1 ARC Tour Review : When the Whistle Blows

Summary - Jimmy lives in Rowlesburg, West Virginia, during the 1940s. He does all the things boys do in the small mountain town: plays a mean game of football, pulls the unforgettable Halloween prank with his friends in “the Platoon,” and promises to head off into the woods on the first day of hunting season— no matter what. He also knows his father belongs to a secret society, and is determined to uncover the mysteries behind it! But it is a midnight encounter with a train that shows Jimmy the man his father really is.

Newcomer Fran Cannon Slayton’s powerful first novel captures the serendipity of boyhood by shining a spotlight on the peak adventures of Jimmy’s life. But at its heart, this is a story about a boy and his father in a time when trains reigned supreme.

(Taken from Goodreads)

Review - I am finding it hard to put my feelings for this book into words. I thought it was an a amazing book! One thing that I can point out that I absolutely adored was the way that the book was written. The story takes place in West Virginia many years ago and I am not sure if they still talk that way now but back then they had some improper language. And Im not talking about cursing, though I am sure they did that too, but it was just the way they talked. For instance they say dagburn a WHOLE lot through out the story and I loved it. I thought that it gave the story character. I also loved the characters in this story. Again it is hard to say why without giving away too much of the story but all the characters are amazing and have personalities that you see from a small town. (I would know I live in one :)) But back to the story, I thought it was an amazing coming-of-age story that any one would enjoy.

Cover - 4 stars

Plot - 3 stars

Characters - 5 stars

Writing - 5 stars

Ending - 5 stars

Have a been a horrible blogger lately??

Hey everyone I feel like I owe you all an explanation. I have noticed that I have only been posting my IMM posts and feel like I have been neglecting the blog and you all deserve to know why.

I have recently moved out of my parents house and its not as easy as many think it would be. I have been dealing with a lot of roommate drama lately and its making a lot of things difficult. Also I have no job at the moment and trying to find one is what is taking up most of my time.

If many of you dont already know this I participate in the 1 ARC Tours and not having a job has made that even harder. I currently have a few of the tours books and are unable to get them out to the next people right now, which is making me feel horrible.

I am moving again soon with my brother and his wife so that I can be within walking distance of a job. Right now the town that I am living in has NOTHING! I know that may seem hard but my town population is either 407 or 704 cant remember but either way its very small and there are really no job opportunities here.

I am hoping that this posts helps people to understand why the blog has been so empty lately. But as soon as I am done writing this post and updating my Goodreads and what not I am locking myself in my room and reading! There is nothing to distract me tonight and I am determined to finish one if not both of the books that I am reading.

I also want to give a big thanks to everyone out there that has been very supportive and told me that if I ever need someone to talk to they are there. You guys are all amazing!

♥ Jordan

Nicholas Sparks Challenge...?

Hey everyone,

So I have been thinking, Nicholas Sparks is freaking amazing but I have not read any of his novels.... I have seen all of the movies and I want to read his books so bad! I am thinking about making a challenge to read all of his books. The only thing is I dont know if such a challenge already exists.... If so can some one let me know.

Also let me know if you would be interested in participating. If I can get enough people that would be interested I think I might start it in a few months and let it run for about a year or so...

Anyways, if you have any thoughts on this, please let me know..

You can comment or you can send me an email at : jmoose09@gmail.com

In My Mailbox (26)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.


A Match Made in High School

When the principal announces that every senior must participate in a mandatory year-long Marriage Education program, Fiona Sheehan believes that her life can’t get any worse. Then she marries her “husband”: Jerky jock Todd, whose cheerleader girlfriend, Amanda, has had it in for Fiona since day one of second grade. Even worse? Amanda is paired with Fiona’s long-term crush, Gabe. At least Fiona is doing better than her best friend, Marcie, who is paired up with the very quiet, very mysterious Johnny Mercer. Pranks, fights, misunderstandings, and reconciliations ensue in an almost Shakespearean comedy of errors about mistaken first impressions, convoluted coupling, and hidden crushes.


The Mark

Cassandra Renfield has always seen the mark—a glow around certain people reminiscent of candlelight. But the one time she mentioned it, it was dismissed as a trick of the light. Until the day she watches a man awash in the mark die. After searching her memories, Cassie realizes she can see a person’s imminent death. Not how or where, only when: today.

Armed with a vague understanding of the light, Cassie begins to explore her “gift,” seeking those marked for death and probing the line between decision and destiny. Though she’s careful to hide her secret—even from her new philosophy-obsessed boyfriend—with each impending death comes the temptation to test fate. But so many questions remain. How does the mark work? Why is she the only one who sees it? And finally, the most important of all: If you know today is someone’s last, should you tell them?

Beautiful Dead

Something strange is happening in Ellerton High. Phoenix is the fourth teenager to die within a year. His street fight stabbing follows the deaths of Jonas, Summer andArizona in equally strange and sudden circumstances. Rumours 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 echo inside her head ! And then one dayPhoenix appears to Darina. Ecstatic to be reunited, he tells her about the Beautiful Dead. Souls in limbo, they have been chosen to return to the world to set right a wrong linked to their deaths and bring about justice. Beautiful, superhuman and powerful, they are marked by a 'death mark' -- a small tattoo of angel's wings.Phoenix tells her that the sound of invisible wings beating are the millions of souls in limbo, desperate to return to earth.Darina's mission is clear: she must help Jonas, Summer,Arizona, and impossibly, her belovedPhoenix, right the wrong linked to their deaths to set them free from limbo so that they can finally rest in peace. Will love conquer death? And if it does, can Darina set it free?

Merlin's Harp

Among the towering trees of magical Avalon, where humans dare not tread, lives Niviene, daughter of the Lady of the Lake and apprentice to Merlin the mage. Her people, the Fey, are folk of the wood and avoid the violence and avarice of man. But the strife of King Arthur's realm threatens even Avalon's peace, and Merlin needs his apprentice to thwart the chaos devouring Camelot. And so Niviene must use her special talents to help save a kingdom and discover the treachery of men and the beauty of love. A mystical love story, now back in print, sure to become a modern teen classic.

In My Mailbox (25)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.



This week I only got three books for review but I have to tell you that I screamed when I opened all of them.. I have decided not to post the descriptions this week so if you would like to know what these books are about I will link them to Goodreads below. Leave me a comment and let me know what you got :)

Tangled - Carolyn Mackler
Possessed - Kate Cann
Princess for Hire - Lindsey Leavitt

In My Mailbox (24)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

For Review :

Summary - Jill Jekel has always obeyed her parents’ rules – especially the one about never opening the mysterious, old box in her father’s office. But when her dad is murdered, and her college savings disappear, she's tempted to peek inside, as the contents might be key to a lucrative chemistry scholarship.

To better her odds, Jill enlists the help of gorgeous, brooding Tristen Hyde, who has his own dark secrets locked away. As the team of Jekel and Hyde, they recreate experiments based on the classic novel, hoping not only to win a prize, but to save Tristen’s sanity. Maybe his life. But Jill’s accidental taste of a formula unleashes her darkest nature and compels her to risk everything – even Tristen’s love – just for the thrill of being… bad.


Summary - In a time of kings, queens, and conspiracy, it's impossible to know whom one can trust. . . .

In a kingdom far away and long ago, it was prophesied at her birth that the queen would die before her sixteenth birthday. So Shadow, an orphan girl the same age as the young queen, was given the duty to watch her every move. And as prophesies do tend to come true, the queen is poisoned days before her birthday. When the castle is thrown into chaos, Shadow escapes with a young knight, whom she believes was betrothed to the queen.

Unsure of why she is following Sir Kenway, but determined to escape as far as possible from the castle, her long-time prison, Shadow sets off on an adventure with the handsome knight who has been charged with protecting her. As mystery builds, and romantic tension does, too, Shadow begins to wonder what her role in the kingdom truly is. Soon, she learns, it is up to her to save her land.

Jenny Moss's novel is a lyrical, fast-paced adventure filled with mystery, magic, honor, and romance that will lead readers on an incredible journey.

For 1 ARC Tours :

Summary - I am unable to find a summary right now, I will post the description from the book cover later on...









Swag:

Review : Faketastic - Alexa Young

Summary -

From besties to worsties and back again . . .

Team Avalon:

For Avalon, staying on top of trends has never been a problem—until her fellow cheerleaders decide that her BFF Halley is definitely out this season. Now Avalon must choose between the frenemy who embarrassed her in front of everyone or the new friends who stood by her.

vs.

Team Halley:

Halley thinks she's got it all: her forever-friend Avalon, her new bestie Sofee, and the hottest fall wardrobe at Seaview Middle School. Her life is a total YES. But when Sofee spies Avalon flirting with Halley's crush, will it be World War Halvalon all over again?

Review - Faketastic was a great sequal to Young's first novel "Frenemies". It was another cute and "fluffy" novel. I would have to say that there was more drama in this one than the last but I liked it. I felt there were more things that girls could also relate to in this novel.

The plot I thought wasnt all too unique but I still liked it.. I knew what was coming and for once I liked that. I didnt want to be kept in suspense, though there some things that I honestly can say I didnt see coming.

If anyone has read the first one and enjoyed it I would recommend reading this one too. Although some have said that you can read this without the first I wouldnt recommend it.

Cover - 3 stars

Plot - 3 stars

Characters - 4 stars

Writing - 4 stars

Ending - 4 stars

BLoggeista Update #1

Hey guys this is my first bloggeista update.. I haven't gotten to do anything yet but I do have a list of the things that I would like to get done, and I thought that once they were done I could mark them off :P

1. Work on Author Interviews
2. Template Posts
3. Write a Review Policy
4. Write a Privacy Policy
5. Anything else that I can think of....
   

Bloggiesta

Some of you may be asking what is Bloggiesta? In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Break out the nachos, enchiladas, drinks, mariachi music and whack a pinata or two!

What to do during the Bloggiesta?

• Write reviews.
• Write backup posts for a rainy day.
• Write that great post idea from three months back.
• Work on series posts.
• Write guest posts.
• Put out invitations for guest posts.
• Conduct and edit author interviews.
• Create template posts for your future reads (ie: title, images, linking, tags, etc,) so you can open up, write review and post without being bogged down with technicalities
• Clean up your tags, archives, books reviewed list, etc.
• Create a text file (or Google Doc) of cheat sheets (html codes, post url’s, etc)
• Improve your blog template, clean up sidebars, add a favicon, install those plugins that you’ve been meaning to do.
• Add or edit your about me page, review policy, disclosure policy, privacy policy, create landing pages (for example – an about me for Twitter readers page) or any other pages you might have.
• Any bloggy type housekeeping that you’ve been neglecting.
• Clean up and update your challenge lists. Link up your posts with hosts.
• Make sure all of your social network profiles are up to date. Brand yourself through those profiles with color scheme, images, etc.
• Go get a gravatar.
• Visit the Blogging Tips group on the Book Blogs Ning and find ways to improve your blog.
• Work on any specialized projects that you may have going.
• Clean out and organize your feed reader and blog subscriptions.
• Create an elevator pitch.
• Make business cards.
• Find a blogging buddy.
• The sky’s the limit!

How to play:

1. The date is Friday, January 8th, Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th. You can really start whenever you want within that time but official hours are 8am to 8am (wherever you are). That is a total of 76 hours, of which you should aim high for a total of 18-24 hours spent on the challenge. (I chose both a weekday and a weekend to hopefully accommodate different needs. The hours spent on the challenge do NOT need to be in a row. Use the entire 76 hour time frame and see what you can do with it. (I say aim for 24 hours but really if you can only do six, twelve or eighteen that’s fine too. I just like to have something to aim for.)
2. It’s your call as to how much you want to put into it. But you have to put something into it or it’s not a challenge. So stay up all night or sleep and take care of kids when you need to.
3. When you start the challenge, come to this blog and to the “starting line” post and link to your specific post about beginning the challenge which is posted on your blog. That way I’ll be able to track participants and know who’s really at the party.
4. How many updates (if any) you want to do is up to you. Make it work for you. Personally, I plan on making a to do list and then crossing off items as I accomplish them. There will be bloggers hosting mini-challenges as well. These are great to learn new information. To get an idea of the mini-challenges last time, check out the list.
5. If you are on Twitter, use the hashtag #bloggiesta to join the chatter.
6. Your final summary post needs to be posted no later than Monday, January 11th. Come back to the finish line and link to your specific summary post. Your summary should include the number of hours spent on the challenge, what you accomplished, links to mini-challenge hosts if you completed them and any other experiences you’d like to add.
7. Sign the Mr. Linky now if you intend to join the challenge. I’d like to get an idea of how many people will be participating. If you blog about the challenge, point them to this post. I’ll have a starting line post on Friday to sign in when you begin the challenge. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you’ll be notified of future bloggiesta posts.

I am going to try and put as much time into this as I can. I have so many things that I would like to get done and am hoping that I can. I will make a post later tonight for the things that I am planning on doing.

In My Mailbox (23)

In My Mailbox was started by Kristi over at The Story Siren! In My Mailbox is a way to share the books you received each week.

This week I only got two books for review.

Review - Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side - Beth Fantaskey

The undead can really screw up your senior year . . .

Marrying a vampire definitely doesn’t fit into Jessica Packwood’s senior year “get-a-life” plan. But then a bizarre (and incredibly hot) new exchange student named Lucius Vladescu shows up, claiming that Jessica is a Romanian vampire princess by birth—and he’s her long-lost fiancé. Armed with newfound confidence and a copy of Growing Up Undead: A Teen Vampire’s Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions, Jessica makes a dramatic transition from average American teenager to glam European vampire princess. But when a devious cheerleader sets her sights on Lucius, Jess finds herself fighting to win back her wayward prince, stop a global vampire war—and save Lucius’s soul from eternal destruction



Chasing Brooklyn - Lisa Shroeder

Restless souls and empty hearts.

Brooklyn can’t sleep. Her boyfriend, Lucca died a year ago, and now their friend Gabe has died of an overdose. Every time she closes her eyes, Gabe's ghost is there, waiting for her. She has no idea what he wants or why it isn't Lucca chasing her through her dreams.

Nico can’t stop. He’s always running, trying so hard not to feel the pain of missing Lucca. But when he begins receiving messages from his dead brother, telling him to help Brooklyn, emotions come crashing to the surface.

As the nightmares escalate and the messages become relentless, Nico reaches out to Brooklyn. But neither of them can admit that they're being haunted. Until they learn to let each other in, not one soul will be able to rest.

Descriptions taken from Goodreads

2010 2nd in a Series Challenge

And yet again here is another challenge that I am partaking in. I did not do this one last year though I wanted to.





Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious – Read 3 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

Again I am shooting for Addicted but if I get over that, I would be very happy.

Reviews
1. Faketastic - Alexa Young

2010 1st in a Series Challenge

Here is yet another challenge that I will be participating in. It is being hosted by a new person this year. If you would like to join head on over here and sign up.

Challenge Guidelines:
1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate.
--Non-Bloggers: Include your information in the comment section.

2. There are four levels:

-- Curious– Read 3 novels that are first in a series.

-- Fascinated – Read 6 novels that are first in a series.

-- Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series.

-- Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series.

3. Any genre counts.

4. You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you.

5. Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010.

I think I am going to shoot for addicted but if I make it to obsessed that would be even better.

1. Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins

2. The Ghost and The Goth - Stacey Kade

3. Firelight - Sophie Jordan

Well guys I didnt make it to the one that I wanted. This year wasnt too great and I only made it to curious. I dont think I'll be participating again this year but maybe in 2012!

2010 A to Z Challenge

This is another challenge that I have decided to participate in this year. It is being hosted by Becky from Becky's Book Review. Its pretty self explanatory though, you read a book that either the title or the authors name starts with the letter.


If you would like to sign up head on over here and sign up.

I dont have a specific list for this one but here is the alphabet ;p

A- Along for the Ride - Sara Dessen
B-
C-Chasing Brooklyn - Lisa Shroeder
D-
E-
F- Faketastic - Alexa Young
G- Ghost and the Goth - Stacey Kade
H- Hex Hall - Rachel Hawkins
I-
J-Jill Connor Brown - Sweet Potato Queens Book of Love
K-
L-
M-
N-
O-
P-
Q-
R-
S-Sophie Jordan - Firelight
T- Troubadour - Mary Hoffman
U-
V-
W- When the Whistle Blows - Fran Cannon Slayton
X-
Y-
Z-

2010 Debut Author Challenge

This year I decided to participate in the 2010 Debut Author Challenge. This is my first year participating and I am very excited. There are many titles that are coming this year that I cannot wait for. If you are unfamiliar with the upcoming titles you can find them on Goodreads here.


Are you interested in participating? Well head on over here where the lovely Story Siren is hosting the Challenge. She has an information post about the challenge and also a sign up post. (Both I have linked)

I am unsure of which books I will be reading but these are some of the ones that I am hoping to read. This list is subject to changes.

1. Restoring Harmony by Joëlle Anthony
2. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken
3. Forget-Her-Nots by Amy Brecount White
4. Wish by Alexandra Bullen
5. The Rise of Renegade X by Chelsea Campbell
6. The Cinderella Society by Kay Cassidy
7. Nevermore by Kelly Creagh
8. Nightshade by Andrea Cremer
9. Tell Me A Secret by Holly Cupala
10. Mistwood by Leah Cypess
11. 13 to Life by Shannon Delaney
12. The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
13. Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
14. The Lonely Hearts Club by Elizabeth Eulberg
15. Faithful by Janet Fox
16. Everlasting by Angie Frazier
17. The Line by Teri Hall
18. Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins
19. Guardian of the Dead by Karen Healey
20. Shadow Hills by Anastasia Hopcus
21. A Love Story: Starring My Dead Best Friend by Emily Horner
22. The Secret Year by Jennifer Hubbard
23. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
24. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
25. The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade
26. Iron King by Julie Kagawa
27. Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly
28. The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
29. Other by Karen Kincy
30. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
31. The Witch's Alphabet by Caitlin Kittredge
32. Sea by Heidi R. Kling
33. Princess for Hire by Lindsey Leavitt
34. The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride
35. The Mark by Jen Nadol
36. Firespell by Chloe Neill
37. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
38. Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson
39. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
40. Dirty Little Secrets by Cynthia Jaynes Omololu
41. The False Princess by Eilis O'Neal
42. Anna and the Boy Masterpiece by Stephanie Perkins
43. Tagged by Mara Purnhagen
44. The Prophecy of Days by Christy Raedeke
45. Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves
46. A Blue So Dark by Holly Schindler
47. Freefall by Mindi Scott
48. The Beautiful Between by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
49. Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready
50. Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn
51. A Match Made in High School by Kristin Walker
52. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
53. The Naughty List by Suzanne Young

There are quite a few titles on this list, and I am not sure if I will read all of them, but these are the ones that I would like to read.