Blog Archive
- 2012 (7)
- 2011 (28)
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2010
(136)
- December(5)
- November(6)
- October(7)
- September(4)
- August(17)
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July(20)
- : Friday Chatter - July 30th 2010 :
- : Stargazer by Claudia Gray :
- : Evernight by Claudia Gray :
- : Fantastic Friday - July 23rd 2010 :
- : Meet Stephen O'Connor - July 31st 2010 :
- : Win a Feel Good Prize Pack :
- : The Stand by Stephen King :
- : Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson :
- : Glimmerglass by Jenna Black :
- : Vision in White by Nora Roberts :
- : Friday Chatter - July 16th 2010
- : Inspiration - July 16th 2010 :
- : Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton :
- : Full of the Flu :
- : My new Granddaughter :
- : Dark Flame by Alyson Noel :
- : Blood Kin by Maria Lima :
- : Paranormal Haven Giveaway :
- : Friday Chatter - July 2nd 2010 :
- : June Giveaway Winner :
- June(47)
- May(30)
: MY RAMBLINGS :
I have been known to hate a movie and others love it - and vice versa ... that's what makes us all unique and wonderful - we all have our own opinion, likes and dislikes!
REVIEWS :
If you are an author or publisher ... I would love to review your book! I read all genres, and would review all books in a reasonable time frame. You can contact me at dennypsp@hotmail.com

My TOP CHICK FLICKS
3 - Twilight
4 - New Moon
5 - Because I Said So
6 - 27 Dresses
7 - How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
8 - Dirty Dancing
9 - Pretty Woman
10 - Sleepless in Seattle
11 - Never Been Kissed
12 - A Walk to Remember
13 - The Notebook
I never ever get tired of watching any of these movies ...

: TO READ LIST :
* Good Grief by Lolly Winston
* Devilish by Maureen Johnson
* Lord of the Changing Winds by Rachel Neumeier
* Shadowspell by Jenna Black
* Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow
* The Line by Teri Hall
* A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks
* Night of the Living Dead by E.J. Copperman
* The Widow's Season by Laura Brodie
*13 to Life by Shannon Delaney
* Bitten by Kelly Armstrong
* The Otherworld Series by Yasmine Galenorn
* City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
* City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare
* City of Glass by Cassandra Clare
* Shadow of the Sun by Laura Kreitzer
* Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey
* Blood Feud by Alyxandra Harvey (June 2010)
* Misguided Angels by Melissa de la Cruz (October 2010)
* Night Star by Alyson Noel
* Ghost Town by Rachel Caine

: FAVORITE PLACES :
: LABELS :
- Awards (2)
- Bon Jovi (1)
- Book Review (76)
- Chatter (25)
- Events (8)
- Freebies (2)
- From My Bookshelf (11)
- Giveaways (23)
- Graphic Novels (1)
- Inspirations (8)
- Meme (1)
- Movie Reviews (12)
- Music (5)
- TV Shows (5)

Blog Archive
-
▼
2010
(136)
-
▼
July
(20)
- : Friday Chatter - July 30th 2010 :
- : Stargazer by Claudia Gray :
- : Evernight by Claudia Gray :
- : Fantastic Friday - July 23rd 2010 :
- : Meet Stephen O'Connor - July 31st 2010 :
- : Win a Feel Good Prize Pack :
- : The Stand by Stephen King :
- : Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson :
- : Glimmerglass by Jenna Black :
- : Vision in White by Nora Roberts :
- : Friday Chatter - July 16th 2010
- : Inspiration - July 16th 2010 :
- : Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton :
- : Full of the Flu :
- : My new Granddaughter :
- : Dark Flame by Alyson Noel :
- : Blood Kin by Maria Lima :
- : Paranormal Haven Giveaway :
- : Friday Chatter - July 2nd 2010 :
- : June Giveaway Winner :
-
▼
July
(20)

: Friday Chatter - July 30th 2010 :
On a happy note - today was my last day of meditation classes at the Healing Centre ... I am now concentrating on holding the classes at home, and building on the wonderful people that already come along and enjoy the relaxation and inner calm from looking inside.

I haven't bought any books yet this week - or received any in the mail ... so plan on going out tomorrow and having a look around, try to find a bargain. I am thinking of trying some Historical Romance for a change - I do miss reading them.
I hope that you all have a wonderful day and weekend ... enjoy the written word!
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My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo
Lucas paused and I knew he remained worried. He wanted to ask more questions, and I didn't want him to ask. I wanted to pretend that none of it had ever happened. I needed to pretend that, just for a little while.
(Hourglass by Claudia Gray - Page 226)
: Stargazer by Claudia Gray :

Paperback : 332 Pages
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8968-3
Stargazer (March 2009) returns to Bianca's story a few months later. Both she and Lucas will stop at nothing to see each other again—even if it means living a life of secrets and lies. But even as Bianca finds herself torn between two worlds, she soon discovers they aren't the only ones keeping secrets. Will powerful forces within Evernight Academy keep her from deciding her own fate, or claim her forever?
I liked the way this story flowed - Lucas is gone for long periods, Bianca feels all alone and strange things are happening around her - within the walls of Evernight Academy. Balthazar is her saving grace, after seeing her being dropped off by Lucas, who is his enemy. Their friendship helps them through a tough time - the long separations from Lucas, and Balthazar's search for his sister Charity. But as usual, things don't go to plan, and the attack by Black Cross member's leaves her with one option - run. Leaving behind the people that she loves, but placing her with the love of her life Lucas, the guy who loves her no matter who or what she is.
I know things are not going to run smoothly - can they conquer their problems and find a way to lead some sort of normal life? Will the wraith's leave her alone once she is away from Evernight? And what will happen to her if she doesn't finally take a life making her a full vampire? No doubt all these questions and more will be answered in HOURGLASS.
If you liked EVERNIGHT ... you will enjoy STARGAZER - the highs and lows, the emotions of teenage love, parental relationships and student friendships. Lies and secrets come crashing down around Bianca, which surely can only make her stronger as she learns to deal with them, and begin a new life.
RATING : 8/10
: Evernight by Claudia Gray :

Paperback : 327 Pages
ISBN : 978-0-7322-8967-6
When the story begins in Evernight, Bianca has just left the small town where she's spent her whole life. She's a new student at Evernight Academy, a creepily Gothic boarding school where her classmates are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.
Then she meets Lucas, another loner, who seems fiercely determined not to be the "Evernight type." There's a connection between Bianca and Lucas that can't be denied. She would risk anything to be with him—but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart... and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed to be true.
This book was a surprise to me. This started out with the typical teen, angry at her parents for uprooting her from her friends and school, and enrolling her in Evernight Academy, where she feels anxiety at meeting new people and wants to run away. Her parents are teachers there, which means they are the one constant thing in her life, which she desperately needs.
I am half way through this book when I have it all figured out - who the vampires and humans are, and then whammo ... I'm wrong. Something happens which I didn't see coming and must admit I am surprised and impressed with the way the story was written so far that I didn't pick it. And the surprises don't end there ... further on in the story, I find out that someone isn't what everyone thought and all I can see ahead is trouble. Bianca and Lucas are in for an interesting time in the follow up book STARGAZER.
Lies, secrets, love, family, deception - for me this book had it all for the YA reader ... and would recommend this book to read.
: Fantastic Friday - July 23rd 2010 :

No .. we haven't had snow, but it's been cold enough for it. I wish that I would wake up tomorrow morning and see snow everywhere, then I can accept how cold it is. Do you get the idea that I am a sunmer gal??? LOL ... definately!
It's been a so-so week here ... still not 100% well, but alot better than I was. My parents are coming up on Sunday, then I take them to the airport on Monday where they head off for a 1 month visit to the Gold Coast, Queensland. Thinking that I might try and hide in one of the suitcases ... hehe. Hubby is away fishing for the weekend, which will do him good after the week he has had at work.
IN MY MAILBOX
Luxe by Anna Godbersen
(Thanks Penguin books)
BOOKS I BOUGHT
Spells byAprilynne Pike
Dream of Me by Lisa Cach
My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo
At night, I lay in bed and imagined Balthazar kissing me or holding my face in his hands. The images were meaningless: I might as well have been remembering a scene from a movie. Then, as I became sleepier and my thoughts wandered, my fantasies changed.
(Evernight by Claudia Gray - Page 120)
: Meet Stephen O'Connor - July 31st 2010 :
Steven O'Conner
Come and meet Steven O'Conner the author of EleMental. EleMental is set in Melbourne in the year 2050 and tells the story of three teenagers who are introduced to a strange computer game which interfered with their ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy, and threatens to trap them in a world of virtual reality. An exciting mix of sci-fi, horror and action, EleMental had been likened by one critic as reading 'like Phillip K Dick for teenagers'.
Where: Borders Melbourne Central
Date: Saturday 31 July
Time: 2:00pm
: Win a Feel Good Prize Pack :

: The Stand by Stephen King :

FROM MY BOOKSHELF
From time to time .. I'll post a review of something that has been read and is now sitting on my bookshelf - waiting to be read again!
Published : 1990
Hard Cover : 1007 pages
One man escapes from a biological weapon facility after an accident, carrying with him the deadly virus known as Captain Tripps, a rapidly mutating flu that - in the ensuing weeks - wipes out most of the world's population. In the aftermath, survivors choose between following an elderly black woman to Boulder or the dark man, Randall Flagg, who has set up his command post in Las Vegas. The two factions prepare for a confrontation between the forces of good and evil.
I first read this book a long time ago ... I think when it was first published. For me, I couldn't put the book down .. it had me from the very beginning .. and made a confirmed Stephen King fan.
The writing is amazing ... there were times when I was reading this book that I actually felt the emotions, and had pictures in my head that were so real that I even felt sick. The struggle between good and bad, dark and light is covered so well in this book - it's scary actually to see how well people can be persuaded over to the dark side. Also, the hope that is experienced by people that they could survive and rebuild everything that was lost is a shining light to all of us to carry through each and every day.
Stephen King, you are an amazing storyteller ... you have a complete grasp on what you see in each book and totally absorb the reader with every word that is written from the front cover to the very last page of the book. This book is one of my all time favorites.
RATING : 10/10
: Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson :

Paperback : 336 pages
ISBN : 978-1-84738-928-1
Hanover Falls hasn’t had a werewolf problem in over one hundred years. Seattle, Copenhagen, Osaka–they’ve had plenty of attacks. But when humans begin dying in Claire Benoit’s town, the panic spreads faster than a rumor at a pep rally. At Claire’s sixteenth birthday party, the gruesome killings are all anyone can talk about. But the big news in Claire’s mind is the fact that Matthew Engle–high-school soccer god and son of a world-renowned lycanthropy expert–notices her. And flirts with her. A lot.
That night, Claire learns that she is the latest in a long line of Benoit werewolves, and that contrary to popular belief, all werewolves are female. Killing humans is forbidden by the code of the pack, but a rogue werewolf has been breaking that law, threatening the existence of Claire’s new pack. As the pack struggles to find and fight the rogue werewolf and Claire struggles with her lupine identity, her heart and her loyalties are torn in two. Claire must keep her new life a secret from even her best friend–and especially from Matthew, whose father is leading the werewolf hunt…and with whom Claire is impossibly and undeniably falling head-over-paws in love.The story didn't really grab me - sure there were pages where something interesting happened - but I didn't feel the beginnings of new love between Claire and Matthew, couldn't really see a great connection between Claire and Emily, definately not a lot of love between Claire and Marie (her mother) .. and had already worked out who the rogue werewolf was .. and picked up on a couple of other things that were going to happen in the book. If there is a follow up to this book, I would hope that there would be more time spent on the emotions between the characters, and try to keep the surprises coming - way too many hints in the storyline as you read.
Maybe it's an age thing - a teenager may gloss over some of the things I picked up on and enjoy the read ... but I think the older reader wouldn't.
: Glimmerglass by Jenna Black :

Paperback - 294 pages
ISBN - 978 0 3304 0378 8
Dana Hathaway doesn't know it yet, but she's in big trouble. When her alcoholic mom shows up at her voice recital drunk, again, Dana decides she’s had enough and runs away to find her mysterious father in Avalon: the only place on Earth where the regular, everyday world and the captivating, magical world of Faerie intersect. But from the moment Dana sets foot in Avalon, everything goes wrong, for it turns out she isn't just an ordinary teenage girl—she's a Faeriewalker, a rare individual who can travel between both worlds, and the only person who can bring magic into the human world and technology into Faerie.
Soon, Dana finds herself tangled up in a cutthroat game of Fae politics. Someone's trying to kill her, and everyone seems to want something from her, from her newfound friends and family to Ethan, the hot Fae guy Dana figures she’ll never have a chance with… until she does. Caught between two worlds, Dana isn’t sure where she’ll ever fit in and who can be trusted, not to mention if her world will ever be normal again…
How wrong she was! From the moment that Dana enters Avalon it's one thing after another, not knowing who to trust or believe. Knowing that the Seelie and Unseelie want to have her under their control, and that the Queens would prefer her dead, she decides it will be best to leave Avalon and return to the US and try to get back to some sort of 'normal' life - now, that is easier said than done.
I enjoyed this book - a little bit of everything for the reader. Look forward to reading the next book SHADOWSPELL in the Faeriewalker series.
RATING - 7/10
: Vision in White by Nora Roberts :

Berkley Trade Paperback
ISBN : 978-0-425-22751-0
Released 4/28/09
Bride Quartet — Book One
The first book in the Bride Quartet—following the lives and loves of four friends who run Vows, a wedding-planning company. Wedding photographer Mackensie “Mac” Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be’s brother…an encounter that has them both seeing stars.
A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac’s type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends—and business partners—to see her way to her own happy ending.
This book had a nice feel to it from the very first page. You will find yourself feeling very comfortable with Mac, and enjoying the friendship that she shares with her friends, that are also her business partners.
Your heart will break when you come across the relationship that she has with her mother Linda, a woman that is so selfish and thinks that the world revolves around her ... regardless of her daughters needs. Watching the way Mac deals with her throughout the book is interesting, and a great time of growth for her.
And then there is Carter ... the man who she wouldn't have really taken any notice of in high school, but now, she can't get him out of her mind. Seeing their relationship grow from their first meeting (helping his sister with her wedding) to see the tenderness. consideration and trust between them ... something that Mac has never had in her life before. So many situations are covered in this book that no doubt we have experienced ourselves, or seen first hand, another aspect that makes this story seem close to real life.
Great friendship, a thriving business and a love that is totally unexpected - all makes for a great read. I am definately looking forward to reading BED OF ROSES - the next book in the series.
RATING - 8/10
: Friday Chatter - July 16th 2010
BOOKS I HAVE BOUGHT THIS WEEK

Glimmerglass by Jenna Black ... I have been wanting to read this for awhile and now have it safely added to the 'to read pile' Check out Jenna's site and keep up to date with what she is doing now ... JENNA BLACK


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My Friday " Book Share "
Feel free to share back with me ...
Just open your book up - and post a sentence or two (a little more if you want) ... from anywhere in the book. Oh, and share the book title and author please! Thanks xoxoxo
Neither the car or her mother showed on Monday. On Tuesday, when her patience ran thin, Mac's calls to her mother's house and cell went directly to voice mail.
By Wednesday, she actively entertained the thought of reporting her car stolen. But then she'd just have to bail her mother out of jail.
(Vision In White by Nora Roberts - Chapter 15)

: Inspiration - July 16th 2010 :

They say a true friend can go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship. These types of friends pick up just like they spoke yesterday, regardless of how long it has been or how faraway they live...
: Tyger Tyger by Kersten Hamilton :

Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date : November 15th 2010
ISBN : 9780547330082
Teagan Wylltson's best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures--goblins, shape-shifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty--are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn't worried. Her life isn't in danger. In fact, it's perfect. She's on track for a college scholarship. She has a great job. She's focused on school, work, and her future. No boys, no heartaches, no problems.
Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives. Finn's a bit on the unearthly beautiful side himself. He has a killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. And either he's crazy or he's been haunting Abby's dreams, because he's talking about goblins, too . . . and about being The Mac Cumhaill, born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby's right. The goblins are coming.
This book has it all ... for the young teenager with the active imagination, they are going to have some pretty amazing pictures popping into their heads as they turn the page.
The story never rests - there is always something happening - and you find yourself being taken on a magical journey ... with part of you knowing/hoping that there will be a happy ending.
As Teagan's journey takes them into a magical dark place in search of her father, they find out some news about their heritage that could make all the difference to the budding relationship between Teagan and Finn.
The way the story ended, leaves me with no doubt that there will be ... or should be .. a follow up to this book. And throughout the book, there are underlying messages (well I think there is) regarding trust, promises and naturally, the ongoing battle between good and bad, light and dark, and the choices that we all make as we walk through life.
Well done Kersten .. a brilliant read for the young teenagers, YA or anyone that just likes a good story.
RATING : 8/10
: Full of the Flu :
Staying warm and snuggled up on the couch ... reading and watching some movies.
So far .. I have watched Nora Roberts MIDNIGHT BAYOU and TRIBUTE - not bad - both movies remind me of the Danielle Steele movies that I used to watch a few years ago.
Looking for more to watch if this flu doesn't clear up, so feel free to suggest something - anything ... I don't mind.
- Stay Healthy -
: Dark Flame by Alyson Noel :
I read this book over the course of a day ... it's very easy to read. We follow the struggle that Ever faces trying to get the antidote from Roman, so that her and Damon can be together, and when she resorts to magic, she uncovers a demon that she didn't expect.
Knowingly or not, Alyson actually covers alot of the emotions that teenagers face - feeling bad about themself, not trusting those that love them, trying to handle things on their own and friendships being lost.The story flows perfectly - we have our central characters - and that is basically it. And that is all that the story really needs.
I liked the story ... feeling Ever's struggle, right up to the end of the book. Don't want to give anything away for those that haven't read it - but the story doesn't have the ending that I did expect ... so will be eagerly awaiting the next book NIGHT STAR to see what Ever & Damon face next time.
RATING - 8/10
: Blood Kin by Maria Lima :

The Blood Lines series — Book 3 October 27, 2009 ISBN-13: 9781439156766 ISBN-10: 143915676X |
The perils of power…
Keira Kelly has come into her full powers, and they are frighteningly strong, creating a distance between her and her human friends in her beloved Rio Seco. It is time to obey her great-grandmother Gigi’s orders, and rejoin her family in northwest Canada, where Keira can learn to handle her dangerous new skills. She’ll have friends with her every step of the way—her shapeshifter brother Tucker, his beloved Niko, and, to Keira’s dismay, her cousin on her mother’s side, Daffyd ap Geraint, the Sidhe prince who suddenly appeared in her life and now refuses to leave—but her vampire lover Adam has insisted on staying in Texas. And while there are certainly perks to being Family, such as a private Lear jet for the flight to Canada, and a fabulous penthouse condo overlooking Vancouver, there are threats looming that nobody, not even Gigi, has anticipated. Keira’s Sidhe inheritance from her mother is far more important than anyone ever realized, and the fate of the Clan may depend upon what she does….
I am really happy to say that Maria kept this story going with even more twists and turns that had me itching to see what happened next. I for one felt like everything written about the Fae, Shapeshifters, Vampires etc rang true and felt that Maria gave perfect descriptions of places, people and events. The books flows so well - the story is never boring. If you can even begin to guess what happens to them, then you should be writing books ... lol
The final instalment in this book BLOOD HEAT comes out on October 29th 2010 and I can't wait.
RATING - 9/10
: Paranormal Haven Giveaway :
Great prizes and it's international as well ... so click the button below to go there.
This contest runs for the month of July 2010

: Friday Chatter - July 2nd 2010 :
At long last the Twilight: Eclipse movie screened - a group of us headed into the Crown Casino to watch Twilight (6.30) New Moon (9.00) and then Eclipse at 12.01am. I have to say Eclipse is by far my favorite of the movies so far ... I think they did the book justice, and all I can say is bring on Breaking Dawn, but I understand it's at least 500 days away :(
That said - I was useless the next day ... but I took my niece to see Eclipse at 10am, and we both enjoyed it so much. Wonder if I can drag anyone else back to watch it with me again? Did you think I am addicted?
My poor little granddaughter Harlow is down with croup and a viral infection - she was coming tonight for a visit, but wisely, they are staying home with her now. Held the Meditation Class this morning ... and then did the Grocery shopping. Tonight my beloved Bulldogs play the Hawks ... so looking forward to that.
IN MY MAILBOX
Rawhide Ranger by Rita Herron (Mills & Boon)
Killer Body by Elle James (Mills & Boon)
BOOKS I BOUGHT
Lord of Legends by Susan Krinard
Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson
Dark Flame by Alyson Noel
The Twilight Sage - Eclipse : The Official Illustrated Movie Companion
Busy weekend ahead ... I am trying to get BLOOD KIN by Maria Lima finished ... only about 100 pages to go, so hopefully tonight or tomorrow
Wishing you all the best of weekends ahead - and to all celebrating July 4th - have fun and be safe!
: June Giveaway Winner :

Congratulations ... and I will be in touch very soon.
And a big thank you to everyone that entered ... I will be adding all the books recommended to me in the sidebar.
July contest will be posted soon.
About Me

- Denny
- Hi everyone .. I'm Denny. I am mum to 4 wonderful kids, wife to Mark, & grandma to Harlow & Amity. I am a PSP Junkie, read-a-holic, and movie buff. Believe me ... that is more than enough to keep me busy! Self Admitted Twilight and Bon Jovi addict - and that isn't a bad thing .. hehe. I lose hours in books ... all types, and love nothing better than reading till all hours of the night. Movies - yep ... you should see my collection - I love them all - Arthouse, Chick Flicks, Comedies, Suspense, you name it. Also a confirmed Facebook junkie! Do I sound like I need help? Well, stay tuned ... follow me around, and it might just rub off!

: Recommended to Me :
Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford
Lodestone Book One: The Sea of Storms by Mark Whiteway
Death With Interruptions by Jose Saramago
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting
Read Sea by Heidi R. Kling
Vital Signs by Robin Cook
Sarum by Edward Rutherford
The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama
The Cabinet of Curiosities by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Red Demon by Deidre Knight
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
Saving Ceecee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
Theater Illuminata series (Eyes Like Stars and Perchance to Dream) by Lisa Mantchev
The Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith
My name is Memory by Ann Brashares
My Sister's Voice by Mary Carter
Beatrice and Virgil by Yann Martel
