Category: Challenges (past)

Beautiful Dead Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: Beautiful Dead Books 1-Jonas
AUTHOR: Eden Maguire
PUB DATE: March 2010

SOURCE: Thanks to Sourcebooks for sending me an ARC of this book.

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Not alive. Not dead. Somewhere in between lie the Beautiful Dead.

Something strange is happening at Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street-fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer, and Arizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances. Rumors of ghosts and strange happenings rip through the small community as it comes to terms with shock and loss.

Darina, Phoenix’s grief-stricken girlfriend, is on the verge. She can’t escape her intense heartache or the impossible apparitions of those that are meant to be dead. And all the while the sound of beating wings echos inside her head…

And then one day Phoenix appears to Darina. He tells her that she must help Jonas—the first of the four to die—right the wrong linked to his death. Only with her help can Jonas finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?

MY THOUGHTS:

Thanks to Paul at Sourcebooks Fire for sending me an advanced readers copy and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour for this book.

This is the first book in a four books series. The idea behind this series is that within a year four students from Ellerton High have been killed and they are Arizona, Summer, Phoenix and Jonas. Each book will tell the story of how each one was killed.

In the first book we are introduced to Darina right away and learn that her boyfriend Phoenix has just be killed. She is heart broken, grief stricken and trying to come to turns with the death. One of the things Darina does is go for drives to think and on this particular day she ends up wondering around a field and she hears a banging door in the wind. She goes off in search of it and stumbles upon an deserted house and barn.

She goes up to the barn and looks in. Its your typical old barn but in the middle is a group of people standing around in a circle. She spots her boyfriend Phoenix and they quickly spots the three other kids who were killed this past year. When the door bangs again she makes a run for it before being spotted.

Although it doesn’t take her long to go back to the spot again to find out what is going on and wondering if what she saw was real. Is what Darina saw real?

When she is asked to help Jonas to get justice for his death and bring the person who is responsible forward will Darina be able to help Jonas before his time is up?

I really enjoyed reading this book and I have to admit it was a quick read at 271 pages. At the end of the book the first chapter of book two which sounds just as exciting and I am dying to read that one when it comes out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Eden Maguire lives part of the time in the US, where she enjoys the big skies and ice-capped mountains of Colorado.

An abandoned farmstead two hours south west of Denver gave her the perfect setting for The Beautiful Dead. “It was as if time had stood still,” she says of her first chance visit to the ranch. “The kitchen still had the old rocking-chair and iron stove, the ancient barn door really did blow open and shut in the wind.”

It was here that the seed for a series of paranormal romance mysteries was sown. Eden Maguire’s lifelong admiration for Emily Bronte’s timeless classic, Wuthering Heights, ties in with her fascination for the dark side of life and informs her portrayal of the restless, romantic souls in The Beautiful Dead.

Away from her interest in the supernatural and the solitary pursuit of writing fiction, Eden’s life is lived as much as possible in the outdoors, thanks to ranch-owning friends in Colorado. She says, “Put me on a horse and point me towards a mountain – that’s where I find my own personal paradise.”

COVERS OF UPCOMING BOOKS:


Book 2 is Arizona
Book 3 is Summer
Don’t you just love the covers? I do

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.

The Rough Guide to New York City Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: The Rough Guide to New York City
PUBLISHER: DK Publishing
PUB DATE: January 2009

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The Rough Guide to New York City covers all five boroughs of this exhilarating city. The full-colour introduction showcases the city’s many highlights, from the art-deco masterpiece The Chrysler Building, to the acres of green at Central Park. Special features include ‘Ethnic New York’, a look at the city’s cultural past, and ‘New York Architecture’ detailing the world’s most famous skyline. This fully updated edition explores New York’s history and culture, includes detailed listings on everything from the city’s best shopping areas to its free summer activities, gives practical information on getting there and around, and reviews all the best accommodation and restaurants for every budget. With new and expanded maps, more photos than ever and that practical grittiness you’d expect from a Rough Guide, this is the must have companion to the cultural melting pot of New York City.Make the most of your time with The Rough Guide to New York City.

MY THOUGHTS:

Another huge Thank You goes out to DK Publishing for sending me this guide book to review. Please check back in June to see my review for this book.

I have to say first off that I really like the cover.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I received this book “The Rough Guide to New York City”. Hmm what does that mean?

When I first opened the book was a page with a map saying about this book. The book is divided up in sections called:
– Color Section-This will give you a feel of NYC suggesting when to go, what to see and what not to miss. Plus a list of contents and some basic info to read before arriving in the city.
-City Chapters- each area of NYC is covered with a list of attractions plus a listing of where to stay, eat, shop and more.
-Contexts- Will fill you in on the history, films, books. Then within it you will find color inserts which talk about the ethnic diversity of the city.

What I really enjoyd was they included a list of 19 things you must see when you get there. Such as: (these are things I want to see from their list)
-Empire State Building
-Central Park
-Statue of Liberty
-Grand Central Station
-Staten Island Ferry

I was looking into the city section and there is a map that is well labelled, a little history about the area, a write up of things to see and do.

I really enjoyed going through this book and looking forward to bringing it to NYC with me. This isn’t like the guide book I reviewed yesterday because its not covered with tons of colored photos but enough so that you get the feel of it. I thought it was well written and included the info that I needed.

Thanks again DK for sending me this. I think by the time I get to NYC I will be well prepared.

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.

Eyewitness Travel Guide New York City Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: Eyewitness Travel: New York City
AUTHOR: Eleanor Berman (main contributor)
PAGES: 448
PUB DATE: January 2010
SOURCE: This book was sent to me from DK Publishing.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

DK Eyewitness Travel’s full-color guidebooks to hundreds of destinations around the world truly show you what others only tell you. They have become renowned for their visual excellence, which includes unparalleled photography, 3-D mapping, and specially commissioned cutaway illustrations.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides are the only guides that work equally well for inspiration, as a planning tool, a practical resource while traveling, and a keepsake following any trip.

Each guide is packed with the up-to-date, reliable destination information every traveler needs, including extensive hotel and restaurant listings, themed itineraries, lush photography, and numerous maps.

MY THOUGHTS:

A more detailed review will be appearing in June as I will be using this book when I go to New York City at the end of May.

I have to say right away how much I love DK books they are all so well done and put together. You can see this in all the books they make.

When I found out I was going to New York City I automatically went to my local library to borrow some travel guides to look and the one I ended up borrowing the most (and renewing)was Eyewitness Travel New York City. That edition was a 2006 edition. You can imagine the excitement when I received a package from DK and the 2010 edition was there. Yea you can say I did the happy dance.

This has become my travel bible for New York City. I have read it from cover to cover and used post its making things I would love to see and do, all of which won’t get done this time I am sure. I will be lucky if I can a mere 1/8 of the sites.

I loved that each section of New York is color coded by area. There are tons of color photographs in the book all of which are up to date and current. They have even include at the beginning of the book a how to use this guide so that you can get the most out of your trip.

In each section you will see Sights at a Glance (which can include historic streets & buildings, churches, modern architecture, monuments, parks & squares, landmark hotels, restaurants and stores), a mini map of the section you are in (which is well labelled) and a section on how to get there via the subway.


Another section which I like is Traveler’s Needs which includes places to stay (within any budget range), places to eat (also within any budget range), of course something near and dear to my heart shopping, where to find some entertainment ( how to get tickets, addresses for theaters, etc) and taking children to NYC (what to see and do).

For someone who has never been to New York City the Survival Guide was interesting to read. It was filled with practical information how getting around NYC, emergency numbers if you need them, using public transit (buses and subways) and so much more.

A huge Thank You to DK Publishing for sending me this travel guide. Looking forward to using it in May.

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.

New York Pocket Map & Guide Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: New York: Pocket Map & Guide
PUB DATE: 2007
PAGES: 96 & Detailed pull out map
PUBLISHER: DK

ABOUT THE BOOK:

From the Rockefeller Centre to the Staten Island Ferry – the guide covers up to 200 sights and recommendations and slips easily into your pocket or bag.

Perfect for on-the-go navigation, discover New York’s best restaurants, bars and shops, opening times and transport information. Use the guide to decide your itinerary then plot your route using the fold-out map.

Everything you need to make the most of your city break or stopover.

MY THOUGHTS:

Check back in May for a more detailed review of New York: Pocket Map & Guide. I am going to New York in May and that is when I plan on using my travel guide.

This is a great little travel guide that you can shove in your purse, pocket or back pack and not worry about it taking up alot of space.

When you first open the guide you notice a map of Manhattan and each area is broken down by colors and the page numbers of where to look in the book. Then within each section you will see a little map of the area that is labelled pretty well. You will also find sights at a glance and a brief description of the sites, places to eat and places to shop.

Also include with the book is a map. What I love about the map is that each area is color coded to match the book so you know what is where. The map is also a great size roughly a little bigger then 8×10. Nothing worse then being in the middle of a street with a huge map.

There is also a map if the Manhattan Subway should you need to use it instead of taxi’s all the time. Looking at it, it seems pretty straightforward and easy to follow.

Thanks to DK Pusblishing for sending me this great travel book and I am really looking forward to using it in May.

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.

Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven Review

Posted on by Cindy


TITLE: Undress Me In the Temple of Heaven
AUTHOR: Susan Jane Gilman
PUB DATE: March 2009 (Hardcover)
PUB DATE: February 2010 (Trade Paperback)
PAGES: 320

ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1986, Susan Jane Gilman and a classmate embarked on a bold trek around the globe starting in the People’s Republic of China. At that point, China had been open to independent backpackers for roughly ten minutes. Armed only with the collected works of Nietzsche and Linda Goodman’s Love Signs, the two friends plunged into the dusty streets of Shanghai. Unsurprisingly, they quickly found themselves in over their heads–hungry, disoriented, stripped of everything familiar, and under constant government surveillance. Soon, they began to unravel–one physically, the other psychologically.

As their journey became increasingly harrowing, they found themselves facing crises that Susan didn’t think they’d survive. But by summoning strengths she never knew she had–and with help from unexpected friends–the two travelers found their way out of a Chinese heart of darkness.

UNDRESS ME IN THE TEMPLE OF HEAVEN is a flat-out page-turner, an astonishing true story of naïveté, friendship, and redemption told with Susan’s trademark compassion and humor.

MY THOUGHTS:

Susan Jane Gilman is a new to me author who I heard about last year but never had the chance to read. She is the author of two other non fiction books called Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress, and Kiss My Tiara. I have read Kiss My Tiara and my review will be posted soon. I still have to read Pouffy White Dress.

I am not a huge fan of non-fiction/memoirs but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised when I was reading this. I have never gone on any road trips with girlfriends in my entire life but that is going to change in May when I head to NYC with my fellow friends. After reading Undress Me in the Temple of Heaven I know our road trip will be nothing like Susan’s.

Susan has just graduated from Brown with her friend Claire (Van Houten). On a whim the girls have decided that they will backpack around the world for a year and return when their student loan payments start.

Susie and Claire both admit that neither one of them had really traveled much. With only the Lonely Planet in hand they decide where they want to go. They decide to begin their journey in China.

China in 1986 was just beginning to allow tourists in but you had to go through Hong Kong in order to get into China. Things are good until they land when realization hits Susan. They have decided that they were basically going to rough it no fancy hotels and do what the locals do. They have no reservations anywhere and are basically using the Lonely Planet book. I cringed reading the description of the room in Hong Kong.

Along their travels they meet alot of interesting characters. Such as an American woman travelling with two kids and you wonder why they are travelling in the fall instead of being in school and a few others that make you raise an eyebrow at and go hmm wonder what the story is up with that?

Both girls go through alot, discover alot and they struggle but in the end they tough it out and make the best of their trip and root for each other. Just what friends should do.

I want to thank Miriam from Hachette for sending me this book and for allowing me to be a part of the February Blog Tour for the book. Thank You Miriam.

Here are some bloggers who are also reviewing this book today:
http://booksiesblog.blogspot.com/
http://thedivinemissmommy.com/
http://booknaround.blogspot.com/
http://dreyslibrary.blogspot.com/
http://chickwithbooks.blogspot.com/

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.

Anything But Normal Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: Anything but normal
AUTHOR: Melody Carlson
PUB DATE: January 2010
PAGES: 256

ABOUT THE BOOK:

She thought she’d left the summer behind . . .

This year should be the best of Sophie Ramsay’s life. She’s friends with all the right people, she’s a shoo-in for editor of the school newspaper, and she’s managed to turn the head of one of the hottest guys in school.

But something’s not quite right. Sophie has a secret–one she won’t be able to keep under wraps for much longer.

MY THOUGHTS:

As you know one of my favorite authors is Melody Carlson and whenever given the chance I always except offers from reps asking if I will read and review her books. I always enjoy reading her books and I have to say that I tend to devour the book either in one sitting or over two days.

Anything but normal is right in that category. I managed to read it during a snowy cold day.

The main character is Sophie and seventeen year old girl getting ready to tackle her last year of school. She is a girl who has it all, the ideal friends, the ideal family life, works on the yearbook committee and the school newspaper. She will soon be editor of the school paper.

One the outside it looks like Sophie is living the ideal typical teenage life but its not tell she comes back from summer camp when her world gets turned upside down. Sophie has a huge secret that she is trying to keep to herself but she will soon realize that the beans are about to be spilled.

What is Sophie hiding? Will she be able to come to grips with it?

Anything but normal is now available at your local bookstore from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell/Baker Publishing Group as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.

Katy’s New World Review

Posted on by Cindy

TITLE: Katy’s New World #1
AUTHOR: Kim Vogel Sawyer
PUB DATE: February 2010
PAGES: 203

ABOUT THE BOOK

When Katy Lambright is given the opportunity to attend a secular high school outside her Mennonite community, she is ecstatic. But as Katy begins to adjust to life outside her community and begins to make decisions for herself, her relationships with her family and lifelong friends become strained. Can Katy balance her new world with the Old Order?

Katy has always enjoyed life in her small Mennonite community, but she longs to learn more than her school can offer. After getting approval from her elders, Katy starts her sophomore year at the public high school in town, where she meets new friends and encounters perspectives much different than her own. But as Katy begins to find her way in the outside world, her relationships at home become restrained. Can she find a balance between her two worlds?

MY THOUGHTS:

This is the first time I have heard of Kim Vogel Sawyer she is the author of numerous Christian fiction books. I am looking forward to reading more of her books.

I am always fascinated with the Amish/Mennonites and I love reading books based in that setting. This is a genre of books I discovered last year and I have to say I really enjoy reading them and I can devour them rather quickly.

Katy’s New World is the first book in the series. Katy is given a rare chance to attend a local high school. She is the first one in her community that has been given this rare chance. Katy loves school and learning.

Katy is just like any kid trying to fit in to a new school. It doesn’t help that she stands out dressed in her plain clothes. She is given an escort to show her around school and to help her out if she needs it. Her escort is Shelby. The girls soon become the best of friends which doesn’t sit will with her best friend Annika that she grew up with. Shelby’s father is a Baptist minister.

Through out the book you see Katy struggling with her faith and wondering how she will be able to remain true to her beliefs when she sees what the outside world is really like. She is like any other teenager struggling with life.

Will Katy be able to remain true to herself in a world of temptation?

You can check out Kim Vogel Sawyer on her website.

The second book in this series Katy’s Debate is schedule to be released June 2010. I can’t wait to read it. This is what book two is about:

Katy’s Debate is the second book in the Katy Lambright Series by bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer, which follows sixteen-year-old Katy as she adjusts to life outside her Old Order Mennonite community in Kansas. Katy’s dad is courting Rosemary Graber, and Katy decides to use her new debate skills to end the romance before it can go any further. At the same time, Katy is developing a crush of her own.

Katy Lambright’s life transforms when she leaves the Mennonite school and enters a local high school. Is she prepared to face the secular world and teenage life beyond her community? New Club, New Crush … New Mom? From bestselling fiction writer Kim Vogel Sawyer comes Katy’s Debate, the latest in the Katy Lambright series for young adults. Just as Katy is feeling settled in her new school, everything falls apart at home. Her father, believing she needs a mother, starts courting a woman Katy refuses to accept. Tensions rise as Katy schemes to send the woman packing. Meanwhile, the pressure builds at school as Katy joins the debate team, encounters a teammate’s scorn, and faces her growing feelings for a boy her father will never accept. Can Katy prove she doesn’t need a mother’s guidance even as she discovers more of what the world offers?

Thanks to Revell/Baker Publishing Group for sending me this book to read and review.

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.