Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Happiness. Show all posts

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Book Review - Pretty in Punxsutawney by Laurie Boyle Crompton + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Andie is addicted to movies, especially romance movies. She is the type of person who has the perfect thing to say, only after the moment has passed. However, she is yet to experience her first kiss but, she wants it to be special. When her family moved to Punxsutawney, PA, for her senior year, she hopes that will meet her true love. Her plans are abandoned when she is caught in an endless loop of her first day at her new school. She keeps reliving the day over and over until she can find a way to break the loop. As she continues on her search for her true love, she spends time with the various cliques and learns that not everything is what it seems. Will Andie be able to find her true love?

Ever read the saying "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results"? I thought this novel was going to be repetitive to the point of tears and boredom. I was pleasantly surprised how fun it was to read especially when Andie kept trying different combinations to find her "perfect ending". I did cringe on a few things that she did because she knew that the day would be repeated. However, it was a fun and delightful read. I can't wait to read more from the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**


Pretty In Punxsutawney
by Laurie Boyle Crompton
Publisher: Blink
Release date: January 22, 2019
Genre: Young Adult -- Contemporary, Romance

A mashup of Groundhog Day and Pretty in Pink, the book stars a senior who is forced to relive the first day at her new school in an endless loop. Andie is convinced she needs true love's kiss to break the curse, but instead discovers how a high school filled with cliques and misfits can find common ground despite everyone's differences.

BOOK LINKS


ABOUT THE AUTHOR



Laurie Boyle Crompton is the YA author of the upcoming PRETTY IN PUNXSUTAWNEY (Blink/HarperCollins 2019) as well as ADRENALINE CRUSH (Macmillan/2014, Square Fish/2016), BLAZE (or Love in the Time of Supervillains), THE REAL PROM QUEENS OF WESTFIELD HIGH and LOVE AND VANDALISM (Sourcebooks/2013, 2014, 2017). Growing up in ‘Pennsyltucky’ in the 1980s, Laurie couldn't wait to escape rural life. After saving up her tips from waitressing at a local greasy spoon at 18 she packed up her acid wash jeans and moved to NY. Where everyone else had stopped wearing acid wash.

She graduated first in her class from St. John’s University with a BA in English and Journalism. Since then she’s written for national magazines like ALLURE, survived a teaching stint at an all-boy high school, and appeared on Good Day New York several times as a Toy Expert. And yes, ‘toy expert’ is an actual profession. Really.

She has lived in places like Orlando, Florida where she and her husband spent all of their spare time and money visiting theme parks before moving to the Cotswolds in England for six months, which was every bit as cool as that sounds. The Cromptons are now back in New York where their two children resent never going to Disney.

Laurie occasionally enjoys hanging out in fields of blooming flowers and also refering to herself in the third person.

Links:
Website: https://www.lboylecrompton.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbcrompton
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lbcrompton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurie.b.crompton


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Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Book Review - When Summer Ends by Jessica Pennington + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon


 Aiden Emerson has it all; he is the school's star pitcher and the golden boy of Riverton. However, all that changes when he has to quit the team because he is losing his vision. Olivia has her entire summer planned out but, when her dream internship falls apart and her dreamy boyfriend decides he wants a break, she has no idea what to do anymore. To make matters worse, her estranged mother wants to bond and reconnect. Aiden and Olivia are thrown together by chance but, can they make the best out of their situation? 

The book is a perfect cozy romance read with minimal drama. The two main characters felt realistic but, I wished at times, they would just communicate! (I believe most drama in life can be avoided by communication.) One thing I didn't enjoy was how "fast" time was moving as the summer was over in a few chapters which made the relationship seem to be moving quickly even if it wasn't. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.


 **Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**





Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (April 9, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1250187338
ISBN-13: 978-1250187338


Praise for WHEN SUMMER ENDS

“Bringing the small-town Michigan setting evocatively to the forefront, Pennington’s sophomore novel captures the pleasures of new love.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Praise for LOVE SONGS & OTHER LIES

“A captivating read and a great pick for fans of Morgan Matson and Emery Lord!” ―RT Book Reviews

“Filled with lyrics, love, and late nights, Pennington's debut novel will appeal to romance fans of Sarah Dessen and Susane Colasanti.” ―School Library Journal

“Pennington’s debut is a light road-tripping romance about redemption and the love of music.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Reading Cam & Vee's past and present romance reminds me of This is Us! This is going on my keeper shelf.” ―Simone Elkeles, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author

Love Songs & Other Lies is a music-infused romance about a pair of perfectly imperfect teenagers who will have readers rooting for their happily ever after.” ―Katy Upperman, author of Kissing Max Holden

“Boys in bands, second chance romance, and pitch-perfect chemistry. Love Songs & Other Lies hits all the right notes!” ―Gina Ciocca, author of Last Year's Mistake

“Fun and full of heart, with a hero who stole my heart!” ―Katie McGarry, author of Pushing the Limits


Aiden Emerson is an all-star pitcher and the all-around golden boy of Riverton. Or at least he was, before he quit the team the last day of junior year without any explanation. How could he tell people he's losing his vision at seventeen?

Straight-laced Olivia thought she had life all figured out. But when her dream internship falls apart, her estranged mother comes back into her life, and her long-time boyfriend ghosts her right before summer break, she's starting to think fate has a weird sense of humor.

Each struggling to find a new direction, Aiden and Olivia decide to live summer by chance. Every fleeting adventure and stolen kiss is as fragile as a coin flip in this heartfelt journey to love and self-discovery from the author of Love Songs & Other Lies.

You can purchase When Summer Ends at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Credit: Sheena Pearce

Jessica Pennington is no stranger to the combination of love and drama. She’s a wedding planner, after all. A writer since the age of ten—when she sought publication for her poem about a tree—Jessica likes the challenge of finding the humor in a sad situation or highlighting the awkwardness in a romantic one. She lives in a Michigan beach town suspiciously similar to the one in her novel, with her husband Josh and their son, Rory. Love Songs & Other Lies is her debut novel.
        
WEEK ONE
JULY 22nd MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
JULY 22nd MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
JULY 23rd TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT
JULY 23rd TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Kait Plus Books EXCERPT
JULY 24th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY Cover2CoverBlog REVIEW
JULY 25th THURSDAY Bookish Kali REVIEW
JULY 26th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
JULY 26th FRIDAY A Bella Fairy Tale REVIEW


WEEK TWO
JULY 29th MONDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
JULY 29th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
JULY 30th TUESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
JULY 30th TUESDAY Pages and Pugs REVIEW
JULY 31st WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
JULY 31st WEDNESDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY Sabrina's Paranormal Palace REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY Starlight Reads REVIEW
AUGUST 1st THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
AUGUST 2nd FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
AUGUST 2nd FRIDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
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Friday, June 28, 2019

Book Review - Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton


Photo Credit - Amazon
Louise Wilson has three jobs and can barely stay afloat. Lavinia Willliams has everything she could ever wanted. When a chance encounter throws the pair together, they realize nothing will be the same afterwards. The duo embark on a compulsive, frantic, intense and toxic friendship. When their obsession relationship takes a dark turn, they realize one of them might not come out alive.

I am between liking this book and wondering why the hell did I waste my time reading it. The writing style made it very hard for me to enjoy this novel. A few times I felt that the book was a bit boring with the story feeling stalled. However, I did enjoy seeing Louise get what she wanted and then slowly have it disappear when Lavinia feels like it. The ending was a bit disappointing but, it fell in line with rest of the novel.

  **Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Book Review - Wilder Girls by Rory Power

Photo Credit - Amazon


It has been eighteen months since the Tox hit the Raxter School for Girls forcing the school to be put under quarantine by the CDC.  The Tox began very slowly as one by one of the teachers starting dying. Then it began infecting the students and mutilating their bodies causing deformities. The girls are cut off from the rest of the world and have to fend for themselves against nature and the Tox. They can't leave the island or the school's fence because it will break the quarantine order. While the neighboring woods prove to be wild and dangerous with the wild animals being affected with the Tox. The girls are waiting for the promised cure but, the world around them is starting to close in.

When Byatt goes missing, Hetty will stop at nothing to find her. She is willing to break quarantine and travel into the woods to find her beloved friend. What Hetty finds behind the fences leaves her to question everything she thought she knew. Will Hetty be able to put her fears and worries aside to save her friend?

The novel was an interesting read but, I felt that the writing took away from the novel. Sometimes, I felt I had to re-read sentences to make sure I was understanding the context. However, I love how strong and diverse each of the characters was. Personally, I thought the ending left a bit to desired but, I did enjoy the book.


 **Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Sunday, May 12, 2019

Book Review - The Paper Wasp by Lauren Acampora

Photo Credit - Amazon


Abby Graven lives a secluded life in a small town in Michigan. She was once a bright student with a promising art career. Now, she works lives at home with her parents and works at the local supermarket as a cashier. Her former best friend, Elise is a rising starlet in Hollywood. Abby is haunted by Elise's success and Abby obsessively collects photos and articles of Elise. Abby's one escape is watching movies from her favorite director, Auguste Perren. Perren is the famous founder of the creative institute called the Rhizome. Abby has a secret gift that she keeps hidden from others. She has often had premonitory dreams that help inspire her art.

During their high school reunion, Elise and Abby reunite and plan to meet up. Abby is overjoyed that Elise still considers Abby a friend and a brilliant artist. When Elise offhandedly tells Abby to visit her if she's even in LA, Abby arrives on Elise's doorstep unexpectedly.  After spending time with Elise, Abby realizes that Elise has a few flaws that she keeps hidden from the public. Being a supportive friend, Abby tries to help Elise while protecting her own secret and trying to achieve professional success. As Elise and Abby become closer, Abby realizes she only has one way of getting what she wants.

The novel was a seductive read that was very entertaining even when I was confused about certain details. However, random and insignificant behaviors came together in the end. I thought that was a creative way to infuse small details to add more layers to make a chilling and complex story. After I finished reading the book, I was still thinking about the ending. There was a lot of details left open for interpretation.  Overall, the novel did a great job showing the lengths someone will go to fulfill their dreams.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Friday, May 10, 2019

Book Review - Last Day by Domenica Ruta


Photo Credit - Amazon

Once a year on May 28, all of humanity gather to celebrate the day of the planet's demise. People party and act as it is the last day they are alive. Sarah is a bookish wunderkind who is looking for love. She felt that she has always been asexual but, she finds herself attracted to an older man, Kurt. Sarah and Kurt met last year during her parents' Last Day BBQ. Kurt is a tattoo artist who is trying to make amends to a family he destroyed years ago.

Karen consistently gets in trouble. She was abused at a young age and suffers from an eating disorder. After getting into trouble again, she decides to abandon her current life and search for her long lost adoptive brother. Her friend, Rosette left the Jehovah's Witness and follows a new pastor who has different opinions about the Last Day. Rosette tries to help Karen as she believes it will her atone for her past sins. When Karen calls Rosette for help, she takes Karen to the church in hopes that it will help her.

Three astronauts on the International Space Station are witnessing the Last Day spectacle in Space. Bear, an American astronaut along with Russian astronaut, Svec, and a Japanese space tourist, Yui contemplate their lives during the Last Day festivities.  Together they band together and share stories of their native customs for the Last Day.

At first, I thought this was going to be an interesting read. Then, I was quite confused by some of the behaviors of the characters especially when they tried changing their behaviors. After I read more about each character I understood their motives. The book depicts how one person's actions have an effect on other people lives. I found that to be an interesting concept that something trivial to you can mean the world to someone else. Overall, the book was thought-provoking but, I am not sure if it was my cup of tea.

*Disclosure - This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Book Review - Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Photo Credit - Amazon

Delsie loves storms, rainy weather, and tracking the weather. However, lately, there seems to be a storm brewing in her life. She has lived with her Grammy her entire life but, lately, she wishes she had a "regular family". And her best friend recently became friends with someone else. Delsie feels left out because she no longer fits in.

Ronan recently moved to live with his father at Cape Cod. He struggles to fit in and feels like an outcast. When he tries to make friends, he feels like his questionable past follows him around.  When he meets Delsie, he feels a connection with her. Together, the duo navigates their feelings on being abandoned and what they have lost but, also what they have gained.

When I first started reading the novel, a few times I was wondered (sometimes, out loud) how could kids be so silly and inconsiderate. And then I realized I know quite a few adults that say things and don't realize how hurtful their comments can be (myself included).  Some parts of the story reminded me of my own experiences with "best friends" that all of sudden decide your friendship is no longer cool or wanted.  Overall, it was an interesting book and I can't wait to read more books by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Description
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.
     Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.


Author Bios
Lynda Mullaly Hunt is the author of New York Times bestseller Fish in a Treeand Bank Street Best Book One for the Murphys. She's a former teacher, and holds writers retreats for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, two children, impetuous beagle, and beagle-loathing cat.

Friday, May 3, 2019

Book Review - Children of the Fifth Sun by Gareth Worthington + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon

There are many different belief systems on Earth. However, they each have a common thread of belief, that thousands of years ago a great flood devastated Earth. From this natural disaster, a race of beings dwelled in the oceans and emerged to share its knowledge and culture with humanity. They hope to help save humans from our own selfish need. What are these mysterious creatures? Would they be able to help us?

Kelly Graham is an overly confident egotistical freelance photographer. He specializes in underwater and free diving photography. While on assignment in the Amazon with his best friend, Chris D'Souza, Kelly crosses path with a beautiful woman named Freya Nilsson. She works for a secret deep cover part of the government and enlists Kelly and Chris to help her retrieve an item on the bottom of the sea floor. Kelly agrees to help the seemingly simple request only to be thrown into an international conspiracy.

The novel was an action-packed read. I thought the storyline of ancient species helping humanity to be interesting. I enjoyed reading parts of the story with the K'in and his adventures. Does anyone else think that his photo on the cover looks like a Pokemon? On a side note, I felt like the book was a bit longer than it needed to be. I felt the last 175 pages or so should have been left for another book. Overall, it was a good read for people who like sci-fi and action books.



 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**








Series: Children of the Fifth Sun (Book 1)
Paperback: 414 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (July 25, 2017)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1944109404


Praise for CHILDREN OF THE FIFTH SUN

"An action-packed, globe-hopping science fiction thriller... pedal-to-the-metal pacing and relentless action make it easy to turn pages..." ―Kirkus Reviews

"Insane! What Gareth did here was incredible! This author took a global look at America, China, and Russia, and added a species from another era into the mix, to create a well-researched novel of suspense, intrigue, with dashing individuals. The characters travel the world on a unique mission while trying to stay out of the line of fire as rogue government agencies from several different countries try to stop them. It's a wild ride from California to Peru, from Egypt to Siberia. The amount of research put into this novel is on par with a Michael Crichton novel. The main character, Kelly Graham, reminded me of Dirk Pitt from Clive Cussler's novels. Overall, an incredible read and a book I'm recommending." ―Jonas Saul, Best-selling author of the Sarah Roberts Series, April 2017

Suspend disbelief and let yourself travel on a downriver, undersea, and overland adventure in this well-constructed novel. The author takes you on a fast paced journey full of intrigue, government secrets, unusual creatures and just a tad of romance. Superlatives abound and the literary illumination paints an image so clear you feel you are there with the characters. For those who know the author, there are bit of his personality revealed which makes reading the novel even more enjoyable. A bit Tom Clancy, a hint of Dan Brown -- authentically Gareth in his debut work. ―Charity Scripture

"Scientist Worthington's understanding of the complexities and possibilities of marine biology and endocrinology are evident." ―Publishers Weekly, May 2017

***WINNER, SCI FI CATEGORY, 2017 LONDON BOOK FESTIVAL***
***2018 SILVER FALCHION AWARD FINALIST***
***2018 CYGNUS AWARD SHORTLIST (WINNER TBD)***



Genre: “Science Faction” - science fiction, action and adventure with fact-based science, theories and mythology

IN ALMOST EVERY BELIEF SYSTEM ON EARTH, there exists a single unifying mythos: thousands of years ago a great flood devastated the Earth’s inhabitants. From the ruins of this cataclysm, a race of beings emerged from the sea bestowing knowledge and culture upon humanity, saving us from our selfish drive toward extinction. Some say this race were “ancient aliens” who came to assist our evolution.

But what if they weren’t alien at all? What if they evolved right here on Earth, alongside humans . . . and they are still here? And, what if the World’s governments already know?

 
Kelly Graham is a narcissistic self-assured freelance photographer specializing in underwater assignments. While on a project in the Amazon with his best friend, Chris D'Souza, a mysterious and beautiful government official, Freya Nilsson, enters Kelly’s life and turns it upside down. Her simple request to retrieve a strange object from deep underwater puts him in the middle of an international conspiracy. A conspiracy that threatens to change the course of human history.
You can purchase Children of the Fifth Sun at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Gareth Worthington

Gareth Worthington is a trained marine biologist and also holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Currently, Gareth works full time for the Pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the World's doctors on new cancer therapies. In his spare time Gareth has a number of passions, including: martial arts - he trained in Muay Thai at the prestigious EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and currently trains in MMA at Phoenix Sportkampf, Switzerland; playing acoustic guitar; studying ancient history; drawing; and most of all writing fiction.

An award winning author, he hopes to one day hang up the pharma hat and write full time.

You can visit his author page and blog at www.garethworthington.com

        

PART THREE
MAY 1st WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW 
MAY 2nd THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW 
MAY 3rd FRIDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
MAY 3rd FRIDAY Taking It One Book at a Time REVIEW 
MAY 4th SATURDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
MAY 5th SUNDAY Casia's Corner TENS LIST

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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