Q&A with author LYNSAY SANDS

Today I have author LYNSAY SANDS here to answer some Q&A questions for us. Lynsay happens to be one of my favorite authors of all times and she was kind enough to answer some questions for all of us!

Today her new release THE RENEGADE HUNTER is available for purchase! This is her latest in the Argeneau series. I personally can't wait for the kids to get to school this morning so I can go pick it up!

Welcome Lynsay to My Overstuffed Bookshelf! Let's get started!

1. Besides Renegade Hunter, what other books do we get to look forward to be released soon?

After Nicholas's story, The Renegade Hunter, comes Tiny’s story which is in the Valentine's anthology Bitten By Cupid. It comes out in January 2010. Armand's story and then Cale's (one of Martine's sons by her first life mate) come out back to back in the fall of 2010. I can’t tell you a definite release date as that’s still to be decided by Avon, but I believe it's September and October.

2. Are any of the other Argeneau family going to be expecting little vampires soon?

Well you know Lissianna and Greg have already had a little one, Luciana. There are definitely more little Argeneaus to come but I can’t tell you much more than that as it’ll spoil all the fun! Pregnancy by immortal and mortal women alike can be tricky and while they’re only allowed one every hundred years or so, they also live a heck of a long time so don't have biologoical clocks ticking and can relax and enjoy each other for a bit before worrying about making little ones. So don’t expect there to be a slew of baby Argeneaus in the next book. Although that would be really funny wouldn’t it? Especially if the all men were left to look after them while the women solved the case! LOL

3. Which Argeneau is your personal favorite?

Lucian would be my favorite male character as I have a weakness for the crusty, marshmallowy type men. And if I had to pick a favorite female character then I would have to choose Marguerite. She is the backbone of the family after all!

4. Do we get to see a sequel to Devil of the Highlands?

Funny you should ask as there are two more additions to the Devil Of The Highland series coming out this winter. Taming The Highland Bride is being released in February and The Hellion And The Highlander is being released in March.

5. Do we get to see little Luciana grow up and have parts in other Argeneau books in the future?

Possibly but you will likely only see her as a child. My timelines aren’t much faster than ours so it’s doubtful we’ll get to see her all grown up. Then again you never now… ;-)

6. Who spoils Luciana the most, Marguerite or Lucian?

Well by all outward appearances that would be Marguerite but in secret Lucian spoils her rotten! LOL

7. Are any of your characters based on anyone in your life?

Hmm… that’s another good question. Yes, many of my characters are based in part on people I know or have known. And no character is the complete embodiment of any one person. The Argeneau characters are in this sense unique individuals that express themselves in ways that even surprise me at times.

8. Can I be your next Argeneau girl? Name the heroine Amy, okay.

LOL!!

Thank you and take care,

Lynsay

September 29 2009 - The Renegade Hunter
December 2009 - Tall, Dark & Hungry - reissue
January 2010 - Bitten By Cupid Anthology - Tiny's story
February 2010 - Taming the Highland Bride -Book 2 in the Devil of the Highlands series
March 2010 - Book 3 in Devil of the Highlands series

Website – http://www.lynsaysands.net/

Blog - http://lynsaysands.spaces.live.com/

YOUR LEGACY OF LOVE by Gemini Adams

YOUR LEGACY OF LOVE
Author: Gemini Adams

• Perfect Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Live Consciously Publishing; First edition (September 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615193757
• ISBN-13: 978-0615193755

SYNOPSIS:
Award-winning British grief expert, Gemini Adams, gently explains how moms, dads, and grandparents can realize the gift in goodbye, by taking six simple steps to share their wisdom and affection in a legacy of love, so that surviving loved ones will suffer less, if the worst should ever happen.
After losing her own Mom to cancer at a young age Gemini quickly learnt that a typical inheritance doesn t give surviving family, especially children, the ongoing loving support they really need. So, she started a survey asking: If one of your parents died, what would you prefer: to inherit their money, or a letter saying how much they loved you?
Over 90% expressed a wish for the loving letter.
Gemini bravely shares this candid and heartrending account of the painful insights gained from her own loss, to teach us that our real wealth lies not in our Financial Assets, but our Emotional Assets: the values, stories, lessons, voice, values, and affections that makes us who we are. Detailing practical ways to share these in a precious gift that will surely be treasured forever. Her positive message will soothe and inspire even those most fearful of the inevitable, to spring into action, and create a timeless memento for their loved ones. Readers will also learn how to:

* Guarantee the preservation of special memories.
* Limit the grief and suffering for surviving family.
* Provide ongoing emotional support and guidance.
* Achieve peace of mind and deeper meaning to life.
* Limit stressful end-of-life situations for everyone.

MY TAKE:
I lost my Grandmother a few years ago. Every time I saw her she would tell me that this might be the last time you see me. I would always tell her that she would always be there for me! I would say this so that I would not have to deal with the thought of losing her. I wish I could go back and tell her how much I love her. This book helps with coming to terms with the D-word, death. Since reading this book, I find myself writing little letters to my children to let them know how much I love each one of them and have cherished them so much! The book helps you deal with the loss of loved ones and how to prepare loved ones in case you are the loss. It inspires you to not fight over little differences in case it is the last conversation you have. It deals with the what ifs of loss also. An inspiring and emotional read that gets you thinking and brings you to tears all at once.

MY RATING:

Very Good! You have to read this book!

THE MAN WHO LOVED BOOKS TOO MUCH by Allison Hoover Bartlett

THE MAN WHO LOVED BOOKS TOO MUCH
Author: Allison Hoover Bartlett

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (September 17, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594488916
• ISBN-13: 978-1594488917

SYNOPSIS:
Rare-book theft is even more widespread than fine-art theft. Most thieves, of course, steal for profit. John Charles Gilkey steals purely for the love of books. In an attempt to understand him better, journalist Allison Hoover Bartlett plunged herself into the world of book lust and discovered just how dangerous it can be. Gilkey is an obsessed, unrepentant book thief who has stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of rare books from book fairs, stores, and libraries around the country. Ken Sanders is the self-appointed "bibliodick" (book dealer with a penchant for detective work) driven to catch him. Bartlett befriended both outlandish characters and found herself caught in the middle of efforts to recover hidden treasure. With a mixture of suspense, insight, and humor, she has woven this entertaining cat-and-mouse chase into a narrative that not only reveals exactly how Gilkey pulled off his dirtiest crimes, where he stashed the loot, and how Sanders ultimately caught him but also explores the romance of books, the lure to collect them, and the temptation to steal them. Immersing the reader in a rich, wide world of literary obsession, Bartlett looks at the history of book passion, collection, and theft through the ages, to examine the craving that makes some people willing to stop at nothing to possess the books they love.
MY TAKE:
I found myself doubtful at reading a non-fiction book. To tell the truth, I think they are too slow, and when I read I want to escape real life. I thought this was just going to be a book about someone who just collects their favorite books. When I first started reading it though, I found similarities in this man and my obsession with books. I thought to myself, OMG! That could so be me! I love the part where he describes how people love to show off their bookcases and calls them my library! I am constantly showing off my new books and I am always telling my husband that we need a library room. I would be in heaven! Frankly, it scares me now. Am I destined to be a book thief? No. Do I collect books? Yes. I am obsessed with collecting books. If I find a great author, I instantly want to own every book this author has published. I even have a shelf of books, which my family knows it as 'Touch-this-shelf-and I-chop-off-your-hands!' shelf, that includes my ARCs and signed copies. Would I ever steal them from someone? No. So, I am overjoyed to know that I am not that bad. This book opened my eyes to the many amazing books that we hold so dear and rare. To think people actually pay up in the hundreds of thousands for some books. I can see where someone would want to own them, but I don't think I could go so far as to steal them as this man has. This is a true story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession just like the subtitle states. You will get sucked in from the first chapter all the way to the last. Be warned though, you may not like the similarities in the book thief and yourself!

MY RATING:

Very Good! You have to read this book!

Check this out!

Today I am the featured blogger over at The Neverending Shelf. I was so excited to do this! If you get a chance, be sure to go check it out!

INTERTWINED by Gena Showalter

INTERTWINED
Author: Gena Showalter

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: Harlequin (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373210027
• ISBN-13: 978-037321002

SYNOPSIS:
Most sixteen-year-olds have friends. Aden Stone has four human souls living inside him: One can time-travel. One can raise the dead. One can tell the future. And one can possess another human. With no other family and a life spent in and out of institutions, Aden and the souls have become friends. But now they're causing him all kinds of trouble. Like, he'll blink and suddenly he's a younger Aden, reliving the past. One wrong move, and he'll change the future. Or he'll walk past a total stranger and know how and when she's going to die. He's so over it. All he wants is peace. And then he meets a girl who quiets the voices. Well, as long as he's near her. Why? Mary Ann Gray is his total opposite. He's a loner; she has friends. He doesn't care what anyone thinks; she tries to make everyone happy. And while he attracts the paranormal, she repels it. For her sake, he should stay away. But it's too late.... Somehow, they share an inexplicable bond of friendship. A bond about to be tested by a werewolf shape-shifter who wants Mary Ann for his own, and a vampire princess Aden can't resist. Two romances, both forbidden. Still, the four will enter a dark underworld of intrigue and danger but not everyone will come out alive....

MY TAKE:
FINALLY! My library took their sweet time getting to my name on the wait list for this book! I was so thrilled to get it last week! Gena Showalter is one of my favorite authors! She has never disappointed me in the past with her excellent writing skills and characters you care about who just jump off the page. Intertwined is about a boy, who since birth, has had four souls trapped inside his body. They speak to him all the time, and none of them understand how they ended up trapped in his mind. One can raise the dead, one can see the future, one can transport back in time and one can possess another human. I was so captivated with this story that I was sad when it ended. The ending was nothing like I expected and it gives you the insight that there will be a sequel to this book. I pray Gena can write the sequel to this book as fast as she can so we aren't left hanging for a long time! I am anxious to see what happens next. I will definitely be buying this book to add to my Showalter collection, which silly me, I should have done in the first place! For the next book, I won't even bother adding myself to the wait list at the library! I will be buying it the day it comes out!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book! A definite favorite!

The Well-Behaved Child by John Rosemond

THE WELL-BEHAVED CHILD: DISCIPLINE THAT REALLY WORKS!
Author: John Rosemond

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0785229043
• ISBN-13: 978-0785229049

SYNOPSIS:

A parenting workshop in a book!

The biggest frustration felt by today's parents is in the area of discipline. Family psychologist, best-selling author, and parenting expert John Rosemond uses his thirty-six years of professional experience working with families to develop the quintessential "how to" book for parents. Rosemond's step-by-step program, based on biblical principles, traditional parenting approaches, and common sense, covers a wide range of discipline problems applicable to children from toddler to teen.

Sections include:

• Essential Discipline Principles
• Essential Discipline Tools
• Perplexing Problems and Simple Solutions
• Not Your Everyday Problems
• General Questions and Answers (Troubleshooting)

Filled with real-life examples that anyone who's ever been around children can relate to, this book is sure to be one of the most valuable, helpful resources parents have ever stumbled across.

MY TAKE:

I admit it. I have a 4 year old that is a problem child. She could scare Super Nanny away within 5 minutes! I have searched high and low for a book that would help me get her under control. After reading this book, I am still looking. Every suggestion in this book are ones that I have already tried and have already failed. This book just puts a new spin on the current methods that are already out there. This book would be great for a new parent of an infant to help them have a guide to start with, but since I didn't get to have this book from the beginning, I find myself still searching for the one thing that will work for me. Maybe these techniques can work for your child, so don't be afraid to try this book! Maybe I just have a stubborn child who refuses to listen to her mom!

MY RATING:


A Decent Read

OKAY PEOPLE!!!!!

Can everyone please quit emailing me wanting a free copy of HYBRID!!!!
I don't know where this information came from and who is posting it but I do NOT have copies to give away!
I did an interview with the author and a review of the book but I am not giving away any copies of it.
From the emails I am getting, it seems someone posted on Facebook that I am giving away free copies of it, and it is false!
If anyone knows who is telling this to people, can you please let me know so I can straighten the facts out with them.
Thanks!
Amy

We Have A Winner!!!!

The winner of the Lords of the Underworld books by Gena Showalter is:

The Book Vixen

Please email me with your mailing address at djsfoxylady@gmail.com so I can get these out to you in the mail! You have 24 hours to respond or I will have to pick a new winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest! Be sure to keep checking back! I will be starting a new contest shortly!

Q&A with author Angie L. Reed

Today we welcome author Angie L. Reed to My Overstuffed Bookshelf. She is the author of the paranormal vampire book, HYBRID.

Can you tell us a little bit about your book, Hybrid?

Hybrid is my first and only release. It was picked up by a small but traditional publishing company out of North Carolina. It is a paranormal thriller for teens and young adults involving humans and vampires. Hybrids are half human and half vampire and a small family of hybrids are living in West Virginia. When Emily and her broken family move from Dallas, Texas to Beckley, West Virginia, she never plans on falling for one hybrid--let alone two. But she soon finds herself falling for Max and Julian--estranged twin brothers who are half vampire and half human.

When did you decide to start writing and why?

I decided to write Hybrid after reading Stephanie Meyer's series Twilight. I was inspired by Renesmee who is half human and half vampire.

What books do you like to read when you aren't writing?

I love to read stories about vampires. Although I'd virtually stopped reading for pleasure for awhile, I picked up my daughter's copy of Twilight one day and couldn't put it down! I stopped reading for pleasure when I decided to return to college to pursue a B.A. in English and then a Master of Education. Right now, I'm working on my second undergraduate degree. I substitute teach at my daughter's private school and most of the character's names are students at Fort Worth Academy.

What are three things you must have when sitting down to write a book?

When I sit down to write anything--books, research papers, etc.--I must have coke and junk food like chips and candy! I especially love to have chocolate.

What do you like to do in your down time?

I don't have a lot of downtime because I'm a wife, mother, full-time student, and writer, but when I am free, I like to shop. I'm a shopaholic!

Where can we purchase your book?

My book can be purchased online at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or bought at any book retailer. You can also order a copy from the publisher at www.argusbooks.com.

Do you have a blog where we can keep up with what your are writing and doing?

I have a webpage and you can reach my blog there. My address is angielreed.com. I love to hear from my fans and can be found on most social networking sites. I am having an author giveaway right now. I will be giving away a $100 Gift card and five signed copies of Hybrid on November 1, 2009. You can enter on my blog page at my web address.

Thanks so much for joining us today Angie!

Thanks for your time!

Angie L. Reed

LORDS OF THE UNDERWORLD Giveaway!!

This message is being pinned to the top until Tuesday morning! Please scroll down for newer posts!

Are you a fan of Gena Showalter's Lords of the Underworld Series? Are you looking for a new paranormal romance/suspense to read? If you answered yes to either of these questions then you came to the right place! I am giving away the first three books in the Lords series to one lucky winner!

PLEASE NOTE: These books are used. They are not new. I just realized I have two sets of these.
So I thought I would offer these to someone who has been wanting to read these or for someone to add to their collection.

If you are the lucky winner, you will receive:
Book One: The Darkest Night
Book Two: The Darkest Kiss
Book Three: The Darkest Pleasure

All three are by the talented author, Gena Showalter.

TO ENTER:

1. Become a follower and comment on this post!! If you are already a follower, just say so in your comment!

2. Post this giveaway on your blog for everyone to see either in your sidebar or in a post on your blog!

This contest is open to USA and Canada only. Sorry, but I don't have a lot of money and can't afford to ship anywhere else at this time. This contest will run until Tuesday morning 9/22/09 and will end at 8am California time. Winner will be posted the same day. You will have 24 hours to respond so be sure to check back to see if you are the winner. If I don't hear back within 24 hours, I will have to pick a new winner.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Hybrid by Angie Reed

HYBRID
Author: Angie L. Reed

• Paperback: 300 pages
• Publisher: Argus Enterprises International; 1st edition (June 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0982305087
• ISBN-13: 978-0982305089

SYNOPSIS:
In an attempt to escape the painful memory of her young sister Rose’s untimely and mysterious death, Emily and her altered family flee Dallas, Texas for the safety of small-town Beckley, West Virginia. Shortly after arriving, Emily falls for a handsome young man named Maxwell Snow. He’s perfect. Or so Emily thinks. And then the nightmares begin. Why is Rose haunting Emily inside her dreams? What is Rose trying to tell her? Perhaps Julian, Maxwell’s estranged twin holds the answers. Prepare as a “new” generation of vampires is discovered. These vampires could be friends, neighbors, or even family.

MY TAKE:
Hybrid is a story that is strangely familiar to Twilight in certain aspects. It has the teenage angst of school and first loves, family and school troubles, and amongst all of this, Mrs. Reed throws in the vampire aspect. This book is broke up into four parts. It took me until about part three to really start getting into this book. The first two parts involved Emily and her family moving to a different state and trying to give themselves a fresh start after the death of Emily's youngest sister Rose. We see the family adjust to a new school and jobs, and the adjustment of new people in a town that is the complete opposite of their old town.
There is alot of teen talk and dialogue that seems to get jumbled all together. BUT, as you get to part three of the book, the story starts to take off and give you the mystery and suspense of the paranormal aspect. The story starts to flow much easier and starts to suck you into it. It gives you a cliff hanger that makes you want to contact the author and tell her to write faster on that second book!

MY RATING:

A Good Book and Read!

Q&A with author of CRAZY BEAUTIFUL Lauren Baratz-Logsted

Today I am so excited to feature a Q&A with author Lauren Baratz-Logsted. She is the author of a wonderful young adult novel titled Crazy Beautiful. I posted my review of the book in post below this one and it is one of my favorite young adult books of the year!

To start off, welcome and can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

Before becoming a published author, I was an independent bookseller (11 years), a reviewer for Publishers Weekly (292 books reviewed), a freelance editor (nearly 100 books), and a window washer. Since 2003 I've had 15 books published: 5 comedic novels for adults, 1 literary novel for adults, 1 anthology of short stories I edited, 3 YA books, 1 middle grade, 4 books for young readers. Phew!

Can you tell us a little about your new and/or current releases?

My most recent is the YA novel CRAZY BEAUTIFUL, a contemporary re-visioning of Beauty & the Beast, told in he-said/she-said fashion, about a boy with hooks for hands and a gorgeous girl who meet on their first day at a new school. Also within the past year the first four books in the nine-book series for young readers, THE SISTERS 8, which I created with my novelist husband Greg Logsted (www.greglogsted.com) and our nine-year-old daughter Jackie, have been released.

How did you decide what to write?

A few times a year I get a visit from The Idea Fairy. Crazy as that might sound, it's what happens. I'll just be living my life when I'll hear or see something that causes an idea to strike, followed almost immediately by the thought that the idea is a big one, big enough to fill a novel.

When you're not writing what kind of books do you like to read? Do you have any favorite authors, that are must reads?

Just like I'm an eclectic writer, I'm an eclectic reader. There's almost nothing I won't try and I currently read just as many YA novels as I do adult fiction. All-time favorites would include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, the Brontes. More contemporary favorites, there are just so many. In the past year I've loved Little Bee, by Chris Cleave (adult literary); The Castaways, by Elin Hilderbrand (adult commercial); and Freeze Frame, by Heidi Ayarbe (YA). But there are so many others, I could go on forever here.
What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a new book?

I'm not much of a must-haves sort of person. Really, the only thing I need is that little TV over there in the corner so that every day at three I can take an hour-long break to watch "General Hospital."

What are your favorite things to do in your downtime?

Read-read-read, hang with my family, shoot pool. Oh, and I also watch several series on DVD.

Where can we purchase your books?

My books can be ordered anywhere books are sold.

Do you have a blog or website that your readers can keep up with you and your books?

My website is www.laurenbaratzlogsted.com from which you'll find links to the various blogs I participate in.

Thanks for having me!

Don't forget to go buy your copy of Crazy Beautiful!
Until next time...

Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

CRAZY BEAUTIFUL
Author: Lauren Baratz-Logsted

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (September 7, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0547223072
• ISBN-13: 978-0547223070

SYNOPSIS:
In an explosion of his own making, Lucius blew his arms off. Now he has hooks. He chose hooks because they were cheaper. He chose hooks because he wouldn’t outgrow them so quickly. He chose hooks so that everyone would know he was different, so he would scare even himself. Then he meets Aurora. The hooks don’t scare her. They don’t keep her away. In fact, they don’t make any difference at all to her. But to Lucius, they mean everything. They remind him of the beast he is inside. Perhaps Aurora is his Beauty, destined to set his soul free from its suffering. Or maybe she’s just a girl who needs love just like he does.

MY TAKE:
I was so excited to get the chance to read and review this book! I fell in love with everything about it from page one until the final page. The book flowed nicely, and the characters were perfect. Books like this one is what the young adults should be reading! It teaches people that just because someone has a disability, doesn't mean they don't have feelings or dreams for life and love. A beautifully written teen novel that should be required reading at schools for life lessons. I personally can't wait to see what the author comes up with next! I am proud to say that this book is one of my favorites of the year!

MY RATING:

Outstanding Book! A definite favorite!

Winner of Defenders of the Scroll

The winner for the signed copy of Defenders of the Scroll is:

LadyStorm

Please email me with your mailing info at djsfoxylady@gmail.com !
Comgrats and you have 24 hours to get back to me!

BBAW: Reading Meme

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
~Sometimes, and it varies on what it is..lol

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
~Heck no! wouldn't want to ruin my babies!

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
~I use bookmarks I've received from Authors

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
~Fiction

Hard copy or audiobooks?
~Hard Copy and ebooks

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?
~I usually read to the end of Chapters but if my kids are bothering me its at the end of a sentence.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
~I try to keep going and I usually figure it out

What are you currently reading?
~Hybrid by Angie L Reed

What is the last book you bought?
~Kiss of Midnight (HC) by Lara Adrian. I have read it already but I couldn't pass up buying the hardcover for a buck at a used bookstore.

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
~I usually read one book at a time and sometimes throw in a ebook too.

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
~Nope just whenever I can grab a minute or two.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
~Both

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
~Nope, but if I find a good book I tell everyone I just read it and it is great!

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
~By series and then by author

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

HUSH. HUSH
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416989412
• ISBN-13: 978-1416989417

SYNOPSIS:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along.

With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.
MY TAKE:
OMG!!!!! I am probably the last person to read my ARC on this book for review, but it certainly won't be the last book I read from this author!

Goodbye Edward Cullen, hello Patch!! No, he is not a vampire, but darn it, those fallen angels have an appeal to them now I didn't know they could have! There isn't much to say about this book without giving much away. Yes it is young adult. Yes, it follows some themes like Twilight, but who cares!!! Not when it is beautifully written and has a great hero! It is my guess, that this will be THE book that will compete for the top spot that Twilight has held onto for so long. Sorry, I love Twilight with all my heart, but now it has to share a spot with Hush, Hush. Are you still reading this review?! Go order your copy from Amazon, Border's or Barnes and Noble! Run!!!
Click here to see the video trailer and to pre-order from Amazon!

MY GRADE:

Outstanding Book! A definite favorite!

Q&A with author Shiraz and CONTEST!!!

Today I have a Q&A feature with Shiraz who is the author of Defenders of the Scroll. He was nice enough to send an extra SIGNED copy to give away to one lucky reader of this blog! Details for the contest are at the end of this post!

Hi Shiraz and welcome to my blog, The Overstuffed Bookshelf. To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself?

My day job is software design and development, mostly business, but I've designed a few games including a recent iPhone game called Drop Zone Elite. I'm very much an extrovert and ambitious. I hope to one day run my own game company by day while writing at night. I'm the kind of guy who thinks retirement means working at a more relaxed pace. I'm always on the go, and I really mean on the go. I've lived in 7 different cities in the last 6 years. Such is the life of a contractor. I'm travelling so much that I've minimized my belongings to the point where everything I own fits in to my car with room for a passenger.

I'm sarcastic and always joking around. I don't like to take life too seriously because it certainly doesn't take me seriously. If it did, one of those lottery tickets would have paid off. And apparently I'm glue. When I want people to get together, I'm usually the one organizing it. Some of my friends have said if I didn't arrange things we'd never see each other. I'm not sure how it ended up being my job, but I'm stuck with it.

Can you tell us a little about your new or current releases?

Defenders of the Scroll is a Young Adult Fantasy about six teens from different times and places who are brought to a strange realm to protect a little girl and her magic scroll. Most of the teens are warriors, but the main character is Alex, an electric guitar player from our time who has a love of swords and sorcery movies, books, and games, as well as a taste for history. This book has been a long time coming. The concept was originally created to be a children's animated series, by Rupinder Malhotra and Singh Khanna back in 2002/2003. When it didn't get picked up, it was suggested that maybe it would do well as a book (and then afterwards become a series). So at the end of 2007 they asked me to take a shot at writing it. I'd written the Series Bible for the show, so I knew the characters intimately. I'd already seen them go on dozens of adventures in my mind. So, knocking out the book was like writing fan fiction.

When did you start writing? How did you decide what to write?

I started in grade 3. That was the first creative writing assignment I can remember getting, and we were asked to write a story using a line from Shakespeare. We were given ten lines to choose from and could use them as the title, theme, an line in the story, or however we chose. I used all ten as clues in a murder mystery. My teacher put a comment on my paper, "Are you the next Agatha Christie?"

I've written for fun since then. I never really decided what I wanted to write. Ideas just popped into my head and I had to write them down. Lots of short stories popped out, a couple screenplays, some poetry as well. I even have another novel in its first draft that I want to finish up soon. But this is the first piece I've published.

When you're not writing what kind of books do you like to read? Do you have any favorite authors, that are must reads?

I love sci-fi and fantasy, but throw the occasional mystery/thriller in there. I grew up on Terry Brooks, Arthur C. Clarke, and a bunch of others. Now I'm into R.A. Salvatore, especially his stories involving Drizzt Do'Urden. George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series is amazing, and I, like most of his fans, wish he'd hurry up with the next book!

What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a new book?

Time, time, and time! I'm very busy! Actually, I guess I need my laptop too. Scratch one of those "time"s. Once I have those, I just let the story pour out. I've learned from experience that I have very little control as to what happens next.

What are Your favorite things to do in your downtime?

Downtime? Ha ha. Hmmmm, Facebook? I check my Facebook each night. I read a chapter of something before I go to sleep. When my schedule is only moderately busy, I like to go to the gym. If I'm in my hometown of Mississauga, I make time for video games with my cousin D. But most nights I'm busy on something from the time I get home from work until midnight. If I had real downtown, I'd find a beach by a warm ocean and do whatever you do on a beach and in an ocean. But eventually I'd get restless and have to go design a game, write a book, overthrown a small nation, you know. The truth is, those things really feel like downtime to me. Well, maybe not overthrowing the nation. Too much politics involved.

Where can we purchase your books?

You can get it worldwide at most online stores like Amazon, Barnes&Noble, Chapters.Indigo, etc. I'm currently working on getting it in physical stores. I'll know about a few of them in the next month or so. I'm hoping to get it out for the Christmas season, but it'll be tight. Wish me luck.

Do you have a blog or website that your readers can keep up with you and your books?

I set up a blog after getting this question: http://shiraztheauthor.blogspot.com/ The DotS website is under construction, but should be done soon. There's also a Facebook fan page for DotS and I'm on Twitter (shiraztheauthor).

Now for the details of the contest. To enter to win, just become a follower and leave a comment with your name and email address, and post a link on your blog mentioning the contest! How easy is that? This contest will run until Friday evening (9/18/09) at 7pm. I will announce the winner by Saturday afternoon and you will have 24 hours to respond or I will have to pick a new winner! Good Luck!

Defenders of the Scroll by Shiraz

DEFENDERS OF THE SCROLL
Author: Shiraz
ISBN: 978-1-4401-4480-6

SYNOPSIS:
A teenage boy.A dark wizard.A mystic scroll. And the fate of a world hangs in the balance. . . When Alex "the Axeman" Logan is pulled from his world to help young princess Dara save her kingdom from the Shadow Lord, he thinks there has been a mistake. He's a teen guitar player close to failing 11th grade, not some defender of the realm. All he has are some school books, his wits, and his love of fantasy movies. Overnight his life is history. Alex must confront the Shadow Lord and his minions when he is thrust into a land that has changed from a magical paradise to a barren, hopeless, helpless realm invaded by a dark army. But Alex is not alone. He has the help of Dara, a magic scroll, and a band of unlikely companions drawn from his own history books: a hardened Roman Legionnaire, a swift Japanese Samurai, a mighty African Warrior, a fiery Amazon Archer, and a spirited Shaolin Monk. Can Alex become more than he believes and lead his small band of Defenders to the Hall of Shadows, the birthplace of the Shadow Lord? The fate of the realm and everyone in it rests on him.

MY TAKE:
I admit it. I am not someone who usually likes to read sci-fi/fantasy books. When I was contacted to review this book, the blurb about it caught my interest. I thought to myself that if I want to expand my mind and read outside the normal stuff I read, then I ought to try somewhere. So I decided to give it try. I am so glad I did.
I was hooked after chapter one and I had to keep reading to find out what happens! It starts with a wizard, who is the King of Mythos, and his daughter Dara practicing magic. Eventually, we read that the King is captured and has left a secret scroll for her daughter. She has the ability to summon people to help her on her journey to save the Great Hall and her father. You will meet six heros that she ends up summoning.
The great thing about this Young Adult book is the incredible artwork that is included in the story. The author has so much detail in the writing explaining the character that the pictures just enhance what you are already picturing in your mind. A story with great attention to detail, suspense and adventure.
I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!!

MY GRADE FOR THIS BOOK:

Very Good! You have to read this book!

The DIY BrideCrafty Countdown

The DIY BrideCrafty Countdown
Author: Khris Cochran

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (December 22, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1600851193
• ISBN-13: 978-1600851193

As a paper crafter and bargain shopper myself, finding the best price is better than full price when planning a party! As I started to read this I found wonderful ideas for the bride to be who is on a limited budget! And the best part was they look like things you would pay full price for at a retailer! Great ideas and creative projects to make your wedding beautiful and on track money wise. Easy to read instructions make these projects even easier for beginners! I even found new ideas for myself to try! Even if you aren't planning a wedding, you can still use the projects for other themes. A great book for a great price!

PLEASURE by Jacquelyn Frank

PLEASURE
Author: Jacquelyn Frank

• Mass Market Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: Zebra (August 25, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1420104241
• ISBN-13: 978-142010424

SYNOPSIS:

As Chancellor of the Shadowdwellers, Malaya’s first duty is to her people. Her bodyguard, Guin, knows this only too well. For tradition’s sake, Malaya must marry, and the thought of this lush, vibrant, woman in a loveless union is impossible for him to bear. Guin loves Malaya—not as a subject loves his queen but as a man craves a woman. And even if he cannot keep her, he’ll show her everything she stands to lose…

Discipline. Penance. Order. A Sanctuary priest’s life revolves around such things. But when Sagan is taken captive and thrust into the Alaskan wilderness, he encounters a woman who challenges his faith and his self-control. Valera is a natural born witch who almost lost herself to the lure of dark magic. By rights, Sagan should shun her, but convention will count for nothing in the face of a passion that could change the realms of Shadowscape forever…

MY TAKE:

I so love Jacquelyn Frank's Shadowdweller series. She keeps making them better and better with each one she writes! The first part of this book features the story of Sagan. It was a romantic tale that even though it was short, it came full circle at the end of the second story. It was the story of Sagan finding his new love, who happens to be a witch. In the Nightwalker world, witches are a big no-no. They believe them all to be bad. But Sagan finds that Valera is not a bad witch and falls in love with her. Then he must convince his people that she is good and is willing to help in the fight against evil. I was disappointed in it being a short story intsead of a whole book between them because their story was captivating.

The second half of the book focused on the princess Malaya and her protector Guin. If you have read the other books in this series, you saw this romance coming! You couldn't help but cheer for Guin. He was noble and protective of Malaya and you just knew that he would be her perfect match. I loved how this story unfolded and included the characters from the previous Shadowdweller books. It was nice to see them all come together. Hopefully if there is another book in this series we can see Tristan find his perfect match!

MY RATING FOR THIS BOOK:

Outstanding Book! A definite favorite!


Until next post....

Finally a new trailer for New Moon!!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

A Different Dream For My Child by Jolene Philo

A Different Dream For My Child
Author: Jolene Philo

Paperback, 204 pages

Discovery House Publishers
September 01, 2009

SYNOPSIS:
For years, Jolene Philo’s son was hospitalized many times as he battled a life-threatening birth defect. Far from home, without friends and family to support them, Jolene and her husband felt utterly and completely alone. Today, support networks for parents of critically or chronically ill children have improved, but most only provide for urgent physical needs. The devotional meditations in this book address the spiritual needs of these parents as the author shares her own life lessons, as well as those of other parents who have walked this road. "No matter how difficult the road," Philo writes, "you do not have to lose hope."

MY TAKE:
As a mother of a child with disabilities, I always look for books that help new parents deal with these kinds of situations. Even though my child is 12 years old now, I still have my days of incredible sadness of why God would do this to not only my child but to her parents as well. When you are pregnant, you have your dreams of the perfect child. Sometimes it does not happen that way. In this book, the writer shares stories of not only her way of dealing with a disabled child, but other people's stories as well. It provides little devotionals that help you through the pain and sadness and make you realize that God has a reason for giving you this situation. A child is still a blessing, no matter what the difficulty and this books reminds you of this.

MY GRADE:

Very Good! You have to read this book!

WINNERS! WINNERS! WINNERS!

The winners have been chosen for the GiftCertificates in the Regina Perry contest.
If you see your name below, please email me with the email address that you want the gift certificate zapped to at djsfoxylady@gmail.com
You have 24 hours to contact me! If I don't hear back from you than I will pick a new winner!!

I used Random.org to pick the winners:

1. Jeanette8042
2. I Love Book Gossip
3. ddurance
4. Jenny

Thank you for entering everyone and I have 2 more contests coming up so be sure to keep checking!

Q&A with Regina Perry and Contest!!

The Contest is Now Closed!!! Check back Tomorrow for the winner!!!!

THIS POST IS BEING PINNED TO THE TOP UNTIL FRIDAY!! TO READ NEWER POSTS PLEASE SCROLL DOWN!!!!


Hi everyone! Today I have a wonderful guest for you and a contest I am sure you will enjoy! Author Regina Perry agreed to answer some questions for me and she was generous enough to offer 4 gift certificates for 4 lucky readers of this blog to be used to purchase her ebooks at Ravenous Romance! So let's get started first with a short bio on Regina.

BIO:

Regina Perry is pleased to edit this anthology, exploring love and passion beyond the opposite sex. Growing up in conservative mid-America, she was forced to keep her fantasies hidden and experiences limited. After graduating from The University of Kansas, she taught middle and high school English before moving to Florida. Now Dorothy is ready to slip into her new shoes and journey the yellow brink road of sexual discovery. Check out her new shoes and “Double Life” blog. Regina Perry.

INTERVIEW:

Hi Regina and welcome to My Overstuffed Bookshelf! It is a pleasure to have you here to answer some questions for us. Let's get started!

1. Give us a small recap of your book I Kissed A Girl.

I Kissed a Girl is a collection of twelve erotic short stories. Each story presents a situation between two women, and at least one of the women has never had a lesbian experience, which results in very arousing and steamy stories of seduction, passion and sometimes love.

2. What got you interested in writing eroticas? I had written a few erotic short stories for fun. They were simply a more creative way of recording journal entries.  The first novel I wrote was not erotica, but it did have one very erotic sex scene. I pitched this novel to several agents, and the sex scene caught Lori Perkin’s attention. She later was instrumental in establishing the Ebook publisher, Ravenous Romance, and persuaded me to convert my novel into an erotic romance. Thus, Playgirl was born.

3. Out of all of your own books, which one was your favorite to write? Playgirl is very dear to my heart. Much of it is autobiographical and it helped me to work through issues of loving and accepting myself after my divorce. It was cathartic to write my way through these issues.

4. Can you give us any details on what you are currently working on? My story, “Defining Lines,” in I Kissed a Girl is becoming a novel. The two main characters, Ava and Ginger, are insisting they have more of a story to tell.

5. Which author/authors do you read? In erotica: All of the authors in the anthology: C.Margery Kempe, Louisa Bacio, Inara LaVey, Samantha Jones, K.Ann Karlsson, Kilt Kilpatrick, Nola Erus, Farrah J. Phoenix, Jen Bluekissed, L.A. Mistral and Lucy Felthouse. I also read Jean Roberta, Elle Amery, Alison Tyler, Sehera Giron, Barbara Elsborg, Ryan Field and Misty Malone, Janet Dailey and Anais Nin. Non-erotic authors include: Robert James Waller, Kent Haruf, Sandra Dallas, Audrey Niffenegger, Sherri Reynolds, Billie Letts, Jonathan Franzen, Jane Smiley, Gordon Tucker and Anne Morrow Lindbergh, to give you a sampling.

6. How hard is it to write the stories you have written? The most difficult part is finding the time and the solitude. Once I’m in that space everything seems to fall into place as I write. I find that once I create good, strong characters, they take over and write the book for me.

7. Where can we find your books? The best place is: http://ravenousromance.com They are also available on Amazon, Fictionwise, Audio.com, All Romance, and others.

8. I know I sometimes blush when I read the erotic books. Do you ever blush while writing them and think"should I really write that?" Not about things I’ve actually written. But there are a few scenes, which have ventured into my imagination, that I haven’t as yet had the audacity to put on paper.

9. Name one thing you want to write about but haven't done yet. Humiliation. The theme of my writing is Journeys of Sexual Discovery. It took me years to accept myself as a sexual being—to be comfortable with my strong sexual desires and nature. That was my first journey, and now I want to continue the exploration.

10. Do you have a blog our readers can follow? Yes. My web site is currently undergoing re-design. The blog is titled, “Double Life.” Right now, it’s on the main page. At some time in the future it might become a link from the home page. http://reginaperry.com

11. Are any of your books available in print yet? Soon at http://amazon.com and I Kissed a Girl will possibly also be available from a print publisher, but I’m not at liberty to name that publisher yet.

Thank you, Amy, for this opportunity on your book blog, My Overstuffed Bookshelf. It has been a pleasure to meet you and answer your interesting questions.

Hugs,

Regina

CONTEST:

Now for the contest! It is really easy and it is a great contest to win! Trust me, Regina's books are wonderful and HOT! 4 winners will each receive a gift certificate through email to purchase one of Regina's ebooks from Ravenous Romance. This would be great to read on your computer or download to your ebook readers! All you have to do to enter is:

1. Become a follower of my blog! If you are already a follower just say so!

2. Leave a comment on this post along with your email address for me to contact you if you win!

3. Link to my contest on your blog with a post and/or a link on your sidebar!

How easy is that?? This contest is open to everyone and will run until Friday evening at 8pm California time. I will pick a winner on Saturday and everyone will need to check back here to see if you won! Good Luck!!!

Evernight by Claudia Gray

EVERNIGHT
Author: Claudia Gray

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (May 27, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 0061284394

SYNOPSIS (From author's site):

When the story begins in Evernight, Bianca has just left the small town where she's spent her whole life. She's a new student at Evernight Academy, a creepily Gothic boarding school where her classmates are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas, another loner, who seems fiercely determined not to be the "Evernight type." There's a connection between Bianca and Lucas that can't be denied. She would risk anything to be with him—but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart... and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed to be true.

MY TAKE:

When I opened this book and read the prologue, I was ready to jump right into this book! Talk about capturing my interest on the first page! WOW! But, as I started reading this, I kind of got bored. It was just about teens trying to fit in at a new school and having to try to fit in with different groups in an odd school. Then WHAM! Halfway through the book the author pulls the ace out of her sleeve. She drops the vampire surprise on the reader. Now I knew this was going to have something featuring vampires, simply because it was in the paranormal vampire section of the library, but the author just surprises you with it in the middle of the book. Then of course you are hooked and can't put it down. It's like the author does a complete turn around with the writing and you become so engrossed in this book that you forget to feed your family dinner. (Yes, I almost forgot to cook until my 4 year old was whining about dinner). Then as if the one surprise wasn't enough, she pulls out more ace's from up her sleeve. I couldn't finish the chapters soon enough. I was desperate know what else would happen and what else the author had up her sleeve! I will say that I was a little disappointed in the ending. Yes, I had small tears in my eyes, but that wasn't what disappointed me. I was upset that there wasn't a tidy clean ending. You HAVE to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next. So now, I am going to have to wait ever so patiently for the library to finally reach my name on the wait list before I can continue the story. So, if you decide to read the book, I would recommend having the next one in the series ready to read! The next one had better have the ending I have pictured in my head or I will be in trouble. The third doesn't even come out until March 2010 and that is a lot of waiting!!

MY RATING FOR THIS BOOK:

Very Good! You have to read this book!