting for her love Ben Zook to return home from Veitnam. He is there as a contentious objecter. She loves Ben and she can’t wait to marry him and has promised him she would wait for him. She hopes that once he returns to Lancaster County that he will decide to settle down and join the church.
While she is anxiously waiting they get news that Ben was killed. Everyone is upset. Just when you think that is the worst that can happen Ben’s brother, Caleb loses his wife to leukemia two weeks later but before she dies she tells Caleb that he is free to marry again to help him. He is left to raise is young children and run a farm on his own.
Caleb and Jorie are becoming closer and are there togethe greiving their mutal loses. You can see that they are becoming closer and they both need to move on. It begins to look that way but before they are able to they get word that could possible change everything.
What will Jorie do? Will she stick to her promise that she made or is it too late?
GIVE AWAY
I have one copy to give away to one of my lucky readers. The only rules are you must be a follower of my blog and leave a comment about an amish book you have read or want to read along with your email address so that I can email you if you are a winner.
This is open only to Canada and US residents with a valid mailing address sorry no PO boxes. Contest runs from now until October 31st.
Please note you will have 48 hours to email me back with your mailing address should you be the winner.
About The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway!
Suzanne Woods Fisher is thrilled to announce the release of The Waiting
Visit the blog tour and find out what the reviewers are saying!
Learn more about Suzanne and her books at http://www.suzannewoodsfisher.com/!
is the next stand alone story in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and follows in the footsteps of the best-selling, The Choice
. The Waiting is in stores now and to celebrate Suzanne is hosting The Waiting KINDLE Giveaway.
* The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
* The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher
* A $15 dollar Amazon.com Gift Certificate
Book 2 in The Lancaster Secrets Collection and hot on the heals of the best-selling The Choice, The Waiting is a compelling page turner. Jorie King has been waiting for Benjamin Zook to return home to Lancaster County so they can marry. When news arrives that Ben has been killed, Jorie finds comfort in the friendship of his brother Caleb. That friendship ripens into love, and it seems that they are meant to be together. But when the unexpected happens, their worlds are turned upside down once more. Will Jorie trust God to lead her into the arms of a new man?
A multifaceted story about complex people living the simple life, The Waiting is the second book in the LANCASTER COUNTY SECRETS series. Readers will find themselves transported into the world of the Amish and deeply invested in these wonderful characters.
Blog tour schedule: The Waiting Blog Tour you can see who else toured this book already and up is coming up. Today I am going to share with the tour stops today:
10/18
Sheri at
The Shades of Pink
Carie at
Carie’s Coins & Cents
Tammy at
Bluerose’s Heart
Janie Hickok at
JHS at Colloquim
Carol at
Books Before Food
Myrtle at
Myrtle’s Turtles
Revka at
The Porch Light
Heidi at
Reviews & Reflections
Stefany at
To Be Thode
Deb at
Just Short of Crazy
Check back later this morning for my review on The Waiting and a giveaway as well.