By Rebecca Thomas
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2014 TBR Pile Reading Challenge
Hosted at Bookish
I am sitting here in my office and I have noticed that I have certainly managed to accumulated quite a few books during 2013--both physical and eBooks. So this challenge is just the incentive I need to get moving on getting these books read during 2014.
Details:
Link ups will be posted at Bookish on the 20th of each month, and will feature an unique theme, mini-challenge, giveaway and more!
2014 Book Bingo Reading Challenge
They have made some changes to the challenge and I am really looking forward to going for a blackout.
End of the Year Book Survey Responses
One of my favorite blogs to read is The Perpetual Page Turner. Are you familiar with Jamie's blog? She is also one of the fabulous co-bloggers of The Broke and The Bookish--the blog that brings the ever popular Top Ten Tuesday.
This is my first year being able to participate in Jamie's end of the year survey. This is my first foray into posting a summary of my year--and what a crazy year this has been!
This is my first year being able to participate in Jamie's end of the year survey. This is my first foray into posting a summary of my year--and what a crazy year this has been!
Monday, December 30, 2013
2014 Standalone Reading Challenge
The Details:
The lovely SAC hosts have challenged us to read 15 MG or YA books published in 2014. I personally love standalone titles as much as series. They can get lost in the shuffle of all the series and duos so this challenge is perfect reason to keep up with all those fabulous standalone books being published in 2014.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
2014 Prequel & Sequel Challenge
Saturday, December 28, 2013
"The President Has Been Shot" by James Swanson Review
2014 Rewind Challenge
It happens to all us book addicts, I mean fans--we are constantly on the lookout for great reads. I am personally surrounded by books on a daily basis--call it an occupational hazard if you want but, it is heaven on earth personally that I get to connect readers with books as a librarian on a daily basis. BUT truth be told, it wrecks havoc on my TBR list. LOL
Bout of Books 9.0
It is that time again! Bout of Books is having one their read-a-thons. I am really looking forward to digging in and tackling my ever growing TBR list and getting the year off to a great start.
Friday, December 27, 2013
Feature & Follow: Holiday Book Haul
Feature & Follow is put on by the lovely from Parajunkee & Alison Can Read and in order to participate, you must follow them, answer their prompt and link up to their linky. What also sets this apart is we also hop around discovering new blogs to follow as well. So if you are new to Love. Life. Read--welcome!! Follow with me by subscribing via Bloglovin', Feedly (or other RSS feed reader of your choice) or email. You can also join me on Twitter, Pinterst and Instagram for even more fun. :-)
Meet Samantha Sutton!! Character Interview
Here at Love. Life. Read. today I am thrilled to be hosting Samantha Sutton. We first meet her in Samantha Sutton and the Labyrinth of Lies, an archaeological action adventure mystery set in South America. She is back in Samantha Sutton and the Winter of the Warrior Queen. This time we are off with her to England—a dream location of mine!
Welcome Samantha!
You dream of being an archaeologist. Can you tell my readers what has drawn you to this career path?
My uncle Jay is an archaeology professor at a university a couple hours from my house. Sometimes, on weekends, my parents drop me off at his office and he tells me stories about his excavations. He especially likes to tell me about all the adventures he’s had--like the accidents he's gotten into, or the trouble he's had with looters or wild animals. But I’m much more interested in his research. Archaeology is like a puzzle, and I low hearing about how he puts all the pieces together to figure out how people in the past used to live.
My uncle Jay is an archaeology professor at a university a couple hours from my house. Sometimes, on weekends, my parents drop me off at his office and he tells me stories about his excavations. He especially likes to tell me about all the adventures he’s had--like the accidents he's gotten into, or the trouble he's had with looters or wild animals. But I’m much more interested in his research. Archaeology is like a puzzle, and I low hearing about how he puts all the pieces together to figure out how people in the past used to live.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Incarnate Read-a-Thon
I am so excited to be starting the new year off with the Incarnate Read-a-Thon!!
Hosted by Kat from A Backwards Story and Alexa from Alexa Loves Books AND they will be working with the lovely Jodi Meadows and Epic Reads to bring an amazing Read-a-Thon. What are you waiting for? Join us!!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 6 Updates
For more about Dreamy December Days, click on the banner.
Dreamy December Days Participation Post Update for Day 6:
Yesterday was a crazy day (as the whole week as seemed to be). I had to work yesterday and last night was a huge event for the city. So I continued to listen to my audiobook, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell which I am really enjoying.
Today's plan is to knock out The Queen's Choice and to participate in the Twitter chat later this evening with Francine. Will you be able to join us?
Friday, December 6, 2013
Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally Review
Racing Savannah
By Miranda Kenneally
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
ISBN: 9781402284762
Reviewed from: an ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire—Thank You!!
Purchase Notes:
Story Synopsis from GoodReads:
They’re from two different worlds.
He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.
With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…
By Miranda Kenneally
Publication Date: December 3, 2013
ISBN: 9781402284762
Reviewed from: an ARC provided by Sourcebooks Fire—Thank You!!
Purchase Notes:
- I purchased a copy for myself
- I purchased a copy for my library's collection
Story Synopsis from GoodReads:
They’re from two different worlds.
He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.
With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…
Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 5 Update
For on Dreamy December Days, click on the banner above. :-)
Dreamy December Days Participation Post #5:
Today I did not get much physical reading done today. :( So sad!! I really dislike days like this when my schedule does not permit me much in the way of reading time.
I did start Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell yesterday as an audiobook, maximizing my time as I drove to and from work. I am loving it so far! I am three chapters into it.
So I am working on two books right now:
- The Queen's Choice by Cayla Kluver
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Day 4 Updates!
To learn more about Dreamy December Days, click on the banner above.
Dreamy December Day 4 Participation Post Update:
Well today has not gone near as well as I hoped. I was able to chat with Francine for a bit on Twitter during the Twitter Chat so YAY for that. :-D BUT I have not gotten much read at all. My work meeting and errands too much longer than anticipated. Then this evening, we started to decorate our home for the holidays. Here's hoping I get more done tomorrow. :-)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Dreamy December Days--Participation and Challenge Updates!
To Learn more about Dream December Days, click on the banner
Dreamy December Day Three Participation Update:
- Mary Balogh's The Arrangement, which I have been listening to do a review for a journal.
- I have also started an ARC of The Queen's Choice by Cayla Kluver, which releases at the end of January.
Celebrating FOOLISH GAMES by Tracy Solheim--Happy Release Day Tracy!!
Keep reading for your chance to learn more about Foolish Games, Tracy and how to win a $25 Amazon gift card!!
About Foolish Games:
SOMETIMES THE BEST DEFENSE IS A STRONG OFFENSE….
Bridal gown designer, Julianne Marchione knows better than to lose her head at a client’s wedding. But much to her embarrassment, a mix of migraine medication and a smoking hot football player lead to a steamy one night stand resulting in a surprise pregnancy. Julianne has every intention of leaving her NFL hookup far in the past until her son, Owen, is born with a life-threatening blood disorder that requires a transfusion—and Julianne is not a match.
Will “William the Conqueror” Connelly grew up tough shouldering the stigma of being a bastard child born on the wrong side of the tracks. He refuses to let any child face the same discrimination. When he finds out about Owen, he’s furious that Julianne kept his son a secret. But when he sees her again at the hospital, he realizes that his feelings for her go far beyond anger.
Monday, December 2, 2013
Dreamy December Days Read-a-Thon Updates 1 & 2
Dreamy December Day One Participation Post #1: Goals and Expectations
This is a busy week at work but I am hoping I can use this read-a-thon as enticement to keep up on my reading for enjoyment during this busy time of year as well. I have many books piled high on bookshelves staring longingly waiting to be picked up to be read. With this in mind, here is what my tentative goals and expectations are:
- Read 2 to 3 books this week
- Write notes about the books I do read (for those I intend on reviewing)
- Write 2 to 3 reviews on books I have waiting to be finished up
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Top Ten Things I am Thankful For
Put on by the delightful bloggers at The Broke and The Bookish, join us as we list our Top Ten somethings each Tuesday.
This is the time of year we all reflect on what we are grateful for and upon what has happened in the last year. While the last several months have not gone as smoothly as I would have hoped and wished, I am still aware I have so many blessings in my life.
Other than the first thing on my list, I decided to keep these things with a bookish bent for the fun and challenge of it.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Racing Savannah Pre-Order Special
The amazing folks from Sourcebooks has a fabulous deal for those of us who are fans of Miranda Kenneally.
From Sourcebooks....
They’re from two different worlds, but Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules. . . get the next contemporary novel from blockbuster YA novelist Miranda Kenneally: RACING SAVANNAH! Right before her senior year, Savannah’s father whisks the family off to Tennessee to work as head groom at fancy Cedar Hill Farms. Savannah finally sees it as the perfect opportunity to earn extra money as an exercise rider—no matter how many others don’t want a girl around the barn. But she’s also caught the eye of Jack Goodwin, the owner’s son. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries. With her dream of becoming a jockey, Savannah is not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack.
From Sourcebooks....
They’re from two different worlds, but Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules. . . get the next contemporary novel from blockbuster YA novelist Miranda Kenneally: RACING SAVANNAH! Right before her senior year, Savannah’s father whisks the family off to Tennessee to work as head groom at fancy Cedar Hill Farms. Savannah finally sees it as the perfect opportunity to earn extra money as an exercise rider—no matter how many others don’t want a girl around the barn. But she’s also caught the eye of Jack Goodwin, the owner’s son. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries. With her dream of becoming a jockey, Savannah is not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack.
We’ve put together a fun campaign to thank readers for pre-ordering: send us your proof of pre-order and we’ll send you this fabulous horseshoe key chain!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Dreamy December Days Read-a-thon
So while I am trying to get back in the semblance of a routine again here at Love.Life.Read, I thought I would take the time to participate in Dreamy December Days hosted by the lovely Francine of Always Lost in Books and Farzy of Books Keep Me Sane (me too Farzy).
This is my sign up post declaring my intent on participating. If you are not familiar with it and a want to learn more about it, I encourage you to check out their highly informative FAQ page.
It is happening December 1 through December 7--care to join us??
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Taking a breather...
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Definitely, Maybe in Love by Ophelia London
Definitely, Maybe in Love
By Ophelia London
ISBN: 9781622661831
Publication Date: October 28, 2013
Reviewed from: a copy provided by Entangled & Macmillian--thank you! I have since purchased a copy. :)
Blogger note: this book is on sale for $0.99--a steal!! Be sure to check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble or other eBook vendors.
Blogger note: this book is on sale for $0.99--a steal!! Be sure to check out Amazon, Barnes & Noble or other eBook vendors.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Author Interview: Jocelyn Davies
Today's featured author is Jocelyn Davies--the author of the trilogy A Beautiful Darkness--another series on my TBR list. :-) Here is a trailer for the first book:
To connect with Ms. Davies, be sure to visit her website or follower her on Twitter.
To connect with Ms. Davies, be sure to visit her website or follower her on Twitter.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Author Interview: Lisa McMann
Wow, where has this year gone?! It is almost November so that means YALLFEST is creeping up on us quickly! It is on Saturday, November 9th and be sure to check out their website and Twitter to get more information.
Today's author is Lisa McMann. My experience with Ms. McMann's writing is through her Wake trilogy but she has so many other books to her credit. Find out about them by visiting her website and be sure to follow her on Twitter. Her newest title out is Bang, the second book in her Visions series. Here is how she had to answer our questions:
Q1: What one thing do you need to have when you write?
Silence.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Author Interview: Michelle Hodkin
Wow, where has this year gone?! It is almost November so that means YALLFEST is creeping up on us quickly! It is on Saturday, November 9th and be sure to check out their website and Twitter to get more information.
I am thrilled today is the interview with Michelle Hodkin. Her Mara Dyer series has been on my TBR list for so long. I truly need to bump it up! I had great time exploring Ms. Hodkin's website and her fabulous Tumblr blog. Without further ado, here is how she answered the questions:
Sunday, October 20, 2013
New Feature: Series Reviews
New Feature here at
Love. Life. Read: Series Reviews
This has come as a
by-product of needing a bit of balance within my life. I love reading series
and will run through them quickly if they are fully published (or mostly) but I
find that I read them rather fast. I do not necessarily read and take notes about
each book, finding the time to go back
and review each title has become a bit cumbersome. Thus, my stack of books to be reviewed has gotten large. With this in mind, I decided I am going
to start a new feature here: Series Reviews.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Author Interview: Lisi Harrison
Fans of the Clique and Alphas series will recognize this next author--Lisi Harrison! Be sure to check out her website for more information about her and her books. :-)
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Author Interview: Shannon Hale
For more information regarding YALLFest, be sure to check out their website. If you can get yourself to Charleston on Saturday, November 9th, it is sure to be an event not to be missed! Be sure to check out YALLFEST for more information and be sure to follow them on Twitter too!
Today's interview is with the amazing Shannon Hale. Be sure to check out her website for more information about her books, her blog and much more!
Friday, October 4, 2013
Author Interview: Melissa De La Cruz
For more information regarding YALLFest, be sure to check out their website. If you can get yourself to Charleston on Saturday, November 9th, it is sure to be an event not to be missed!
Today I am beyond thrilled that Melissa De La Cruz is our featured author! Taking a look at her GoodReads page, you can see she has some amazing books in her repertoire. She also has a fantastic website filled with information about her books (of course) but also writing tips and information for student reports.
One of her books is also being turned into a Lifetime television series--Witches of East End. I am looking forward to watching it on my day off next--my DVR is set to record it. How about yours? Her latest book, Frozen, hit shelves last month and it is the first in her newest series. Have you read it yet? I know it is on my TBR pile at home. :-)
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