Happy Birthday Harry Potter

Those of you who know me, know that I am the ultimate Harry Potter fan. It began long ago on a comfy emerald green rocking chair...cool fall weather, sitting at the open window,  legs curled up underneath me with thick fuzzy socks on, and the precious first book in my hands. I never thought the journey would lead me to here. The boy wizard took me with him to start on his adventures that day and I've never been the same since. My eyes opened up to a whole new world and my imagination was expanded tenfold. As I begin re-reading the Harry Potter series every fall (in tribute to when I first began reading it), I explore new places and find new nooks and cranny's to crawl into as I take the adventure once again. Much of my personality reflects my love of this magical world and I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you J.K. Rowling for the most awesome adventure of my life in literature. I hope that many generations after ours continue to love the series and hold it in the status that this generation does today! Happy Birthday Harry Potter and Happy Birthday J.K. Rowling. 

Love,

Michelle (who still waits patiently for the owl with my Hogwarts letter)

 

Weekend Guest Review

Raised By Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

bn.com synopsis:

Adopted by the Alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue wolf brutally killed her parents right before her eyes, fifteen-year-old Bryn knows only pack life, and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it.  That doesn't mean that she's averse to breaking a rule or two. 

But when her curiosity gets the better of her and she discovers Chase, a new teen locked in a cage in her guardian's basement, and witnesses him turn into a wolf before her eyes, the horrific memories of her parents' murders return. Bryn becomes obsessed with getting her questions answered, and Chase is the only one who can provide the information she needs.

But in her drive to find the truth, will Bryn push too far beyond the constraints of the pack, forcing her to leave behind her friends, her family, and the identity that she's shaped?

KRISTA'S REVIEW:

Bryn is a young human girl living among werewolves. The pack's Alpha, the mysterious Callum, raised Brynn after her family was brutally murdered by a rogue werewolf. While growing up has not been easy so far, Bryn is a fighter. When a young werewolf named Chase arrives on the scene Bryn and Chase are drawn to each other. Brynn's friends Devon and Lake are strong and interesting characters and I am eager to learn more about them. While I was reading this book it reminded me of Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson series. I hope anyone reading this would know this is a compliment. I do not mean to imply that the story was copied in any way, but Bryn's strong character felt like a younger version of Mercy to me. I think this is a great series starter and am looking forward to the next installment.

Guest Review

I recently have asked a few of my bookseller friends to give me some reviews to post on my blog. Thanks Krista for a great review!

S

Synopsis from bn.com

"In Maggie Stiefvater's Shiver, Grace and Sam found each other. Now, in Linger, they must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping a very dangerous secret about her own well-being. For Sam, this means grappling with his werewolf past . . . and figuring out a way to survive into the future. Add into the mix a new wolf named Cole, whose own past has the potential to destroy the whole pack. And Isabelle, who already lost her brother to the wolves . . . and is nonetheless drawn to Cole.

At turns harrowing and euphoric, Linger is a spellbinding love story that explores both sides of love - the light and the dark, the warm and the cold - in a way you will never forget."

As Sam and Grace's story continues the readers are given a chance to experience Sam's life as he deals with his new life as all human (and the reader hopes this is the case), and the relationship between Sam and Grace. Grace's parents are a little more involved this time around (which is a total turnaround from Shiver). There is also a new character introduced -- Cole. Cole is a damaged soul looking for escape. It was enjoyable learning more about Isabel. I liked this book, but I have to say it did not capture my imagination the way Shiver did. I felt like I was simply marking time during parts of this book. I really didn't  feel that the plot moved forward very much. I also have to say that Sam's reactions whenever Grace was not feeling well seemed really odd to me. Overall I liked the book and will buy the next one in the series, but I just was not spellbound this time around.

What's On Your TBR List?

I haven't blogged in a while because, to be quite honest, I am so backed up on my reading! I have piles and piles that are to be read and I keep getting more books! Thanks to generous mailings from publishers I do have some titles that have been added to the top of the pile. Right now I am in the middle of "Crusade" by Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie. So far it is AMAZING and I cannot put it down! Next is BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS!!!! That's right BEAUTIFUL DARKNESS PEOPLE!!!!! My fingers are just itching to get into that one but as we all know patience is a virtue! So expect some reviews to be coming soon!

Mockingjay is just 36 days away!!! (August 24th!!) August 31st is a HUGE day for YA....The Haunted by Jessica Verday is being released AND the first in Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices Trilogy...CLOCKWORK ANGEL!!!!! What a way to ease into the fall season! Hope the rest of the summer is great for everyone and keep checking in...some reviews are on the way!!!

Clockwork Angel ARC Giveaway!

Really cool little blog I ran across is running a contest for an ARC of Clockwork Angel!!! I wish you all the best of luck!!

http://www.katiesbookblog.com/2010/07/900-follower-giveaway-clockwork-angel.html

CONTEST WINNER!!!!

Well let me say, it wasn't a great turnout for my contest but that is ok with me!! I am excited about sharing my books!

Donellys is my first winner!!! Congratulations! The 24 hour rule is not going to apply for this contest because there were only two entries...and since there were only two entries Schuyler you are a winner too!! Both of you email me your info and I will send the goods out!! Thanks for participating and look for reviews on different upcoming titles soon!

GUARDIAN OF THE GATE ARC GIVEAWAY!!!!

Lately I have posted links to many other contests, and now have been inspired to have my own! I have this beautiful ARC of Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink (sequel to her amazing title Prophecy of the Sisters)  and would love to share with someone!

Here is how it works: 

+ 1 pt. for following this blog

+1 point for following me on Twitter @me_chelle0731

+ 2 for mentioning this contest on Twitter 

+5 for mentioning this contest on Facebook

+20 points for adding up all your points and leaving it in the comments section 

(make sure to leave on links in your comment)

and last but not least 

+ 10 points for Commenting and telling me what YA title you are most excited for that is coming out this summer and why~

CONTEST ENDS ON JULY 10th @ 10 pm 

I will post the winner on this blog on July 12th @ 5pm 

you will have 24hrs to email : mechelle54 (at) gmail (dot) com 

after that I will choose another winner

 

GOOD LUCK!

The Dark Divine by Bree Despain: Official Book Trailer

Crazy Summer Of Giveaways!!!!!

Ok it seems as if I have only been blogging about giveaways so far this summer....well it's because I have!!! seems my fellow bloggers are holding contests like crazy! Anyway here is another blogger to be aware of that is having some crazy contests!!

http://avidreadersmusings.blogspot.com/2010/06/30-on-30th-prize-pack-1-nightshade.html

and here is a link to another one from the same blogger!!

http://avidreadersmusings.blogspot.com/2010/07/30-on-30th-prize-pack-4-beautiful.html

Good Luck!!!