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You'd have to have, like, a lentil for a soul to hate wiener dogs. ~Zuzana from The Daughter of Smoke & Bones by Laini Taylor


Wednesday, August 31, 2011

BACK TO THE BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP!


Welcome to the Back to Books  Giveaway Hop! 

This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer (HERE) and Buried in Books (HERE).
There are hundreds of blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one.  This hop starts September 1st and runs through September 7th, midnight. 

HERE IS WHAT I HAVE FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER:




WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address
Contest ends on 9.7.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.8.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by ME for ONE winner FOR THE ABOVE BOOKS
PLEASE NOTE:  If postage is extremely expensive for me to mail these books, I may opt to give the winner a $15 credit at The Book Depository.

Complete the below form
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Extra Entries
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+1 Leave a comment telling me your favorite YA author.









Waiting on Wednesday: Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

Around the world, black handprints are appearing on doorways, scorched there by winged strangers who have crept through a slit in the sky.

In a dark and dusty shop, a devil's supply of human teeth grown dangerously low.

And in the tangled lanes of Prague, a young art student is about to be caught up in a brutal otherwordly war.

Meet Karou. She fills her sketchbooks with monsters that may or may not be real; she's prone to disappearing on mysterious "errands"; she speaks many languages--not all of them human; and her bright blue hair actually grows out of her head that color. Who is she? That is the question that haunts her, and she's about to find out.

When one of the strangers--beautiful, haunted Akiva--fixes his fire-colored eyes on her in an alley in Marrakesh, the result is blood and starlight, secrets unveiled, and a star-crossed love whose roots drink deep of a violent past. But will Karou live to regret learning the truth about herself?

About the Author

Laini Taylor is the author of the National Book Award finalist Lips Touch, as well as the novels Blackbringer, which Kirkus said "belongs at the top of everyone's fantasy must-read list," and Silksinger. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, illustrator Jim Di Bartolo, and their daughter, Clementine.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (September 27, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316134023
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316134026
Loved the trailer for this one!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson




Monday, August 29, 2011

GIVEAWAY! The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson




WANT TO WIN THESE BOOKS?

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO BOXES OK!)
This ends 9.12.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.13.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by ME  for ONE WINNER of my copy and my ARC of book 2.


Complete the form below!
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+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
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More Extra Entries for The Familiars
+1 Fan Adam Jay Epstein on Goodreads HERE
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REVIEW: The Familiars: Secrets of the Crown by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobsen

Description

When human magic disappears suddenly from Vastia, it falls on the familiars, Aldwyn the telekinetic cat, Skylar the know-it-all blue, jay, and Gilbert the gullible tree frog--to find the Crown of the Snow Leopard, an ancient relic that can reverse the curse.  They learn that the only way to do this is by following in the purple paw prints of Aldwyn's father, who'd gone missing while searching for the Crown years earlier. This magical spirit trail extends into the Beyond, where our heroes encounter new enemies and danger, while Aldwyn learns about his mysterious past.
 
Full of high-flying adventure and heartwarming friendships, SECRETS OF THE CROWN shows how great it is to be familiar with The Familiars!

About the Author

Adam Jay Epstein spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while Andrew Jacobson grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in a parking garage out in Los Angeles. They have been writing together for film and television ever since.
One day, Adam asked Andrew, “Are you familiar with what a familiar is?” And from that simple question, Vastia was born, a fantastical world filled with the authors’ shared love of animals and magic. They wrote every word, sentence, and page together, sitting opposite each other.
Adam Jay Epstein lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Jane, their daughter, Penny, and a black-and-white alley cat who hangs out in their backyard. Andrew Jacobson lives with his wife, Ashley, and their dog, Elvis, four traffic lights away.
The Familiars will be produced for film by Sam Raimi and Sony Animation.

Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins (September 6, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061961116
  • ISBN-13: 978-0061961113
SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

The story picks up four weeks after the Familiars leaves off.  The Loyals and the Familiars are now being educated in magical defensive arts when there is a flash of green light disenchanting the human Loyals who lose their abilities to cast spells and which leaves the animals as the only magical creatures.  As part of a prediction that the animal will now rule, the Familiars must now race to save the humans against the evil intentions of the queen's familiar, Paksahara who has tried to overthrow her in her quest to dominate the humans. The go on a quest to find The Crown of the Snow Leopard and Aldwyn finds his fathers footsteps which they follow.  This leaves the Loyals behind fighting for their lives with hand to hand combat.

There is a lot of action in this follow up to The Familiars and we find the threesome matching wits and talents against a series of evil creatures such as goblins, a creature that can turn you to crystal by the touch of his tail and Aldwyn's uncle, who clearly is on another path in this quest.  When Malvern, Aldwyn's uncle, escapes, there is a big opening for another one in this series and I can't wait to read what happens next.  This story will appeal to kids of all ages and especially those a bit too young for Harry Potter.  If you enjoyed the Spiderwick Chronicles, you will love this one.  I also just read that a move of the first book is going to be made. 



REVIEW: The Familiars by Adam Jay Epstein & Andrew Jacobson


Description

THE FAMILIARS are the magical animal companions to a wizard or witch. When three young wizards-in-training get kidnapped by the evil queen of the land, it is up to their familiars to go a dangerous journey to rescue them. You'll meet Aldwyn, an orphan alley cat pretending to have telekinesis; Skylar, a know-it-all blue jay who can cast illusions; and Gilbert, a hapless tree frog with the ability to see visions of the future in pools of water. See what happens when these three animal assistants -- typically relegated to the background or found sitting quietly on their wizard's shoulders -- go on a heroic adventure of their own!

From the Author

One of the unique things about this book is that we co-authored it. The two of us literally sat in the same room for months and months writing every word, sentence, and paragraph together. Andrew is the typist (because he's frankly a much faster typer), while Adam sits beside him, or across from him in a nice, comfy chair, or sometimes paces around. Neither one of us were English majors in college or had any book writing experience previously, but we've both read a lot, watched a lot, and lived inside our imaginations since we were little kids. Andrew played with his Star Wars and GI Joe action figures for hours on end as a kid (probably until he was way too old to be playing with them), and Adam grew up on Dungeons and Dragons and video games and comic books. Writing fantasy is like bringing all of those childhood daydreams to life, and the best part is, it's our job!

From the Inside Flap

Running to save his life, Aldwyn, the street-wise orphan alley cat, ducks into a strange store. Moments later Jack, a young wizard-in-training, comes in to pick out his familiar - a magical animal companion. Aldwyn's always been clever. But magical? Apparently Jack thinks so--and Aldwyn is happy to play along. Anything to get out of town! Once home with Jack in Stone Runlet, Aldwyn thinks that he's got it made--a life of ease with a boy who loves him. He just has to convince the other familiars--the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert--that he's the telekinetic cat he claims to be.
Then, after the sky lights up with an omen, the unthinkable happens. Jack and the other young wizards are captured by the evil queen of Vastia. Together Aldwyn, Skylar and Gilbert must save them--but how?
On their thrilling quest across the land, the familiars will face dangerous foes, unearth a shocking centuries old secret, and discover a mysterious destiny that will change them all forever.
Their magical adventure--an irresistible blend of real heart, edge-of-your seat action, and laugh-aloud humor--is an unforgettable tale of fantasy and friendship.

From the Back Cover

"You must find a way to rescue them," said Kalstaff. "It is up to you."             "Us? How?" asked Aldwyn in disbelief. "We're just a bunch of familiars."        
            "I see the worry on your faces, but fear not. Heroism appears in many forms," said the old wizard  in a whisper. "Not always man or woman, but also fur, feather, and tongue."

About the Author

ADAM JAY EPSTEIN spent his childhood in Great Neck, New York, while ANDREW JACOBSON grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but the two met in a parking garage out in Los Angeles. They have been writing for film and television together ever since. This is their first book.

Details

  • Reading level: Ages 9-12
  • Hardcover: 368 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (September 7, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0061961086
SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT

This is a perfectly woven tale that should appeal to everyone!  The story centers around three animal familiars who have magical capabilities (think the triumvirate of Harry Potter) and their human loyals.  Familiars have been in story telling as long as there have been witches and are creatures who bond with humans and assist them in casting spells.  Aldwyn, an alley cat on the run, hides in a magical pet store where he is quickly adopted by Jack and meets other familiars.  Gilbert the tree frog (paging Gilbert Gottfried) and Skylar, a smug know-it-all blue jay.  The three must come together to save the humans from the evil familiar of the queen.  After reading about the queen's evil hare, I was immediately reminded of Senator Kevin, the bunny of the apocalypse from the Prickly City comic strip. 

The story, like all good fairy tales, involves a quest and the three must find the answers to some riddles in order to find elements that will help them defeat Paksahara, the evil hare.   There is comic relief woven in with edge of your seat action that will have you finishing this book in no time!  I really think that this book could be read aloud to a younger child and it would be enjoyable for both reader and listener.  I can really see this made into a movie much like the Secret of Nimh.  This will really appeal to readers of the Tale of Desperaux and the Spiderwick Chronicles. 



Thursday, August 25, 2011

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

Description

In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. In Linger, they fought to be together. Now, in Forever, the stakes are even higher than before. Wolves are being hunted. Lives are being threatened. And love is harder and harder to hold on to as death comes closing in.

The thrilling conclusion to #1 bestselling Shiver trilogy from Maggie Stievater.

About the Author

Maggie Stiefvater is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the novels Shiver, Linger, and Forever. She is also the author of Lament: The Faerie Queen’s Deception and Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie. She lives in Virginia with her husband and their two children. You can visit her online at www.maggiestiefvater.com.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Scholastic Press (July 12, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0545259088
  • ISBN-13: 978-0545259088
SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

***slight spoilers***


Grace and Sam are now in opposite positions since Sam has been cured of changing into a wolf with the help of Isabel through an infection of meningitis while he was in wolf form.  Now Grace is changing into a wolf and she has run off into the woods where she isn't seen for most of the summer.  Isobel and Cole are featured throughout this story and it is their interaction that supplies most of my favorite parts. Cole becomes a focal point that the main plot twists around.  I didn't think he could play such a huge roll in the story line, but I am glad that he did.

I thought the story was a bit slower than the first two installments with more descriptions than dialogue which I guess makes sense since Grace is in wolf form for most of the book.  There was a lot of tension building towards the end when you wondered if Grace would find her way back to Sam and if Isabel could restrain her father's actions.  (Those actions are the cause of most of the turmoil in this finale.)  I think everyone know how this ended by now and  it was not a perfect ending it worked for me.





WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

 Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO BOXES OK!)
This ends 9.8.11 midnight Pacific Time and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.9.11.
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen
This giveaway is sponsored by ME  for ONE WINNER of my ARC.


Complete the form below!
Follow Me
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+1 Be my friend on GoodReads HERE
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Description

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray has at last found safety with the Shadowhunters. But that safety proves fleeting when rogue forces in the Clave plot to see her protector, Charlotte, replaced as head of the Institute. If Charlotte loses her position, Tessa will be out on the street—and easy prey for the mysterious Magister, who wants to use Tessa’s powers for his own dark ends. The special Collector’s First Edition will include a never-before-seen letter from Will to his family!
With the help of the handsome, self-destructive Will and the fiercely devoted Jem, Tessa discovers that the Magister’s war on the Shadowhunters is deeply personal. He blames them for a long-ago tragedy that shattered his life. To unravel the secrets of the past, the trio journeys from mist-shrouded Yorkshire to a manor house that holds untold horrors, from the slums of London to an enchanted ballroom where Tessa discovers that the truth of her parentage is more sinister than she had imagined. When they encounter a clockwork demon bearing a warning for Will, they realize that the Magister himself knows their every move—and that one of their own has betrayed them.
Tessa finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, though her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will—the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers about who she is and what she was born to do?
As their dangerous search for the Magister and the truth leads the friends into peril, Tessa learns that when love and lies are mixed, they can corrupt even the purest heart.

About the Author

Cassandra Clare made her fiction debut with The Mortal Instruments series, which has been on many bestseller lists. Cassandra lives in an old Victorian house in western Massachusetts with her husband, their cats, and lots and lots of books. Visit her website at cassandraclare.com. Learn more about The Mortal Instruments series at mortalinstruments.com. Learn more about The Infernal Devices at theinfernaldevices.com.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 528 pages
  • Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (December 6, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1416975888
  • ISBN-13: 978-1416975885
These books are all so perfect!  

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl



REVIEW: Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

Description

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

About the Author

Richelle Mead (www.richellemead.com) is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington.

Details

  • Reading level: Young Adult
  • Hardcover: 432 pages
  • Publisher: Razorbill (August 23, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1595143173
  • ISBN-13: 978-1595143174
SOURCE:  AROUND THE WORLD ARC TOURS


MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

Please note:  I have not read the Vampire Academy series.  I own them, but just haven't had the time to read them yet.  I don't know anything about the characters in that series except what the blurbs say.  This is supposed to be the adult spin off for the series, but after reading it, I think that since it mostly takes place in a private high school setting with a character just out of high school, it should probably qualify as young adult.  The whole thing reminded me a bit of 21 Jump Street, where adults infiltrate a high school to solve a crime, except they are there to protect a vampire princess from being murdered.

It took me about 150 pages to really get into it.  I thought it was mostly a set up for the series to come but since I really like Richelle Mead's humor and writing style, I stuck with it and was glad I did.  Sydney is an Alchemist and is selected to protect Jill against a plot to murder her step sister, the new vampire queen.  Sydney has done something terrible in her past and is now trying to overcome that issue (she helped a vampire -- which I guess is akin to helping dirt), and with better living through chemistry she learns to blend into the high school without being too much of a nerd.  Overall, there is a lot of action towards the end of the story and I think I would read the next one in the series.  You should probably the Vampire Academy series first to really enjoy this one.  I need to start reading them.

Monday, August 22, 2011

GUEST POST! Animals and Reading by The Familiars Authors


Please welcome Adam Jay Epstein and 
Andrew Jacobson to BookHounds YA!

Books about animals are as fundamental to growing up as your ABC’ and learning long division. Everybody’s got their favorite animal characters from when they were a kid, those that stuck with you and oft times felt more human than many of the human characters you read about. Books about dogs dying like Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows were too sad for our sensitive souls. Real, non-talking animals books like An Incredible Journey and Call of the Wild were kind of boring, and could have used a dose of magic. New school animal books like Redwall, Guardians of Ga’hoole, and The Warriors simply don’t hold much of a nostalgic place in our heart.

5. “Garfield” by Jim Davis and “Calvin and Hobbes” by Bill Waterson

Andrew goes with Garfield, the lazy, lasagna-eating, Monday-hating cat. He found something funny about his antics with John and Odie. Adam counters with Calvin and Hobbes. The philosophical, rambling stuffed tiger felt similar enough to Adam’s childhood stuffed monkey that it seemed downright autobiographical.

4. “Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH” by Robert C. O’Brian and “Watership Down” by Richard Adams

At a young age, reading these creepy tales gave us both a fright, but their dystopic animal worlds haunted us…in a good way. And bonus points for “The Secrets of NIMH” animated movie.

3. “Home for a Bunny” and “The Color Kittens” by Margaret Weiss Brown

The first two animal books that Adam read. One a naturalistic tale of a bunny that just wants to find a place to live; the other a surrealist picture book about two cats that mix paint to make all the colors in the world.

2. “Charlotte’s Web” and “Stuart Little” by E.B. White

White’s stories are timeless tales that both exemplify and transcend the animal genre. Choosing between them is a tough one indeed, but the edge has to go to “Charlotte’s Web” since Andrew played Wilbur in a grade school class play.

1. “Curious George” by H.A. Rey

Adam loved monkeys. Especially mischievous ones. He wanted to have his own, and it was nice to read a story about a monkey who was misbehaving…and getting into some pretty dangerous situations. These were early adventure tales that were pretty irresistible. While George never said a thing, you always knew what he was thinking.

Did we forget any of your favorites? Tell us what your number 1 animal book is....


The Familiars: Secrets of the Crown is in bookstores and online September 6th. Please visit www.thefamiliars.com to learn more.

CHECK BACK HERE  ON AUGUST 31 FOR A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY.  

Leave a comment here and I will add it on as an extra entry!


Sunday, August 21, 2011

GIVEAWAY! My Soul to Keep by Rachel Vincent

 

 

Description

Kaylee has one addiction: her very hot, very popular boyfriend, Nash. A banshee like Kaylee, Nash understands her like no one else. Nothing can come between them.
Until something does.
Demon breath. No, not the toothpaste-challenged kind. The Netherworld kind. The kind that really can kill you. Somehow the super-addictive substance has made its way to the human world. But how? Kaylee and Nash have to cut off the source and protect their friends—one of whom is already hooked.
And so is someone else…

About the Author

Rachel Vincent's urban fantasy novels have been causing a buzz in the US, with her fresh, hip and compelling style. Rachel also runs an active blog at urbanfantasy.blogspot.com. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

 Details

  • Paperback: 304 pages
  • Publisher: Harlequin; Original edition (June 1, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0373210051
  • ISBN-13: 978-0373210053
WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK? 

PLEASE NOTE:  This is a used copy, still in good condition. It needs a new home.

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
Contest ends on 9.4.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.5.11
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by the author and ME and ONE copy is available.

Complete the below form
Follow Me
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    AND THE WINNER IS: Mommy Brings Home the Bacon by Nikki Mark



    LISA -
    lag110

    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
    Thanks to all who entered.
    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

    Wednesday, August 17, 2011

    WAITING ON WEDNESDAY: Fetching by Kiera Stewart

    "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

    This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

    Book Description

    10-14
    Olivia has just about had it with the popular kids at school. She and her friends have done nothing to deserve humiliating pranks and mean name-calling, but that doesn’t stop queen bee Brynne from tormenting them. If only Olivia’s classmates were more like the dogs she helps her grandmother train—poorly behaved, but improvable. Then Olivia hatches a brilliant plan: she and her friends will modify their tormentors’ behavior with the same kind of training that works on dogs. Using cues and responses, distractions and rewards, gets better results than anyone could have guessed. Soon, Olivia and her friends have replaced Brynne as alpha-dogs. But will popularity get Olivia what she really wants?

    Product Details

    • Reading level: Ages 10-14
    • Hardcover: 304 pages
    • Publisher: Hyperion Book CH (November 8, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 1423138457
    • ISBN-13: 978-1423138457

    THIS BOOK IS ON MY MUST READ IT LIST!

    There:  done yelling.  Doesn't this look really cute?

    Monday, August 15, 2011

    GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron **SIGNED**

    Description

    This is the remarkable story of one endearing dog’s search for his purpose over the course of several lives. More than just another charming dog story, A Dog’s Purpose touches on the universal quest for an answer to life's most basic question: Why are we here?
    Surprised to find himself reborn as a rambunctious golden-haired puppy after a tragically short life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s search for his new life’s meaning leads him into the loving arms of 8-year-old Ethan. During their countless adventures Bailey joyously discovers how to be a good dog.
    But this life as a beloved family pet is not the end of Bailey’s journey. Reborn as a puppy yet again, Bailey wonders—will he ever find his purpose?
    Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.   

    About the Author

    W. Bruce Cameron is the New York Times bestselling author of 8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter which was turned into the hit ABC series. He has twice received the National Society of Newspaper Columinst's award for Best Humor Columnist and his nationally syndicated column is read by over three million readers every week. He lives in California.  

    Details

    • Paperback: 336 pages
    • Publisher: Forge Books; First Edition edition (May 24, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0765330342
    • ISBN-13: 978-0765330345

    SOURCE:  AUTHOR

    ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT  -- SLIGHT SPOILERS

    This book is one of the best dog books I have ever read and I read almost everything that has a dog on the cover, in the title or description.  A Dog's Purpose is almost a religious experience where the dog in question goes through reincarnation and grows through each lifetime.  I just adored it and found myself near tears as well as feeling so hopeful that this dog did indeed make a difference in the lives of many.  Cameron nailed Toby/Bailey/Ellie/Buddy's voice and developed that voice as the dog "matured" through each life.

    The book starts off with the undeveloped voice of Toby and while Toby's life isn't that long, it really sets up the whole point of the book.  I think that some people will have trouble with Toby since this section of the book is really sad and short.  Stick with it because once you start reading about how Toby morphs into Bailey, the action really starts and only gets better.  The next lives will have you turning the pages to see what happens next.  I really hope that the author will write more books like this.  I think you will enjoy this if you like Merrill Markoe and  Garth Stein.

    WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK? 

    Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a reliable mailing address (PO Boxes OK!)
    Contest ends on 8.31.11 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.1.11
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by the author and ME and ONE copy is available.

    Complete the below form
    Follow Me
    Extra Entries
    +1 Follow me on Twitter HERE 
    +1 Like BookHounds on Facebook HERE 
    +1 Be my friend on Goodreads HERE
    +1 for social networking  this giveaway and leave me a link (blog, twitter, facebook, etc) once daily
    +1 Leave a comment -- you can do this daily, just leave me an email address!
    More Extra Entries for W. Bruce Cameron
    +1 Fan on Goodreads HERE
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    Thursday, August 11, 2011

    GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: Sweetly by Jackson Pearce

    Description

    As a child, Gretchen's twin sister was taken by a witch in the woods. Ever since, Gretchen and her brother, Ansel, have felt the long branches of the witch's forest threatening to make them disappear, too.

    Years later, when their stepmother casts Gretchen and Ansel out, they find themselves in sleepy Live Oak, South Carolina. They're invited to stay with Sophia Kelly, a beautiful candy maker who molds sugary magic: coveted treats that create confidence, bravery, and passion.

    Life seems idyllic and Gretchen and Ansel gradually forget their haunted past-- until Gretchen meets handsome local outcast Samuel. He tells her the witch isn't gone-- it's lurking in the forest, preying on girls every year after Live Oak's infamous chocolate festival, and looking to make Gretchen it's next victim. Gretchen is determined to stop running and start fighting back. Yet the further she investigates the mystery of what the witch is and how it chooses its victims, the more she wonders who the real monster is.

    Gretchen is certain of only one thing: a monster is coming, and it will never go away hungry.

    About the Author

    Jackson Pearce is the author of Sisters Red and As You Wish. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Details

    • Reading level: Young Adult
    • Hardcover: 320 pages
    • Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (August 23, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0316068659
    • ISBN-13: 978-0316068659
    SOURCE:  Around the World ARC Tours

    MY THOUGHTS
    LOVED IT

    ***slight spoilers***

    In this new retelling of Hansel and Gretel (my first two dachshunds!), Jackson Pearce keeps the witch, adds some werewolves and a bit of creepiness that will really make you want to devour this. Ansel and his sister Gretchen have been thrown out by their stepmother when Gretchen turns 18 and they leave to drive as far as their car will take them.  The car breaks down in Live Oak, SC where they find a job with the local candy maker, Sophia.  It is rumored that she infuses her chocolate with magic and has a chocolate festival each year that leads the disappearance of teen girls.  Gretchen still fearing the "witch" that stole her twin years ago is sensing the same activity here.

    Sam,  a local, is very vocal about the disappearing girls and blames Sophia.  Ansel and Gretchen get drawn into Sophia's world and can't imagine that she has anything to do with it until a seashell turns up on her doorstep and Gretchen finds it.  It gets increasingly spooky as Gretchen finds more clues and hooks up with Sam who gives her even more answers about what is happening in the small town which he blames rightly on the Fenris.  The Fenris  (werewolves) first appear in Sisters Red, which will add to this book, but it is not required to fully enjoy this one.  I love these fairy tale mash ups and Jackson Pearce takes them to a whole new level with keeping the theme of werewolves believable and incredibly threatening through out while remaining true to the original story of Hansel and Gretel.

    WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?
    Contest is open to anyone with reliable mail service (Worldwide and PO Boxes OK!)
    Contest ends on 8.31.11 midnight and the winner will be chosen by Random.org on 9.1.11
    Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
    This giveaway is sponsored by Little Brown and ME  & one book is available.

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    Wednesday, August 10, 2011

    Waiting on Wednesday: Bargains and Betrayals by Shannon Delaney

    "Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

    This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

    Description

    Locked away at Pecan Place, Jessie finds her situation to be even more dangerous than she feared. While she struggles to maintain her sanity and discover answers about the group that seems less and less like any legitimate government agency, Pietr fights to keep their relationship alive. But very aware that his mother’s time is running out, Pietr makes a deal he doesn’t dare tell Jessie about. Because the deal Pietr’s made could mean the death of far more than his tenuous relationship with the girl he loves.

    About the Author

    Previously a teacher and now a farmer raising heritage livestock in upstate New York, Shannon Delany has always been fascinated by history, myths, legends and paranormal research. Learn more about her at www.ShannonDelany.com. Explore the world of Junction at www.13toLifeSeries.com.

    Details

    • Paperback: 320 pages
    • Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (August 16, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0312609167
    • ISBN-13: 978-0312609160
     Another wonderful series!


     

    Tuesday, August 9, 2011

    guest REVIEW: Twisted by Sara Shepard

    Today, Courtney from Fuzzy. Coffee. Books is guest reviewing Twisted by Sara Shepard.  I haven't read the series and when a copy landed in my mail box, I thought, let's give it to someone who HAS read the series and appreciates it.  See, everyone wins.  I get my review posted and Courtney gets a books she really wanted to read!  Please stop by and read her original post HERE .... Here is a bit about her blog:

    Fuzzy.Coffee.Books is a book blog that has been live for a little over a month now. I review mostly YA and paranormal, some chick lit, and occasionally a biography or memoir. Courtney, the blogger, is a Texas-born BookJunkie with caffeine in her veins who reads to escape the mundane life of a finance professional. There's a lot of exciting stuff coming up in the future for Fuzzy.Coffee.Books so feel free to come check it out. And don't forget to enter in the Fuzzy.Coffee.Books 100 Followers Giveaway HERE for a chance to win one of five awesome books!

    AND NOW, THE REVIEW:

    I love Pretty Little Liars (here by known as PLL). I actually started watching the tv show before I read started reading the books. Now usually, I have an issue with movies or shows deviating from the books, but in this case, the show is so blatantly different from the books, it might as well be two different things. So it doesn't bother me so much. And I was completely satisfied with the ending of PLL Book 8 (Wanted). Needless to say, when I found out that author Sara Shepard was writing a 9th book (and 10th, 11th, and 12th) I was curious and excited about what had been going on with the Liars a year after the end of book 8. Summary from Goodreads: It’s been a year since the torturous notes from A stopped and the mystery of Alison DiLaurentis’s disappearance was finally put to rest. Now seniors in high school, Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily are older, but they’re not any wiser. The Pretty Little Liars have more secrets than ever - twisted secrets that could destroy the perfect lives they’ve worked so hard to rebuild.

    Aria’s jealous of her boyfriend’s new exchange student. Spencer’s getting a little too cozy with her soon-to-be-stepbrother. Hanna’s one scandalous photo away from ruining her dad’s Senate campaign. And Emily will do anything to get a swim scholarship.

    Worst of all: Last spring break in Jamaica, they did something unforgivable. The girls are desperate to forget that fateful night, but they should know better than anyone that all secrets wash ashore … eventually.


    This is kind of a fantastic summary, because if you haven't read books 1-8, it still doesn't give anything away! You could theoretically start here with book 9 without having read the others, and feel mostly caught up. (Though I'd still recommend reading PLL 1-8, it's almost like reading a tabloid!)

    What I liked: 1) I loved that it was one year after the mystery of A had been unraveled. 2) Our favorite Little Liars are at it again! Obviously the girls didn't learn from all the mistakes they'd made the year before when they were dealing with "A." That should be a bad thing, but it really just made me laugh. 3) There are more and more questions. That's really what has kept me hooked on the PLL storyline, that every time you turn around, there is another question that needs to be answered.

    What I didn't like: It's hard to say. I knew what to expect, so I liked it all!

    Overall thoughts: Like I said, I knew what I was getting into. Shallow, snobby, petty girls who don't learn their lessons and have a knack for getting themselves in serious trouble. But the PLL series is addicting, partially because of the characters, who are so unbelievable, yet so real at the same time. And partially because of the unending string of questions, twisting plot lines, and mysterious goingson. I know a lot of people were skeptical when Ms. Shepard decided to do a 4 book story arc that began the year after the whole "A" thing was over. But I'm glad she did! It's a quick and easy read that will keep you guessing through the whole book.

    My rating: 5 shots


    Details

    • Hardcover: 320 pages
    • Publisher: HarperTeen (July 5, 2011)
    • Language: English
    • ISBN-10: 0062081012
    • ISBN-13: 978-0062081018

    BOOK TRAILER TUESDAY: The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton







    I just finished this one last night.  Awesome read with an Oliver Twist flare, some Emma thrown in and of course, magic!

    Monday, August 8, 2011

    AND THE WINNER IS: Summer Giveaway Hop

    ASH at TYPING TIARA here

    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam).  The winner(s)  has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
    Thanks to all who entered.
    PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR THE EMAIL FROM BOOKHOUNDS @ HOTMAIL REQUESTING YOUR MAILING ADDRESS!

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