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For Love and Books
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What the…?! {Scheduling Blog Posts}

May 19th, 2012 by loveandbooks

How often do you come across a news article, a tweet or a blog entry and say “What the heck?!” I do it all the time, and so I started “What The…?!”  a new feature here at For Love and Books – basically just a catch-all for my Bookish Thoughts – be they current events or general topics.

Today’s Topic? Scheduling Blog Posts

One thing I am always trying to get a routine of is scheduling posts. I know that a lot of other bloggers schedule pretty far in advance – months even! But for me, I’m lucky if I can get 3 or 4 days in advance! (Right now? As I write this – I am nearly five days ahead of schedule! But my husband will be home from Friday – Tuesday, so my internet time will be limited!)

Often, I find myself writing the post the night before, hitting “schedule” for just a few hours ahead. I wish I was organized enough to schedule posts weeks in advance, it would certainly leave more time for commenting, reading other blogs. But for me? It just doesn’t work out that way.

A few weeks ago, I talked about organizing and planning – which I do pretty good with. But I just can’t seem to plan far enough in advance to schedule my posts. So instead, I keep a running file of reviews that I’ve written (as soon as I finish the book, often) in Evernote.

How far in advance do you Schedule Posts? What are some of your tips and tricks about scheduling?

TGIF / Follow Friday

May 17th, 2012 by loveandbooks

Brought to you by the lovely Ginger @ GReads

Friday, May 18th - A Book Blogger is Born: What made you decide to start your very own book blog?

I have told this story a thousand times, and she probably thinks I’m a crazed fan-girl/stalker for telling it yet again :lol:

Last July I was anxiously awaiting the release of  ”Only Mine” by Susan Mallery – It was about 10pm and I was planning to stay up until I could download my pre-ordered copy on my Nook. I saw a tweet from Susan herself, it linked to a review of her book and at this point I thought only magazines and newspapers got their hands on early copies – so I clicked the link to see what it said! Lo and behold, it was Jess @ Gone With The Words  (Her Review of Only Mine) and I was in awe. I mean, this real person had a blog about books? And she got early copies? Ok; I didn’t think I’d ever get early copies, but I’d love to just have an outlet to gush about my favorite books!

So I spent HOURS reading her blog, then I read some of the blogs she linked too. I was hooked. (And yes, I realize I was a bit of a stalker!) I decided right then that I’d start a blog – and reading my early reviews? *eek* I wish I’d have waited! *lol* I really have come a long ways, and there are so many things I’d do differently.

But now, almost a year later? Jess is still one of my favorite blogs, I check her site out daily and I know if she posts a book she enjoyed? I’ll probably love it .

Hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read, as a great way to find new book blogs!

Q: Summer Break is upon us! What would be the perfect vacation spot for you to catch up on your reading & relax?

Ooo! This is such an easy answer!

5 years ago, my Father In Law took my husband and I on a fishing trip – up to Maynard Lake in Ontario, Canada. It was the most fantastic week in my life – it’s this beautiful fishing resort that is so secluded you have to fly in on a float plane!

The landscape is gorgeous, the resort only has a few cabins so you’re limited to your group and one or two other groups of similar size. (There were 4 of us that year in our group…)  The days are spent on the water fishing (or in my case? Reading!!) and drinking beer. Lunch every day is a fresh caught shore lunch – it’s TO DIE FOR!!!

Evenings are the most fantastic meals you’ve ever had in your life (Duck L’Orange, Rack of Lamb, etc, etc, etc) and then the evenings are spent relaxing with gorgeous views! (In our case, playing Scrabble and Reading!)

So if I were to take “The Perfect” reading vacation? I’d go back there, with a huge stack of books, several cases of beer and my fishing pole!

Fishing with my Father in Law

Fishing with my Father in Law (This was my little catch of the day!)

 

 

 

Review: The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks

May 17th, 2012 by loveandbooks

The Girl in the ParkTitle:  The Girl in the Park 
Author:  Mariah Fredericks
Format:  eBook
Genre:  Thriller  YA
Source:  NetGalley
Published:  April 24th 2012 by Random House Children’s Books
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ 1/2

From Goodreads.com

When Wendy Geller’s body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream,”Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled.” But shy Rain, once Wendy’s best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just “party girl.” As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder. Written in a voice at once immediate, riveting, and utterly convincing, Mariah Frederick’s mystery brilliantly exposes the cracks in this exclusive New York City world and the teenagers that move within it

One evening while lurking on NetGalley,  I saw the cover for The Girl in the Park caught my eye – it was so eerie that I needed to know more about this book. I lurked around and saw a few reviews on Goodreads comparing it to Nancy Drew and that really got me curious, besides I was on a huge Stephen King kick. So I requested, and was thrilled when I could download this book.

One thing I really liked about Mariah Fredricks writing was how realistic it was – not that I’ve experienced a murder mystery – but that the characters were very real. I didn’t absolutely love everyone in the book, which was great because that’s how life works. There are people that scratch at you, that you would suspect in a case like this. And they all felt very real, likable or not.

Not only are the characters real, but the experience of death in the teenage crowd was very real to me – Alive? Wendy wasn’t necessarily liked by everyone, but in death all of a sudden the student population was covered in grief. It brought me back to my high school days when a friend passed away. All of a sudden, everyone was heartbroken, even if they’d never really met him. This was much that way, and as frustrating as it was to read? It was real. And I like books that are real.

The Girl in the Park is a great, quick read. I was impressed by the lack of predictability and the realism. I recommend it to anyone looking for a good YA thriller.

 

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Review: Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men by Molly Harper

May 16th, 2012 by loveandbooks

Nice Girls Don't Date Dead Men (Jane Jameson, #2) Title:  Nice Girls Don’t Date Dead Men (Jane Jameson, #2) 
Author:  Molly Harper
Format:  Audiobook
Genre:  Paranormal Romance
Source:  Audible.com (Personal Purchase)
Published:  August 25th 2009 by Pocket Star
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

From Goodreads.com

Following Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs, the second in a hilarious, smart, sexy romantic series about an out-of-work librarian who is turned into a vampire.
With her best friend Zeb’s Titanic-themed wedding looming ahead, new vampire Jane Jameson struggles to develop her budding relationship with her enigmatic sire, Gabriel. It seems unfair that she’s expected to master undead dating while dealing with a groom heading for a nuptial nervous breakdown, his hostile werewolf in-laws, and the ugliest bridesmaid dress in the history of marriage. Meanwhile, the passing of Jane’s future step-grandpa puts Grandma Ruthie back on the market. Her new fiancÉ, Wilbur, has his own history of suspiciously dead spouses, and he may or may not have died ten years ago. Half-Moon Hollow’s own Black Widow has finally met her match. Should Jane warn her grandmother of Wilbur’s marital habits or let things run their course? Will Jane always be an undead bridesmaid, never the undead bride? Combining Mary Janice Davidson’s sass and the charm of Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse novels, this is an incredibly satisfying read for fans of paranormal romantic comedy

Molly Harper has quickly became one of my favorite authors, I can’t seem to get enough of her books! The second book in her Jane Jameson book is no exception.

Our favorite dead librarian is back, along with her beloved undead boyfriend and my personal favorite, Dick Chaney! The bulk of this book focuses on the wedding of Janes best friend, Zeb to the Warewolf Jolene.
While I have to admit, this book wasn’t as hilarious as its predecessor (Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs) it was still great! I loved getting to know the other townspeople as well. I also loved the friction between Jane and her family. Her sister, Jenny, is irritating. Her grandmother slightly less so. But it was fun to watch their story unfold.
There was one aspect of this one I didn’t care for, James high school crush shows up and is suddenly interested. I had no use for this plot line and didn’t feel like it added to the story. BUT, I loved where her relationship with Gabriel goes :-)
I would recommend the Jane Jameson series to fans of Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series.

 

Check out some of these reviews:
Peace Love Books
That’s What She Read
My Bookish Ways

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Top Ten Authors Who Deserve TV Shows / Teaser Tuesday

May 14th, 2012 by loveandbooks

Brought to you by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Five Authors Who Deserve Their Own TV Show

1. Joanne Fluke – She totally needs a cooking show! Every single recipe I’ve tried from her books? DELICIOUS!

2. Susan Mallery – Simply because she’s a reality junkie (at least according to her tweets!) I’d love to see her co-host The Bachelor or Project Runway!!

3. Stephen King – I see this as more of an Alfred Hitchcock type show – rather than just a show about him.

4. Stephanie Perkins – I’d love a “Style” show from her!! *lol* I’d totally take all of her style tips :)

5. Beth Revis – I would love to see a talk-show with Beth and Stephanie Perkins hosting!

 

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!(Just remember, NO SPOILERS!!)

In Honor by Jessi KirbyHe smiled so big, his eyes closed, then pushed himself back up and raised his beer. “So, To girls from Texas, who wear boots with dresses.” Nobody else heard the toast, but I clinked my bottle with his and took a sip, surprised at how good it felt to be juat a girl in a dress, instead of one wrapped up tight in grief.

― In Honor 
by Jessi Kirby

(Check out my review for In Honor, posted yesterday!)

Review: In Honor by Jessi Kirby

May 14th, 2012 by loveandbooks

In HonorTitle:  In Honor 
Author:  Jessi Kirby
Format:  Kindle
Genre:  Contemporary YA
Source:  Personal Copy
Published:  May 8th 2012 by Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers
My Rating: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

From Goodreads.com

Hours after her brother’s military funeral, Honor opens the last letter Finn ever sent. In her grief, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously decides to go to California to fulfill it.

Honor gets as far as the driveway before running into Rusty, Finn’s best friend since third grade and his polar opposite. She hasn’t seen Rusty in ages, but it’s obvious he is as arrogant and stubborn as ever—not to mention drop-dead gorgeous. Despite Honor’s better judgment, the two set off together on a voyage from Texas to California. Along the way, they find small and sometimes surprising ways to ease their shared loss and honor Finn’s memory—but when shocking truths are revealed at the end of the road, will either of them be able to cope with the consequences?

 

In Honor by Jessi Kirby has made me regret (nearly) all the five star reviews I’ve given out in the past. It’s made me feel like I can’t do this one justice, and rethink the way I rate books in the future. It was that good. That amazing. I can easily say it’s earned a spot in my top ten books, and possibly into the coveted top five list!

This book first popped on my radar way back last October when Ginger (G Reads!) posted it on a Waiting on Wednesday post. The cover was gorgeous, the synopsis sounded right up my alley. I had to read this! I anxiously waited and on release day? I woke up early to download my pre-ordered copy on my kindle! Then, due to life? I was slow to read it, I  couldn’t get more than a chapter done before someone needed me to do something! And it was so frustrating, because this book is so wonderful it could easily be read in an evening.

Honor and Rusty are about as perfect as two characters can get, and their story was so real, raw and emotional. Yet it was wrapped up with a pretty little bow, it was so beautiful. And I know it’s been said a thousand times before, but all I picture when I see Rusty is Tim Riggins. I’m not sure if that’s what she planned? But it’s what I saw – and I love her all the more for it. And the secondary characters? Holy cow – this book is full of some amazing people! Rusty’s Mom? She’s absolutely fantastic! (And her boyfriend, Bru, too!!)

In Honor is the perfect Road Trip book. It’s full of fun, adventure and heart break. With a few wonderful laughs sprinkled in at the right places. Really, this book is like a cupcake. A cupcake with yummy Tim Riggins shaped sprinkles!

Jessi Kirby’s writing is phenomenal. She cuts to the chase, and thrusts you into the characters heads and hearts so quickly that you’ll forget anything else. In Honor was absolutely a perfect escape, and I look forward to reading more from her.

Check out some of these reviews:
Young Adult Anonymous
Clear Eyes, Full Shelves
Fiction Folio
G Reads Books
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Outlander Read-A-Long

May 13th, 2012 by loveandbooks

I very rarely have any desire to participate in read-a-long’s. I like to read at my own pace, straight through if I’d like or put it down for any amount of time. Especially with a book like Outlander – which I read the first time VERY slowly. (I did listen to the audio a LOT faster for a re-read though, I must admit.)

But I hold a very special place in my heart for Jamie and Claire. There is something about their story that is so absolutely captivating – these books are unputdownable! And I’d love to revisit their original story before I pick up the rest of the series again! So why not participate in the read-a-long that Jess at Gone with the Words is co-hosting?

The Read-a-long starts June 11, and her intro post has the schedule of reading discussions, so be sure to check it out!

Clockwork Rewinders {2}

May 12th, 2012 by loveandbooks

I’m still in a transition phase, trying out some new features for Sunday! I really like the Clockword Rewinders meme from On a Book Bender and 25 Hour Books.

This Week at For Love and Books

Clock Rewinders (1)
Review: What a Boy Wants by Nyrae Dawn

Top Ten Book Quotes / Teaser Tuesday
Bout of Books 4.0 Goals
Waiting on Wednesday {Someday Dancer}
Review: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
TGIF / Follow Friday
Mobile Blogging Apps

 

For Love and Books News

I want to wish any Mom’s reading my blog a Happy Mother’s Day!! I hope your kids/spouse/significant other/family is treating you wonderfully today! I am spending the day with my munchkin, but don’t have any real special plans! (Hubby is on the road, family is busy – so it’s just the two of us for most of the day!)

I’m participating in Bout of Books, so I’m going to attempt 5 books this week! Although since I posted my goals? I’ve realized I’ll probably be a bit more busy than anticipated, so I’d be satisfied with only 3.

Around the Blog-O-Sphere

Parajunkee is doing a Fifty Shades of Grey read-along. I’ve somehow managed to avoid reading this one, but she actually has me interested!

Literary Exploration had a great review of Meg Cabot’s Underworld - which has me dying for a copy! (I still need to read Abandon, maybe I’ll finally get to it this week!)

My very good friend Lis graduated from ODU this past week!! (Not exactly bookish – but I wanted to give her a shout out, she deserves it!)

Search Terms

werewolf truck scene naked no condom – I can only guess you hit my review of one of Molly Harper’s Naked Warewolf books, but if you were looking for something else? Well, I hope you found whatever it was…

origami champion 2007 uk – I do make a mean “Fortune Teller”, but my origami ends there. So sadly? I am no champion.

come back to me and forgive everything  - Oh sweetheart, he is so not worth it.

summer of pregnancy – My daughter is a late June baby, and it sucked! If I get pregnant again? I really hope it’s a winter baby!

Bookish Goodies

I only got one book this week – In Honor by Jessi Kirby.  (Check back tomorrow for my review! And Tuesday for a Teaser!!)

What the…?! {Mobile Blogging Apps}

May 12th, 2012 by loveandbooks

How often do you come across a news article, a tweet or a blog entry and say “What the heck?!” I do it all the time, and so I started “What The…?!”  a new feature here at For Love and Books – basically just a catch-all for my Bookish Thoughts – be they current events or general topics.

Today’s Topic? Mobile Blogging Apps

**This post is great for blogs of any style, genre and topic! Not just for the bookish community!**

Mobile Blogging

I love my blog, and I love spending time writing my posts and responding to comments. But, I also have a 3 year old who loves to play outside in our backyard or at the local indoor playground, both places that I don’t really play with her – yet it’s not really logical to have my laptop with me. So I find ways to blog from my mobile devices! I thought today that I’d share some of my favorite Apps with you!

 

  • Blogging Apps: WordPress and Blogger both have their own apps, for iPhone and Android. These are pretty basic, although the WordPress app definitely has more functionality as far as the dashboard goes! Blogpress is another great app – it syncs with all the major blogging platforms (Blogger, WordPress, Livejournal, Typepad, etc) and has a relatively simple learning curve. Of the three main “Blogging” apps? I would definitely recommend Blogpress.
  • Evernote: If there is one tool that I would say I can’t live without? It’s Evernote! And I’m not talking about blogging, I’m talking about everything! But it is incredibly handy for blogging. My good friend Lis (at A Trucker Wife) called Evernote “Like Pinterest, for life!” You can install Evernote on your tablet, phone and computer – and it all syncs up so that you access all the information in all the places. It’s great, I snap photos, videos or voice clips with my phone and share them with my iPad and my computer all at once! (I have a notebook specifically for photos of books I want – if a friend is reading it or I see it on a shelf? I snap a photo!) I also write all of my reviews in Evernote first, keeping them stored there and ready to copy and paste. I have a running “TBR” list too. Then I have regular life things there, shopping lists, reminders, recipes, etc! It really is an all-purpose tool!
  • Dropbox: The best way to describe Dropbox? It’s a lot like Evernote (I prefer Evernote, actually) although I find that Evernote is more for keeping notes and lists, where Dropbox is great for files (songs, images, etc) but really – it’s a personal choice. This blog post by Bridging the Nerd Gap is great at comparing the two services.
  • Twitter: You definitely need a twitter app of some sort – there are so many out there with so many different features! But if I’m bored while I sit at the library and my daughter is in a playgroup? I love to lurk on twitter – I’ll click blog links and read/comment on reviews. I personally use Tweetcaster – but there are so many out there to chose from! Some of the more popular apps:  Twitterific, Echofon, Hootsuite and Tweetdeck.
  • Instagram: Ok; this isn’t a “must-have” but Instagram is a lot of fun!! It’s easy to share your pictures across many social media platforms – and the photos are perfect size for blog posts!
  • RSS Reader: Once you’ve done all your writing, and tweeting? You could probably kill some time reading blogs with an RSS Reader app! Some of the more popular choices: GReader, Feedler and Pulse.

What are your favorite Mobile Blogging Apps?

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TGIF / Follow Friday

May 10th, 2012 by loveandbooks


Brought to you by the lovely Ginger @ GReads

Friday, May 11th - Supporting Characters: We tend to gush over those main characters the most, but what about those supporting roles? Who are some of your favorites?

This question is harder than it seems!

My recent favorite (because I’m just finished reading the book) is Rusty from In Honor By Jessi Kirby! He makes me think of Tim Riggins, which is both swoon-worthy and infuriating all at once.  But he plays such a huge part in the book, helping Honor move on with her life. He’s just fabulous.

Another favorite is Dick Chaney from Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series. His character is HILARIOUS. He is a huge part of why I love this series, and he is just always in the right amount of trouble.

And this would not be complete without Adrian Ivoshkov from Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy and Bloodlines. Adrian is sexy, funny and loyal to the core. His character was one that I couldn’t stand when he first showed up, but over time grew to love and was THRILLED when I found out he was such a huge part of Bloodlines.

Since I’ve only mentioned guys? I should mention a few of the female secondaries that I love. Alice Cullen from Twilight is the painfully obvious choice – find someone who doesn’t just love Alice! Narit plays a minor role in the first books of Rhiannon Frater’s As The World Dies trilogy, but she is such a kick ass character! I adore her.  And of course, Jenna in Rachel Hawkins Hex Hall books – especially the first book!! LOVED the pinkness that she brought to their room! LOL!

Hosted by Parajunkee & Alison Can Read, as a great way to find new book blogs!

Q: Q: This Sunday in the U.S. is Mother’s Day. In celebration, what are some of your favorite books with strong mother/child relationships?

Hmm… This is tough! I actually Really enjoy Bella and her Mom’s relationship in Twilight, but I definitely wouldn’t call it strong. (And I wouldn’t call it healthy :lol: ) I love Sophie and her mom in Hex Hall too!! (That is more or less a healthy relationship too!)

 

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