The Weekly Gimmick

This new element of the blog will give readers more of a chance to get involved!

Every Friday a new Great Gimmick will be announced. Anyone interested in taking part can submit an entry, via commenting, and the winner will be published on the site, receive a prize, etc.

This weeks Great Gimmick:
RANTING REVIEWER!

In honor of my "ranting review" of Born to Ride this weeks gimmick will give you a chance to give your own ranting review. If you've ever read a book that ticked you off or made you want to scream "WHAT WAS THE AUTHOR THINKING?!!!" then this is the chance for you to say what you think. Submit a review of a book of your choice and write your best Ranting Review of the book. The best rant will be posted on the blog for everyone to read.

The only rules for this gimmick is to include the title of the book and please, no curse words.

Get ready to rant!

Fantastic Fridays

Here are the highlights from my Fantastic Friday:

1. The new Warriors book, Outcast, was released on Tuesday
2. A new Warriors manga was ALSO released on Tuesday
3. The sequel to Nobody's Princess, titled Nobody's Prize, was ALSO released on Tuesday
4. Lock and Key, Sarah Dessen's new book, was ALSO released on Tuesday
5. I finally found Magic Study, the sequel to Poison Study, at Borders on Tuesday
6. I am adding a new element to the site: The Weekly Gimmick

With so many great books being released this was definitely a Fantastic Friday!!!

Born to Ride

Dr. Leslie Cummings' first shot at a novel, misses the mark entirely. The writing is choppy, characters one dimensional, and the plot is nonexistent. The first few paragraphs of the book immediately warn the reader to set the book down. The paragraphs are disorganized and the chapters are completely unrelated to each other. In addition the characters have no depth to them, lacking any descriptions, and there is no plot to the book what so ever. Cummings' writing is rushed at best. Reading Born to Ride is like reading a jumbled mess of sample paragraphs for a second rate ranching guide. The fact that this novel even made it to publishing is a miracle. I would be amazed to see another book hit the shelves and if it does I would not expect any bookstore to pick it up. Overall the best writing in the entire novel is the sham of a book description on the back.

This books is so insufferable that I was not even able to make it past the third chapter. My advice to readers who are looking for a good horse book, walk right past Born to Ride and pick up a Heartland or Chestnut Hill novel. Even though they are in the children's area you will find much better quality writing than anything you'll find in Born to Ride.

1 Stars!

P.S. The day someone can tell me what an in depth description of raising and breeding a herd of sheep has anything to do with a supposed horse novel is the day I'll pick up this book again.

Let's Hear From You

One of the great things about books is sharing them. One of the great things about having a blog for books is also sharing.
So with this in mind I am sending out a call for all those who read the blog to speak up:

• Share books: What are YOU reading? What are YOUR favorite books?
• Share comments: I love to hear feedback!
• Share ideas: Think of something great for the blog? Tell me!

Remember that this blog is not just for reading reviews it is also for sharing books and hearing from other readers like you. This blog is just as much mine as it is yours, so take advantage of that!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Wish You Were Here

Wish You Were Here is the account of sixteen year old Ariel (No, not like the mermaid) as she is dragged cross country on a road trip after a scandal separates her family. After leaving behind her somewhat boyfriend, Dylan, Ariel is less than pleased with the prospect of spending four weeks, trapped in a car with her recently divorced mother and overly mature sister. But staying in the car looks pretty good when she discovers that their car trip is actually a bus trip, with her mother's entire family. However being locked in a bus may be just what Ariel needs to find herself and face her father's betrayal.

Whether you're looking for a light poolside read or a novel with a bit more substance, everyone can take something away from this fantastic novel. With Clark's humorous style of writing and wonderful cast of characters it is hard not to be drawn in. The storyline is cleverly written, seeming nonexistent as readers delve into the laughs and romance of the novel, yet always there to maintain the reader's interest and flowing together beautifully. However it is Clark's light way of handling first love, family disfunction, life altering change, and teenage angst that truly makes this book a gem.

Ariel's journey of self discovery will take readers for a wild ride and leave them with a sense of understanding that other novels of the genre lack.

4 Stars!!!!

Fantastic Fridays

Not too much happened this week:

1. The 3rd instalment in the Specialists series was released on Thursday!!!!!!

2. The Heartland Special Edition: A Summer to Remember was released nearly a month early!!!!

3. The Heartland series was made into a TV show, in Canada, and you can watch episodes online!!!!!

Even though it was a slow week. It still was a Fantastic Friday.

Heartland: A Summer to Remember

This novel is a special editon in the Heartland series.

If it looks like something that would interest you let me know!

5 Stars!!!!!!

Blog Update

Hola everyone!
Right now the publishing world is releasing a high volume of new novels. With two new series installments last week, one this week, and FOUR next week I am up to my ears in great books!

However they are all series books which, while great for me, are really hard to review without giving anything away. So I will be implementing a new way of doing things:
I will still be posting the title and cover of the novel I am reading, but I will not be reviewing it. Instead I will be rating it. I WILL however review select novels that people show an interest in.

So if you see a book you like comment on the post where I rate the novel. (Nothing fancy just: Please Review, or Interested will work)

This will not only make it a wee bit easier for me, especialy with testing these next two weeks, but it also will make the blog more interactive and gives me a chance to see whose reading.

Thanks for your patience, and for reading,
Chick-Lit

P.S. There are a TON of new books coming out in May, all of which are single novels, so the blog will return to normal in May.

Secrets of my Hollywood Life

As Secrets of my Hollywood Life: Family Affairs is part of a serries I do not want to cheat anyone out of enjoying the books, and I'm in a crunch for time, so I am not going to be giving a review for the books. However I will be rating it.

If you'd like to know more on the novel, or serries, please leave a comment, and I would gladly post a review.

5+ Stars!

Friends Close, Enemies Closer

Since Friends Close, Enemies Closer is part of a series, which has not been reviewed, I felt that I would be cheating readers if I reviewed the novel. So instead of talking about the book and giving away clues to those who are still reading, or going to be reading, the other books in the series I will be giving a summary of the basic plot for the series and including my view on it.

In or Out is the story of two best friends, Nola and Marnie. When they begin their freshman year at Poughkeepsie Central High School Marnie is focused on one thing, becoming a Major just like her Homecoming Queen sister, Erin. However shy Nola just wants to make it through the first day without breaking into hives. Soon Marnie is swept away into the world of Majors, leaving Nola in the dust. Can their friendship survive in the high school halls?

The novel, as well as the other three in the series, will capture reader no matter their interests. This brutally honest look at what high school can do to girls, as well as friendship, will have girls seeing the "popular" girls in a new light, as well as put their priorities straight.

Every girl, whether transitioning into high school or already their, should read these books. We can all take something from Nola and Marnie's story.

5+ Stars!!!!!!

Fantastic Fridays

Welcome to a new section of the blog: Fantastic Fridays!

Every Friday I will be signing on for a special post where I'll blog about the highlights of the week and the goings on in the book world.

Here are some special Friday Favorites:

1. Barnes and Noble has FREE Shipping that guarantees your books will be there in 3 DAYS OR LESS!!!! I stumbled upon this jewel a few weeks ago when ordering the first books reviewed, Golden and Platinum! Though it said three I got the books in one day! Why pay nearly $20 at Amazon for one day shipping, or even $8 for 5-7 day shipping, when you can get the book shipped for FREE in 3 DAYS???!!!!!

2. The 4th, and maybe final, novel in the In or Out series was scheduled for release on March 25, but they announced the date would be moved out to May!!!! However when browsing B&N.com last weekend I found it was available exclusively online!!!!! The author didn't even know that!

3. Secrets of my Hollywood Life: Family Affairs, scheduled for release in May was also online!!!!!

4. Numbers 3 & 4 were not jokes they are really available online!!! The books I am holding in my hand are living proof that they are in fact being sold!!!

All in all this Friday was definitely a Fantastic Friday!!!!

P.S. If you are still a fan of waiting days and overpaying to have your books shipped both novels are also on Borders.com and Amazon.com

Poison Study

Poison Study is the tale of a young woman, orphaned and abused she killed one of her captors and is now faced with death. However the executioner offers her a chance to keep her life, but at what costs... Yelena is offered the chance to be the Commander's food taster. Even with the knowledge that her life may end at any moment Yelena takes the dangerous position. However with the father of her victim hunting for her head and a deadly group plotting an uprising, poison becomes the least of Yelena's worries.

Snyder's elegant writing and attention to detail hook the reader immediately. However it is Yelena's heart wrenching story, courage, and strength that will draw the reader in. The action, romance, suspense, and mystery create a fantastic novel that has a little something for everyone.

Though the length of the book may seem intimidating for some, I would strongly recommend that EVERYONE reads this novel because it is to good to pass up.

5 Stars!!!!

Side Note: Readers that enjoyed Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle Trilogy will find many similarities between the two. Whether it is the unlikely romance, strong heroine, dark setting, or the dangerous group that threatens the heroine this novel offers many of the same elements and that same enticing read.

Author Signing

Talk about good luck, when browsing the teen aisle at the local Barnes and Noble I discovered that it was local authors day! I met two newly published teen authors and was able to talk to them about their books, no waiting either. Born to Ride by. Dr Leslie Cummings caught my eye and I was able to get a copy personalized. Saturday certainly was a day of surprises!

I will keep my eyes peeled for anymore events in the area, check frequently to see if anything comes up. But always be on the look out, because great opportunities are always presenting themselves and you should take every chance you can get.

P.S. Look for the Born to Ride review coming soon

Keeping the Moon

Keeping the Moon by. Sarah Dessen follows fifteen-year-old Colie, a formerly obese teen, as she struggles to find herself. Colie's life has been a roller coaster from day one, between a teen mother and a new town every two months the only constants in her life were the teasing that followed her from school to school and the fifty pounds that shielded her from it all. But when Colie's mother, also obese, develops an aerobics exercise that becomes the new international workout craze, Colie's extra pounds and the constant moving disappear, leaving only the teasing and hurt. Soon Colie's mother is touring Europe for the summer and Colie, lost and rebeling against her mother, is forced to move in with her eccentric aunt for the summer. Little does she know that a whole new life awaits her in the small town of Colby.

Dessen has created a beautiful coming of age novel will captivate readers quickly. Her light and humorous way of tackling important issues keeps teens reading while still making a large impression in their lives. Those who have read Dessen's more recent novel, The Truth About Forever, will find many similarities between the two. But even if you have not, this story will lure you in all the same. With an eccentric group of characters, romantic subplot, and eclectic, funky setting this book is hard not to love.

It's important lessons, beautiful writing, and heartwarming storyline make this novel a must read for all teens.

3 Stars!!!!

What are you reading?

I'm adding a Readers Recommend list to the blog, we only need one thing... Books!!!

Find a book you love?

Let us know, shoot me a comment with the title and authors name, and I'll add it to the list.

Want to tell us about a book?

If you really love a book you can send in a review on the book, include Your Name, Title, Rating (1,2,3,4, or 5 stars), a Quick Summary (don't give to much away), and a Paragraph or two on what you thought about it. I will post the best reviews on the blog, and if yours isn't there don't sweat it, you will still be published in the comment section so others may read it.

Remember, reading is only half of what a book is. Books are meant to be shared so don't be shy let us know!

Platinum

In this witty companion novel to Golden, Barnes focuses on Lilah rather than Lissy. This time around Lilah finds that like Lissy, she too has a Sight, Retrovison- the ability to see the past. Now on top of keeping an ambitious Fuchsia at bay, she also has a ghostly stalker with a dark past that threatens the life of a fellow Golden. Lilah needs Lissy now more then ever.

Barnes combines her methodical style with a flare of wit and romance that will keep the pages turning. Unlike in Golden, Lilah's Sight experiences are easier to relate to and capture the readers attention much quicker. If the mystery doesn't hook you then the budding romance between the It girl and the bad boy ghost will, and when the climax comes everyone will find something satisfying. Barnes' brilliant combination of social drama, history, love, and loss makes it one of the most heart pounding and memorable climaxes.

Barnes proves that first impressions aren't always right, because this sequel is a hit. In fact it's so good it's Platinum!

5 Stars!!!