The Girl Who Chased the Moon ~ Sarah Addison Allen

I was going to wait for 'The Girl Who Chased the Moon' to be released in England. Sure, I was going to pre-order it but I was going to be patient and wait. Yet when the release date hit the U.S., I yearned for whatever new, delicious and totally captivating adventure awaited from author Sarah Addison Allen. I couldn’t put it from my mind. So I ordered it and yesterday evening when I got home, it was waiting for me. Better than a Christmas present, I ripped open the parcel knowing I would set aside anything and everything I was reading to start this book.

After 'Garden Spells' and 'The Sugar Queen', I no longer worry or wonder if I will like the latest tale. I know I will adore it.

And I did. Adored doesn’t seem adequate. It feels like it should be in capitals, bold and underlined. I ADORED it! I read for several hours and despite not being slightly sleepy, but instead enamoured with Mullaby and its occupants, I decided to “save” something for tomorrow. Instead my dreams were filled with Julia’s cakes, calling me like they called Sawyer. Sometime while it was black outside, I woke up and simply picked up the book and read until I finished and the lay in bed listening to the dawn chorus.

It was delicious and as with 'Gardens Spells' and 'The Sugar Queen', I was both bereft at finished it and satiated with a myriad of feelings – all warm, delicious and content.

I have never come across an author like Sarah Addison Allen. Her stories are treasures, timeless, unique and can only be described as much-loved. Her books .... her stories are so divine, it is the only time I read every single word from the front cover to the blurb about the font used. I can’t leave anything unread and it always leaves me with joy and a little hope when at the end, before I close the cover, I read in the Author’s Notes: She was born and raised in Asheville, North Carolina, where she is currently at work on her next novel.

Hurrah! I can’t wait to read it!

Kindle

Who would have thought but I have gone to the dark side. I got an Amazon Kindle for Christmas and I love it (to a freakish level!) (The picture, BTW, is not me but from the internet).

I LOVE IT (have I mentioned that?) and have already read 1.5 books on it.

HEAVEN!

Ohhh it's finally here

The latest from Dan Brown arrived today! I've already started reading it .... and I love how it's set in Washington DC. Squeallllllllllll!

New Book!

Remember me saying I won a brand new book when I ate my choccy bar last week?! Well it arrived! How quick is that? It said up to 28 days but I got it within about 3! WOO HOO!

Mmmmmmmm......Chocolate

Mmmm I am absolutely addicted to Galaxy Caramels lately and unfortunately (for me), the Vending Machine downstairs at work stocks them. Mmmmmm. In fact I am eating one now. YUM!

Not only are they DELISH but at the moment you have a chance to win a book! In fact I had a winner earlier this week and out of the books available I chose "Things I Want My Daughters to Know" by Elizabeth Noble with "Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards as my second choice. Hurrah!

Galaxy also have a Book Club (always a good thing) and it can be found at http://www.galaxybookclub.co.uk/.

Burp!

My Sister's Keeper

In a word? Brilliant!

To be honest, I didn’t want to read "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. Who would? A book about a girl who is solely conceived as a bone marrow match for her dying sister. Ghoulish, morbid, morose and depressing sprang to mind. Even as I chose it as our next read for the Book Club about a year ago, I refused to pick it up. (I mean the news is bad enough, why would I want to wallow in this kind of misery in my spare time).

Yet for some reason a few weeks ago, I picked it up.

It was captivating and blew all my preconceptions (and misconceptions) out of the water. It wasn’t ghoulish or morbid, not even in the least. In fact it was stunning.

I loved each character, the family dynamics, how the book came together along with Jodi’s writing style and especially how she didn’t go for the easy (and cheesy) sentimental and over-emotional route.

As with any book that tackles controversial topics, there will be fans and there will be those who loathe its very existence. "My Sister's Keeper" and Jodi Picoult definitely have a fan in me. Highly recommended.

Ohhh goodie!

A group of friends (who call themselves The McLovelies) sent me a £40 Amazon.co.uk Gift Voucher for my birthday (coming up on Thursday). We do "group" gifts for everyone (despite McLovelies living in USA, Canada, Belgium and England). I was thrilled with this gift - as Amazon.co.uk is one of my favourite stores and I loved being able to go through my Amazon Wish List choosing goodies I've wanted for some time.

I picked two DVDs ("The Duchess" (of which I am reading the book now) and "Inkheart") and three books ("The Earth Hums in B Flat", "Black Rock" and "The Watchers"). As a friend arrives next Saturday from America, I choose the supersaver delivery so these goodies should arrive by May 1st (when I return from dropping her off in Belgium) so I'll have lots of goodies to enjoy on that long weekend (when I'm knackered from racing around the country like a contestant on The Amazing Race and sad to say bye to her as she embarks on her next leg).

Books, Reading and Kindle?!

I am a HUGE bookworm and there's nothing better than getting lost / absorbed in a good story. I am always looking for new authors and those unputdownable reads! The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan is one of the books that have recently caught my eye! The other is the NY Times Bestseller, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Both are on my Amazon Wish List and I plan on buying them as soon as possible. Saying that I'd LOVE to hear any thoughts on these books if you've read them (or even if you also want to read them).

Something else that has interested me is Kindle. (You know that electronic Amazon book thingy-me-bob?) I know everyone is raving about it but I am intrigued how good it is. There’s something about reading an actual book. I wonder if I would get the same enjoyment from reading from a Kindle?! But I really AM intrigued.

Reader's Heaven

2009 is going to be a reader’s paradise (well for me anyway).
Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many great books to pre-order!!!

I’ve already pre-ordered:

Kristan Higgins TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Lisa Unger SLIVER OF TRUTH
Sarah Addison Allen (one of my favourite authors) THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON (God, I love this title!)
PJ Tracy DISCONNECTED

What I’ve left (momentarily) on my Amazon Wish List and want to pre-order include:

Janet Evanovich THE GRAND FINALE
Michelle Paver GHOST HUNTER
Kate Jacobs KNIT TWO
Lisa Unger BLACK OUT

I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove reading!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And FOUR of my all time favourite authors are releasing books (PJ Tracy, Sarah Addison Allen, Lisa Unger and Michelle Paver!) WOO HOO!!!!!!!

Happy New Year!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Rock on 2009! I am really excited and enthused about the new year. It helps that I had a really lovely break over Christmas (finished at lunch on Christmas Eve and returned to work on 5th January). When I read my "stars" in the Sunday newspapers for 2009, I got a pleasant surprise. 2009 will be my year ;-) It said I will get a new job, meet someone while on holidays and get married quickly and by the end of the year. Oh WOW! It also said that I have been constantly battling the last few years but I get a break from this in 2009.


I don't actually literally believe in my "stars" but it is nice to read something positive at the beginning of the year ~ gets your mindset right!


By the way the new blog layout is thanks to Gena by the way. I love her work. Don't forget to check out her designs at http://knottymoosedesigns.blogspot.com/


Santa was VERY good to me this year! I GOT A NEW TV!! A flat screen, High-Definition, LCD Samsung TV (see picture below).



I bought my original TV from a supermarket and the picture was fading. Despite this I offered it to my Aunt (as a second TV) and she happily accepted. However when I took it over and plugged it in, it blew up! LOL! I guess it really WAS on its' last legs and I was even MORE thrilled to have gotten a brand spanking new TV from Santa.


Santa also bought me some UGG boots (genuine Australian Uggs). Not only am I Australian but I live in FUGGS (faux Uggs) so I was surprised (to tears!) to open a parcel and find brand new genuine Uggs waiting for me. I wear them ALL the time! (I am even tempted to sleep in them).
As well as Uggs and TV, I got some perfume (Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel), new iPod speakers (with a LCD screen built in so I can watch all the videos on my iPod), slippers, PJs, CDs (Amy Grant Christmas & Billy Currington's new one), DVDs (new X Files movie, Lost in Austen, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Grand Ole Opry at Carnegie Hall), a gift voucher for Marks & Spencers (I bought two pairs of shoes for work), books ("Pottery Barn Storage & Display", "The Pirate's Daughter", "Marley & Me", "Plantations of the Low Country" plus more), jewellery and so much more. I can't recall them all right now. I was overwhelmed and humbled and I loved absolutely everything.


I also loved seeing the faces on my family as they opened the presents I got them. I bought heaps and loved spoiling them! Mum went especially mental over her beautifully carved angel wings (below) and her metal detector and Dad loved all his Top Gear goodies and electronic gadgets I bought him.


So since I had a new TV and some new DVDs to enjoy, I spent my Christmas break watching A LOT of TV. (I do mean a lot - I even got a migraine the first day!)

The movies / shows I loved the most were "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor".

I love the whole Mummy series and this didn't disappoint. I also ordered "Iron Man" off Sky (through my TV) on New Year's Eve and really enjoyed it.

So much so that at Mum and Dad's the next day, we rented it and watched it again.

I am also totalling loving "The 4400" and am almost finished Season Two. I have Seasons Three and Four to go!

I have organised to upgrade my Sky package to the HD (High-Definition) package so I make the most of my new TV. They are coming on Saturday 24th January and I can't wait! I've paid for everything now (the new Sky box and installation) so it shouldn't cost me anything extra on the day!

That's all I have to report for now. Haven't had much time for reading with all the TV watching but I am about halfway through "The Witching Hour" by Anne Rice.

Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Page Clips .... I love them!!!

My newest favourite thing. Magnetic page clips! Oh my! Now I have a "thing" for bookmarks anyway and have about 200 stuffed into a Tiffany & Co bag on my nightstand and ceremoniously select a new bookmark when I start a new book but since I've taken to bringing a book with me to work, these magnetic page clips are a Godsend! They are small, extra cute, and keep your place no matter how much your book gets thrown about in your hang bag!

The two designs I have are the penguin and cat (cuuuuute) and I am loving them. You also get four or six in each pack (I can't remember how many). Bargain!

You can check out more designs at: http://www.writing.com/main/shop/item_id/12345/id/1065

Odd Thomas

What a great book. I've only read 279 pages of 420 but boy I'm really enjoying it. The funny thing is my very VERY first impression was that the story was, well "odd" but within the first fourteen pages, my interest was piqued and I kept reading .... and I am so glad I have. It's been a great and gripping story.

Beautiful Lies

I don't really know where to start to describe what I thought to "Beautiful Lies" but there's a temptation to start gushing with words like sublime, masterpiece and adored.

Lisa Unger has excelled herself with her debut novel and before you reach the last page, you'll irrevocably know why it was a New York Times bestseller; that the accolades from Lee Childs and Lisa Gardner (among others) are deserved.

Although billed as a thriller, "Beautiful Lies" is more. Different. What set "Beautiful Lies" apart from others in the genre, for me, was subtlety. Somehow the phrasing, nuances and the way she tells the story, grips you. You are no longer just “reading a book” but invested in a story. When I did put down the book (to say, go to work!), I found my mind wandering back to where I was in the story. Thinking about the characters. Musing about where it was all going.

For fans of thrillers and mysteries, simply, this is a must. A book you cannot (and don’t want to) put down. In a word? Sublime.

Slowing Down to the Speed of Life

Eventhough my work life seems to be full of drama, I have found peace in it all.

I have been reading alot and one of the books I recently read was called "What About the Big Stuff?" by Richard Carlson (author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff"). It was really enlightening (not to mention poignant remembering how the author passed away unexpectedly in 2006) and I am approaching things better (or so I think). I have also started relaxing more and being patient. Slowing down to the speed of life. All my life I've been go-go-go, always doing two or four things at once ;) but now I have slowed down.

One of my slowing down strategies has been to read in the bath (I've never ever done that before) but it quietens my mind from the everyday stress, worries etc. Instead of being in and out within 5 minutes, I can now soak away for half an hour. I am in no rush. There's no better place I have to be.

I am also going on the treadmill every day (I figure exercise increased endorphins so I'll feel better, I'll also lose weight and boost my immune system). I read while I am on it (I have to hold the book and the treadmill handles at the same time - LOL) but 35 minutes go by in a blink and again, I am in silence absorbed in a book. It's the quiet times that seems to help with stress and nervous energy.

PLUS my clothes are starting to feel looser which is an amazing feeling ~ and not one, I've had in forever.

So eventhough there's a lot of stress going on right now, I am in a good place. Slowing down really does make everything better.

American Idle

I am still wiping the tears from where this book made me laugh ... and laugh some more!

"American Idle" by Alesia Holliday was a completely unexpected treasure. Lent to me by a friend, I casually picked it up yesterday and finished it in one sitting - laughing my way through it.

Ridiculously entertaining!

When I finished it I realised how long it had been since I read a book where absolutely nothing irritated me about the heroine (in this case Jules Vernon .... and yes that didn't even bother me!). (Upon deeper thought, I wonder what that says about me!)

I found her to be utterly delightful even with the catastrophic wake left wherever she goes (or perhaps because of!) I have since scoured the internet to find my own copy as I am bereft to have to send the book I borrowed back to my friend. It may take some finding but seek this out! It is a highly entertaining and delightful read!

Just a few American things I Love

In no particular order and by no means comprehensive,
here are a few American things I just LOVE!*

* besides the obvious like the people and the scenery

Clash of the Choirs

It has just started on the Biography Channel here and I love it.
My three favourite teams are Team Lachey, Team Rowland and Team Shelton!

Burt Bees

In fact ANYTHING by Burt Bees. I love this stuff!

I am addicted to the PARIS (French Vanilla) flavour of
Senseo coffee pods.
Senseo is available in England but this flavour isn't.

Sharpies!
Full stop. I adore Sharpies.
And I love the NEW Sharpie Pen (that doesn't bleed through paper)

Target
Possibly my favourite store in America.

Milk Duds

A new addition to my list having tried them for the first time in July.

Bath & Body Works

YUM! I love their anti-bacterial foam hand soap the best!

Borders
Sigh. I love this store.
Walking into this store (with money to burn) is my idea of heaven!

More about Shanna

Being obsessed with the Katie Chandler series at the moment (what can I say, I have a crush on "Owen") I went to her website earlier today (http://www.shannaswendson.com/index.html) to read about Book 5 (whether there will be one etc) and found this ...

Will There Be A Book Five (or more)?

I have a Book 5 planned and even partially written, and a few random ideas for what should come after that. Unfortunately, my publisher currently doesn't have plans to publish that book. It boils down to numbers, and the sales for the third book are far enough below those for the first book (which is still selling steadily, which makes it hard to catch up) that the spreadsheets that extrapolate potential book 5 sales say it's not worthwhile to publish that book. This could change if sales of books 3 and 4 pick up, if the movie gets made or if some other lightning strikes. I'm optimistic and stubborn, and I haven't given up yet. The best thing you can do to help make book 5 happen is to make sure all those people you got hooked on the series have moved on to the last two books. You can also keep spreading the word about the whole series and request the books at your local library (libraries will often pay attention to patron requests for books to purchase).

So I thought I'd help Shanna out ... selfishly because there HAS to be a book 5. So if you are after a good chick lit book with a magical twist, why not check out "Enchanted, Inc".

The synopsis from Goodreads:

Katie Chandler had always heard that New York is a weird and wonderful place, but this small-town Texas gal had no idea how weird until she moved there. Everywhere she goes, she sees something worth gawking at and Katie is afraid she’s a little too normal to make a splash in the big city. Working for an ogre of a boss doesn’t help. Then, seemingly out of the blue, Katie gets a job offer from Magic, Spells, and Illusions, Inc., a company that tricks of the trade to the magic community. For MSI, Katie’s ordinariness is an asset. Lacking any bit of magic, she can easily spot a fake spell, catch hidden clauses in competitor’s contracts, and detect magically disguised intruders. Suddenly, average Katie is very special indeed. She quickly learns that office politics are even more complicated when your new boss is a real ogre, and you have a crush on the sexy, shy, ultra powerful head of the R&D department, who is so busy fighting an evil competitor threatening to sell black magic on the street that he seems barely to notice Katie. Now it’s up to Katie to pull off the impossible: save the world and–hopefully–live happily ever after.

I'd LOVE to hear what you think to this series if you do pick it up!
Spread the word!!!!!!

Loving Shanna Swendson

I am absolutely LOVING Shanna Swendson!
I found "Enchanted, Inc." while looking for another book on Amazon and on a whim bought it. What a gem! I loved it! I am currently reading the second in the series, "Once Upon Stilettos" and am loving it as much as the first.
I can't wait for the third in the series, "Damsel Under Stress" to arrive.

I love her work!

I love love love love love love love love love love love (well you get the idea) Sarah Addison Allen's books, "Garden Spells" and "The Sugar Queen". They are so BEAUTIFULLY written. I had reading anxiety as I picked up her latest ("The Sugar Queen") as I loved "Garden Spells" so much, what if this one didn't match up. Oh but it did and more! Absolutely adorable and delicious books. Treasured stories!!

Breaking Dawn - the new McBook

I've chosen "Breaking Dawn" by Stephenie Meyer as the McBook Choice for August / September. (Thanks again to Gena for her wonderful artwork!!!!)

Personally I am having T.A. (Twilight Anxiety). I love the series (make that LOVE the series!!!) but am nervous about starting the last book. LOL! What a baby!!