I have MOVED!

{review} Easy Canvas Prints

When I was contacted by Easy Canvas Prints, I was a little hesitant.  I haven't had the best luck with other canvas companies because I really do not like how the pictures wrap around the edges.  None of my pictures ever work unless I would want to buy the biggest size.  So I went to the site and started playing around, and instantly agreed to review the product.

The reason?  BORDER OPTIONS, people!  You can have image wrap, mirror wrap or colored border wrap!  I got to work and uploaded this super precious picture of my cousin G [doodle over face not included :)], chose myself a colored border wrap and was done within 5 minutes.

Friday when I got home from work, I had a package waiting for me.  I tore into that sucker so fast and was so happy when I saw the final product!  I really love the way my picture looks on the canvas and the colored border is really nice as well.  The canvas is very high quality and the prices are quite comparable to other sites.  It looks like Easy Canvas Prints is currently offering free shipping, which is always a great thing!  I will definitely be ordering some more canvases in the future.  They make great gifts!


Thank you Easy Canvas Prints for providing me with this canvas for review on my blog!


Original Post.

What I'm Reading Wednesday!

Thanks for the Memories by Cecelia Ahern

Original Post <-- new site

Sooo....

I've been gone for quite awhile now.  Anyways, I just decided that I really hate blogger and I find it to be a pain in the behind.  I'm working on transferring some stuff over to tumblr.  I'll keep this page, but will be posting from now on at tumblr.

If you care to join me, the site is lookatmybooks.tumblr.com.  It's a work in progress right now, but I should have it up and running soon!

The Hunger Games Poster

I'm so excited!  I might pee my pants.

May 15, 2011: French Leave

French Leave by Anna Gavalda

Simon, Garance and Lola flee a family wedding that promises to be dull to visit their younger brother, Vincent, who is working as a guide at a château in the heart of the charming Tours countryside. For a few hours, they forget about kids, spouses, work and the many demands adulthood makes upon them and lose themselves in a day of laughter, teasing, and memories. As simply and as spontaneously as the adventure began, it ends. All four return to their everyday lives, carrying with them the magic of their brief reunion. They are stronger now, and happier, for having rediscovered the ties that bind them. - from Europa


Before I get into my review, I have to apologize.  I took a little bit of a break from my blog.  I've been in such a reading rut, I just could not force myself to read many quality books.  I was tired and cranky, then I picked up this book.  This book was the perfect palette cleanser.  It was short, but it was not lacking in quality.  It cheered me up on this rainy day.


The biggest thing I took away from this book was the importance of a good sibling relationship.  I love how these siblings were written.  I only have one sister and we are very close, but I've always wondered about the family dynamics of multiple siblings.  I loved how close Gary, Lola, Simon and Vincent were, even when they had a long amount of time separating them.


I found myself laughing quite a bit throughout the book.  Even the last quote had me laughing.  I like a book that makes you laugh.  I love the part when Garance decides to skip over her conversation with Lola because it's in their shorthand.  So many of my conversations with my sister are like this.  We always joke that if someone stumbled into our conversations, they would think we were crazy.  Anna Gavalda wrote these siblings so realistic and so loving towards each other.


I loved how quickly I read this book because I was so caught up in the scenery.  I didn't even realize I was at the end.  I do wish that we could have seen Carine's reaction to being left at the wedding though.  That would have been hilarious!


If you are looking for quick, cozy book to read then check this one out.  Gavalda creates such a comforting and joyous atmosphere, it's hard not to get hooked.


*Europa provided this book to me for review on this blog.  

**Check out Europa's website, they have some excellent books coming out this fall...
I accidentally pre-ordered 4 of them.

March 2011 Books

The Mortal Instruments Series, Books 1-3 by Cassandra Clare

I can't believe that I haven't read these books yet.  I was working at the library, when one of the girls I work with showed me that we got them.  This is big news for our library since we are super-behind on YA.  She talked me into reading them and I really enjoyed them!  Then I found out there would be more books - yay!  I have to say that by the end of the 3rd book I was so relieved that Clary and Jace resolved their issues.  Before that, I was gagging...you'd have to read it to understand.

What's Up Down There?  by Rankin Lissa MD

Listen up ladies...read this book!  We all have feminine questions and this book answered any possible question you ever had, and even ones you have never imagined.  Not only is this book extremely educational, it's also hilarious!  I laughed out loud so many times.  Get this book!

Sugar and Spice by Lauren Conrad

The Mortal Instruments series is comprised of extremely thick books.  After the second one, I needed something light and fun to cleanse my palette.  It's been awhile since I read the other 2 books in the series, but this was easy to pick back up.  This light and fun book also offered closure for the series which left me feeling a little bit sad.


Beastly by Alex Flinn
This was a fun retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in modern day NYC.  It's a  quick book to read (which I always enjoy).  I really felt for Adrian (the "Beast") and really wanted him to get his happily ever after.  I just purchased another one of Alex Flinn's books and cannot wait to read it!  


Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
This book has received many rave reviews, but after I finished I was not raving.  In fact, parts of this book kind of made me angry.  First of all, I hated Sam's friends and even Sam herself.  The amount of drinking and driving in this book is horrifying, and it was something I couldn't look past.  Also, the bullying was awful and I really don't think the ending resolved that issue.  The ending really annoyed me as well.  What was the whole point?  I guess you could say the point was that Sam owned up to her mistakes and paid the price, but it still doesn't sit right with me.  Overall, I am disappointed with this book. 


By The Time You Read This I'll Be Dead by Julie Ann Peters 
This book was so heartbreaking.  To be bullied to such a point where you don't want to live anymore is a hard thing to read about.  It was made even more difficult by the fact that Daelyn couldn't communicate her thoughts and feelings with her family (not that she would).  I appreciated that the ending was kind of open.  We could assume that she killed herself, or she was starting her life over.  In my cheery world I hope she started over, however, I don't think there was enough of a change in her life that would make her want to stay.  


Fall for Anything by Courtney Summers  
I knew that Culler was up to no good, but I thought his betrayal would be worse!  Also, I wanted to slap Eddie for getting into a car with a virtual strange - kids these days!  It was kind of hard to figure out where the plot was going - was it going to be a mystery?  In the end it was a really sad book.  I was annoyed with the Beth character.  Could she not see that Eddie was obviously affected just as much as her mother?  Hello - her father just committed suicide and you want her to act like the adult?


Hate List by Jennifer Brown
This book was part of my huge library haul, and I saved it for last because the hardcover version is ugly.  I'm so shallow!  I'm glad I read it though because this book was amazing.  School shootings are a touchy subject, and this was beautifully written and I felt so bad for Valerie.  My mind is still kind of processing this book, but I think it was my favorite this month.  It was so amazing and makes me so thankful I'm not in high school anymore.

Book Review: My One and Only

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins


Divorce attorney Harper James can't catch a break. Bad enough that she runs into her ex-hubby, Nick, at her sister's destination wedding, but now, by a cruel twist of fate, she's being forced to make a cross-country road trip with him. And her almost-fiancé back at home is not likely to be sympathetic.
Harper can't help that Nick has come blazing back into her life in all of his frustratingly appealing, gorgeous architect glory. But in Nick's eyes, Harper's always been the one. If they can only get it right this time, forever might be waiting—just around the bend. -- from Amazon


I've never read anything by Kristan Higgins before, but I have to say that I'm quite eager to check out some more of her work.  I needed a nice romance because I had been reading some long-ish books and I needed something a little light to take the edge off.  This book fit the bill. 


Harper was a great character and I loved the way second chances were portrayed.  It's not a typical standpoint to give a second chance, but I really appreciated it in this setting.  If you love contemporary romantic fiction, then you will love this book, I can't wait to pick up some more by Miss Higgins for my summer reading!


*This book was provided by the publisher for review on this blog.

TLC Book Tours: The Map of True Places

The Map of True Places by Brunonia Barry

Psychotherapist Zee Finch is dealt a blow when one of her patients, a troubled bipolar housewife named Lilly, leaps off a bridge to her death. The tragedy brings up memories of Zee’s own mother’s suicide, prompting her to go see her father, Finch, in Salem. She is startled to find Finch’s Parkinson’s disease is much more advanced than she’d been led to believe, and that he has kicked his partner, Melville, out of the house. Zee decides to take a leave of absence from her practice to care for Finch, a move that puts a strain on her engagement to Michael, one of her mentor’s closest friends. As her relationship with Michael comes to an end, Zee tries to puzzle out what caused Finch to abruptly break up with his beloved Melville. She also tries to make sense of Lilly’s death, unaware that the dangerous man Lilly was involved with now wants to exact revenge on her. Like her hit debut, The Lace Reader (2008), Barry’s second novel features an involving, intricately woven story and vivid descriptions of historic Salem. --Kristine Huntley -- from Amazon* 

I read The Lace Reader quite awhile ago and at the time I remember enjoying it, but I kind of forgot about it.  I was excited to get the opportunity to read her second book.  


Like her previous novel, I felt that this book started out slowly for me but once it got going the twists and turns hooked me.  I love how Ms. Barry always incorporates a mystical theme in her books and I enjoy the background of Salem quite a bit.  I've always been intrigued by Salem, so I love to read about it.  I also love the characters she creates, they are so vivid in my mind when I'm reading.  

Another aspect of this book that interested me was Finch's Parkinson's disease.  I find books that address different medical conditions to be really interesting and also so heartbreaking because they make you think of a disease in a different way than you normally may have.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Barry's lovely way of writing and the intricate stories she weaves.

Brunonia Barry's website, blog, facebook, twitter. 


Thanks to TLC Book Tours for allowing me to host a stop on this tour. TLC provided the book for my review.  Check out this site to see the rest of the stops.


P.S. If the formatting is kind of funky, I apologize!  I cannot get Blogger to cooperate lately.

February Books

Hold Still by Nina LaCour (February 3, 2011)

Beautiful book.  Caitlin was such a great character to read about, I felt her sadness and then I felt her happiness and guilt for being happy.  I loved her tree house and really appreciated her parents.  They gave her space, and in the end it worked out for them all.  Great story.

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova (February 4, 2011)

This was a good book, though not as good as Still Alice.  I had a hard time imagining what it would be like to live with Left Neglect.  I couldn't imagine not seeing the left, but she wasn't blind her brain wasn't acknowledging left.  It was so strange to me to find out that this actually existed.  

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley (February 15, 2011)
I loved this book, though I hated her father.  Ugh, I wanted to slap him.  I loved the trip to China the most because her mother was free there.  Great book overall.

The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan (February 17, 2011)
I love this series and I appreciated that this was a companion to the first book.  We got into the story many years later with Mary's daughter Gabry and this book did not disappoint.  I'm thinking I will be purchasing these books because there is a third one coming out next month!


Trapped by Michael Northrop (February 18, 2011)
This book was chilling.  I heard about this book awhile back but didn't want to be reading about people being stranded in a blizzard when we were having our own blizzards daily.  Today, the weather decided to go up to 47 degrees (yesterday 54).  Even better, I could see the grass so I decided I could handle the story.  I couldn't imagine those kids handling the weather - 18 feet of snow, trapped in a school.  The only negative thing about this book is that it ended so quickly.  What happened?  We only really know about Scotty's immediate outcome, but what about everyone else.  I was so mad when I turned that last page!

TLC Book Tours: Walking With Elephants

Walking With Elephants by Karen S. Bell

Suze Hall is at a crossroads.  Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has been promoted and is now her boss.  Her husband, Bob, is leaving her and their three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under.  Meanwhile, Suze has to reunite with an old boyfriend in order to save her job and her best friend, Marcia, is missing in action--playing footsie with some new boyfriend instead of lending a sympathetic ear! 

Walking with Elephants, is a light-hearted slice-of-life story that explres the modern dichotomy of a workplace that is filled with homemakers who still must cook, clean, carpool, and still make time to "create" the holidays.  But it is also filled with women who have the same drive as men, have no family responsibilities, and will do what ever it takes to get ahead."  --Blurb from the cover

Let's just address the elephant in the room (pun intended).  The cover is awful.  If I were browsing through the bookstore, there is no way I would pick this book up.  Even the title doesn't seem to go with the book, I understand where it came from but I spent the first 9 chapters wondering why it was given that title.

I have two other nitpicks about this book (sorry for being such a negative Nancy tonight).  First of all, I felt it was unnecessary to describe every outfit that Wanda wore.  It really distracted me from the story being told and was kind of pointless after the first time.  Also, I really did not like the parts of the book when Suze GAVE US HER FEELINGS IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS.  That annoys me. 


Shall I get to the positive now?  This book was actually quite enjoyable.  It was easy to read and get immersed in Suze's life.  She had typical complaints of a working mother and I enjoyed reading about all of her different hats.  I have to say that I didn't like her husband Bob, even though he was gone for most of the book.  I think Ms. Bell did a great job of making Suze a character that women can relate to, and that is what made me like her.  I found myself rooting for Suze and wanted her to keep her job.  I was so upset in the end when it seemed that Wanda had won.  


My favorite scene of the book was an impromptu girls night in, complete with wine, yummy food, and plenty of gossip.  Also, I loved Elliott - Suze's fabulous co-worker.  Ms. Bell did a great job in fleshing the characters out and they seemed like real people to me.  Overall, I think this is a delightful debut novel from Karen Bell.


Thanks to TLC Book Tours for including me in this tour.  Go here to see the other stops for the Walking With Elephants TLC Book Tour.

*TLC Book Tours provided me a copy of this book for review on this blog as part of their book tours program.

January 2011

Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugton (January 1, 2011)
Great book to start off my year!  Also a great first book to read on my new Kindle :)  I like the idea of this story...how far would you go to protect your child?  It was a great story and I really admired Danielle for risking it all to protect her son.  However, I knew who the murderer was almost immediately.....it kind of disappointed me that I knew, but the reveal was fantastic.  I never would have imagined the reasons behind the killer.  Also, the ending?  Did that mean what I think it meant?  EEK!


Rescue by Anita Shreve (January 2, 2011)
This book was kind of a disappointment to me.  The flashbacks were good, but the present was not fleshed out.  I felt that we really didn't see Rowan's "downfall".  All I saw was a girl who got drunk twice....that's called being 17.  Yes, one of those times was horrible but I felt that Shreve could have given us a better build up to that event.  Not one of my favorites.


Goodbye, Friend:  Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet by 
Gary Kowalski (January 7, 2011)
Today was a hard day.  We had to put our 15 year old puppy, a member of our family, down.  Mooch Matilda was the best dog ever and it was such a heartbreaking week.  I was in such a depression all week thinking about today and haven't left my bed very much.  I knew I loved Mooch, she's been part of my life for more than half of it.  But when I knew we were going to lose her, the grief was staggering and unexpected.  It knocked me to my knees and this book really helped me to know that it isn't uncommon to feel this way.  RIP Mooch Matilda, I love you very much and I'll miss you so much.  "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."  - Anatole France


I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder (January 9, 2011)
Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder (January 9, 2011)
Far From You by Lisa Schroeder (January 9, 2011)
So clearly I've had a busy day reading Lisa Schroeder.  What can I say?  I was (am) depressed, and I needed to read depressing (yet somewhat uplifting stories).  The quickness of each book was an added bonus.  I loved these books and I have to say that Lisa Schroeder has found a new fan.                          


Leaving Home by Jodi Picoult (January 27, 2011)
I was so excited when Amazon started the Kindle Singles program.  The first story was really good, I thought the grief that they shared was so real.  The ending was strange though!  The middle story was a letter to her son as he went to college and I think it was my favorite.  It was all the advice that I wish I had gotten before going to college, and I actually I think I could use this advice now!  The last story was about a mother who took a vacation from her family, and I thought her struggles were very real.  Also, this was a nice way to tide me over until March when her new book is released.


These Things Hidden by Heather Gudenkauf (January 28, 2011)
Ms. Gudenkauf is becoming one of my favorite authors!  I loved her first book, The Weight of Silence, and I loved this book.  I had an idea of the three characters being connected in some way, but I was shocked at how it all turned out!  I don't want to give too much away, but when the truth came out I was truly shocked and kind of scared.  Gudenkauf does a great job of building suspense and then throwing you for a loop!  Great book.


Morning Glory by Diana Peterfreund (January 29, 2011)
Easy book to read, fun but nothing spectacular.  I haven't seen the movie, so I can't compare.  I will definitely see the movie though because I love Rachel McAdams.  


Faithful Place by Tana French (January 30, 2011)
This was a great mystery.  Tana French always hooks me, and I had no idea what was coming.  Sometimes I got a little lost in the "Dublin speak" but it didn't take away from the story.

TLC Book Tours: Lonely by Emily White

Lonely:  Learning to Live With Solitude by Emily White

Despite having a demanding job, good friends, and a supportive family, Emily White spent many of her evenings and weekends alone at home, trying to understand why she felt so completely disconnected from everyone. In this insightful and soul-baring memoir, White recounts her struggle to comprehend and overcome her chronic loneliness, a debilitating condition that she contends deserves the same attention as depression and other mental difficulties. Interweaving her personal story with cutting-edge scientific research—as well as incredibly moving accounts offered by numerous lonely men and women—White provides a deep and thorough portrait of this increasingly common but too often ignored affliction. -- from TLC Book Tours

I was excited to receive this book because I live my life very isolated.  I'm extremely introverted and I don't socialize at all, even in my work setting.  I thought reading about Ms. White's struggles would help me.  As I read this book, I realized that I'm not lonely.  I'm alone but not lonely and I think there is a huge difference between the two that many don't realize.  This has nothing to do with the book, but I felt I should kind of elaborate on why I was drawn to this book initially.

I found the premise of loneliness versus depression to be a fascinating subject, however, I found the actual reading material a little dry.  Don't get me wrong, Emily White researched the heck out of loneliness and her writing is quite good.  However, much of this book read like a text-book and I was expecting more of her personal experiences with loneliness (more memoir and less text-book).

My complaints aside, I see the merit in this book as I've never really thought about chronic loneliness.  It just never entered my mind.  Ms. White did a great job researching, I cannot deny that.  My personal reading style may be different from yours, and I don't do well with studies and research.  My mind goes blank but that is a personal thing and not at all the fault of Ms. White.  I would be more interested to read her personal story without the research.  I think an online forum oh her site or blog would be great too.  It would give others a chance to share their story, and that is something I would love to read!

Thank you to TLC Book Tours for providing this book to me as part of their program.  Check out Emily's website and her blog.  Here are the stops for the Lonely TLC Book Tour:

Tuesday, January 18, 2011:  The House of Seven Tails
Wednesday, January 19, 2011:  Sophisticated Dorkiness
Wednesday, January 26, 2011:  Silver & Grace
Friday, January 28, 2011:  BookNAround
Tuesday, February 1, 2011:  me!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011:  Lisa's Yarns
Monday, February 7, 2011:  Sara's Organized Chaos
Tuesday, February 8, 2011:  she reads and reads
Wednesday, February 9, 2011:  1330v
Thursday, February 10, 2011:  A Certain Bent Appeal

*TLC Book Tours provided a copy of this book for review on this blog as part of their TLC Book Tours Program.

Lisa Dale's Facebook Page!

Guest post from Lisa Dale

----------

Dear Readers,

I’ve started a Facebook page. And because I believe in being a good hostess, I’m giving away some great prizes to book-loving friends who come hang out with me!

Contest ends Feb 1. Win:

1. $50 Amazon Gift Card!

2. One signed copy of It Happened One Night

3. One signed copy of Simple Wishes

Here’s how to join the fun!

1. Join my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Dale/158780257466338 

2. Tell two of your friends about my new page (by posting a link to it on their walls or sending an email/message).

3. Send an email to Lee@AuthorSoundRelations.com  stating the names of the two people you shared my page with. Subject Line: Lisa Dale Contest!

That’s it!

(For those of you who aren’t on Facebook, don’t fret! Even if you're not on Facebook, you can still email two friends about my regular Web site (http://lisadalebooks.com/). That counts too!)

THE PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FEBRUARY 2 (so be sure to enter ASAP).

Sending you warmest wishes,

Lisa Dale

Slow Dancing on Price's Pier, Spring 2011

www.LisaDaleBooks.com

2010 Booking NY to NC Review

January 2010:

Dancer by Colum McCann:  At times I found this book to be difficult to read and tedious.  I feel like I owe it a re-read because I had a hard time getting through it and in theory, it sounds like the perfect book for me to read.

February 2010:

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah:   I loved this book about friendships, but I wish it came with a warning.  WARNING:  You will cry like a crazy person at the end of this book.  It would have saved me a bunch of embarrassment.  I am happy that I read this book because I am now a Kristin Hannah fan, and love her work!

March 2010:

House Rules by Jodi Picoult:  I loved the story, but didn't like the case studies that were placed throughout the book. I mostly skimmed them, until the final one. Am I the only one who did that? Overall, I think this was a good comeback for Jodi Picoult (I hated her last book) and I liked the topic of Asperger's syndrome. It was very enlightening.  I love that her books make me think about life in different ways.

April 2010:

Push by Sapphire:  This book was very difficult to read, at times I thought I was going to be sick because it was so graphic and upsetting. But what's even more upsetting is that this type of sexual abuse exists. Also, the writing style took a little bit to get used to because it was written in the way that Precious talks - that took some getting used to. I liked how after Precious started her education, the way she spoke made some subtle improvements - it was gradual and in then end, I was so proud of Precious.....and I cried like a baby! One person can make a difference in someone's life {like Miss Rain} and it may only take a simple act of kindness - I think that's really motivating.

May 2010:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett:  Immediately after I allowed myself to give it a chance, I was really hooked and was not at all let down by the hype!  I think this book will definitely be re-read by me at some point, because it was so well done.  They were very well developed characters and they each brought a different emotion to the story.  It's hard to imagine living in this time because it all seems so appalling.  I'm so grateful that most of us have changed our ways.

June 2010:  

The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb:  A book does not have to be long to be good.  I think he used way too many words to tell his story, and I think he should have focused mainly on the Columbine aspect.  If he would have focused his attention on the nitty-gritty details of PTSD I think this book would have been a real winner.  Otherwise, he just used too many words to tell this story.

July 2010:

MONTH OFF

August 2010:  

Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther:  I had no idea that it was an "old classic" {my mom told me that}.  It was a really sad book, but really quick to read.  Johnny was such an inspiration during the end of his life and it was so well written.  Great book!

September 2010:  

The Homecoming Party by Carmine Abate:  I love Europa Editions, and I loved this book.  It was a short book, but it wasn't short on content and quality.  It was a story of family and what happens when circumstances force them to be apart.  The effect that Marco's dad's absence had on their family was huge and it was interesting to see a family who was forced apart instead of a family who was broken.  I really related to Elisa at some moments during this book and I was definitely intrigued by this man she was dating and the effect it had on their family.  Great book!

October 2010:  

The Art of Losing by Rebecca Connell:  What a gorgeous book!  It was intense and romantic (if that makes sense).  There was a thriller vibe and I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what would be revealed, and luckily I was shocked at the little twist (also grossed out).  After I read the book, I felt like I should have seen the twist coming from a mile away...but I didn't.  I liked how the chapters jumped between Lydia in 2007 and Nicholas in the 80s and current.  Another good choice by Europa.  

November 2010:

Room by Emma Donoghue:  This book was so good, that I sat on my bed reading straight through and stayed up until midnight.  I planned to only read the first 50 pages, but I couldn't put it down.  The language between Jack and Ma in the Room was so interesting to read, as was the way they coped after getting out.  I would love to read a sequel to this book in a couple of years, just so I could check in with them.  Great book!


December 2011:
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery:  Couldn't get through it.