BOOKS AND BLOGGING PHILOSOPHY

Philosophy is defined as a theory underlying or regarding a sphere of activity or thought. Well, my theory is if I can add at least 10 new books to my Wishlist and move at least 5 older Wishlist selections to my TBR list every month, then life is a ice cream sundae. And if I can find those 10 books from at least 5 new blogs each month then that's the cherry on top.

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!

NEW VISITORS AND OLD- WELCOME!
Well, I've made it almost 5 years now, so for better or worse, I continue on. I tend to blog in spurts as the urge to be creative erupts. As I don't have an artistic bone in my body, you will see very few changes in the layouts. Hey, I'm a reader not an artist like so many of the awesome bloggers I follow. I know you don't always have the time but if you stopped and looked, take a half a minute and say your piece. Recommend a book that you have enjoyed or hated for that matter. Thank you to all who visit.
Oh, and I moved my Google Friend Connect info and share this buttons to the top, as without our friends, who are we?


Friday, April 29, 2011

Want a Free Box of Books?

Stephanie Dray is offering a free box of historical
books if you signup for her newsletter at http://networkedblogs.com/h5Q8n 
To win, you must post a link to where you’ve spread the word in the comments.

Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop Winners Announced!

hoppy easter
The main winner of my Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Blog Hop giveaway is # 271---Chidori whose email starts with chidori@...She is  a new follower and international. 
(heard from her--WooHoo!)
I had 325 individual entries and with the extra entries it went up to 432. I had 100+ new followers so that means two more winners! WooHoo!
They are Tara  #202 from www.tamingthebookshelf.com whose email begins with TaraTagli@... and
Katie  #14 from
www.novelsociety.woodpress.com whose email begins with katie_tp@.... (heard from her WooHoo!)
Both of these ladies are old followers and from the US!
I've emailed all of you to verify email addresses for a $10 Gift Certificate from Amazon or a book up to $10 from Book Depository.

You have until midnight on May 2 EST to respond or a different winner will be chosen.
All winners were chosen by Random.org
Thanks to all who visited  and commented.
Be sure and watch for the Spring Blog Carnival that starts May 1 - 8 for your next chance at a $10 Gift Certificate.

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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Special Guest Appearance with Author Charlaine Harris 4/28 6-8 pm CDT at BittenByBooks!

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Please come prepared with some interesting and unique questions. Please limit your questions to one maybe two out of respect for Charlaine’s limited time with us and the other readers so they can get their questions answered as well.  PLEASE NO DUPLICATE Questions. Visit here for a list of questions that are frequently asked of Charlaine: http://www.charlaineharris.com/faqs.html now you have these, no need to ask them tomorrow! :)
This event post goes up at 6pm central daylight time and runs until 8pm. For those visiting from outside of the US, here is the time conversion link. We are in the Chicago time zone: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
 
Charlaine is going to be talking about Dead Reckoning book 11 in the Sookie Stackhouse series.
“With her knack for being in trouble’s way, Sookie witnesses the firebombing of Merlotte’s, the bar where she works. Since Sam Merlotte is now known to be two-natured, suspicion falls immediately on the anti-shifters in the area. Sookie suspects otherwise, but her attention is divided when she realizes that her lover Eric Northman and his “child” Pam are plotting to kill the vampire who is now their master. Gradually, Sookie is drawn into the plot-which is much more complicated than she knows…”
CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 4/29/11.
1st prize winner will receive a hardcover signed (1st ed) Living Dead in Dallas
2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive signed bookmarks

 
Check out Charlaine Harris’ website and get your questions ready for the event.
http://www.charlaineharris.com/

Author Ami Blackwelder Guest Blog and Contest 4/28 – at BittenByBooks!

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Join us on 4/28 with author Ami Blackwelder for a Guest Blog, chat and contest at BittenByBooks. This event post goes up in the morning and runs into the evening. Ami will start answering questions at 12:00 pm Central Daylight Time. For those visiting from outside of the US, here is the time conversion link. They are in the Chicago time zone:http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Ami will be talking about her latest book release, The Hybrids of 2050 book four in her Shifter Evolution series.
“Alaska 2050
Hybrids caught between two worlds. Shifters on the verge of extinction. Humans divided on either side.
Summary: Love and betrayal continue. Set in Alaska 2050, Melissa Marn and Bruce Wilder continue their work for the SCM under the hard, maddening General Raul. With military life now a cat and mouse game between Melissa and the General, the hybrids and the SCM, will she still have room for Bruce in her life? Will she ever see her twins again? After betrayal strikes the General for a second time, is Melissa safe?

Since the annihilation of the shifters, only two elders remain in Anchorage, and an uncertain future awaits the hybrids. Will Diamond overcome her heartache and loss and find a family with Unseen? When a human joins the team, will he prove to be trustworthy? Will Melissa aid the hybrids in their survival or will she deliver the ultimate betrayal?
With underlining themes of how prejudice breaks human connections and animal/wildlife conservation, this novel which has received rave reviews will leave the reader flipping through the pages
This was the third book written in the Shifter Evolutions Saga.”
CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 4/289/11. Open to readers in the US.
1st prize winner will receive The Shifters of 2040, The Hybrids of 2050
2nd and 3rd prize winners will receive one copy of The Hybrids of 2050

Check out Ami Blackwelder’s website and get your questions ready for the event.
http://amiblackwelder.com/

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Author Jo Ramsey Guest Blog and Contest 4/27 at BittenByBooks!

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Join me on 4/27 with author Jo Ramsey for a Guest Blog, chat and contest at BittenByBooks. This event post goes up in the morning and runs into the evening. Jo will start answering questions at 12:00 pm Central Daylight Time. For those visiting from outside of the US, here is the time conversion link. We are in the Chicago time zone: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Jo will be talking about her latest book release Cutting Cords, book three in her YA urban fantasy series Reality Shift.
“When Shanna’s father moves out, leaving Shanna alone with her mother, her home life goes from bad to worse. At least she has Jonah to remind her that she deserves a good life, even if she doesn’t always believe him. Stressed about her parents’ separation and worried about what it will mean for her, Shanna is glad for the distraction of her friend Tammi’s request for information about guides. Although Shanna is still learning, she knows how to answer Tammi’s questions. The problem is, the entity Tammi is asking about isn’t really a guide. It’s a dead spirit who wants to take over Tammi’s life. And Shanna discovers that another entity, one with the power to destroy our universe, wants to use Tammi as well. Guided by Jonah and Tethys, and helped by another being of light, Shanna must send the dead spirit to the afterlife before it’s too late-for Tammi and for the entire Universe.”
CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 4/28/11. Open to readers in the US and Canada.
Prize: An “official Reality Shift T-shirt”



Check out Jo Ramsey’s website and get your questions ready for the event.
http://www.joramsey.com/

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Author Jennifer Estep Release Party and $50.00 Amazon Gift Card Contest LIVE at BittenByBooks!




Join me on 4/26 with author Jennifer Estep for a Release Party, chat and contest at bittenByBooks. This event post goes up in the morning and runs into the evening. Jennifer will start answering questions at 12:00 pm Central Daylight Time. For those visiting from outside of the US, here is the time conversion link. We are in the Chicago time zone:http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Jennifer will be talking about her new book release Tangled Threads book four in the Elemental Assassins series.


“I’d rather face a dozen lethal assassins any night than deal with something as tricky, convoluted, and fragile as my feelings.
But here I am. Gin Blanco, the semi-retired assassin known as the Spider. Hovering outside sexy businessman Owen Grayson’s front door like a nervous teenage girl. One thing I like about Owen: he doesn’t shy away from my past—or my present. And right now I have a bull’s-eye on my forehead. Cold-blooded Fire elemental Mab Monroe has hired one of the smartest assassins in the business to trap me. Elektra LaFleur is skilled and efficient, with deadly electrical elemental magic as potent as my own Ice and Stone powers. Which means there’s a fifty-fifty chance one of us won’t survive this battle. I intend to kill LaFleur—or die trying—because Mab wants the assassin to take out my baby sister, Detective Bria Coolidge, too. The only problem is, Bria has no idea I’m her long-lost sibling . . . or that I’m the murderer she’s been chasing through Ashland for weeks. And what Bria doesn’t know just might get us both dead. . . .”


CONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 4/27/11 and is open to readers WORLDWIDE.
Prize: Two Electronic Amazon $25.00 Gift Cards

 
Check out Jennifer Estep’s website and get your questions ready for the event.
http://www.jenniferestep.com/

Author Donna Grant Release Party and Kindle Contest LIVE At BittenByBooks Today!

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Join me on 4/26 with author Donna Grant for a Release Party, chat and contest at BittenByBooks. This event post goes up in the morning and runs into the evening. Donna will start answering questions at 12:00 pm Central Daylight Time. For those visiting from outside of the US, here is the time conversion link. We are in the Chicago time zone:http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Donna will be talking about her new book release Untamed Highlander book four in the Dark Sword series.
“Druid-born and magic-blessed, Isla is one of the deadliest she-devils ever to serve the forces of darkness. As an immortal Highland warrior, it’s up to Hayden Campbell to destroy her and her kind. But for Hayden, Isla is more than a sworn enemy. She is temptation…
Taking Isla captive, Hayden hopes to avenge his kinsmen who died by Druid magic. But when he looks into Isla’s eyes, he sees the secrets of her past. When he touches her skin, he feels the passion in her soul. And soon Hayden comes to realize that this beautiful, beguiling woman is not his enemy at all—she is his destiny. And, even as the forces of darkness conspire against them, their love will conquer all…”
Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Wi-Fi, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl TechnologyCONTEST INFO: The contest portion of the event runs until 11:59 pm Central on 5/3/11 and is open to readers WORLDWIDE.
Prize: One Amazon
Kindle Wifi Reading Device!
RSVP below and get 25 entries to the prize portion of the contest when you show up on the day of the event. If you don’t show up and mention your RSVP AND ask a question, your points won’t be entered into the contest.
Check out Donna Grant’s website and get your questions ready for the event.
http://www.donnagrant.com/

Brought to you by Robert. This is so AWESOME!!


January had 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays & 5 Saturdays.   July will have the same and also October
.. -
111
This year we experienced and are going to experience four unusual dates: 1/1/11, 1/11/11, 11/1/11, 11/11/11;
that's not all ... take the last two digits of the year in which you were born; now add the age you will be this year, and the result will be 111 for everyone!
For example - I was born in 1955, and 55+ 56 = 111
My daughter was born in 1989, and 89 +22= 111
My granddaughter was born 2005, and 105 +6 =111
Go ahead try it you know you want to!
This is the year of Money!!!
This year October will have 5 Sundays, 5 Mondays and 5 Saturdays.
This happens only every 823 years.

Monday, April 25, 2011

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne –Prequel to “The Girl in the Steel Corset”

51X6PGSDJFL._SL500_AA266_PIkin3,BottomRight,-10,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_ Can’t wait until May 31 for “The Girl in the Steel Corset”? Well, you’re in luck. Look what Kady Cross has for us.


“Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined…”


An ebook exclusive prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles.

BOOKS I'VE BOUGHT, SWAPPED OR WON FOR THE WEEK 4/25 #33


   If you hover your arrow at the bottom of the books, you can see where my books came from.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

HOPPY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA GIVEAWAY BLOG HOP --April 20th to 25th


The Hoppy Easter Eggstravaganza Giveaway Hop is scheduled from 12:01 AM April 20th until 11:59 PM April 25th.

Winners will be chosen by Random.org.

I'm giving away an additional 2 Gift Cards as I've gained at least an extra 100 followers from this hop.
Contest will be open internationally.  I will be giving away 3 $10 Amazon Gift card or I'll let you chose a book from Book Depository up to $10 and as long as they ship free to you, you can enter. Just make sure they ship to you. If not sure,  check here. 
I love to win Gift Cards and these are the simplest and the best as far as I'm concerned.
For every 50 new followers, I'll give away another $10 Gift card or book from Book Depository. Hope you'll take the time to look around, make a comment or two and offer any suggestions.
I am number 21 and Lazy Girl Reads (Int) is in front of me and Tales And Treats (US/Can) is behind me. Click here for the full list of participating bloggers on the hop. This is a great way to meet more bloggers, win books, gift cards and more!




Giveaway Details: To enter giveaway please follow this blog on Google Friend Connect and then fill out the form here ! Last Day to Enter is April 25th at midnight. Optional Extra Entries: +1 or more (up to +5) Comment on ANY non-Giveaway post.


The grandbunnies, Bun, Lilly and Pearl stopped by to show off their baskets and wish everyone a Hoppy Easter!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

FREE READ FROM HARPERTEEN

 

13 little

Inside little blue envelope 1 are $1,000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.

In envelope 2 are directions to a specific London flat.

The note in envelope 3 tells Ginny: Find a starving artist.

Because of envelope 4, Ginny and a playwright/thief/ bloke–about–town called Keith go to Scotland together, with somewhat disastrous–though utterly romantic–results. But will she ever see him again?

Everything about Ginny will change this summer, and it's all because of the 13 little blue envelopes.

Ages 12+

For a full free read from the wonderful people at HarperTeen click here.

SNEAK PEEK FROM HARPERTEEN

13 little

 

"I don't do patrols, I don't go hunting, I just stick close to you. You live your life. I'll keep you safe," Tamani said, sweeping a lock of hair from her face. "Or die trying."

Laurel hasn't seen Tamani since she begged him to let her go last year. Though her heart still aches, Laurel is confident that David was the right choice.

But just as life returns to normal, Laurel realizes that a hidden enemy lies in wait. Once again, Laurel must turn to Tamani to protect and guide her, for the danger that now threatens Avalon is one that no faerie thought would ever be possible. And for the first time, Laurel cannot be sure that her side will prevail.

Click here for a for a sneak peek at the first eight chapters thanks to the wonderful people at HarperTeen.

The One A Day Y.A. Project: Introducing Super-Secret Giveaways!



The One A Day Y.A. Project: Introducing Super-Secret Giveaways!: "Hello all! I'm sure some of you have seen this button my sidebar and wondered just what it is I am up to. Well now you get to ..."

Monday, April 18, 2011

Carina Press Newsletter

Carina Press

April 18, 2011
In this Newsletter:
New Releases
Featured Author
Our Blog

Get Ready for Steampunk
What's not exactly fantasy, not quite science fiction, not necessarily historical but may contain elements of all three? Steampunk! Imagine an alternate world where the steam-powered inventions of the Victorian age still rule. Now, imagine the possibilities…
Download the FREE steampunk ebookPhotographs & Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape now. And check out all of our steampunkebooks!
—Angela James
Executive Editor, Carina Press

Steampunk: Where science, fantasy and fiction come together...like clockwork.


Featured Book

FREE Ebook

The Mysterious Lady Law by Robert Appleton
ePrice: $3.99
Our Price: $3.59
More Info


The Mysterious Lady Law
by Robert Appleton
In a time of grand airships and steam-powered cars, the death of a penniless young maid will hardly make the front page. But Julia Bairstow is shattered by her sister's murder. When private detective Lady Law offers to investigate the case pro bono, Julia jumps at the chance—even against the advice of Constable Al Grant, who takes her protection surprisingly to heart.
Lady Law puts Scotland Yard to shame. She's solved countless cold-case crimes. No one knows how she does it, but it's brought her fortune and renown. But is she really what she claims to be? Or is Al right and she is not to be trusted?
Julia is determined to find out the truth, even if it means turning sleuth herself…

Photographs & Phantoms by Cindy Spencer Pape
Photographs & Phantoms
by Cindy Spencer Pape

Our Price: FREE!
More Info


New Releases
The Alchemy of Desire by Crista McHugh
The Alchemy of Desire
by Crista McHugh

ePrice: $5.99
Our Price: $5.39
More Info
Journeyman's Ride by Marie Harte
Journeyman's Ride
by Marie Harte

ePrice: $3.99
Our Price: $3.59
More Info
The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale by Christine Bell
The Twisted Tale of Stormy Gale
by Christine Bell

ePrice: $2.99
Our Price: $2.69
More Info

Featured Author

Badlands by Seleste deLaney
ePrice: $3.99
Our Price: $3.59
More Info


Badlands
by Seleste deLaney

After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. But when the monarch is killed, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne.
Ever joins forces with a reluctant Captain Spencer Pierce. And as they fly into danger, they must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands—if death doesn't find them first…
"I loved this story so much. Loved Ever and especially loved the world Seleste has built for the characters."— reviewed on theThoughts of a Scot blogSeleste deLaney
Seleste deLaney's first attempt at a novel was a sweeping epic romance called Wars and Wishes, Disasters and Dreams.She finished about three chapters before deciding she had better things to do. At twelve years old, most girls wouldn't have made it that far. She went on to write numerous short stories and poems throughout her teens, but it wasn't until after earning a degree in chemistry that she returned to her love of writing fiction.
Read her Carina Press titleBadlands now!

Spotlight on…Steampunk

Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape
ePrice: $5.99
Our Price: $5.39
More Info


Steam & Sorcery
by Cindy Spencer Pape
Sir Merrick Hadrian hunts monsters, both human and supernatural. A Knight of the Order of the Round Table, his use of magick and the technologies of steam power have made him both respected and feared. But his considerable skills are useless in the face of his greatest challenge, guardianship of five unusual children. At a loss, Merrick enlists the aid of a governess.
Miss Caroline Bristol is reluctant to work for a bachelor but she needs a position. While she tends to break any mechanical device she touches, it never occurs to her that she might be something more than human. All she knows is that Merrick is the most dangerously attractive man she's ever met.
When conspiracy threatens to blur the distinction between humans and monsters, Caroline and Merrick must join forces, and the fate of humanity hinges upon their combined skills of steam and sorcery…
Check out our full selection of Steampunk ebooks!

Our Blog
Steampunk Holiday Submissions Call
"Carina Press is pleased to announce a call for submissions for our 2011 holiday collections. This will be the only open collection call for 2011 and is an excellent opportunity for authors interested in participating in the normally by-invitation-only Carina Press collections. Carina is looking for steampunk novellas with a winter or winter holiday theme, to be published digitally both individually and as a collection in December 2011."
Read the blog post about these submissions.
* * * * *
Come back next week to celebrate a full week of blogging about steampunk. Join us for Steampunk Week!

Steampunk Holiday Submissions Call

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Don't forget to connect with your favorite Carina Press authors in our online community forums!